A.N.T.S.

Cin wrote:
Here is a list, by state, of doctors who take cash (scroll down)

https://directprimarycarejournal.com/find-direct-primary-care-direct-care-doctors_dpc_2015_2016/

I looked at one of those listed in my state and that Dr. also took insurance so I don’t think this list is cash only providers. It also doesn’t list my doctor who I know takes cash, even though he also takes insurance…..just like the one I saw on this site.

I do think that a cash basis for health care would be better for everyone in the long run. There’s not many other services where you don’t have to pay before services are provided. I needed a tow truck last week and they required payment before they would even touch the vehicle. I get it…..really, I do. So, why would medical care be any different? Doctors need to be paid for services too. Clearly, emergency situations would have to be handled a bit differently. The way things are set up now, people don’t even know what they are paying for when they get hospitalized. The prices should be posted right up front for everyone to see and clearly itemized. Then you choose which services you want but hopefully not before you check prices elsewhere……competition. If you have insurance, it would be your responsibility to submit the bills to the insurance company to get paid. That way, everyone will pay attention to their bills, know how much services cost, and be more diligent about correct bills, thus reducing fraud. Insurance companies would also have to be more responsive to their customers. Word gets out fast about which companies are great and which ones aren’t…..just like car insurance (although that’s a racket too….but I digress). Putting more choices into the mix, along with more transparency in costs, would help to reduce overall health care costs in general.

Statistics: Posted by angie_nrs — Fri Jan 27, 2017 8:54 pm

I thick the American Dream is alive and well on the fringes! I don’t see it where I work, even among those making excellent money as corporate america kills any kind of free thought or speech.

I see it all the time in entrepreneurs at the antique and car shows I attend! It never was a job and security to me, it is independence! Last weekend I met a 20 something guy selling vintage military badges and pins. He was motivated and knowledgeable, judging by his inventory and his eagerness to buy, I would say he was also doing very well.

I would say it is alive and well, but a traditional job or education may kill it in a hurry! Swamp

Statistics: Posted by daaswampman — Fri Jan 27, 2017 7:58 pm

I have insurance, but my PCP is cash. I think your going to see much more of this in the very near future, as those who can afford it will pay for convenience and quality.

He got tired of seeing broke down Medicaid Patients for twelve bucks a pop with a load of paperwork. Now he has a life, a cell phone, and will even make house calls! He told me he is making just as much in half the time, but his real motivation is having patients actually trying to stay well. I am sure I will now hear endless sad personal stories, but medical care is a business and even a Doctor needs a life.

I know I have a poor attitue, but try spending your days listening to unmotivated old fat people, wanting another magic pill to fix all that is wrong in their life. Swamp

Statistics: Posted by daaswampman — Fri Jan 27, 2017 6:52 pm

I think it is great, especially for people who can’t afford the stupid rate increases over the last 8 years. One of the Dr.s I go to doesn’t take insurance, and my neighbor’s Dr.s, insurance won’t pay for (considered elective procedures) so there are a lot of us out there using cash, even with some insurance. When I had my ankle put back together 3 years ago the receptionist at the Dr. office told us it was often 6mo. to 9 mo. before they were reimbursed. That is crazy.

Statistics: Posted by Stahlrosen — Fri Jan 27, 2017 6:42 pm

I was told I needed a colonoscopy. I didnt have insurance. I called the Dr. and he said he charged $800 but if I would pay $500 up front he would do it. I called the hospital and they said they charged $1200 but if I would pay $600 up front they would do it. After the procedure the hospital sent my $600 back to me.

Statistics: Posted by peekachoo — Fri Jan 27, 2017 6:22 pm

My PCP is cash only. Has been for 3 yrs.

He stopped taking my ins first, big national carrier because they were so slow to reimburse. Then he stopped taking all ins and went to cash only.

While you can still schedule an office visit, he began using video chat or phone calls for well established patients this month. Pay first online. Sinus infection, flu, UTI, $40 for 10 minute consult and the prescription is sent while you’re on the phone.

Not for the seriously ill but it works for me.

Statistics: Posted by Blondie — Fri Jan 27, 2017 5:25 pm

old girlfriend of mine called telling about the need for knee surgery – $XXX amount for the operation – no insurance and she was paying thru a cash payment …. told her to get new operation cost estimates and specifically mention that it would be cash …. half the cost ….

