Another tragedy in medical care

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: freegeeks

Originally posted by: Skoorb

just check objective parameters like life expentancy, child mortality and you will see that the American bragging rights of MRI scanners / population means absolutely nothing ...

It's simply ridiculous to use life expectancy as an example of questionable health care. And child mortality, but this has been addressed already in other threads.

it is?

explain

I'm sure you'd agree that if 2/3 of the US population wasn't overweight and lost weight and exercised, they'd live longer. They can do that without health care. Since the US is the fattest nation, it goes without saying that this is an important component. I'll let you figure out the rest It's a simpleton's argument to correlate health care directly with longevity. Michael Moore even tries that, pointing out that Cubans live longer than Americans, even though he also points out (actually doesn't, but it is in his movie on a quick screen) that the US is ranked better. I don't know why people need this explained to them! Don't you think that if you took a regular joe and gave him great insurance and then a front line soldier great insurance the front line soldier may have a shorter life expectancy? Uh...

The World Health Organization seems to disagree with you... but hey... what do they know?

No they don't. They say it's one aspect. I don't disagree. It's not the entire thing.

BTW I am pretty sure Infant mortality is one of the best ways to judge a health system...

Well, you shouldn't be, because it's not unless all standards are the same. In the US, where a 25 week old kid has a decent chance of living and they give this kid a shot, his death counts toward infant mortality. Another country may just write him off because they know it takes a lot of expertise and time in the nicu to give him a shot.

My whole family is covered by Tricare Prime (retired military), and we've never had an issue. Certainly can't beat it for $125/quarter.

Heck, tell that to the whiny losers without healthcare--sign up for military and cheap health after

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: SirStev0

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: ayabe
Compare this to the thousands or perhaps millions of people in this country who go bankrupt or forgo food to buy medicine.

FYI insurance companies deny claims for life and death procedures all the time.

:roll: I've been in in the insurance industry for over 10 years now and never once seen or heard of a single "life or death procedure" denied. This might have happened in the unregulated insurance markets of the 80's and 90's, but it just doesn't happen anymore. Your comment is completely untrue and I'd like to see you back it up with anything beyond a "Michael Moore anecdote".

He admited his problem in the first sentence. He worked for the insurance industry so obviously he doesnt possess enough humanity to actually realize it. That or lack of adequate medical care has left him undiagnosed as deaf, dumb, and blind.

The insurance companies don't always outright deny things. They allow such absurd deductables and copays that it is impossible to afford your half of the procedure or medication. That is the same exact thing.

Hey, guess what, you're full of shit! I've forgotten more about the insurance industry than you'll ever know (since everything you learned was from a Michael Moore movie), but that doesn't mean I can't be objective about it, as I've been in this entire thread. Can't say the same for any of you ignorant trolls...assholes like you and ayabe that question my integrity simply based on the industry I happen to work in...

But I'll play along...please provide evidence of "absurd deductables (sic) and copays that it is impossible to afford your half of the procedure or medication". I pay the same deductibles and copays as the groups we insure. I know what we compete against as well. If you have outrageous deductibles and copays, then it's the employer who chooses those, not the insurance company.

 

[GenHoth]

Keep fighting the good fight alchemize

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: alchemize
If you have outrageous deductibles and copays, then it's the employer who chooses those, not the insurance company.

Why do employers choose those types of programs? You think maybe it might be connected to outrageous COSTS and/or PROFITS??

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Originally posted by: alchemize
If you have outrageous deductibles and copays, then it's the employer who chooses those, not the insurance company.

Why do employers choose those types of programs? You think maybe it might be connected to outrageous COSTS and/or PROFITS??

Another Michael Moore wannabe enters the fray!

Well, you won't get any disagreement from me that healthcare costs are out of control in the US. I believe I've already addressed what is causing increased healthcare costs in previous posts. Address those, and you've addressed the cost issue.

