Last week I compared the price of Pampers Swadlers Size 2 at three different stores, and 1 online seller. Why? Because diapers are a necessary but expensive item on my shopping list these days and I didn’t want to miss a good deal. In today’sRoanoke Times, there is a wonderful article on the price of medical care in our region, South West Virginia. Specifically, the authors compare the costs of various in patient medical procedures at our two leading hospitals, Carilion Roanoke Memorial, and HCA Lewis-Gale. Now, if you were to call hospital A – Carilion Roanoke Memorial, or ask your doctor, “what is my surgery going to cost?” there is a good chance your doctor won’t know and the hospital may not tell you. But under federal law, these prices are shared so that the consumers can attempt to make a more informed decision. Bottom line, there is a significant price difference andI would recommend you read the article. Now, does that really help us when it comes to making informed medical decisions? Allow me to use an example. Right now, I know Pampers are the diaper for my little gal’s tush. They work. They fit. And they save me time and money in the long run cleaning clothes. What if I didn’t know the price of these items at the store. What if I had to buy them, and then three weeks later was informed of the price, and 6 months later, read a study that in 2012 the diapers were cheapest at Kroger. Doesn’t that sound ridiculous? And we are talking about $20 diapers. So why then, as consumers are we satisfied with the fact that we DO NOT KNOW the cost of health care? Why is it ok, that hospitals don’t have to advertise their prices, or your health insurance company (if you are lucky enough to have insurance) doesn’t have to tell you the rates they negotiated with your hospital. It is your choice as a consumer (baring an emergency) what treatment you get and where, isn’t it? So why hide the details? Wjy not advertise the cost of this surgery will be $X? Sadly, its like so many aspects of healthcare. We are simply supposed to trust we are receiving the best care, at a reasonable price and hope in the end that is true. Our office cannot help you negotiate the price of your surgery, or nursing home care, but we certainly can help you understand whether the care you received was within the standard of care, or not. And if not
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