What can you get for $1,600?

I apologize that this is not a car related article, but I'm quite upset.

Let me tell you why. The other day my youngest son injured his left arm on his birthday. No, no, that was unfortunate, but not the point. We called his pediatrician and because the injury was in the same general vicinity as his last one (hairline fracture of the radii), they recommended we take him to a Hand Surgeon. Well we got there, and the lobby has marble flooring, there are plasma screens on the wall, upscale seating, snacks on the counter. They start off taking a picture of my son and I fill out like 50 pages of paperwork.

Upon examination, there is no structural damage, but the Doctor decides to put a full wrist to shoulder cast on as a precaution after taking three scans. A cast is applied. Other than the twenty-minute wait in the lobby and another 15 in the exam room, the whole visit is maybe 25 minutes.

At departure, we get the bill. Here is where it gets fun. Any idea how much? Remember, this was three scans, a consult, and a cast. My portion was $430 The total bill was $1,600! Can you believe this? For a cast? And they will charge another $1,600 if he needs another one! Mind you, there is no break in the arm at all! I told them that they may remove his cast on our return on Tuesday (as it is NC for removal, woopee!), but if he needs more care, I'm taking him to the hospital.

• 1,600 today will get you lasik for one eye from a reputable practice, maybe two from one good enough to get the job done.
• 1,600 today will get you a great DSLR and lens combo (50D).
• 1,600 today, is roughly 3 weeks of max unemployment benefits.

• Or it can get you a fiberglass and plaster cast from a hand surgeon!

With people out of work, and families being torn apart in today's economic turmoil, you have to wonder how some of those in private medicine sleep at all.....

The bill:


Have fun and enjoy the ride!

Ohmster
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