Health system rife with overcomplication
Two weeks ago, I went to Methodist Hospital for a cortisone injection in an attempt to relieve the pain I've been having from a herniated disk. When the doctor's office called me with instructions, I asked them how much this procedure would cost. They said they wouldn't know until they processed my insurance. The day before my appointment, the hospital staff informed me that I would have to show up the next day and pay $400 out of pocket. Fortunately, my parents wired me the money that day to cover this unexpected financial imposition. During the consultation with my physician, I asked him how much a cortisone injection cost. I already knew what it cost me, but when I posed the question to him, he had no idea.