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"So the first thing I know about my Doctor is that he is a liar."

That is insulting and wrong. We have tried to keep as much control of our profession as possible despite being under constant assault by the trial lawyers, insurance companies, government agencies and a public that thinks they know everything after watching a segment on "Sixty Minutes". Comments like your's above is just another part. I just got home from the ER after admitting a patient. This completed a day that started at 0800 and, since I'm on call, may continue. The first thing I see when I turn on my computer is I'm called a liar. You have issues dude.
People get what they ask for and my fellow doctors are leaving in droves and med schools applications were down 6% this year. Many residencies are filling up with as many as 50% foreign med grads.

Since you're a doctor, may I ask you a question? Is possible to get a list of fees for services provided before I decide to get treatment? The reason I ask is because I think that would help foster competition and contain costs. At least it might in some areas where all the hospitals and clinics aren't owned by the same group, but that's another matter.

As an example, I recently received a bill for $301.00 for an ER visit. I whacked my finger with the meat cleaver and couldn't get the bleeding stopped. It happened on the weekend and my doctor's office was closed. All I needed durmabond and a tetanus shot. Even though my insurance will cover it, I probably would have tried to skip treatment had I known it was going to cost that much. I think other people would too if they knew , up front, how much the bill was going to be.

I'm not trying to start an argument or anything. I'm just curious if hospitals will give patients a fee schedule before service.

Thanks,

That is insulting and wrong. We have tried to keep as much control of our profession as possible despite being under constant assault by the trial lawyers, insurance companies, government agencies and a public that thinks they know everything after watching a segment on "Sixty Minutes".

I don't watch tee vee, it rots the mind and spirit. Selling my personal info to credit agencies is wrong as is my doctor's willingness to tolerate such practices without speaking out. It is at the very least a violation of his oath. I call people who break oaths, liars. Or is the oath also a "living document" that needs to roll with the times. .

Comments like your's above is just another part. I just got home from the ER after admitting a patient. This completed a day that started at 0800 and, since I'm on call, may continue. The first thing I see when I turn on my computer is I'm called a liar. You have issues dude.

Damn straight I have issues. Why are doctors more pre-occupied with a serial number from Bismarkian Ponzi scheme than they are with my health. Why can I get a tetanus shot in Moscow but not in the States? Hell you can buy tetanus shots for pigs in this country but not for people. Why do I have to prostrate myself before an agent of the State every time I need a scrip. Half the time I can figure out the problem with a PDR and a Merck Manual. And finally there are friggin *tons* of weapons class smallpox and anthrax stockpiled in Russia guarded by lice ridden Russian teenagers who haven't started shaving due to malnutrition. Any ideas on when we might start a voluntary vaccination program or allow stockpiling of basic anti-B's. I suppose this would set a dangerous precedent of self-ownership and we can't have that cutting into a government controlled monopoly.

People get what they ask for and my fellow doctors are leaving in droves and med schools applications were down 6% this year. Many residencies are filling up with as many as 50% foreign med grads.

Yes this is typical of Socialist enterprises.

Look, I'm sure you are a very dedicated professional who cares about people. But the gripes above have snowballed with being ill and being refused treatment to make me rather cynical.