As you sit and wonder why so many of us in “Primary Care” are…well, upset to say the least, please enjoy this recent posting (kept anonymous) by a fellow Family Physician:

“In recent days, I have come to regret not being a specialist. If I was then I would be able to afford the care being recommended by the dermatology oncologist I saw yesterday. I had an unusual place come up on my cheek a few months ago. Just like a blackhead that wouldn’t go away. Finally got it biopsied and as everyone suspected, turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. So I went to see the dermatologist because the plastics guy next door who took care of the biopsy for me recommended that I get a MOHS procedure to have the lesion removed. While I was setting up the appointment for the procedure I asked what the charges would be and was told the average lesion ran $2800 but the cost could range from $1300 to $7800 depending on how many passes were needed. I asked how long the procedure took and was told that I would be there for about 3 hours but I should bring a book or something because most of that time was waiting and that the whole procedure was done in about 20 mins total doc time. The doctor doing mine does 6 at one time. So even if he only gets the average for the 6 patients he is making over $16800 for approximately 2 hours of work. Meanwhile, I am supposed to be satisfied with $1700 on average for 9 months of prenatal care, delivery and 6 weeks post-partum care. Unfreaking believable. What does this doctor do that makes his services worth $650160 for 9 months on this one procedure and mine is only worth $1700. Something has got to give”

Questions or comments?