Get back to the Shaman, Witch doctor, Curanderos, Alchemist, Medicine of yester-year; Live longer, healthier and free of medical indebtedness and harassment!
I’ve worked in anesthesia for 20 + years. I’ve been a patient as well several times. The doctors’/surgeons’/proceduralists’ fees are small potatoes compared to the “ facility fees”. I don’t go to hospitals unless I’m dying or can’t get the care I need in an outpatient setting.
CL, the difference between hospital facility fees and a outpatient surgery center is usually extreme. I needed a cysto with laser prostate done 2 years ago. The hospital system that I worked in for nearly 17 years wouldn’t accept my insurance( an indemnity policy) as I left the group anesthesia practice and went solo. Private insurance was prohibitively expensive so I found a cheaper alternative. I spoke with the billing office prior as I needed to know what I was in store for. Outpatient case lasting 60-90” with general anesthesia was 38K, if I had a participating insurance plan. I instead got the “ reduced “ cash rate of 9K. The hospital still profited, just not as much. Next time you need a procedure ( surgery, colonoscopy, etc)A. Find out what the price is if you don’t already do that, opt to have it done in a same day facility( always cheaper).
Comparatively, yes. Billing for anesthesia is based on a time unit system. The longer the case, the more expensive. Also factored in is commercial insurance vs Medicare rates. Commercial typically pays better. I realize it’s a lot. I received a similar charge for my most recent EGD& colonoscopy. Actually, in that situation, anesthesia gets better compensation than the gastroenterologist that does the procedure.
My doctor? What doctor?
Totally.
Get back to the Shaman, Witch doctor, Curanderos, Alchemist, Medicine of yester-year; Live longer, healthier and free of medical indebtedness and harassment!
So true! I’m sorry abt your wife’s situation :(
I’ve worked in anesthesia for 20 + years. I’ve been a patient as well several times. The doctors’/surgeons’/proceduralists’ fees are small potatoes compared to the “ facility fees”. I don’t go to hospitals unless I’m dying or can’t get the care I need in an outpatient setting.
So the $1800 the anesthesiologist charge me for his services is small potatoes?
CL, the difference between hospital facility fees and a outpatient surgery center is usually extreme. I needed a cysto with laser prostate done 2 years ago. The hospital system that I worked in for nearly 17 years wouldn’t accept my insurance( an indemnity policy) as I left the group anesthesia practice and went solo. Private insurance was prohibitively expensive so I found a cheaper alternative. I spoke with the billing office prior as I needed to know what I was in store for. Outpatient case lasting 60-90” with general anesthesia was 38K, if I had a participating insurance plan. I instead got the “ reduced “ cash rate of 9K. The hospital still profited, just not as much. Next time you need a procedure ( surgery, colonoscopy, etc)A. Find out what the price is if you don’t already do that, opt to have it done in a same day facility( always cheaper).
Comparatively, yes. Billing for anesthesia is based on a time unit system. The longer the case, the more expensive. Also factored in is commercial insurance vs Medicare rates. Commercial typically pays better. I realize it’s a lot. I received a similar charge for my most recent EGD& colonoscopy. Actually, in that situation, anesthesia gets better compensation than the gastroenterologist that does the procedure.
Want to stay healthy, stay away from Doctors. Eat real food get outside and stay active!