$83,384 is the approximate cost of a replacement pacemaker

[DAB]

at least that's the going rate around here according to the screwed up billing dept at the hospital.

surgery was early April, got the statement today (3+ months later). but that cost does include lunch (i had salmon and chocolate pudding) :yum: and you get to keep the old pacemaker!

they say i owe them money. no....i already paid you what I owe, take another look Claire. :DAB::DAB:

[Mike Mercury]

83,384 is the approximate cost of a replacement pacemaker

I think I'd wait a few months until

Harbor Freight sells them for $29.95 (with a free LED flashlight).

[Sea Six]

Doug, I'd be happy to take your case Pro Bono.

[Bill]

I think I'd wait a few months until

Harbor Freight sells them for $29.95 (with a free LED flashlight).

Just need 4 or 5 Harbor Freight defibrillators on hand, so when the pacer stops working all of the sudden, you can shock your heart back with the first of the five defibrillators that actually works.

[Aerovette]

It's worth it to keep my dad around. I'm not sure what his ran. I'll have to see if he knows.

[MrPeabody]

Between ablations, pacemakers and other care I figure we've got close to a million wrapped up in my wife's pulse. Or rather a few insurance companies and Medicare do.:yesnod:

DAB, you may want to consider donating your old one for veterinary purposes.

[LisaJohn]

Is lunch itemized on the statement? How much was lunch?

[Cybercowboy]

They cost that much because they have to cover the 15 other people who don't have insurance, because illegal.

[markids77]

They cost that much because they have to cover the 15 other people who don't have insurance, because illegal.
That's a part but the cost is really so high because every single entity involved is a for profit business, and there are almost no options available for the care unless you leave the US to get it. The only "competition" there is in medical care here is a competition to see who can make the most money on each and every item or service used or rendered for each patient.

[VITE1]

Cost in Singapore, high end, is 20k.

That because they have published prices and everyone has HSA accounts to pay for day to day medical care.

[VITE1]

That's a part but the cost is really so high because every single entity involved is a for profit business, and there are almost no options available for the care unless you leave the US to get it. The only "competition" there is in medical care here is a competition to see who can make the most money on each and every item or service used or rendered for each patient.

Psst

The real reason is OPM. Look up Milton friedman and his review of why our HC is so expensive.

[Cybercowboy]

Psst

The real reason is OPM. Look up Milton friedman and his review of why our HC is so expensive.

OPM = Other People's Money, in case anyone was confused. And yes, this is the correct answer.