I go to what is considered to be an ‘Amish’ medical practice. (many Amish and horse & buggy Mennonite go there.)
They do NOT accept insurance and all services are paid in cash, credit card or by prior arrangement.
They know that YOU are writing a check and earning the money to pay them. Consequently they are sensitive about cost and do not order unnecessary tests etc and charge reasonable rates. While there are some of the ‘modern ways’ they don’t do – no fancy office, no muzac while you are holding etc… they are superior in many ways:
Example One: I went to see doctor for a problem and he spent 30 minutes interviewing me BEFORE he even touched me!
Example Two: I went for a physical and the Doctor suggest that he’d like me to take an EKG. ‘How much is that?” I asked. “Oh we do it right here and will have the results immediately. It’s $30.” !!!
Now in the ‘real world’ and EKG would require a visit to some other place and then a follow up visit to discuss the results. Besides the extensive time involved in that way, I am certain it would cost a lot more than $30!
The big problem I see is that hospitals charge those without insurance 2-3 times as much in some instances. Why? Because they can.
