Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange County area

[Guest guest]

-

No, I don't think that the MD acted appropriately or ethically. I think

he/she should have given you another scrip for 30 days. One note about the

30 days restriction, depending on the insurx company, you might not be able

to get more than 30 days at a time. I have blue cross and unless I order via

mail order, I can't get more than 30 days at a time.

As far as the new provider goes, yes I think that they should have listened

to you and seen if they could get you in faster, although depending on the

scheduling they might have been booked up completely and the new provider

may not allow the front office to double or triple book appointments. That

is book 1 to 3 people for each time slot.

Also, there is no reason why the old MD should be charging you for your lab

results. That is considered unethical. You should report him/her to the

state medical board; and even your local news channel [ many times they have

under cover investigative reporters] because it is a high odds that he/she

is doing that to other patients.

All I can say, is if you start getting ill, you can go to the ER and see if

they will give you scrip.

That is another reason why people buy online to have a back up supply.

Nancie

-------Original Message-------

Nancie.

I understand. At the same time, if the Dr knows a patient is going w/o his

meds for weeks on end, would it not call for concern?

At least I would expect an expedited appointment date with said patient, not

allowing him/her to wait for weeks.

..

Is that what a responsable Dr do? Is that allowed by the medical

establishment?

On another note, is he allowed to charge me 30 dollars for my lab test

results, lab test I paid for with my own CC in person at the lab facility ?

My understanding is that I am entittled to my ab results,

._________________________________________________________

>

..

[Guest guest]

Chuck-

I do not know one ethical provider that would charge for labs. It is

considered unethical do that. Unless, you are asking for a copy of your

chart/medical records, where it is appropriate to charge because the odds

are that it is more than 2 pages. But, for 1-2 pages. That is not ok.

My providers Never charge me for any labs that I ask for. Even UCLA does not

charge patients for a copy of their labs. It is not considered ethical.

-- Re: Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange

County area

Masiste,

You wrote:

> ... On another note, is he allowed to charge me 30 dollars for my lab test

results, lab test I paid for with my own CC in person at the lab facility ?

...

A doctor is allowed to charge a fair copying charge for the labor and

materials involved in operating a photocopying machine. However, he may be

charging for the consult that resulted in ordering the labs. If that was a

separately paid charge, you should be able to get the labs for a very

minimal fee, not $30.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

Even my HMO sends me copies of routine lab work without me even asking,

my doctor writes notes in the margins. Usually she is concerned about my

TSH being *.*22 :-)

Neil

Nancie Barnett wrote:

>

> Chuck-

> I do not know one ethical provider that would charge for labs. It is

> considered unethical do that. Unless, you are asking for a copy of your

> chart/medical records, where it is appropriate to charge because the odds

> are that it is more than 2 pages. But, for 1-2 pages. That is not ok.

> My providers Never charge me for any labs that I ask for. Even UCLA

> does not

> charge patients for a copy of their labs. It is not considered ethical.

>

> -- Re: Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles /

> Orange

> County area

>

> Masiste,

>

> You wrote:

> > ... On another note, is he allowed to charge me 30 dollars for my

> lab test

> results, lab test I paid for with my own CC in person at the lab

> facility ?

> ..

>

> A doctor is allowed to charge a fair copying charge for the labor and

> materials involved in operating a photocopying machine. However, he may be

> charging for the consult that resulted in ordering the labs. If that was a

> separately paid charge, you should be able to get the labs for a very

> minimal fee, not $30.

>

> Chuck

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Nancie,

You wrote:

> I do not know one ethical provider that would charge for labs. It is

> considered unethical do that....

Are you saying all doctors are ethical?

I have never had a problem getting labs free, either, but plenty of

people on this list have complained about it. In my state, the law says

they have to provide a copy, but they are allowed to recover any

reasonable costs of doing so.

The lab I use actually makes a copy FOR the patient, which my doc is

always willing to share. It includes a complete record of previous lab

results, so I get a full history with each lab.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

No. What I am saying is if that MD was ethical he would not be charging for

labs. I know 100 providers and not one of them charge for labs, it is

considered unethical. There is not that much cost involved in copying 1 or 2

pages of labs. I think people have more trouble just in getting a copy of

their labs because they don't know their patient rights and since most front

office people don't know the patient bill of rights either they won't give

them out. That has been my experience. Where I have worked and work the

office staff knows[ because we providers have made it clear] that every

patient has the right to have copy of their labs free of charge. That is

part of HIPPA and the patient bill of rights that passed thru congress. The

providers I have worked with also do not charge for labs. And my own

providers have never charged me for labs, ever. It is just not done. They

don't charge for faxing my labs either. That takes time and wear on the

machine but that is not considered to be ethical either to charge for faxing

-- Re: Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange

County area

Nancie,

You wrote:

> I do not know one ethical provider that would charge for labs. It is

> considered unethical do that....

Are you saying all doctors are ethical?

I have never had a problem getting labs free, either, but plenty of

people on this list have complained about it. In my state, the law says

they have to provide a copy, but they are allowed to recover any

reasonable costs of doing so.

The lab I use actually makes a copy FOR the patient, which my doc is

always willing to share. It includes a complete record of previous lab

results, so I get a full history with each lab.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

If you want doctors to be regulated as in some other country I think you

might consider moving there, instead of sticking the rest of us with

such a sub-optimal socialist system. Communism sounds great on paper

but when you apply it you get a very different result. The only way it

can work is for those in authority to have complete control, even over

whether you live or die; AND they must be willing to exercise that

authority. Even at the expense of murdering millions if required.

In some European countries many procedures are rationed, and you are not

allowed to pay for the procedure out of pocket. The example I read of

was a very [otherwise] healthy and robust mother who needed a heart

transplant. But she was too old per the guidelines, so she did not

qualify. So her son, who was quite affluent was prohibited from

attempting to save his mother's life in that system. Fable/old wives'

tale? I don't know.

Be careful what you wish for; you might get it. But it WILL NOT equate

to better medical care for the average person.

..

..

>

> Posted by: " Masiste " masiste79@...

>

<mailto:masiste79@...?Subject=%20Re%3A%20Thyroid%20Doctor%20in%20the%20Los\

%20Angeles%20%2F%20Orange%20County%20area>

> masiste79 <masiste79>

>

>

> Thu Apr 2, 2009 12:30 pm (PDT)

>

> -- Thanks to all for your replies.

>

> I will make a few phone calls to see which Dr is best for me.

> Now I have a pool of numbers to call.