Statistics: Posted by Illini Warrior — Fri Jan 27, 2017 4:35 pm

I think it also varies on what the American Dream is nowadays.

Used to be a good paying job with job security, home ownership, stable family, good schools for the kids, the annual family vacation, that kind of thing.

Now, depends on whom you ask.

I have lived in urban areas, sub-burbs, rural and even a war zone. In order of preference: Rural, urban, war zone, sub-burbs.

Statistics: Posted by Cast Iron — Fri Jan 27, 2017 2:14 pm

The Dream is still there. However, actually ACHIEVING the dream…well, that’s another story. MUCH more difficult to achieve.

Statistics: Posted by IceFire — Fri Jan 27, 2017 1:07 pm

I agree. Its alive and well, but it is very elusive today. Its hard for those just starting out, no real good entry level jobs, or at least not enough of them.

Statistics: Posted by Gunns — Fri Jan 27, 2017 12:18 pm

donba wrote:
I recently took a ride in an ambulance, had I known I would have had my wife drive me the 6 blocks. Over $1,200.00 to go 6 blocks. I almost went back in the Hospital when we got the bill. Doctors would come into my room, look at my chart ask me how I was feeling and leave. Their bill $ 1,300. or $1,400.for less than a 5 minuet visit. The insurance paid it, they have no shame……..

That’s really not that expensive considering. My brother owned the Ambulance service in my home town and there are high overheads. The buildings, the wages, the expense of cleaning up after a trip even if there are no fluids, they need to sterilize. Also the state charges for every thing used in the Ambulance. You get on the gurney, state gets a cut, you get o2, state gets a cut, you use a band aid the state gets a cut and so on. Not to mention my brothers insurance. Costs him hundreds of dollars per trip. You would be surprised how many he saved then they sued him because of the pain they had when they crashed. Ridiculous.

Statistics: Posted by Gunns — Fri Jan 27, 2017 11:50 am

Those are some good thoughts, haven’t heard of anything like that as yet. I do know that ISIS has been hitting the grid out west and disrupting the power there. But have not heard of any activity here. No storms of lately, but power surge sounds doable. I check around with some friend in that area and see if anything in that line of thinking happened. Thanks for the input.

Statistics: Posted by Cadit — Fri Jan 27, 2017 11:29 am

Well I too see it as an opportunity for those of us that are red blooded Americans to set our feet in resistance and push ahead and demand our elected officials to obey or be replaced. Those that have voted against the good welfare of the people of this country and its idiot sheep need to be removed and all sheep dogs must be on alert. You know as well as I do that some type of war is coming, wither on American soil or upon the waters of life, we must be prepared and unified.

Not all have the resources to build a survival farm, nor do we have the ability to buy all those things as support. Only through the continual small purchases and putting aside well they be able to survive. Those of us that live in communities must pull those resident together and bond a relationship to survive. Better Comms and communication among those of like minded people. We all know that there is greater survival with greater numbers. Our vigilance should not be a occasional thing, but a continual observance. In the early days of this country, we had town criers, people who 24/7 was announcing the date, time and any news to the town and its people. Ben Franklin started a new type of crier called the news paper, but todays news is corrupted and unreliable. We must have a reliable means of communication of what’s true and timely.

We as ants don’t have that as yet, we come here ( which is good ) but only air what we think, but not what is true and happening to help us prepare. Our map is a great thing in letting others know we are in dire straights and need help. But we need more, we need to look at those of the past; like the minutemen, who was ready on a moments notice, and could react. All I see are; some of us are prepared and some are trying, most are in that dark place and don’t know what to expect. We are a community of Preppers, Survivalist and most of all; Americans. No matter if its 2017 or 1717, times are hard and oppressed.

We need to bond more closely, have regular talks here on a scheduled time, have gatherings, we have enough people in the area to do that, some may have to drive an hour, but brothers; the bonding needs to start now.

Cadit

Statistics: Posted by Cadit — Fri Jan 27, 2017 11:21 am

I’m not a ham, but I’d wonder about lightning storms in the area, or if they are all connected to the power grid and if there was a over or under-voltage condition messing things up.

Statistics: Posted by dmwalsh568 — Fri Jan 27, 2017 11:18 am