Re: Re: Dev. Ped. vs. Ped Neuro. Dr. Agin- should I or shouldn't I?

[Guest guest]

I totally understand what your saying there but if she does not have to deal

with insurance cost, how can she justify $2,000 then.

just a thought

chris

I had a appt with her and finally we decided not to go because of the cost. I

wish she would post why she charges so much, like itemized bill so you know

where the money is going. I don't think its such a horrible request. we all get

bills for everything dictating what we purchased, why not doctors.

the price of her service put a bad taste in my mouth and if she would justify

why she charges that other than she's a great doc I would feel better about

her.. there are a lot of great docs out there who do not charge that kind of

money and who take insurance.

the reality is that people can't afford healthcare without insurance. stinks

but I feel insurance co. should be brought down, they are dispicable. and docs

hands are tied they have to charge high because their liability insurance is so

high. (my friends husband is a doctor) its so sad our health is most important

to us and charge us for through the nose

signing off my soap box sorry

chris

karen_peikert <jkpeikert@...> wrote:

What amazes me is when people don't blink an eye when they are told

to pay cash out of pocket at the vet, as I just did this week. I

paid over $200 for a very short appointment to have the vet tell me

that my dog has a bladder infection and needs antibiotics! But when

it comes to their own health, or that of their families', the same

people don't think they should have to pay a $20 co-pay on meds or a

deductible for an ambulance ride. Or, sadly they think they have

the'right' to see any specialist they want, whenever they want,

because they have insurance.

In reality, I imagine that by not accepting insurance, Dr. Agin can

see fewer patients, give them better care, and not have to deal with

the headaches of dealing with insurance companies. She doesn't need

to overcharge the people with insurance in order to subsidize the

ones without. She doesn't have to pay one or two nurses to spend

the entire day on the phone with insurance complaints and pre-

approvals. She doesn't have to kiss up to primary care providers in

order to get their referrals. In short, she can do what she

probably loves and does the best - taking care of children and their

families.

It is harsh, but that is the reality of modern US medicine. She is

well-trained, in-demand, and by all accounts, worth every penny if

you can afford it. If you don't think she's worth it, there are

MANY other docs to chose from - no one says you have to see her.

She's not a philanthropist, she's a professional who has a unique

set of skills that, sadly, are in incredible demand. In a perfect

world, I agree we would all have access to wonderful physicians like

Dr. Agin, regardless of our ability to pay. But until we have

socialized medicine, that won't happen. And if (when?) we do end up

with socialized medicine, don't be surpised if there aren't enough

good doctors like her around anymore, or if you have to wait 2 years

to get in. Many other countries in the world already have this two-

tiered system of medicine - where the majority wait for the

specialty services they need, and the 'wealthy' pay cash, either

inside their country or travel to the US to get what they need.

Sad, but true-