>

> I am going to drive to the pharmacy to see if they would give me a few

> more Armour untill I get to see another Dr.

>

> About pricing, I believe something has to be done with this health

> system. Some doctors are not into helping people live better through

> their medical profession, while earning a living, but instead, care

> less about patients, and are into this to make a fortune.

> I can imagine a lot of people can not pay 400, 800 , 1000 or 1500 for

> appointment fees. While some doctors make a fortune, they do it at the

> expense of millions of people dying unnecessarily early in their

> lives, and having terrible quality of lifes, because all the resourses

> are channelled the wrong way, into some bad doctors coffers.

> Dr appointment rates should be coded and regulated like it is in

> european nations.

[Guest guest]

I'm under the impression that you are entitled by law to a copy of your

medical records, including tests. But FAIK that might vary from state

to state. I'm in Florida.

There has to be some place you can ask about the rules in your state.

Many places have a service like " Ask A Nurse " . They might know how you

can get a temporary supply of medication, as well as what the rules on

lab results are in your state. Charging $30 for running a ten cent copy

is a massive rip-off IMHO.

..

..

>

> On another note, is he allowed to charge me 30 dollars for my lab test

> results, lab test I paid for with my own CC in person at the lab

> facility ? My understanding is that I am entittled to my ab results,

> the doctor has no reason no right to charge 30 dollars for my lab results.

[Guest guest]

Ok, I just read both your posts. In one you say a friend went through the

treatment and in the next you say " Only then, be convinced that OUR medication /

treatment has really worked for you. "

NOW I find this on another website:

" Please contact me at t_iyer@... to get a first hand report on How to get

cured completely without any side effects from your Hypothyroidism problem. The

same doctor also has remedies for other types of thyroid problems. I had the

problem and was under treatment with this nice, gentle un-assuming doctor based

at bangalore, who cured me completely (now it is two years since i am cured

completely and is back to leading a perfect normal life). The treatment was for

2 years.

Any help in this regard, please email me. Thanks & have a nice day ahead.

Regards,

Tom Shankar Iyer "

You spamming sleaze bag.... there is nothing worse than a f'ing parasite like

you trying to take advantage of sick people.

________________________________

From: Tom Iyer <t_iyer@...>

hypothyroidism

Sent: Friday, April 3, 2009 1:03:15 AM

Subject: Re: Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange

County area

Hi All,

That is why i was recommending this clinic at Bangalore, India for a COMPLETE

CURE without any side-effects - it is an ayurvedic treatment. At the initial

stages / beginning of the treatment one needs to visit the clinic and later on,

you may visit once every six months (inbetween you may consult the doctor over

telephone / skype - which is free, + send him all your latest lab reports) to

check for progress. The treatment is generally for 18 to 36 months (depends on

how many years of allopathic medications like thyronorm / thyroxin, etc., or

other more serious medications with lot of side-effects like Ostro-arthritis,

RA, kidney / liver failure, heart problem / diebetes etc., etc.,have gone in to

your system - these toxins need to be removed from your system first) & the best

part is no side effects & one can go back to normal routine / diet after the

treatment is over. At the end of the treatment, you can (MUST) actually consult

your

endocrinologist to validate that you are cured & let him/her certify that you

are fully cured. Only then, be convinced that our medication / treatment has

really worked for you. Ever after that, this clinic puts you on a year's

monitoring to ensure that you are handholded.

Any questions / clarifications / need to get the clinic's address, please donot

hesitate to contact me. I shall provide all help / support in this regard.I

shall be happy if you are all cured of this disease.

Regards,

Tom Iyer

From: Masiste <masiste79 (DOT) com>

Subject: Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange County

area

hypothyroidism

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2009, 11:08 PM

Nancie.

I understand. At the same time, if the Dr knows a patient is going w/o his meds

for weeks on end, would it not call for concern?

At least I would expect an expedited appointment date with said patient, not

allowing him/her to wait for weeks.

But you are right, my real problem is not a new dorctor, but the last one. I am

studying the rules in regard top this issue. I think there should be penalties,

or at least it should be wrong to cut off a patients' prescription just like

that, with no medical justification. A hypothyroid patient that stops his 120mg

a day prescription cold turkey is going to suffer some secondary effects.

Is that what a responsable Dr do? Is that allowed by the medical establishment?

On another note, is he allowed to charge me 30 dollars for my lab test results,

lab test I paid for with my own CC in person at the lab facility ? My

understanding is that I am entittled to my ab results, the doctor has no reason

no right to charge 30 dollars for my lab results.

What happen in the financial system is endemic. The worse part of it is that the

wrongdoing was not illegal, but wrongful. So nobody let the alarm call off

because all the fat cats took advantage of the condition of legallity, albeit

wrongful condition.

With this situation I see a reverse but similar condition. A Patient needs his

medicine. The previous Dr refuses to prescribe because he has his Lawfull ,

albeit wrongful view that unless he makes a buck out of an appointment visit by

his patient, he does not have to prescribe. He cares less about the health of

said patient.

The other Dr I am asking for a prescription to allow me to navigate untill the

scheduled appointment knows the patient needs his meds, but he relies on a

lawful posture, albeit wrong, that makes him think that the patient's health is

not important, and if the patient does not take medicines for weeks, it is his

problem, not the doctors'.

If I were to die, for example ( dramatic example howbeit ) who would bear the

blame?

Nobody??, perhaps, the first doctor wanted to make money on me, and the

establishment allows him to use prescription as means to compell. The second

doctor washed his hands, and said , I can not prescribe, although I knew you

needed your prescription, because the law says I can not do it.

Sorry, but I must be missing something, the oath of medical profession is

supposed to overcome all obstacles. The emphasis in the current medical

establishment is revenue and profits, not care and efficiency as it should be.

.______ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ ______

>

> -

> The reason they can't prescribe you any meds until they see you, is that it

> is Illegal to write for meds without having a chart on a patient and having

> a physical exam charted. That is why they won't fill the armour. They can

> get in a lot of trouble with the DEA, the state medical board for doing that

>

> I am a NP, and that is what I tell family members and friends when they want

> a scrip from me.

> Nancie

>

>

[Guest guest]

-

communism is not the same as socialism. Communism is as my professor in

college said socialism gone bad. The universal health care that is in Canada

and the rest of the world is Not communism. And if we get universal health

care it will Not be communism.

There is nothing wrong with socialism at all. All it is taking care of the

society that we live in. We already have socialism in this country: Medicare

medicaid; welfare; food stamps; independent owned banks; insurance;

unemployment; disability; FEMA; bank loans; mortgages, WIC program [

supplemental dairy to new poor moms]; social security; etc.

