Comments on: Let’s all be outraged for a minute, shall we?

By: sarah

sarah — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:54:10 +0000

Just had a sinus infection. My internist is hard to get into, so I went to an urgent care center at a CVS pharmacy (Walgreens and other drug stores are begining to get into the clinic biz). Negative is that they only treat limited conditions and are typically staffed by a nurse practitioner (overseen by an MD offsite). Although controversial because of this structure, the clinic really fit my need. I was able to get in and out with a prescription for an antiobiotic in about 20 min. (she basically looked in my nose and ears, felt around my face to identify areas of tenderness, asked symptoms, etc.) Cost was just my $20 copay (they even handled processing with my insurer). Those without insurance would have paid $62 (Minute Clinics have a straightforward pricing list). Obviously, doesn’t solve the big issues. But hopefully other healthcare providers start aiming more frequently for similar convenience and direct pricing.

By: Craig

Craig — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:20:06 +0000

I have no answers.

Every time I say anything about how the health care industry needs to be regulated or reigned in, someone else points at me and yells, “Socialist!”

Now I shut up — and pay up.

By: LisaNewton

LisaNewton — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:19:49 +0000

I know how this goes. A friend of mine pays more than you do for similar coverage. She’s reluctant to go to the doctor for just the reasons you outlined.

Just as Andrea said, it’s “HUGE!!!”

By: Andrea

Andrea — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:46:23 +0000

I can’t help but notice that you were correct, you needed something for the infection. And you did something important…you asked questions and got information and were direct with your medical professional about your needs. Kudos to you, girl.

The larger issue of medical insurance is HUGE!!! I’m getting the bills in for my November surgery, and every day I am grateful my employer provides excellent medical coverage. I would like to point out that this surgery was unavoidable. Nothing I could have done to take care of myself would have prevented it. Total bills to date (before “contracted discounts”) are about $50,000. I’m grateful it’s only been about $2,000 out of pocket for me. If I didn’t have the health coverage I do, I would have been asking you for DJ’s business card! I’m lucky to have good coverage…and I have thanked my boss for maintaining the quality of our insurance in spite of current economic challenges. The sad reality is I’m in the minority where this is concerned.

By: Dr Kadiyali M Srivatsa

Dr Kadiyali M Srivatsa — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 11:27:23 +0000

“Easier said than done”, I have worked as a doctor for more than 25years and know most doctors use their common sense less. You cannot differentiate bacterial from viral infection based by X Ray, what a load of rubbish, this doctor must give up medicine. You must know bacteria are living one cell organism. They release toxins which will make you feel hot and cold. Very high temperature is likely to be viral. Doctors have undermined the confiedence of people and I am ashamed of myself for not doing enough to educate people.
I have published a website listing common symptoms to educate people. I am sure you find this useful and help you reduce visiting doctors. Soon I am planning to publish a programme that will help people like you & parents of young children.

By: SOndra

SOndra — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 03:34:32 +0000

Bingo, that is how health care works. I struggle with these same issues. I want to know if you like HSA plan, I wanted to start mine in Jan. hummm, I haven’t done it yet. Maybe that’s your next blog idea….procrastination. Tell me when you feel better

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:21:59 +0000

Here’s what I’m telling myself after my sinus infection incident:

Beth, repeat after me: “I will not run to the doctor when I have the sniffles.”