Why Medical Bills are Killing Us

[rwh11385]

I'm listening to the author of this article on Diane Rhemes right now. Really good info on why medical bills in the US cost so much.

http://healthland.time.com/2013/02/2...re-killing-us/

Here's a hopeful step in the right direction to helping to have the market regulate medical bills - through price transparency.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/08/us-usa-healthcare-hospitals-idUSBRE9470UC20130508

The Obama administration revealed what over 3,000 hospitals charge for common medical procedures in an early effort to challenge healthcare costs by showing consumers how prices for the same service can vary by tens of thousands of dollars.

The most extensive release of hospital charge rates to date showed dramatic variations in prices between different hospitals, even when they are located in the same city or town.

In Denver, Colorado, for instance, treatment for heart failure ranges from $21,000 to $46,000, according to the data on services used in the 100 common hospital stays covered by the Medicare program for the elderly and disabled. In Jackson, Mississippi, fees for the same treatment range from $9,000 to $51,000.

Data is here: http://www.cms.gov/Research-Statisti...ata/index.html

"When consumers easily compare the prices of goods and services, (providers) have strong incentives to keep those prices low," said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

"But even basic information about health premiums and hospital charges has long been hidden from consumers," she told reporters in a conference call. "These rates can vary dramatically in ways that can't be easily explained."

Anyone remember mysimon? And those other shopping bots that helped make prices more transparent? Let's hope third parties make this data more user friendly and enable better competition between hospitals.

[herbivor]

My wife works at a hospital and they are busting their ass to save money and lower costs for the ACA. One example, they are hiring more CRNAs so they don't have to pay overtime pay to the CRNAs they currently have. As a result my wife works less overtime and makes less money. I always wonders why they didn't do that anyway. It makes since as a business. One example that isn't working too well, is they are trying to turn beds over quicker and sending patience home sooner, and in some cases, too soon. The quality of care is being compromised as a result.
So, just from our observations, we are seeing some business improvements and mistakes as a result of the hospital's response to the ACA. I think it will be many years of trial and error before they get it figured out.

[z31maniac]

As a result my wife works less overtime and makes less money. I always wonders why they didn't do that anyway.

Kind of OT, but my thought was that is was always CHEAPER to pay OT, than it is to add another salary and set of benefits (especially if the employee has a family).


Not sure if I mentioned it earlier in this thread, this year our premiums went up if you admitted to being a smoker.

By August we now have to have a Personal Health Assessment to judge our BMI, BP, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol, then by next year you have to have improved 3 of the 4 categories or pay an extra 35-40% for insurance. Then the year after, your spouse will have to participate as well.

I'm all for healthier living, but how intrusive will this become?

On the flip side, my Libertarian side says, paying more if you use more is perfectly fair.

[nl328i]

Just move to Canada! We have it pretty good here, despite what the critics say.

Are there sometimes waits to be seen by a specialist? Sure. But, for the most part if you are an urgent case you get seen right away. Plus, at the end of the day you don't owe anything, and depending on your medical procedures, hopefully still have your arm and leg. If i am not an urgent case, I don't mind waiting.

There is always the option of paying to go see a specialist elsewhere if you have the means.

It is really too bad that some politicians down your way bash our system up here, and tell half truths and use scare tactics. Universal Healthcare is one of the things that makes Canada a great place to live.

/rant.

[FL318is]

The new mantra is, "Do more with less." That is probably going to result in a "Sentinel Event."

A staff member can only be in 4 places at one time. The more you cut, the more you spread. The reality is by cutting staff you cut care, not the cost of care. There are repeat visits and ultimately, duplicity.

BTW, in our legal system you can be an illegal immigrant and still sue the provider. Makes me wonder what fuels the cost of medical care.

[kickinindian]

Just move to Canada! We have it pretty good here, despite what the critics say.

Are there sometimes waits to be seen by a specialist? Sure. But, for the most part if you are an urgent case you get seen right away. Plus, at the end of the day you don't owe anything, and depending on your medical procedures, hopefully still have your arm and leg. If i am not an urgent case, I don't mind waiting.

There is always the option of paying to go see a specialist elsewhere if you have the means.

It is really too bad that some politicians down your way bash our system up here, and tell half truths and use scare tactics. Universal Healthcare is one of the things that makes Canada a great place to live.

/rant.

Dosent seem like a rant really.must be a canadian rant :p

Sent from my VS930 4G using Tapatalk 2