Think about it.

-- Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange

County area

If you want doctors to be regulated as in some other country I think you

might consider moving there, instead of sticking the rest of us with

such a sub-optimal socialist system. Communism sounds great on paper

but when you apply it you get a very different result. The only way it

can work is for those in authority to have complete control, even over

whether you live or die; AND they must be willing to exercise that

authority. Even at the expense of murdering millions if required.

In some European countries many procedures are rationed, and you are not

allowed to pay for the procedure out of pocket. The example I read of

was a very [otherwise] healthy and robust mother who needed a heart

transplant. But she was too old per the guidelines, so she did not

qualify. So her son, who was quite affluent was prohibited from

attempting to save his mother's life in that system. Fable/old wives'

tale? I don't know.

Be careful what you wish for; you might get it. But it WILL NOT equate

to better medical care for the average person.

..

..

>

> Posted by: " Masiste " masiste79@...

> <mailto:masiste79@

com?Subject=%20Re%3A%20Thyroid%20Doctor%20in%20the%20Los%20Angeles%20%2F%20Or

nge%20County%20area>

> masiste79 <masiste79>

>

>

> Thu Apr 2, 2009 12:30 pm (PDT)

>

> -- Thanks to all for your replies.

>

> I will make a few phone calls to see which Dr is best for me.

> Now I have a pool of numbers to call.

>

> I am going to drive to the pharmacy to see if they would give me a few

> more Armour untill I get to see another Dr.

>

> About pricing, I believe something has to be done with this health

> system. Some doctors are not into helping people live better through

> their medical profession, while earning a living, but instead, care

> less about patients, and are into this to make a fortune.

> I can imagine a lot of people can not pay 400, 800 , 1000 or 1500 for

> appointment fees. While some doctors make a fortune, they do it at the

> expense of millions of people dying unnecessarily early in their

> lives, and having terrible quality of lifes, because all the resourses

> are channelled the wrong way, into some bad doctors coffers.

> Dr appointment rates should be coded and regulated like it is in

> european nations.

[Guest guest]

All I know is that I am paying $420 a month for health insurance after a recent

30% increase (one of many to come). I still have a $1500 deductible and pay 50%

co-pay out of network.

My friend who has back problems can not get insurance because insurance

companies deem him uninsurable because of this preexisting condition.

The medical system here in the US is broken and the insurance companies need to

be regulated. This common complaint against doing anything about the current

system often comes from people comfortably insured. Its not working for

millions of us and something must be done.

Our socialized libraries, fire departments and our post office all work GREAT.

If socialized medicine could be a 10% as reliable at our socialized Post

office... I'm all for it. Bring on the socialism!!

I think you need to turn off Fox News.

________________________________

From: <res075oh@...>

hypothyroidism

Sent: Saturday, April 4, 2009 4:47:18 PM

Subject: Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange County

area

If you want doctors to be regulated as in some other country I think you

might consider moving there, instead of sticking the rest of us with

such a sub-optimal socialist system. Communism sounds great on paper

but when you apply it you get a very different result. The only way it

can work is for those in authority to have complete control, even over

whether you live or die; AND they must be willing to exercise that

authority. Even at the expense of murdering millions if required.

In some European countries many procedures are rationed, and you are not

allowed to pay for the procedure out of pocket. The example I read of

was a very [otherwise] healthy and robust mother who needed a heart

transplant. But she was too old per the guidelines, so she did not

qualify. So her son, who was quite affluent was prohibited from

attempting to save his mother's life in that system. Fable/old wives'

tale? I don't know.

Be careful what you wish for; you might get it. But it WILL NOT equate

to better medical care for the average person.

..

..

>

> Posted by: " Masiste " masiste79 (DOT) com

> <mailto:masiste79 (DOT) com?Subject=%20Re% 3A%20Thyroid% 20Doctor%

20in%20the% 20Los%20Angeles% 20%2F%20Orange% 20County% 20area>

> masiste79 <http://profiles. / masiste79>

>

>

> Thu Apr 2, 2009 12:30 pm (PDT)

>

> -- Thanks to all for your replies.

>

> I will make a few phone calls to see which Dr is best for me.

> Now I have a pool of numbers to call.

>

> I am going to drive to the pharmacy to see if they would give me a few

> more Armour untill I get to see another Dr.

>

> About pricing, I believe something has to be done with this health

> system. Some doctors are not into helping people live better through

> their medical profession, while earning a living, but instead, care

> less about patients, and are into this to make a fortune.

> I can imagine a lot of people can not pay 400, 800 , 1000 or 1500 for

> appointment fees. While some doctors make a fortune, they do it at the

> expense of millions of people dying unnecessarily early in their

> lives, and having terrible quality of lifes, because all the resourses

> are channelled the wrong way, into some bad doctors coffers.

> Dr appointment rates should be coded and regulated like it is in

> european nations.

[Guest guest]

I'm sorely tempted to respond thus: BS! But instead I'll ask where

your " cure " is described in credible peer reviewed literature. There

are thousands of sites who will promise to " cure " anything from hang

nail to decapitation if the price is right. For the most part the most

vile [to me] criminal types; as I utterly loath those who enrich

themselves at the expense of sick, desperate and often ill informed

people. Kindly put up or shut up. There is no known cure for

hypothyroidism; despite claims of charlatans and other low-life types.

..

..

> Posted by: " Tom Iyer " t_iyer@...

>

<mailto:t_iyer@...?Subject=%20Re%3A%20Thyroid%20Doctor%20in%20the%20Los%20\

Angeles%20%2F%20Orange%20County%20area>

> t_iyer <t_iyer>

>

>

> Sat Apr 4, 2009 4:02 am (PDT)

>

> Hi All,

>

> That is why i was recommending this clinic at Bangalore, India for a

> COMPLETE CURE without any side-effects - it is an ayurvedic treatment.

> At the initial stages / beginning of the treatment one needs to visit

> the clinic and later on, you may visit once every six months

> (inbetween you may consult the doctor over telephone / skype - which

> is free, + send him all your latest lab reports) to check for

> progress. The treatment is generally for 18 to 36 months (depends on

> how many years of allopathic medications like thyronorm / thyroxin,

> etc., or other more serious medications with lot of side-effects like

> Ostro-arthritis, RA, kidney / liver failure, heart problem / diebetes

> etc., etc.,have gone in to your system - these toxins need to be

> removed from your system first) & the best part is no side effects &

> one can go back to normal routine / diet after the treatment is over.

