Patients Should Pay Their Own Bills

IBD Editorials ^ | November 19, 2010 | Staff

[GailA]

That was the way it was when I first entered the work force in the 70’s. Ins paid for ER visits with a co-pay, hospital stays, dr when in hospital, (and tests). Other wise it came out of your pocket. You didn’t run to the doc with every hang nail, because you didn’t want to spend the $$ on it. I still use that method in determining if I should make an appointment.

Ditto for dental, which I totally pay for out of pocket.

Much of the high cost of medical care comes from doctors ordering extra test to cover their tails from lawsuits.

I don’t need a doctor’s visit to treat a simple cold or muscle strain. Most minor illnesses can now be treated with OTC meds, you just have to be smart enough to know when they don’t do the job, then go see the doctor, as it may be a more serious condition.

[Jacquerie]

I have in my possession a medical bill from 1968. It was for my future father in law. He was beaten with baseball bats in a robbery.

The bill for ambulance, five days in a hospital, two operations (one of which was to his skull), doctor fees and drugs was $1,168.

That works to about $7,400 today.

[Graybeard58]

My brother (Born 1937) has a receipt from the doctor that delivered him at home. The receipt is for $30.

[Jacquerie]

Not many of us are left who remember the time when dealing with a doctor was like dealing with anyone else one did business with. A doctor could no more charge outrageous fees than a plumber and expect to remain in business.

[Melas]

Amen. Insurance should be used to cover catastrophic & major hospital expenses. Everyday office visits, checkups and minor illnesses should be paid out of pocket.

Ok, but they're going to have to quit charging me just shy of a grand a month to insure a family of 4. As long as I'm paying outrageous premiums, I want outrageous coverage.