Why health care pricing is so difficult

Its important to note — that neither do doctors.

I occassionally have people call and ask how much for an office visit — which can be anywhere from $20 to $250 (or more). I won’t know until I have a history and physical exam.

Doctor’s do not charge by “time slot” (although it can be a factor) — but rather by visit complexity, risk, and decision making.

A visit for a diabetic amputee with a skin infection will have a different charge than the same symptom in a 30 yo healthy male.

Patients can be given reasonable estimates of a charge based on their association with the practice as a “not to exceed” figure for that visit. That is given with the caveat that if their complaint proves complicated, they will require more visits and more testing. What they cannot do is elect the level of service themselves. ( I have a transmission problem but I only want you to do a brake job).