Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog: Why health care is expensive

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Why health care is expensive

Panda Bear minces no words:

1. Patients are not encouraged or expected to take personal responsibility for their own health . . .

2. As every insurance scheme insulates the patient from the true cost of health care, there is no incentive for patients to make good economic decisions . . .

3. The legal environment makes it impossible for anyone in authority to exercise common sense . . .

4. Futile care, which is in no way discouraged . . .

5. Doctors don’t know how to say “no” or admit defeat.

Posted by Kevin | link | Comments (4) |

Comments:

reminds me of the old joke; why are divorces so expensive...because they're worth it.

Same with healthcare. The best health outcomes in the free world is expensive.

and yes, we have the best health outcomes, anyone who says different is relying on bogus stats (ie infant mortality)

# posted by

Anonymous : 2:15 PM

More to add:

Charges aren't published.

Patients can't select from among a menu of options; dependent on prescribing practices of physicians

Comparison shopping isn't feasible - insurers determine who providers are and what is reimbursable - often at odds with preventive care strategies.

Patient seen as dependent in the physician-patient relationship (I'm not advocating for complete independency, either). Doesn't have the knowledge necessary to make the most informed decision when options are available (Type of CT scan, frequency of testing, formulary vs. nonformulary medications, bundling or unbundling and selction of diagnostic testing, etc.).

Barriers to lowest cost healthcare: access, disparity, available transportation, employer demands, insurer participation demands, availability of services, degree of perceived discomfort, fear, lack of education.

# posted by