Wide Variation in Doctor Fees
The researchers analyzed more than 40 million claims filed in 2007 for nearly a dozen types of service ranging from five-minute check-ups to comprehensive exams. The most common claim filed was for a “problem-focused” exam lasting about 15 minutes with a patient the physician already knew.
The lowest-paid 5 percent of doctors received $47 or less for the visit while the highest-paid 5 percent received $86 or more. The average reimbursement amount was $63. For more complex, yet identical, office visits lasting longer and involving a new patient, the reimbursements ranged from $103 or less to $257 or more.
I think that doctors should be able to charge the highest price that their market will pay.
Too bad the patient has little idea of what the doctor is getting from the insurance company.
Yeah thats absolutely correct.
Yes, but the patient should also pay the bill out of pocket and have the right to see care providers who may or may not have an MD or DO behind their name.
Completely true
“The take-away message is to get a quote before you go to the doctor’s office and consider shopping around,”
Well yeah, there is no reason you should not be looking at the differences in price at anything before buying. Especially high cost items like healthcare.
It’s hard to “shop around” with health care. Maybe I just worry too much, but I want a trusted doctor. Referrals are valuable
What if a Doctor were to have no license but recommended as the best available?
For the amount of time spent by doctors and their staff negotiating with insurance companies, I think they would be better off by going to a cash only business.
And many more will probably do that as time goes on.
How useful is this. It doesn’t measure the patient costs. Another $25 to get an appointment right away and be seen on time?
Well worth it for me, but tastes and preferences differ.
And then there’s the small difference of geographic differences in rent, staffing, supply, and demand….