As far as those nasty evil capitalist profits, I already addressed that in a previous post as well - rolling all those profits "back" would maybe, in a perfect world, result in a 1% reduction of healthcare costs. And profit margins are quite reasonable when compared to other service industries/other types of insurance (p&C, life, etc.). And of course, a great many insurance companies are also not-for-profit, so how do you explain away those?

I think it would be great if private insurance companies competed against government insurance - kinda like FexEx vs. UPS vs. USPS.

The government is already in the business of providing healthcare - VA hospitals. We all know how great those are. THAT kind of national healthcare would make the UK and Canadian problems look like nothing.

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Originally posted by: alchemize
If you have outrageous deductibles and copays, then it's the employer who chooses those, not the insurance company.

Why do employers choose those types of programs? You think maybe it might be connected to outrageous COSTS and/or PROFITS??

Another Michael Moore wannabe enters the fray!

What's the matter, don't like Michael Moore? He's not my favorite guy either but I suppose watching his movie "Sicko" is kind of like looking in a mirror for people in the health insurance industry, and it seems they don't like what they see.

Continue on babbling about costs and/or whatever else you require to continue pulling the wool over your own eyes, but there is no reason one working people shouldn't have as good of health insurance as the next working person. Pay is going to vary but everybody should have health insurance otherwise we end up playing games with people's health, which seems to be your forte.

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

What's the matter, don't like Michael Moore? He's not my favorite guy either but I suppose watching his movie "Sicko" is kind of like looking in a mirror for people in the health insurance industry, and it seems they don't like what they see.

Continue on babbling about costs and/or whatever else you require to continue pulling the wool over your own eyes, but there is no reason one working people shouldn't have as good of health insurance as the next working person. Pay is going to vary but everybody should have health insurance otherwise we end up playing games with people's health, which seems to be your forte.

My forte is playing games with other people's health? Can you please expand on that?

I don't set benefits, I don't negotiate with providers, I don't deny or approve claims, I don't enroll or dis-enroll, I don't underwrite, I don't do sales. I manage systems. I'm as objective of a person as you will find in the industry. You don't appear to be interested in honest discussion, as most of the posters in this thread aren't interested in honest discussion.

Speaking of mirrors, you might want to raise that wool cap over your eyes and take a look in your own.

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

What's the matter, don't like Michael Moore? He's not my favorite guy either but I suppose watching his movie "Sicko" is kind of like looking in a mirror for people in the health insurance industry, and it seems they don't like what they see.

Continue on babbling about costs and/or whatever else you require to continue pulling the wool over your own eyes, but there is no reason one working people shouldn't have as good of health insurance as the next working person. Pay is going to vary but everybody should have health insurance otherwise we end up playing games with people's health, which seems to be your forte.

My forte is playing games with other people's health? Can you please expand on that?

I don't set benefits, I don't negotiate with providers, I don't deny or approve claims, I don't enroll or dis-enroll, I don't underwrite, I don't do sales. I manage systems. I'm as objective of a person as you will find in the industry. You don't appear to be interested in honest discussion, as most of the posters in this thread aren't interested in honest discussion.

Speaking of mirrors, you might want to raise that wool cap over your eyes and take a look in your own.

Your just following orders, right?? I've heard that one before.

You seem to want to think/imply that it's the individual employee's that get to decide what "packages" the employer offers, but they don't. Their work pays for it though.

Now since your the self proclaimed industry expert please explain to me why one working persons health insurance shouldn't be every bit as good as another working persons health insurance? Any special talents one employee offers over another can always be compensated via wages. You work more hours, they pay you more money, you have a college degreee, they pay yopu more money, your in upper management they pay you more money, but EVERYBODY NEEDS HEALTH CARE, from the janitor to the CEO.

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit


Your just following orders, right?? I've heard that one before.

You seem to want to think/imply that it's the individual employee's that get to decide what "packages" the employer offers, but they don't. Their work pays for it though.