> At the end of the treatment, you can (MUST) actually consult your

> endocrinologist to validate that you are cured & let him/her certify

> that you are fully cured. Only then, be convinced that our medication

> / treatment has really worked for you. Ever after that, this clinic

> puts you on a year's monitoring to ensure that you are handholded.

>

> Any questions / clarifications / need to get the clinic's address,

> please donot hesitate to contact me. I shall provide all help /

> support in this regard.I shall be happy if you are all cured of this

> disease.

>

> Regards,

> Tom Iyer

[Guest guest]

I _DO_ think about it; and I note the condition of our country at

present. And I note how we got here. And I note that how we're trying

to get out of the present situation is to do much more of what got us

into the situation in the first place. Not too bright, IMHO; but it

pleases a certain philosophical mindset.

You say that communism and socialism aren't the same; but then you

indicate that communism is just socialism gone bad. And I say it's just

a matter of difference in degree. Either you think a person has a

responsibility and should have the right to take care of his/her own

needs within the limits of his/her abilities or you think the government

should take care of them.

Some of the things you mention are socialistic in nature; others are the

opposite.

But I guess I'm far off topic here; apologies to all...

..

..

> Posted by: " Nancie Barnett " deifspirit@...

>

<mailto:deifspirit@...?Subject=%20Re%3A%20Thyroid%20Doctor%20in%20the%20Los%\

20Angeles%20%2F%20Orange%20County%20area>

> aspenfairy1 <aspenfairy1>

>

>

> Sat Apr 4, 2009 6:18 pm (PDT)

>

> -

> communism is not the same as socialism. Communism is as my professor in

> college said socialism gone bad. The universal health care that is in

> Canada

> and the rest of the world is Not communism. And if we get universal health

> care it will Not be communism.

> There is nothing wrong with socialism at all. All it is taking care of the

> society that we live in. We already have socialism in this country:

> Medicare

> medicaid; welfare; food stamps; independent owned banks; insurance;

> unemployment; disability; FEMA; bank loans; mortgages, WIC program [

> supplemental dairy to new poor moms]; social security; etc.

> Think about it.

>

>

> -- Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange

> County area

>

> If you want doctors to be regulated as in some other country I think you

> might consider moving there, instead of sticking the rest of us with

> such a sub-optimal socialist system. Communism sounds great on paper

> but when you apply it you get a very different result. The only way it

> can work is for those in authority to have complete control, even over

> whether you live or die; AND they must be willing to exercise that

> authority. Even at the expense of murdering millions if required.

>

> In some European countries many procedures are rationed, and you are not

> allowed to pay for the procedure out of pocket. The example I read of

> was a very [otherwise] healthy and robust mother who needed a heart

> transplant. But she was too old per the guidelines, so she did not

> qualify. So her son, who was quite affluent was prohibited from

> attempting to save his mother's life in that system. Fable/old wives'

> tale? I don't know.

>

> Be careful what you wish for; you might get it. But it WILL NOT equate

> to better medical care for the average person.

>

>

> .

[Guest guest]

-

this is one of the reason that I and other medical providers want a change

in the healthcare system here. I pay $ 723./mon and although I only have a

$500.00 deductible I am certain that next year my premiums will go up even

more. Just because I have a chronic life threatening disease, sle. I also

now pay 50% out of network . Many of my friends can't even get health

insurx because they have just a diagnosis of thyroid disease or seasonal

allergies. It is insane.

There are over 4 million people who have zero health insurance in this

country. It is criminal. We are at the mercy of the insurance companies. My

insurx company, blue + just got bought by a company called Anthem, who are

starting to become a miserable company. I thought wellpoint, who owned Blue

cross last, was a unethical, amoral crappy company, but anthem may beat them

in that category.

-- Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange

County area

If you want doctors to be regulated as in some other country I think you

might consider moving there, instead of sticking the rest of us with

such a sub-optimal socialist system. Communism sounds great on paper

but when you apply it you get a very different result. The only way it

can work is for those in authority to have complete control, even over

whether you live or die; AND they must be willing to exercise that

authority. Even at the expense of murdering millions if required.

In some European countries many procedures are rationed, and you are not

allowed to pay for the procedure out of pocket. The example I read of

was a very [otherwise] healthy and robust mother who needed a heart

transplant. But she was too old per the guidelines, so she did not

qualify. So her son, who was quite affluent was prohibited from

attempting to save his mother's life in that system. Fable/old wives'

tale? I don't know.

Be careful what you wish for; you might get it. But it WILL NOT equate

to better medical care for the average person.

..

..

>

> Posted by: " Masiste " masiste79 (DOT) com

> <mailto:masiste79 (DOT) com?Subject=%20Re% 3A%20Thyroid% 20Doctor%

20in%20the% 20Los%20Angeles% 20%2F%20Orange% 20County% 20area>

> masiste79 <http://profiles. / masiste79>

>

>

> Thu Apr 2, 2009 12:30 pm (PDT)

>

> -- Thanks to all for your replies.

>

> I will make a few phone calls to see which Dr is best for me.

> Now I have a pool of numbers to call.

>

> I am going to drive to the pharmacy to see if they would give me a few

> more Armour untill I get to see another Dr.

>

> About pricing, I believe something has to be done with this health

> system. Some doctors are not into helping people live better through

> their medical profession, while earning a living, but instead, care

> less about patients, and are into this to make a fortune.

> I can imagine a lot of people can not pay 400, 800 , 1000 or 1500 for

> appointment fees. While some doctors make a fortune, they do it at the

> expense of millions of people dying unnecessarily early in their

> lives, and having terrible quality of lifes, because all the resourses

> are channelled the wrong way, into some bad doctors coffers.

> Dr appointment rates should be coded and regulated like it is in

> european nations.

[Guest guest]

Regarding Fox news: AFAIK I've never seen it. I don't watch tv. I'm able to

waste enough time on the internet! [ggg]

The only people who support socialism are the elite of the bureaucracy and those

who do not know understand human behavior.

..

..

>

> -

> this is one of the reason that I and other medical providers want a change

> in the healthcare system here. I pay $ 723./mon and although I only have a

> $500.00 deductible I am certain that next year my premiums will go up even

> more. Just because I have a chronic life threatening disease, sle. I also

> now pay 50% out of network . Many of my friends can't even get health

> insurx because they have just a diagnosis of thyroid disease or seasonal

> allergies. It is insane.

