We’ve been discussing with cardiologist @escardio #ESCCongess in Munich. We get these stents for <$500 - the hospital billed almost $20,000 - truly scandalous.
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I'm sure
@Atul_Gawande has read this, but I recommend@RosenthalHealth excellent "An American Sickness" to anyone: in-depth look at the issue of outrageous healthcare costs, along with practical points to help avoid/remedy some of these billing issues.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31253737-an-american-sickness?ac=1&from_search=true … - 1 more reply
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At this point it’s not just fleecing... it’s a form of public shame for a health condition. Punishment and a kind of ostracism from polite (non-bankrupt) society because one’s heart is less healthy than others’. The dark ages loom anew.
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The richest country in the world where your life’s earnings can be wiped out by a single serious illness
#CostVRhttps://twitter.com/vincentrk/status/1032345754092941313?s=21 … -
The US in 19th in a ranking of GDP-ppp. Hardly the richest country in the world. Several "3rd world" economies outrank us.
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I mean richest in total absolute wealth. No one is close
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Outrageous: U.S. hospitals typically pay ~$1,153 for a stent; this hospital charged $20,000.
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Scandalous. 1 bag normal saline $311 (Actual price $4.35). 1 verapamil tablet $166 (actual $0.10) Free market economics clearly doesn't operate here.
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Are charges generated randomly? The entire thing is absurd.
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This is criminal. It's like a joke. The US health system is a complete farce by international standards.
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They saved his life, Matthew. He may have died in places with “free” healthcare. There are problems to be sure. But hardly a “farce.”

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It's a complete joke. You pay nothing for emergency care in most cases in Australia, and the treatment is the same.
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It’s not “the same.” But that’s also sophomoric logic. Our population and world responsibilities are not the same. Australia and other countries can afford “free” healthcare because the citizens of the United States pick up your slack around the world. You’re welcome.
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You don't pick up anything. America is not "picking up the slack" for other countries, especially not for Australia.
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Oh, the possible permutations... the doctor is in network; the hospital is not (or vice versa), or both are out or a consultant is out of plan etc. Or you didn’t call soon enough... any excuse will do. Profit is king.
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It’s absolutely outrageous. As the physician who took care of him I can say that 1. Had no idea about “network” status 2. Had no idea how much hospital bills for stents & other services. Doubt any doc in US knows how much hospitals actually bill for.
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Then you should LEARN. And you should see why so many patients are being hit with such mammoth bills by your hospital, which has a reputation for gouging out-of-network patients.

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Agree & have been on patient side of this issue with high out of network costs for myself & family. No transparency & hospitals don’t give docs their charge sheet just bc you want to learn. Most of us cover calls @ several places with no ownership stake in the hospital.
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Maybe doctors should start getting together on this issue.
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