Now since your the self proclaimed industry expert please explain to me why one working persons health insurance shouldn't be every bit as good as another working persons health insurance? Any special talents one employee offers over another can always be compensated via wages. You work more hours, they pay you more money, you have a college degreee, they pay yopu more money, your in upper management they pay you more money, but EVERYBODY NEEDS HEALTH CARE, from the janitor to the CEO.

Ah the old Nazi comparison - good one! :roll:

As to your question, better healthcare for execs really just means less out of pocket cost. Take that up with the companies that offer it, or better yet the shareholders in those companies. Or take it up with congress and make it illegal, although that's a drop in the bucket. I don't think further imposition on corporations is going to help - healthcare costs are already making our companies uncompetitive in the world market because other countries are more socialized.

If you'd bothered to read any of my previous posts, you'd have seen that I agree that I think some form of national insurance needs to be made available, and I've even explored some of the options - and *gasp* think the French model seems pretty good!

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

The last time I looked, no one in this thread had any authority to set health care policy.

I am extremely frustrated since I deal with insurance problems on a daily basis. If I could do one thing that would be to bill the insurance companies for the considerable time I spend implementing their policies with "prior authorizations". That said, we have a system that somewhat works. I would like to see catastrophic insurance, a safety net for every American. I shudder to think what a comprehensive government run health care system would be like. The same people who brought you the Patriot Act, the Iraq War and countless bridges to nowhere providing your insurance? That's a good idea?

Perhaps it's time to talk about what can realistically can be done. There is no reason that there cannot be federal guidelines formulated by health care providers working with private companies. The real question is how far does it go and how much do we want to pay. Take note, there is NO free health care.

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit


Your just following orders, right?? I've heard that one before.

You seem to want to think/imply that it's the individual employee's that get to decide what "packages" the employer offers, but they don't. Their work pays for it though.

Now since your the self proclaimed industry expert please explain to me why one working persons health insurance shouldn't be every bit as good as another working persons health insurance? Any special talents one employee offers over another can always be compensated via wages. You work more hours, they pay you more money, you have a college degreee, they pay yopu more money, your in upper management they pay you more money, but EVERYBODY NEEDS HEALTH CARE, from the janitor to the CEO.

Ah the old Nazi comparison - good one! :roll:

As to your question, better healthcare for execs really just means less out of pocket cost. Take that up with the companies that offer it, or better yet the shareholders in those companies. Or take it up with congress and make it illegal, although that's a drop in the bucket. I don't think further imposition on corporations is going to help - healthcare costs are already making our companies uncompetitive in the world market because other countries are more socialized.

If you'd bothered to read any of my previous posts, you'd have seen that I agree that I think some form of national insurance needs to be made available, and I've even explored some of the options - and *gasp* think the French model seems pretty good!

LOL, so "better healthcare for execs really just means less out of pocket cost" is your naswer to why all working people shouldn't have the same access to procedures at affordable costs? In other words those that can afford out of pocket expenses the least have to pay the most??

That's a crock. Insurance isn't a fix for the healthcare problem, it IS the problem.

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider
The last time I looked, no one in this thread had any authority to set health care policy.

I am extremely frustrated since I deal with insurance problems on a daily basis. If I could do one thing that would be to bill the insurance companies for the considerable time I spend implementing their policies with "prior authorizations". That said, we have a system that somewhat works. I would like to see catastrophic insurance, a safety net for every American. I shudder to think what a comprehensive government run health care system would be like. The same people who brought you the Patriot Act, the Iraq War and countless bridges to nowhere providing your insurance? That's a good idea?

Perhaps it's time to talk about what can realistically can be done. There is no reason that there cannot be federal guidelines formulated by health care providers working with private companies. The real question is how far does it go and how much do we want to pay. Take note, there is NO free health care.

But we certainly have overpriced healthcare. Like it or not insurance is only a temporary fix. It will only allow the people currently making the money off our health "care" system to continue raping us until we finally do something about the actual costs.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider
The last time I looked, no one in this thread had any authority to set health care policy.

