Paying for medical care has always been a challenge but in this economy it is overwhelming.  It is a saga that plays out over and over, not only in my office but in offices all over the country.

I see it every day on the front line.  A new year brings hope of a better future and also a new unmet insurance deductible. For a lower, more affordable monthly premium you get stuck with a higher deductible; deductibles ranging from $2,000-$10,000 are now the norm.  That's if, you are fortunate enough to have a job that provides medical insurance at all.

Your child falls and breaks their arm (believe me it happens).  Your friendly local orthopedic surgeon takes x-rays, reduces the fracture and places your bundle of joy in a cast.  The bill is $600 (believe me it's a lot more than that but you get the idea).  It's still early in the year and no one from your family has been to the doctor yet.  Guess what?...that entire $600 bill comes out of your pocket.

Next month your wife hurts her back and has pain radiating down her leg, after trying to fix the dishwasher (no money for a plumber).  For 2 weeks, she tries everything but the pain will not let up.  Out of home remedies, she chooses to come to my office for a visit.  Exam and x-rays are $250 and she is given a prescription for physical therapy (PT) 3-times a week for 4-6 weeks.  That $250...you got it...it comes out of her pocket.  Oh, and don't forget the PT.  It is $100 dollars a visit; so that's another $300 per week.  

Your wife returns for a follow-up visit in a few weeks and her pain is 60% better but still significant.  Do you have any idea what an MRI costs?...about $1,000 (give or take). fyi-I don't get a penny of that.

I know what you are thinking...that damn greedy doctor!  Greedy? Hmm...am I really? 

Before I make a penny, my overhead is greater than 50%.  20% of people will never pay me.  In addition, I must provide free care (in my office) because of my mandatory obligation to the local community hospital's ER.  The hospital receives tax dollars to cover a portion their expenses.  I am forced to eat it without salt.

Fortunately, your child's arm healed just fine and with the proper care, your wife's sciatica has resolved (and I didn't rush her to an operation that she didn't need).  Thankfully, the system worked well!

Oh yeah...am I ever gonna get paid?