> There are over 4 million people who have zero health insurance in this

> country. It is criminal. We are at the mercy of the insurance companies. My

> insurx company, blue + just got bought by a company called Anthem, who are

> starting to become a miserable company. I thought wellpoint, who owned Blue

> cross last, was a unethical, amoral crappy company, but anthem may beat them

> in that category.

>

> -- Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange

> County area

>

> If you want doctors to be regulated as in some other country I think you

> might consider moving there, instead of sticking the rest of us with

> such a sub-optimal socialist system. Communism sounds great on paper

> but when you apply it you get a very different result. The only way it

> can work is for those in authority to have complete control, even over

> whether you live or die; AND they must be willing to exercise that

> authority. Even at the expense of murdering millions if required.

>

> In some European countries many procedures are rationed, and you are not

> allowed to pay for the procedure out of pocket. The example I read of

> was a very [otherwise] healthy and robust mother who needed a heart

> transplant. But she was too old per the guidelines, so she did not

> qualify. So her son, who was quite affluent was prohibited from

> attempting to save his mother's life in that system. Fable/old wives'

> tale? I don't know.

>

> Be careful what you wish for; you might get it. But it WILL NOT equate

> to better medical care for the average person.

>

>

> .

> .

>

> >

> > Posted by: " Masiste " masiste79 (DOT) com

> > <mailto:masiste79 (DOT) com?Subject=%20Re% 3A%20Thyroid% 20Doctor%

> 20in%20the% 20Los%20Angeles% 20%2F%20Orange% 20County% 20area>

> > masiste79 <http://profiles. / masiste79>

> >

> >

> > Thu Apr 2, 2009 12:30 pm (PDT)

> >

> > -- Thanks to all for your replies.

> >

> > I will make a few phone calls to see which Dr is best for me.

> > Now I have a pool of numbers to call.

> >

> > I am going to drive to the pharmacy to see if they would give me a few

> > more Armour untill I get to see another Dr.

> >

> > About pricing, I believe something has to be done with this health

> > system. Some doctors are not into helping people live better through

> > their medical profession, while earning a living, but instead, care

> > less about patients, and are into this to make a fortune.

> > I can imagine a lot of people can not pay 400, 800 , 1000 or 1500 for

> > appointment fees. While some doctors make a fortune, they do it at the

> > expense of millions of people dying unnecessarily early in their

> > lives, and having terrible quality of lifes, because all the resourses

> > are channelled the wrong way, into some bad doctors coffers.

> > Dr appointment rates should be coded and regulated like it is in

> > european nations.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm starting to feel the the same about unchecked capitalism. This country was

just raped by a group of greedy unregulated thugs that didn't care about the

future of this country. They've gone international now... there is no loyalty

to any one country anymore. They can take their trunk of money to the south of

France just as easily. Talk about unpatriotic. They grabbed as much as they

could while the getting was good. NOW wall street " experts " and analysts says

" We didn't see this (collapse) coming! " Talk about disingenuous. Greedy

bastards.

You're happy with this system? If you are... you don't understand human

behavior. BTW, you want to give up your socialist Post Office, libraries,

police, fire department? Just asking.

________________________________

From: jamesl33511 <res075oh@...>

hypothyroidism

Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2009 11:08:54 AM

Subject: Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange County

area

Regarding Fox news: AFAIK I've never seen it. I don't watch tv. I'm able to

waste enough time on the internet! [ggg]

The only people who support socialism are the elite of the bureaucracy and those

who do not know understand human behavior.

..

..

>

> -

> this is one of the reason that I and other medical providers want a change

> in the healthcare system here. I pay $ 723./mon and although I only have a

> $500.00 deductible I am certain that next year my premiums will go up even

> more. Just because I have a chronic life threatening disease, sle. I also

> now pay 50% out of network . Many of my friends can't even get health

> insurx because they have just a diagnosis of thyroid disease or seasonal

> allergies. It is insane.

> There are over 4 million people who have zero health insurance in this

> country. It is criminal. We are at the mercy of the insurance companies. My

> insurx company, blue + just got bought by a company called Anthem, who are

> starting to become a miserable company. I thought wellpoint, who owned Blue

> cross last, was a unethical, amoral crappy company, but anthem may beat them

> in that category.

>

> -- Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange

> County area

>

> If you want doctors to be regulated as in some other country I think you

> might consider moving there, instead of sticking the rest of us with

> such a sub-optimal socialist system. Communism sounds great on paper

> but when you apply it you get a very different result. The only way it

> can work is for those in authority to have complete control, even over

> whether you live or die; AND they must be willing to exercise that

> authority. Even at the expense of murdering millions if required.

>

> In some European countries many procedures are rationed, and you are not

> allowed to pay for the procedure out of pocket. The example I read of

> was a very [otherwise] healthy and robust mother who needed a heart

> transplant. But she was too old per the guidelines, so she did not

> qualify. So her son, who was quite affluent was prohibited from

> attempting to save his mother's life in that system. Fable/old wives'

> tale? I don't know.

>

> Be careful what you wish for; you might get it. But it WILL NOT equate

> to better medical care for the average person.

>

>

> .

> .

>

> >

> > Posted by: " Masiste " masiste79 (DOT) com

> > <mailto:masiste79@ . com?Subject= %20Re% 3A%20Thyroid% 20Doctor%

> 20in%20the% 20Los%20Angeles% 20%2F%20Orange% 20County% 20area>

> > masiste79 <http://profiles. / masiste79>

> >

> >

> > Thu Apr 2, 2009 12:30 pm (PDT)

> >

> > -- Thanks to all for your replies.

> >

> > I will make a few phone calls to see which Dr is best for me.

> > Now I have a pool of numbers to call.

> >

> > I am going to drive to the pharmacy to see if they would give me a few

> > more Armour untill I get to see another Dr.

> >

> > About pricing, I believe something has to be done with this health

> > system. Some doctors are not into helping people live better through

> > their medical profession, while earning a living, but instead, care

> > less about patients, and are into this to make a fortune.

> > I can imagine a lot of people can not pay 400, 800 , 1000 or 1500 for

> > appointment fees. While some doctors make a fortune, they do it at the

> > expense of millions of people dying unnecessarily early in their

> > lives, and having terrible quality of lifes, because all the resourses

> > are channelled the wrong way, into some bad doctors coffers.

> > Dr appointment rates should be coded and regulated like it is in

> > european nations.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I don't believe a doctor is allowed to charge for a copy of  lab results. Check

with Medicare/or your insurance company.