I am extremely frustrated since I deal with insurance problems on a daily basis. If I could do one thing that would be to bill the insurance companies for the considerable time I spend implementing their policies with "prior authorizations". That said, we have a system that somewhat works. I would like to see catastrophic insurance, a safety net for every American. I shudder to think what a comprehensive government run health care system would be like. The same people who brought you the Patriot Act, the Iraq War and countless bridges to nowhere providing your insurance? That's a good idea?

Perhaps it's time to talk about what can realistically can be done. There is no reason that there cannot be federal guidelines formulated by health care providers working with private companies. The real question is how far does it go and how much do we want to pay. Take note, there is NO free health care.

But we certainly have overpriced healthcare. Like it or not insurance is only a temporary fix. It will only allow the people currently making the money off our health "care" system to continue raping us until we finally do something about the actual costs.

The reasons health care cost so much isn't really something that's easily fixed. Take medicaid. Compared to private health care it's fabulously expensive. While there is no doubt that private companies make a good buck, if they were to surrender all profit, it would be a drop in the bucket. Sadly, health care is inherently expensive. Think about it, if you need a diagnostic test you go and use very costly machines and the services of highly trained people. Neither of those are going to suddenly become cheaper. Pharmaceuticals are out of this world, and that's all politics. The politicians cry restraint of trade if the mention of contracting on price, yet sees fit to cut reimbursments for virtually every aspect of health care. Doctors and pharmacists and just about any health care professional you name are making LESS in dollars (not even inflation adjusted) than ten years ago, and that's NOT setting prices? Hardly.

So, how is health care going to be rationed? It will have to be, because no one is going to want to pay for unlimited access.

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider
The last time I looked, no one in this thread had any authority to set health care policy.

I am extremely frustrated since I deal with insurance problems on a daily basis. If I could do one thing that would be to bill the insurance companies for the considerable time I spend implementing their policies with "prior authorizations". That said, we have a system that somewhat works. I would like to see catastrophic insurance, a safety net for every American. I shudder to think what a comprehensive government run health care system would be like. The same people who brought you the Patriot Act, the Iraq War and countless bridges to nowhere providing your insurance? That's a good idea?

Perhaps it's time to talk about what can realistically can be done. There is no reason that there cannot be federal guidelines formulated by health care providers working with private companies. The real question is how far does it go and how much do we want to pay. Take note, there is NO free health care.

But we certainly have overpriced healthcare. Like it or not insurance is only a temporary fix. It will only allow the people currently making the money off our health "care" system to continue raping us until we finally do something about the actual costs.

The reasons health care cost so much isn't really something that's easily fixed. Take medicaid. Compared to private health care it's fabulously expensive. While there is no doubt that private companies make a good buck, if they were to surrender all profit, it would be a drop in the bucket. Sadly, health care is inherently expensive. Think about it, if you need a diagnostic test you go and use very costly machines and the services of highly trained people. Neither of those are going to suddenly become cheaper. Pharmaceuticals are out of this world, and that's all politics. The politicians cry restraint of trade if the mention of contracting on price, yet sees fit to cut reimbursments for virtually every aspect of health care. Doctors and pharmacists and just about any health care professional you name are making LESS in dollars (not even inflation adjusted) than ten years ago, and that's NOT setting prices? Hardly.

So, how is health care going to be rationed? It will have to be, because no one is going to want to pay for unlimited access.

Yeah, these days doctors are even complaining about the cost of health care, ironic isn't it. So where is all that money going? It's apparently a trade secret.

A little over a year ago I was in to see the doctor for something. I happened to think that I had a skin tag on my chest, kind of like a third teat. My one year old granddaughter kept seeing it when I was holding her and grabbing it and pulling on it. She was fasinated by it.

Well, since I was at the Doc's I asked how much it would cost to cut it off and he said $100 (not counting the office visit, it was paid for seperatley). Well, I have cut them off before myself but while I was there and he had the time I thought I'd just have him do it. He grabbed a scapel and a dish and cut it off, no novacaine or anything. It took him maybe two minutes.

