Boult said:
I thought I would let you all know about this!
There were some members who claims that doctors are trying to make fortunes from CI operations.. eh..
http://www.azstarnet.com/dailystar/news/138947.php
This is a good point to note. I really don't believe doctors are trying to make fortunes off of implantations. That's sort of stupid to think that way. The doctor only does the initial implantation surgery. After that, as you know, the person is referred to his or her audie for activation and subsequent mappings, no? Therefore, it's a bit of a reach to say that doctors are trying to make fortunes off the procedure. That's just not happening. Especially, when you factor in HMO coverage. HMOs typically pre-determine how much they are going to pay for a particular procedure. I don't see why CI implantation is any different.
As for medicaid and medicare, it's a bit of a shock to me that they pay for the procedure at all. At least, across the board. I have experience with Medicaid in FL, and I can tell you that they are stingy about what they will and won't cover. I must confess to not knowing that much about coverage for the deaf (I'm hearing), but I'm making the point that health coverage in this society is becoming slimmer by the day.
The ONLY instance I can see where a doctor is making a killing, is plastic surgery. However, they tend to cater to the rich and famous, so they can pretty much bypass health insurances, since their clients pay out of pocket, and money is no object to someone wanting a facelift.