Roni

<>Just because something

isn't seen doesn't mean it's

not there<>

From: <res075oh@...>

Subject: Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange County

area

hypothyroidism

Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009, 4:52 PM

I'm under the impression that you are entitled by law to a  copy of your

medical records, including tests.  But FAIK that might vary from state

to state.  I'm in Florida.

There has to be some place you can ask about the rules in your state. 

Many places have a service like " Ask A Nurse " .  They might know how you

can get a temporary supply of medication, as well as what the rules on

lab results are in your state.  Charging $30 for running a ten cent copy

is a massive rip-off IMHO.

..

..

>

> On another note, is he allowed to charge me 30 dollars for my lab test

> results, lab test I paid for with my own CC in person at the lab

> facility ? My understanding is that I am entittled to my ab results,

> the doctor has no reason no right to charge 30 dollars for my lab results.

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I have marked this guy as spam, because I agree with Venezia that something is

wrong.

I don't even want to deal with this.

Roni

<>Just because something

isn't seen doesn't mean it's

not there<>

From: <res075oh@...>

Subject: Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange County

area

hypothyroidism

Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009, 7:06 PM

I'm sorely tempted to respond thus:  BS!  But instead I'll ask where

your " cure " is described in credible peer reviewed literature.   There

are thousands of sites who will promise to " cure " anything from hang

nail to decapitation if the price is right.  For the most part the most

vile [to me] criminal types; as I utterly loath those who enrich

themselves at the expense of sick, desperate and often ill informed

people.  Kindly put up or shut up.  There is no known cure for

hypothyroidism; despite claims of charlatans and other low-life types.

..

..

>       Posted by: " Tom Iyer " t_iyer@...

>   

   <mailto:t_iyer@...?Subject=%20Re%3A%20Thyroid%20Doctor%20in%20the%20Los\

%20Angeles%20%2F%20Orange%20County%20area>

>         t_iyer <t_iyer>

>

>

>         Sat Apr 4, 2009 4:02 am (PDT)

>

> Hi All,

> 

> That is why i was recommending this clinic at Bangalore, India for a

> COMPLETE CURE without any side-effects - it is an ayurvedic treatment.

> At the initial stages / beginning of the treatment one needs to visit

> the clinic and later on, you may visit once every six months

> (inbetween you may consult the doctor over telephone / skype - which

> is free, + send him all your latest lab reports) to check for

> progress. The treatment is generally for 18 to 36 months (depends on

> how many years of allopathic medications like thyronorm / thyroxin,

> etc., or other more serious medications with lot of side-effects like

> Ostro-arthritis, RA, kidney / liver failure, heart problem / diebetes

> etc., etc.,have gone in to your system - these toxins need to be

> removed from your system first) & the best part is no side effects &

> one can go back to normal routine / diet after the treatment is over.

> At the end of the treatment, you can (MUST) actually consult your

> endocrinologist to validate that you are  cured & let him/her certify

> that you are fully cured. Only then, be convinced that our medication

> / treatment has really worked for you. Ever after that, this clinic

> puts you on a year's monitoring to ensure that you are handholded.

> 

> Any questions / clarifications / need to get the clinic's address,

> please donot hesitate to contact me. I shall provide all help /

> support in this regard.I shall be happy if you are all cured of this

> disease.

> 

> Regards,

> Tom Iyer

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

What I do is request a copy directly from the lab when I am there to come to me.

I have no trouble with them sending me a copy, and they don't charge extra. I

also tell them which doctors I need them to send the results to, such as my

internist and cardiologist.

Roni

<>Just because something

isn't seen doesn't mean it's

not there<>

> I do not know one ethical provider that would charge for labs. It is

> considered unethical do that....

Are you saying all doctors are ethical?

I have never had a problem getting labs free, either, but plenty of

people on this list have complained about it. In my state, the law says

they have to provide a copy, but they are allowed to recover any

reasonable costs of doing so.

The lab I use actually makes a copy FOR the patient, which my doc is

always willing to share. It includes a complete record of previous lab

results, so I get a full history with each lab.

Chuck

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

The best solution I see to this problem, which is not very libertarian

of me (I'm libertarian) is to provide a voucher system that would be

sufficient to acquire insurance on the open market and to require

everyone to participate. All insurance companies that wished to take

vouchers would have to do so without condition. This would dramatically

lower the costs of insurance since it would include healthy and

unhealthy people equally. Hospitals would no longer be able to bill the

uninsured 3-7 times the cost of the services. (The hospital wanted

$90,000 for a $15,000 service when I had 4 stents placed 4.5 years ago.

We settled on $30,000 as paid in full but I still think I paid a 100%

markup.)

I pay about $1400/month for health insurance for 5 people total and my

deductible is $5750. Three of us could not get insurance on the open

market so we are insured by the State Insurance Health Pool at high cost.

Steve

Nancie Barnett wrote:

> -

> this is one of the reason that I and other medical providers want a change

> in the healthcare system here. I pay $ 723./mon and although I only have a

> $500.00 deductible I am certain that next year my premiums will go up even

> more. Just because I have a chronic life threatening disease, sle. I also

> now pay 50% out of network . Many of my friends can't even get health

> insurx because they have just a diagnosis of thyroid disease or seasonal

> allergies. It is insane.

> There are over 4 million people who have zero health insurance in this

> country. It is criminal. We are at the mercy of the insurance companies. My

> insurx company, blue + just got bought by a company called Anthem, who are

> starting to become a miserable company. I thought wellpoint, who owned Blue

> cross last, was a unethical, amoral crappy company, but anthem may beat them

> in that category.

>

> -- Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange

> County area

>

> If you want doctors to be regulated as in some other country I think you

> might consider moving there, instead of sticking the rest of us with

> such a sub-optimal socialist system. Communism sounds great on paper

> but when you apply it you get a very different result. The only way it

> can work is for those in authority to have complete control, even over

> whether you live or die; AND they must be willing to exercise that

> authority. Even at the expense of murdering millions if required.

>

> In some European countries many procedures are rationed, and you are not

> allowed to pay for the procedure out of pocket. The example I read of

> was a very [otherwise] healthy and robust mother who needed a heart

> transplant. But she was too old per the guidelines, so she did not

> qualify. So her son, who was quite affluent was prohibited from

> attempting to save his mother's life in that system. Fable/old wives'

> tale? I don't know.

>

> Be careful what you wish for; you might get it. But it WILL NOT equate

> to better medical care for the average person.

>

>

> .

> .

