Medical Bills

Being a Canadian living in the USA my eyes have really been opened to the EXPENSES of health Care. In Canada you never see just a bill/ statement or anything explaining how much the services you received who have cost you or actually cost the system. Here in the USA you get an a letter tell you how much a provider is going to bill your insurance & then Explanation of Benefits (EOB)from your insurance & then the BILL!

So an ultrasound when pregnant is around $450.00 (I had an average 3-5 with every pregnancy) The 9 months of medical care & delivery is around $2700 here in our state.

Lately Hubby has had a LOT of medical tests done. An MRI cost around $2269 that's not with the Radiologist cost (haven't received that bill yet). A CT SCAN is around $4100 (OUCH). Who knew these test were so darn expensive. Luckily most insurance companies have a pricing worked out & it reduces the cost. The MRI bill has come back & it's now around $1300 (better but still not "free") like in Canada.

There are many differences between Canada & the USA health Care. I LOVE the fact that we NEVER wait for any procedure but OUCH the cost for that service.

Hubby's back...

Well the week is over and another is soon starting & we are no further ahead! Last week alone hubby had 2 MRIs, Xray, appt with Family physician, appt with physiatrist, physiotherapy (PT) 3 changes to his medication regime & we aren't done yet.

I am happy to say the PT helped a little but hubby's pain is still HIGH!!! He's on some really strong pain killer & they are barely touching the pain. The Physiatrist is considering an epidural for pain relief (hello I had 3 babies without drugs & he's the one that might get the epidural)!

Tuesday is hopefully the last test to figure out what the heck is wrong with hubby. He is going for a bone scan which will take the better part of a day & it's basically to decide if "spots" on his pelvics are fat tissue or cancer. Have I mentioned I am grateful we are in the USA. I know having worked in the health care system in Canada not too long ago, what we have had done so far would have taken a heck of a lot longer than 10 days, not cost us as much (nearly nothing) but 10 days! We have been worried, stressed, not sleeping/eating well and I am grateful that its only 10 days! I can't imagine the stress on anyone going through any medical investigations in Canada!

HEALTH CARE

Most of you are aware we are Canadian & moved to the USA 18 months ago. Long enough to get pregnant & have an 8 month old. The Birthing experience was AMAZING & my prenatal care was also good. Anytime an ultrasound was required it occurred according to my schedule (actually hubby's). Yes I know we PAID a LOT of money for that kind of care.

Hubby has done something to his back (who knows how/what) but the pain has been horrible! Today we went to the doctor (called on a Monday morning & got in 3 hours later & didn't have to wait 2 hours once @ the office)! Then the doctor decided an MRI was needed. SHE walked out of the office & called the imagining centre & booked the MRI herself (yes she did not her nurse)! When she came back into our room & handed us the requisition the appt is scheduled for tomorrow @ 830pm. Yes within 36 hours of the call we have the MRI booked.

Hubby then came home & called the MRI place to see what their cancellation policy is in case the mitt full of drugs the doctor prescribed starts working & he can cancel at any time without penalty or being charge!! YAHOO.. I know if we have the MRI we will pay for that too (somewhat)! But boy is it nice to get the tests/procedures done quickly! It's not wait & see then wait some more for them to have an opening! This is as an out patient!!