Why does it cost $60,000 to reattach your middle finger at the hospital? Is this figure overblown?

Question

I've just watched the movie SICKO. Do Americans really have to pay so much? Why the hell are the charges so ridiculous?

Go to some other country (Korea, Singapore, Thailand, etc) and see how much it cost. Your US$60,000 can reattach not just your finger, but both your hands as well. Throw in a nice vacation package at the end of the treatment. :)

Or go to Canada, UK, France, etc and you get it for free.

Answer 1

Prices are ridiculous because of one reason: Insurance. I'm sure if insurance didn't exist and everyone had to pay hospital fees out of their own pocket then they'd be more reasonably priced, but that's not the case.

Since most American Citizens have big Insurance companies paying for everything, they can easily be charged much more than is really needed. But if reattaching a finger isn't covered by your insurance company, then I guess you're screwed.

Answer 2

Reattaching Fingers

Answer 3

I am a doctor, and I agree that is awfully expensive. Since most people can easily live without a middle finger, there is no reason to reattach it. That would be much cheaper.

Just think, no long hours in the operating room. No advanced microsurgical skills needed. No anesthesia needed. No therapy to recover function. Less risk of serious infection, so less need for antibiotics and skilled nursing observation. A person with an amputated finger probably would not even need to stay overnight in the hospital.

How much is you middle finger worth to you?

BTW, the scenario I described is what most Cubans would get. Remember the Cuban system is what (that idiot) Michael Moore is championing.

Answer 4

It's so expensive b/c people like Michael Moore cause doctors charge more due to the fact that they have to pay tons of money in malpractice insurance. SICKO is a pathetic movie.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, the medical field is not at all what it used to be. Years ago, many hospitals used to be volunteer-run and owned by religious orders (monks, nuns, etc.). Now it's all run by greed and most doctors only have one thing on their mind: how to make the most money. I think that's crazy because everyone should be able to have good health, and it shouldn't be a matter of whether or not they can pay for it. You mentioned that it's free or much cheaper in other countries; look at the people in those countries as compared to Americans and you'll notice that for most of them, money is not the only thing that's important to them in life. And we wonder why people in other countries hate Americans so much...

Answer 6

What would you charge to re-attach a finger?
Consider the fact that it takes many years of college, internships and LOTS of money to become a surgeon. Combine that with the cost to carry malpractice insurance. Add the delicacy it takes to re-attach a finger...the nerves and vessels involved...I don't think the charge is really all that riduculous.

Answer 7

1

Answer 8

that is so much. im glad we get all medical costs for free over here (in uk.) How can you prepare for having to pay $60,000!