>

>> Posted by: " Masiste " masiste79 (DOT) com

>> <mailto:masiste79 (DOT) com?Subject=%20Re% 3A%20Thyroid% 20Doctor%

> 20in%20the% 20Los%20Angeles% 20%2F%20Orange% 20County% 20area>

>> masiste79 <http://profiles. / masiste79>

>>

>>

>> Thu Apr 2, 2009 12:30 pm (PDT)

>>

>> -- Thanks to all for your replies.

>>

>> I will make a few phone calls to see which Dr is best for me.

>> Now I have a pool of numbers to call.

>>

>> I am going to drive to the pharmacy to see if they would give me a few

>> more Armour untill I get to see another Dr.

>>

>> About pricing, I believe something has to be done with this health

>> system. Some doctors are not into helping people live better through

>> their medical profession, while earning a living, but instead, care

>> less about patients, and are into this to make a fortune.

>> I can imagine a lot of people can not pay 400, 800 , 1000 or 1500 for

>> appointment fees. While some doctors make a fortune, they do it at the

>> expense of millions of people dying unnecessarily early in their

>> lives, and having terrible quality of lifes, because all the resourses

>> are channelled the wrong way, into some bad doctors coffers.

>> Dr appointment rates should be coded and regulated like it is in

>> european nations.

--

Steve - dudescholar4@...

Take World's Smallest Political Quiz at

http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html

" If a thousand old beliefs were ruined on our march

to truth we must still march on. " --Stopford

[Guest guest]

I wish we had unchecked capitalism. Such has never existed, not even close.

wrote:

> I'm starting to feel the the same about unchecked capitalism.

--

Steve - dudescholar4@...

Take World's Smallest Political Quiz at

http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html

" If a thousand old beliefs were ruined on our march

to truth we must still march on. " --Stopford

[Guest guest]

You likely paid more than a 100% markup! My husband had rotator cuff surgery

last year...the insurance company got by with paying less than 10% of the billed

fee. I'm currently insured under my husband's company plan as well as Medicare

(my disability), but have also been in the 'uninsured' category more than once.

It just totally infuriates me whenever I hear people say that it's the fault of

the uninsured that medical costs have gone so high...that IS pure BS. The

insurance companies have a racket going...they make money at both ends...they

charge outrageous premiums, high deductibles and co-pays, then they turn around

and force medical providers to sign on to their 'negotiated' rates for services.

I haven't yet forgotten when medical insurance meant 'Major Medical' aka

catastrophic events...and the cost for a doctor's appointment was only

$10.00...even $20.00 as recently as the late 1980s. Medical providers can't

recoup the cost of their services through the insured, so they compensate by

charging higher fees to the uninsured, which just exacerbates the problem... If

any regulation is needed, it's in making it so the playing field is

leveled...make insurance companies pay the same fees the uninsured do and vice

versa...then, maybe we could get back to the days when everyone could afford to

see a doctor if they needed to... We've also been in the middle...had

insurance, but couldn't afford to go to the doctor after the premiums were

paid...there wasn't enough left over after house payment, utilities and such.

The kids went when they needed to and the rest of our money went towards the

'annual' bill that we always maintained with our son being hospitalized at least

once and usually twice a year. Most families (or individuals) don't have these

type of medical situations in their families...most use a minimal amount of what

they pay for. Had the hospital fees been the same for us as the insurance

company was able to get by with, we could have paid out of pocket for less than

the premiums we paid to be insured...the entire balance! But thanks to those

'negotiated' rates vs. the rates charged to the uninsured, it would have cost us

many times over the cost of the premiums had we not had insurance...

> ...Hospitals would no longer be able to bill the

> uninsured 3-7 times the cost of the services. (The hospital wanted

> $90,000 for a $15,000 service when I had 4 stents placed 4.5 years ago.

> We settled on $30,000 as paid in full but I still think I paid a 100%

> markup.)

>

> I pay about $1400/month for health insurance for 5 people total and my

> deductible is $5750. Three of us could not get insurance on the open

> market so we are insured by the State Insurance Health Pool at high cost.

>

> Steve

[Guest guest]

Ditto! Even as far back as the 60s and 70s, they regulated my Dad right out of

business...

> > I'm starting to feel the the same about unchecked capitalism.

>

> --

>

> Steve - dudescholar4@...

>

> Take World's Smallest Political Quiz at

> http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html

>

> " If a thousand old beliefs were ruined on our march

> to truth we must still march on. " --Stopford

>

[Guest guest]

The same thing goes on with dentists. I had to have extensive dental work done,

and now I am in hock because of that. I was not insured, and am positive I paid

a huge markup for services that would have been much less with insurance, but I

can't afford it.

Roni

<>Just because something

isn't seen doesn't mean it's

not there<>

From: cindy.seeley <cindy.seeley@...>

Subject: Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange County

area

hypothyroidism

Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2009, 10:55 AM

You likely paid more than a 100% markup!  My husband had rotator cuff surgery

last year...the insurance company got by with paying less than 10% of the billed

fee.  I'm currently insured under my husband's company plan as well as Medicare

(my disability), but have also been in the 'uninsured' category more than once. 

It just totally infuriates me whenever I hear people say that it's the fault of

the uninsured that medical costs have gone so high...that IS pure BS.  The

insurance companies have a racket going...they make money at both ends...they

charge outrageous premiums, high deductibles and co-pays, then they turn around

and force medical providers to sign on to their 'negotiated' rates for

services.  I haven't yet forgotten when medical insurance meant 'Major Medical'

aka catastrophic events...and the cost for a doctor's appointment was only

$10.00...even $20.00 as recently as the late 1980s.  Medical providers can't

recoup the cost of their

services through the insured, so they compensate by charging higher fees to the

uninsured, which just exacerbates the problem...  If any regulation is needed,

it's in making it so the playing field is leveled...make insurance companies pay

the same fees the uninsured do and vice versa...then, maybe we could get back to

the days when everyone could afford to see a doctor if they needed to...  We've

also been in the middle...had insurance, but couldn't afford to go to the doctor

after the premiums were paid...there wasn't enough left over after house

payment, utilities and such.  The kids went when they needed to and the rest of

our money went towards the 'annual' bill that we always maintained with our son

being hospitalized at least once and usually twice a year.  Most families (or

individuals) don't have these type of medical situations in their

families...most use a minimal amount of what they pay for.  Had the hospital

fees been the same for us

as the insurance company was able to get by with, we could have paid out of

pocket for less than the premiums we paid to be insured...the entire balance! 

