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. <\/p>\n
Quality of care isnt the issue. Its the money stuff. <\/p>\n
Heres my beef, and I acknowledge its a personal one: <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Two different offices, unrelated to each other.Continue Reading <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Now, when I shop at a retailer, restaurant, car mechanic or professional services company, I can immediately get an itemized receipt. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
But not to help me, the average consumer, who now is being asked to take more personal responsibility for the cost of health care. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
See original here: <\/p>\n
Health care providers: Pay me now, call back for receipt<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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. Continue reading