His office charged me $150 for the procedure, they sent the tag to a pathologist who charged me $250 to check it for cancer and then the hospital (where the pathologist worked) charged be $90 to dispose of a little tag that was slightly bigger then a pencil lead. Almost $500 to have a little skin tag cut off?!?!? Insurance is the problem, not the solution.

 

[Corn]

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider
The last time I looked, no one in this thread had any authority to set health care policy.

I am extremely frustrated since I deal with insurance problems on a daily basis. If I could do one thing that would be to bill the insurance companies for the considerable time I spend implementing their policies with "prior authorizations". That said, we have a system that somewhat works. I would like to see catastrophic insurance, a safety net for every American. I shudder to think what a comprehensive government run health care system would be like. The same people who brought you the Patriot Act, the Iraq War and countless bridges to nowhere providing your insurance? That's a good idea?

Perhaps it's time to talk about what can realistically can be done. There is no reason that there cannot be federal guidelines formulated by health care providers working with private companies. The real question is how far does it go and how much do we want to pay. Take note, there is NO free health care.

But we certainly have overpriced healthcare. Like it or not insurance is only a temporary fix. It will only allow the people currently making the money off our health "care" system to continue raping us until we finally do something about the actual costs.

The reasons health care cost so much isn't really something that's easily fixed. Take medicaid. Compared to private health care it's fabulously expensive. While there is no doubt that private companies make a good buck, if they were to surrender all profit, it would be a drop in the bucket. Sadly, health care is inherently expensive. Think about it, if you need a diagnostic test you go and use very costly machines and the services of highly trained people. Neither of those are going to suddenly become cheaper. Pharmaceuticals are out of this world, and that's all politics. The politicians cry restraint of trade if the mention of contracting on price, yet sees fit to cut reimbursments for virtually every aspect of health care. Doctors and pharmacists and just about any health care professional you name are making LESS in dollars (not even inflation adjusted) than ten years ago, and that's NOT setting prices? Hardly.

So, how is health care going to be rationed? It will have to be, because no one is going to want to pay for unlimited access.

Yeah, these days doctors are even complaining about the cost of health care, ironic isn't it. So where is all that money going? It's apparently a trade secret.

A little over a year ago I was in to see the doctor for something. I happened to think that I had a skin tag on my chest, kind of like a third teat. My one year old granddaughter kept seeing it when I was holding her and grabbing it and pulling on it. She was fasinated by it.

Well, since I was at the Doc's I asked how much it would cost to cut it off and he said $100 (not counting the office visit, it was paid for seperatley). Well, I have cut them off before myself but while I was there and he had the time I thought I'd just have him do it. He grabbed a scapel and a dish and cut it off, no novacaine or anything. It took him maybe two minutes.

His office charged me $150 for the procedure, they sent the tag to a pathologist who charged me $250 to check it for cancer and then the hospital (where the pathologist worked) charged be $90 to dispose of a little tag that was slightly bigger then a pencil lead. Almost $500 to have a little skin tag cut off?!?!? Insurance is the problem, not the solution.

What the hell are you talking about? Your insurance didn't mandate that tag be removed, that it be checked for cancer, or disposed of. Your insurance simply paid for it at the request of you and your doctor. LOL, I imagine how pissed you'd be if they denied your/your Dr's request for a cancer screen on the tag. You're a fine one to be personally attacking Alky simply because of who he works for as you are obviously too stupid to be involved in this discussion.

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider
The last time I looked, no one in this thread had any authority to set health care policy.

I am extremely frustrated since I deal with insurance problems on a daily basis. If I could do one thing that would be to bill the insurance companies for the considerable time I spend implementing their policies with "prior authorizations". That said, we have a system that somewhat works. I would like to see catastrophic insurance, a safety net for every American. I shudder to think what a comprehensive government run health care system would be like. The same people who brought you the Patriot Act, the Iraq War and countless bridges to nowhere providing your insurance? That's a good idea?

