Medical Pricing - Now I've Heard EVERYTHING!

[kjc]

Originally Posted by gidget529

On second thought, maybe you meant the injected radioisotope used in the scan. Ok, now I'm curious which one has the 400% markup.

Ha! Probably both!

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by jacquelinebabco

I review invoices for radionuclides as one of my responsibilities and most physicians offices charge at least 400% more than the cost. It just blows my mind at the difference between the actual cost and what they are charging.

It does seem like a lot, but as Lou mentioned in her first post --- the overhead has to be paid. Medical malpractice insurance is the probably the biggest expense, office rent, staff, and so on.

[MI Yorkielover]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Yes, but compare things like the number of MRI, CT, and other diagnostic tools per person in the US to those in other countries. The contrast is mind blowing.

I pay for insurance and maintenance on my car, and I believe it my personal responsibility to do the same for my body. At the same time, I believe in helping people who genuinely need assistance.

Our taxes are also relatively low....although I think they should be even lower.

Amen to that! LOL

[CouversMom]

Originally Posted by deonk1

*ducks and avoids being slapped*
I'm SOOO glad to be Canadian ... our gov't may be useless at times, but at least we never have to bare those costs directly, at the end of the day, I'd much rather pay taxes than pay for medical costs.

My husband is Canadian and we eventually plan on moving back. This is one of the many perks of beting Canadian!

[jacquelinebabco]

Originally Posted by gidget529

On second thought, maybe you meant the injected radioisotope used in the scan. Ok, now I'm curious which one has the 400% markup.

It's the radioisotopes used in the scans, mri's, the cardiac imagining ect.

[gidget529]

Originally Posted by jacquelinebabco

It's the radioisotopes used in the scans, mri's, the cardiac imagining ect.

No kidding. I know the hospitals I've worked for have always claimed nuclear med scans are money makers for a hospital - now I know why!