Opus 2012-219, Blood Work

Before my recent annual visit to the doctor I had to have blood work done.  I used to have it done at the hospital.  They were on the lab slip and actually the only place I could get the work done when I needed to be fasting.  My wife started using a lab by her doctor’s office.  In her usual thorough way she compared the costs of the hospital tests and the independent lab.  She was shocked.  The hospital charged significantly more than the other lab.  We checked around and found one that was open early and I started going. 

It has been a rewarding change in three ways.  First, it lowers the amount of money spent by the insurance company.  If we want to keep medical costs down this is important.  Second, the amount I had to pay was lower.  I can live with that.  Third, it was much faster.  It seemed like every time I went into the hospital I had to fill out all kinds of forms and sit around until someone decided to show up.  At the other lab they took a picture of my insurance card, I filled out my name and address and the needles came out. 

Cost and speed are a good combination.  This is a good example of how the smaller company, working in a small office, can compete with the behemoth hospital.  When we gripe about how the big chains are driving the small guys out of business, that is not always the case if the small guys are willing to work.  People will respond to an excellent product and good service.

I want the government to get out of it and let the market make the decision about who is successful.  I don’t care if it is health care, food content or how my car is powered.  Let me make the decision that is best for me.

Of course the other side of that is I must be willing to live with the consequences but that is a rant for another day.

homo unius libri