But thanks to those 'negotiated' rates vs. the rates charged to the uninsured,

it would have cost us many times over the cost of the premiums had we not had

insurance...

> ...Hospitals would no longer be able to bill the

> uninsured 3-7 times the cost of the services.  (The hospital wanted

> $90,000 for a $15,000 service when I had 4 stents placed 4.5 years ago.

>   We settled on $30,000 as paid in full but I still think I paid a 100%

> markup.)

>

> I pay about $1400/month for health insurance for 5 people total and my

> deductible is $5750.  Three of us could not get insurance on the open

> market so we are insured by the State Insurance Health Pool at high cost.

>

> Steve

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Yeah! And again, it's because dental 'insurance' is tied in with medical

'insurance'...negotiated 'fees' for services rendered! We see the exact same

thing on the EOBs...and again, we've been in both positions...insured and

uninsured... The insurance companies make a profit from the 'insured' customer,

then pay a 'negotiated' fee...while the 'uninsured' pays excessive fees to

offset the difference... My husband and I have been saying for years,

" Americans are overinsured! " If we did away with insurance, everyone would pay

the same for the same services rendered...and we'd see less wasteful use of

medical services. People would use those services only when they really needed

them...

This doesn't even just apply to medical...it applies to home insurance, renters

insurance, car insurance, etc. etc. ...people use to come together when someone

had a fire and lost their home...the neighborhood all showed up to have a 'house

raising', or a 'barn raising'. The women took care of the food and children

while the men worked to rebuild a home...

It seems like just about every year we get notified by my husband's company (and

the same applied to the last company I worked for) about a new 'insurance'

benefit we are being offered... Both companies now offer a policy for 'long

term care' (nursing home insurance--for the employee, spouse and any elderly

family member they wish to cover)... Americans use to take care of their

elderly, rather than sending them away to a nursing home. Originally, nursing

homes were just that, a place where the elderly who needed constant medical care

that the family couldn't provide yet not severe enough to need hospitalization,

went to live, as well as those who were unable to live alone and had no family

(or willing friends) to care for them. Now, nursing homes have become a place

to send the elderly when they become an 'inconvenience' to their children...and

insurance companies have jumped at the opportunity to exploit another

opportunity that just makes it easier for some to do this and at the same time,

drives up the cost for those who really do need this service... As if that

weren't enough, OUR state legislators are currently trying to pass a bill that

would tack on a huge tax on nursing homes...a tax that would cost these

residents several thousand dollars a year...making it even less affordable and

depleting resources even more rapidly, forcing more of them onto Medicare

provided residency even more rapidly.

Most people don't comprehend that insurance companies aren't about 'paying for

services provided'; they are businesses...all about making a profit... They

answer to their 'board' and 'share holders'...and they are just another example

of 'inhibited' capitalism...government over-regulation, which ultimately always

drives up the cost of everything!

It wasn't until 'de-regulation' of the telephone industry that prices started to

come down and Americans finally gained options and services.

>

> The same thing goes on with dentists. I had to have extensive dental work

done, and now I am in hock because of that. I was not insured, and am positive I

paid a huge markup for services that would have been much less with insurance,

but I can't afford it.

>

>

> Roni

> <>Just because something

> isn't seen doesn't mean it's

> not there<>

[Guest guest]

The breakup and deregulation of the telephone company was one of the worst

farces to be perpetrated upon the public. The prices, fees and taxes have gone

up and up, and the service has gone down and down. Insurance companies need to

be reined in by the federal government, like the banks and mortgage lenders

needed to be reined in. The oversight and regulation of these entities has been

deregulated over the last eight years, and has increasingly made it more

expensive and less effective for everyone. Then the breakdown in the economy

because of them was the last straw.

Roni

<>Just because something

isn't seen doesn't mean it's

not there<>

From: cindy.seeley <cindy.seeley@...>

Subject: Re: Thyroid Doctor in the Los Angeles / Orange County

area

hypothyroidism

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 8:51 AM

Yeah!  And again, it's because dental 'insurance' is tied in with medical

'insurance'...negotiated 'fees' for services rendered!  We see the exact same

thing on the EOBs...and again, we've been in both positions...insured and

uninsured...  The insurance companies make a profit from the 'insured' customer,

then pay a 'negotiated' fee...while the 'uninsured' pays excessive fees to

offset the difference...  My husband and I have been saying for years,

" Americans are overinsured! "   If we did away with insurance, everyone would pay

the same for the same services rendered...and we'd see less wasteful use of

medical services.  People would use those services only when they really needed

them...

This doesn't even just apply to medical...it applies to home insurance, renters

insurance, car insurance, etc. etc. ...people use to come together when someone

had a fire and lost their home...the neighborhood all showed up to have a 'house

raising', or a 'barn raising'.  The women took care of the food and children

while the men worked to rebuild a home...

It seems like just about every year we get notified by my husband's company (and

the same applied to the last company I worked for) about a new 'insurance'

benefit we are being offered...  Both companies now offer a policy for 'long

term care' (nursing home insurance--for the employee, spouse and any elderly

family member they wish to cover)...  Americans use to take care of their

elderly, rather than sending them away to a nursing home.  Originally, nursing

homes were just that, a place where the elderly who needed constant medical care

that the family couldn't provide yet not severe enough to need hospitalization,

went to live, as well as those who were unable to live alone and had no family

(or willing friends) to care for them.  Now, nursing homes have become a place

to send the elderly when they become an 'inconvenience' to their children...and

insurance companies have jumped at the opportunity to exploit another

opportunity that just makes it

easier for some to do this and at the same time, drives up the cost for those

who really do need this service...  As if that weren't enough, OUR state

legislators are currently trying to pass a bill that would tack on a huge tax on

nursing homes...a tax that would cost these residents several thousand dollars a

year...making it even less affordable and depleting resources even more rapidly,

forcing more of them onto Medicare provided residency even more rapidly.

Most people don't comprehend that insurance companies aren't about 'paying for

services provided'; they are businesses...all about making a profit...  They

answer to their 'board' and 'share holders'...and they are just another example

of 'inhibited' capitalism...government over-regulation, which ultimately always

drives up the cost of everything!

It wasn't until 'de-regulation' of the telephone industry that prices started to

come down and Americans finally gained options and services.

>

> The same thing goes on with dentists. I had to have extensive dental work

done, and now I am in hock because of that. I was not insured, and am positive I

paid a huge markup for services that would have been much less with insurance,

but I can't afford it.

>

>

> Roni

> <>Just because something

> isn't seen doesn't mean it's

> not there<>

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