Perhaps it's time to talk about what can realistically can be done. There is no reason that there cannot be federal guidelines formulated by health care providers working with private companies. The real question is how far does it go and how much do we want to pay. Take note, there is NO free health care.

But we certainly have overpriced healthcare. Like it or not insurance is only a temporary fix. It will only allow the people currently making the money off our health "care" system to continue raping us until we finally do something about the actual costs.

The reasons health care cost so much isn't really something that's easily fixed. Take medicaid. Compared to private health care it's fabulously expensive. While there is no doubt that private companies make a good buck, if they were to surrender all profit, it would be a drop in the bucket. Sadly, health care is inherently expensive. Think about it, if you need a diagnostic test you go and use very costly machines and the services of highly trained people. Neither of those are going to suddenly become cheaper. Pharmaceuticals are out of this world, and that's all politics. The politicians cry restraint of trade if the mention of contracting on price, yet sees fit to cut reimbursments for virtually every aspect of health care. Doctors and pharmacists and just about any health care professional you name are making LESS in dollars (not even inflation adjusted) than ten years ago, and that's NOT setting prices? Hardly.

So, how is health care going to be rationed? It will have to be, because no one is going to want to pay for unlimited access.

Yeah, these days doctors are even complaining about the cost of health care, ironic isn't it. So where is all that money going? It's apparently a trade secret.

A little over a year ago I was in to see the doctor for something. I happened to think that I had a skin tag on my chest, kind of like a third teat. My one year old granddaughter kept seeing it when I was holding her and grabbing it and pulling on it. She was fasinated by it.

Well, since I was at the Doc's I asked how much it would cost to cut it off and he said $100 (not counting the office visit, it was paid for seperatley). Well, I have cut them off before myself but while I was there and he had the time I thought I'd just have him do it. He grabbed a scapel and a dish and cut it off, no novacaine or anything. It took him maybe two minutes.

His office charged me $150 for the procedure, they sent the tag to a pathologist who charged me $250 to check it for cancer and then the hospital (where the pathologist worked) charged be $90 to dispose of a little tag that was slightly bigger then a pencil lead. Almost $500 to have a little skin tag cut off?!?!? Insurance is the problem, not the solution.

What the hell are you talking about? Your insurance didn't mandate that tag be removed, that it be checked for cancer, or disposed of. Your insurance simply paid for it at the request of you and your doctor. LOL, I imagine how pissed you'd be if they denied your/your Dr's request for a cancer screen on the tag. You're a fine one to be personally attacking Alky simply because of who he works for as you are obviously too stupid to be involved in this discussion.

1. Why the hell should I care what a troll like you thinks?

2. I would have cut the damn thing off myself if I would've know it was going to cost almost $500.

The only reason they can get away with charging that much is because of insurance. If people had to actually pay for this stuff from their pockets they wouldn't be able to get away with charging that much.

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

1. Why the hell should I care what a troll like you thinks?

2. I would have cut the damn thing off myself if I would've know it was going to cost almost $500.

The only reason they can get away with charging that much is because of insurance. If people had to actually pay for this stuff from their pockets they wouldn't be able to get away with charging that much.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
You should be embarrassed to post, but apparently you are too stupid to even realize what you are blathering on about. I dunno why I reply to a brick wall, but maybe somebody else will read it and actually try to educate themselves. Let's walk through this entire scenario.

1) You whining about a skin tag. Overutlization and overuse of healthcare. You are the primary cause of this whole sequence of events. I can't blame you though, I've had them removed also, I'm just as much to blame. Not insurance's fault.

2) A doctor removing the skin tag. Overutilization - could easily be done by a nurse practitioner. Not insurance's fault.

3) Sending it to a pathologist. Overutilization and preventative medicine. Some victimzed leftist like you would be the first to sue if you did have skin cancer and they didn't "catch it". Not insurance's fault

4)Disposal fee. Probably mandated by federal and/or state law. Not insurance's fault

5) Insurance reduces your fees via provider agreements, somewhere upwards of 60%. Without insurance, you get the bill for $500. Why should they offer you a discount? You don't bring any business their way...



