The marketplace for health care delivery has shielded consumers from the true cost of health care. It also has insulated providers from having to adopt a consumer focus.

Quality of care isnt the issue. Its the money stuff.

Heres my beef, and I acknowledge its a personal one:

Twice in the past couple of weeks, Ive been to medical services offices for procedures that required me to pay sizable amounts toward the deductible on my employer-provided health insurance.

Two different offices, unrelated to each other.Continue Reading

Both times, I asked for an itemized receipt. The company that manages my flexible spending account that permits me to pay deductibles with pre-tax money requires one.

And, both times, I was cheerfully told no dice. The computer system hadnt registered my service yet, although Id just paid. Id have to call the billing office in about a week.

Now, when I shop at a retailer, restaurant, car mechanic or professional services company, I can immediately get an itemized receipt.

Not, it appears, at medical services offices. Their financial software apparently is geared to help themselves, the insurance companies theyre yoked to, and Medicare, which functionally is just another insurance outfit.

But not to help me, the average consumer, who now is being asked to take more personal responsibility for the cost of health care.

See original here:

Health care providers: Pay me now, call back for receipt