"Strabo" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 23 Jun 2004 15:46:53 GMT, "Jeff McCann"
wrote:

"Strabo" wrote in message
news [snip]
My point is that if a service sees high then we should
ask if it is relatively higher than it was 30 or 40 years ago.

A simple fracture of the lower leg is remedied today
just as it was then, an x-ray, setting and time and materials
for a cast.

For a cash payment and adjusting for inflation, one would assume
that the differences would first be in additional paperwork,
plant overhead, material costs or salaries. If it still doesn't
jive then waste, corruption and profit margins are the issue.

I assume perceived value of a mended leg is the same.

Today, you would likely be referred to an orthopedist, or the on-call
orthopedist would come to the ER to set your leg. Additional imaging
may be ordered. You would also likely get physical therapy services.
If it is a difficult or complicated fracture, surgery may be in
order,
and the odds of full recovery are much greater. Complication rates
are
also lower today than in years gone by, when your leg may have been
set
by a GP in the ER. There is a qualitative difference in the care
received.

Jeff

I said, a 'simple fracture'.

What would have taked two hours and a few dollars in materials
today takes a day and $1500-$2000+.

The other notable high priced service is law. Not a coincidence
that both involve life threatening issues.

Maybe we are over-doctored as well as over-lawyered?

Jeff