But what is your reasinong? Whose fault is it? Insurance for NOT CHARGING YOU ENOUGH OUT OF POCKET!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Why do you think HDHP's and HSA's are being pushed? Transparency? So people will be wiser with their healthcare.

You don't even understand what insurance is, do you? Do you think the UK system there isn't insurance? Tax dollars are substituted for premiums. The government is a giant HMO.

Please don't re-enter this thread until you at least educate yourself on the most basic of concepts.

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider

The reasons health care cost so much isn't really something that's easily fixed. Take medicaid. Compared to private health care it's fabulously expensive. While there is no doubt that private companies make a good buck, if they were to surrender all profit, it would be a drop in the bucket. Sadly, health care is inherently expensive. Think about it, if you need a diagnostic test you go and use very costly machines and the services of highly trained people. Neither of those are going to suddenly become cheaper. Pharmaceuticals are out of this world, and that's all politics. The politicians cry restraint of trade if the mention of contracting on price, yet sees fit to cut reimbursments for virtually every aspect of health care. Doctors and pharmacists and just about any health care professional you name are making LESS in dollars (not even inflation adjusted) than ten years ago, and that's NOT setting prices? Hardly.

So, how is health care going to be rationed? It will have to be, because no one is going to want to pay for unlimited access.

And a huge issue of healthcare rationing is going to need to come at the end of life. When the average stay at Hospice is somehting like 1-2 days, we're providing waaaay too much healthcare. But there is this cultural notion in the US that everyting possible must be done to extend life. It's only going to get much much worse before it gets better, unless something drastic is done on the utilization side. As you said - there's 2 trillion being spent out there, but there's no company/industry that you can suddenly find 1 trillion in profits to slash. They just don't exist. Realistically if even 10% of healthcare spending is profit - that's 200 billion. Sure, a good chunk of change, but nothing compared to the 1.8 trillion in spending remaining.

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

1. Why the hell should I care what a troll like you thinks?

2. I would have cut the damn thing off myself if I would've know it was going to cost almost $500.

The only reason they can get away with charging that much is because of insurance. If people had to actually pay for this stuff from their pockets they wouldn't be able to get away with charging that much.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
You should be embarrassed to post, but apparently you are too stupid to even realize what you are blathering on about. I dunno why I reply to a brick wall, but maybe somebody else will read it and actually try to educate themselves. Let's walk through this entire scenario.

1) You whining about a skin tag. Overutlization and overuse of healthcare. You are the primary cause of this whole sequence of events. I can't blame you though, I've had them removed also, I'm just as much to blame. Not insurance's fault.

2) A doctor removing the skin tag. Overutilization - could easily be done by a nurse practitioner. Not insurance's fault.

3) Sending it to a pathologist. Overutilization and preventative medicine. Some victimzed leftist like you would be the first to sue if you did have skin cancer and they didn't "catch it". Not insurance's fault

4)Disposal fee. Probably mandated by federal and/or state law. Not insurance's fault

5) Insurance reduces your fees via provider agreements, somewhere upwards of 60%. Without insurance, you get the bill for $500. Why should they offer you a discount? You don't bring any business their way...



But what is your reasinong? Whose fault is it? Insurance for NOT CHARGING YOU ENOUGH OUT OF POCKET!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Why do you think HDHP's and HSA's are being pushed? Transparency? So people will be wiser with their healthcare.

You don't even understand what insurance is, do you? Do you think the UK system there isn't insurance? Tax dollars are substituted for premiums. The government is a giant HMO.

Please don't re-enter this thread until you at least educate yourself on the most basic of concepts.

You dumb ass, I don't have insurance so fuck off. I asked them up front how much it would cost and was told $100, not $500. Nobody who pays for a procedure like this out of his own pocket would agree to pay $500 to have a fricking pimple cut off.

The only reason they can get away with charging such an exhorbenant amount is because most people have insurance AND DON'T CARE HOW MUCH SOMETHING COSTS.

It's obvious to anybody with half a brain that insurance is the problem here. Their are too many overpaid know-it-alls (such as yourself) milking the system to the point regular people/employers can't afford/provide ADEQUATE HEALTHCARE.

 

[alchemize]

I'm not going to reply to anyone else that keeps insulting me because I work in insurance, we can just have pissing matches in PM. PM sent, sweetie :lips:

If anyone else wants to discuss this, fire away.

 

[imported_Tango]

Originally posted by: Shivetya
Jennifer Bell, 22, had been told she was suffering from stress but after months of illness had finally been referred to a neurologist. She then faced a 13-week wait before a 'relatively urgent' MRI scan could be carried out.

13 weeks for a MRI.

Why? Because its RATIONED.

Like about any other high tech treatment your private insurance in the US pays for and yet people bitch about the costs. Sorry, you have a choice, pay for access to high tech when you need it or go through government bureacracy that could care less.

This is not about universal health care. This is about an incompetent doctor.

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: alchemize
I'm not going to reply to anyone else that keeps insulting me because I work in insurance, we can just have pissing matches in PM. PM sent, sweetie :lips:

If anyone else wants to discuss this, fire away.

Run Forest, RUN.

Edit: And thanks for the PM stating you hope I get in an accident, go bankrupt and blow my brains out. Now everyone can see how you are.

:lips: my ass.

 

[Corn]

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

1. Why the hell should I care what a troll like you thinks?

2. I would have cut the damn thing off myself if I would've know it was going to cost almost $500.

The only reason they can get away with charging that much is because of insurance. If people had to actually pay for this stuff from their pockets they wouldn't be able to get away with charging that much.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
You should be embarrassed to post, but apparently you are too stupid to even realize what you are blathering on about. I dunno why I reply to a brick wall, but maybe somebody else will read it and actually try to educate themselves. Let's walk through this entire scenario.

1) You whining about a skin tag. Overutlization and overuse of healthcare. You are the primary cause of this whole sequence of events. I can't blame you though, I've had them removed also, I'm just as much to blame. Not insurance's fault.

2) A doctor removing the skin tag. Overutilization - could easily be done by a nurse practitioner. Not insurance's fault.

3) Sending it to a pathologist. Overutilization and preventative medicine. Some victimzed leftist like you would be the first to sue if you did have skin cancer and they didn't "catch it". Not insurance's fault

4)Disposal fee. Probably mandated by federal and/or state law. Not insurance's fault

5) Insurance reduces your fees via provider agreements, somewhere upwards of 60%. Without insurance, you get the bill for $500. Why should they offer you a discount? You don't bring any business their way...



But what is your reasinong? Whose fault is it? Insurance for NOT CHARGING YOU ENOUGH OUT OF POCKET!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Why do you think HDHP's and HSA's are being pushed? Transparency? So people will be wiser with their healthcare.

You don't even understand what insurance is, do you? Do you think the UK system there isn't insurance? Tax dollars are substituted for premiums. The government is a giant HMO.

Please don't re-enter this thread until you at least educate yourself on the most basic of concepts.

You dumb ass, I don't have insurance so fuck off. I asked them up front how much it would cost and was told $100, not $500. Nobody who pays for a procedure like this out of his own pocket would agree to pay $500 to have a fricking pimple cut off.

The only reason they can get away with charging such an exhorbenant amount is because most people have insurance AND DON'T CARE HOW MUCH SOMETHING COSTS.

It's obvious to anybody with half a brain that insurance is the problem here. Their are too many overpaid know-it-alls (such as yourself) milking the system to the point regular people/employers can't afford/provide ADEQUATE HEALTHCARE.

So, basically your doctor lied to your face about the cost and you blame insurance. I was right, you are too stupid to be involved in this conversation.

 

[Corn]

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Run Forest, RUN.

Unintended irony alert - exposing real stupidity.

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Run Forest, RUN.

Unintended irony alert - exposing real stupidity.

Your not smart enough to recogonize stupidity, let alone irony.