My sister just had pins put in her broken wrist outpatient. Book billed $43,000 in northwest Arkansas. My wife’s recent 5 day hospital Stay with two surgical procedures was $45,000 book price in Fort Smith.
Anybody want to try to explain the reason for such disparity?
I have seen youtube videos of this doctor talking about this case. She doesn’t seem like a wacko at all, but also doesn’t seem to be trying to work things out.
There is mention in the article about Medicare Advantage, and there are occasional bits of rage on FR of Advantage hatred, but I have never seen that make sense for one, overwhelming reason.
The doctors in the Advantage network are the same doctors who would provide care if a patient is Medigap. There is no difference. Same doc. Same specified care.
There ARE some rare instances where an area is so rural that there is no Advantage network so the only option in such a locale is Medigap, but this is very rare. This absolutely does not apply to this article, where this doc’s practice is no in-network because apparently United Health is trying to remove itself from that locale — which no doubt their Medigap products are ALSO trying to do.
Anyway, the Advantage hate is just uninformed. Every advisor imaginable counseling people with VA healthcare advises an Advantage plan (which is generally free monthly) for backup to VA.
The profit motive?
Medical care should be nonprofit as a service.
Have your sister check the codes used for the procedure and the diagnosis.
different regions in each state make pricing different, larger cities have higher bills small cities/rual areas have different rates. the feds do the same with medicare payments