Want to talk to your cardiologist? $7,500 extra per year up-front, one Calif. doctor says
Source: Los Angeles Times
By David Lazarus
... "You never know when you'll need to reach your cardiologist," said Mike Oppenheim, 73, who was diagnosed as having a faulty heart valve several years ago. He'll need surgery at some point to fix it.
... From now on, though, he'll have to pay a fee of as much as $7,500 a year — on top of his normal healthcare costs — if he wants to get in touch with his heart doctor by phone or email and receive top-notch care.
... I'm sorry, but for people with a heart problem, you'd think every diagnostic test is a priority. Moreover, since when is it considered a premium service to be able to reach your doctor by email, especially if you have a chronic condition?
... Or, put another way, it's a mechanism for wealthier patients to receive the level of care all patients deserve — and for everyone else to make do with whatever is left.
Read more: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lazarus-20130924,0,3129433.column
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