Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

I got the same procedure at a cash-only walk-in clinic. (Eight stitches, actually -- a chunk of flesh was literally dangling from my finger.) $200.

We will never get control of the insane cost of health care until we force medical facilities to actually compete with each other.




Normal countries do this by imposing price controls, and it works remarkably well to contain costs. Why can't the US do the same?


Unfortunately, central planning stifles innovation. We have the best cutting-edge medical technology in the world for the few who would like it and can afford it. But by eliminating pricing transparency we've also eliminated the incentive to make those technologies cheaper and more accessible to the common man.


You don't need innovation for the usual complaints that you see a primary care physician for - broken arm, throat infection &c. That stuff lends itself to standardization and following of protocols.


Except when your broken arm needs to be reduced or you have an open fracture and you require moderate sedation to have a physician perform those procedures. Not so standardized and not to protocolized.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: