Money-greedy doctors and private hospitals in Singapore raising medical bills

[Johnrambo]

I hope these greedy doctors receive their just retribution. Dishonest and greedy like Wall Street bankers.

http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/rein-in-overcharging-by-doctors-hospitals

My grandson was admitted to a private hospital for hand, foot and mouth disease, from March 11 to March 13. The total bill came up to $7,472, comprising the doctor's fee of $2,140 and hospital charges of $5,332. The doctor made three visits - this works out to slightly more than $700 per visit.

For a common disease like this, these charges seem exorbitant. Even though this can be claimed from insurance, unnecessarily inflating costs will contribute to an inevitable rise in insurance premiums.

Back in 1984, when my son had a hernia operation as a one-year-old, the doctor chided me for not telling him that the procedure was covered by my then employer, and said that if he had known I could have claimed from insurance, he would have charged double.

 

[nayr69sg]

It was CCS that forbid SMA from having guidelines on fees. That started the ball rolling

When you have a system where Dr can charge anything he or she wants what do you expect?

Onus is then pushed onto the consumer. But it is well known that healthcare economics is not the same as other industries. The consumer doesn't know.

It is a bit like people buying Mercedes and BMWs then complaining that they have been overcharged. WTF?

If you want to be in control and have autonomy then you have to take responsibility for your choices e.g. which specialist you choose what procedures you agree to do what hospitalization advice you agree to etc.

Patients whine too much too.

 

[nayr69sg]

With health care there will always always be someone unhappy. Either the patient. The healthcare providers. Or the payer of health care e.g. govt.

I say better the govt be the one unhappy and habe to figure out how to pay.

Patients should have the peace of mind that whatever happens they won't go bankrupt due to injury or illness.

Healthcare providers should have their fees negotiated in a schedule. Standard fee for same procedure.

I just described Canada universal health care system

Let politicians have to juggle lah.