Watch it if you dare...
 

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

Watch it if you dare...
 

H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health insurance
(or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about $3200.

The fourth guy, whose boat is between ours, age 55, has never had a
colonoscopy, wasn't there as he just had surgery for Colorectal cancer.
Starts chemo next week. No one knows this except me, so I couldn't
throw it out as an example.

I'm sure that the guy who cannot afford an exam would be taken care of
if he had cancer, and it would cost you and I far more than the cost of
the exam.

We don't put the effort into prevention, but spend a lot on treatment.

Wellness is cheap. Cancer surgery and chemotherapy is expensive.

Watch it if you dare...
 

Jim wrote:
H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health insurance
(or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about $3200.

The fourth guy, whose boat is between ours, age 55, has never had a
colonoscopy, wasn't there as he just had surgery for Colorectal cancer.
Starts chemo next week. No one knows this except me, so I couldn't
throw it out as an example.

I'm sure that the guy who cannot afford an exam would be taken care of
if he had cancer, and it would cost you and I far more than the cost of
the exam.

We don't put the effort into prevention, but spend a lot on treatment.

Wellness is cheap. Cancer surgery and chemotherapy is expensive.

Oh, and one thing I have learned recently, is that someone paying cash
usually gets a discount. In my case (the doctor I saw was "out of the
network") the charge went from $660 to $400.

I'm thinking that $650 Colonoscopy would cost someone about $400 cash,
which is better than $100,000 for cancer surgery and Chemo.

Watch it if you dare...
 

Jim wrote:
H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health insurance
(or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about $3200.

The fourth guy, whose boat is between ours, age 55, has never had a
colonoscopy, wasn't there as he just had surgery for Colorectal cancer.
Starts chemo next week. No one knows this except me, so I couldn't
throw it out as an example.

I'm sure that the guy who cannot afford an exam would be taken care of
if he had cancer, and it would cost you and I far more than the cost of
the exam.

We don't put the effort into prevention, but spend a lot on treatment.

Wellness is cheap. Cancer surgery and chemotherapy is expensive.


I had a $20 co-pay for my colonoscopy. My union health insurance paid
the rest. The doctor was terrific, a woman with a raucous sense of
humor. She had me laughing before the procedure and when the anesthesia
wore off.

My wife got the photos of my "tract." She and the doctor agreed I was a
perfect asshole in every way that was important.

No one 50 or older should pass up this screening because of a lack of
money, and it should be done every five years.





--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

Watch it if you dare...
 

Jim wrote:
Jim wrote:
H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health
insurance (or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about
$3200.

The fourth guy, whose boat is between ours, age 55, has never had a
colonoscopy, wasn't there as he just had surgery for Colorectal
cancer. Starts chemo next week. No one knows this except me, so I
couldn't throw it out as an example.

I'm sure that the guy who cannot afford an exam would be taken care of
if he had cancer, and it would cost you and I far more than the cost
of the exam.

We don't put the effort into prevention, but spend a lot on treatment.

Wellness is cheap. Cancer surgery and chemotherapy is expensive.

Oh, and one thing I have learned recently, is that someone paying cash
usually gets a discount. In my case (the doctor I saw was "out of the
network") the charge went from $660 to $400.

I'm thinking that $650 Colonoscopy would cost someone about $400 cash,
which is better than $100,000 for cancer surgery and Chemo.

And a better outcome, too.


--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

Watch it if you dare...
 

H the K wrote:
Jim wrote:
H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health
insurance (or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about
$3200.

The fourth guy, whose boat is between ours, age 55, has never had a
colonoscopy, wasn't there as he just had surgery for Colorectal
cancer. Starts chemo next week. No one knows this except me, so I
couldn't throw it out as an example.

I'm sure that the guy who cannot afford an exam would be taken care of
if he had cancer, and it would cost you and I far more than the cost
of the exam.

We don't put the effort into prevention, but spend a lot on treatment.

Wellness is cheap. Cancer surgery and chemotherapy is expensive.


I had a $20 co-pay for my colonoscopy. My union health insurance paid
the rest. The doctor was terrific, a woman with a raucous sense of
humor. She had me laughing before the procedure and when the anesthesia
wore off.

My wife got the photos of my "tract." She and the doctor agreed I was a
perfect asshole in every way that was important.

No one 50 or older should pass up this screening because of a lack of
money, and it should be done every five years.





$10 co-pay here. Top notch place. We who have insurance are lucky.

The owner of the ketch next to me would agree on your last paragraph,
I'd bet he wishes he had done it. He's not expected to make it, but has
to go through hell first.

For those who are apprehensive, I laid there looking at the heart
monitor. The nurse said, "OK, your done." My reaction was, "Done with
what?" To say it's nothing is an understatement. The preparation used
to be the worst part, but they make it easy now.

They don't knock you out, they erase your memory. Then go out and have
a nice breakfast.

Watch it if you dare...
 

Jim wrote:
H the K wrote:
Jim wrote:
H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health
insurance (or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about
$3200.

The fourth guy, whose boat is between ours, age 55, has never had a
colonoscopy, wasn't there as he just had surgery for Colorectal
cancer. Starts chemo next week. No one knows this except me, so I
couldn't throw it out as an example.

I'm sure that the guy who cannot afford an exam would be taken care
of if he had cancer, and it would cost you and I far more than the
cost of the exam.

We don't put the effort into prevention, but spend a lot on treatment.

Wellness is cheap. Cancer surgery and chemotherapy is expensive.


I had a $20 co-pay for my colonoscopy. My union health insurance paid
the rest. The doctor was terrific, a woman with a raucous sense of
humor. She had me laughing before the procedure and when the
anesthesia wore off.

My wife got the photos of my "tract." She and the doctor agreed I was
a perfect asshole in every way that was important.

No one 50 or older should pass up this screening because of a lack of
money, and it should be done every five years.





$10 co-pay here. Top notch place. We who have insurance are lucky.

The owner of the ketch next to me would agree on your last paragraph,
I'd bet he wishes he had done it. He's not expected to make it, but has
to go through hell first.

For those who are apprehensive, I laid there looking at the heart
monitor. The nurse said, "OK, your done." My reaction was, "Done with
what?" To say it's nothing is an understatement. The preparation used
to be the worst part, but they make it easy now.

They don't knock you out, they erase your memory. Then go out and have
a nice breakfast.




The worst part, and it would rank as the worst part of many experiences,
was the crud you have to drink several times the day before to clean out
your intestine. Incredible. Awful. Worse than flying in a helicopter
with SW Tom.



--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

Watch it if you dare...
 

On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:51:31 -0700, Jim wrote:

H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health insurance
(or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about $3200.

I saw what the insurance company was billed on the first one I had
about 5 years ago. Six or seven benign polyps removed.
$4700.
Go figure.

--Vic

Watch it if you dare...
 

H the K wrote:
Jim wrote:
H the K wrote:
Jim wrote:
H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps
removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health
insurance (or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about
$3200.

The fourth guy, whose boat is between ours, age 55, has never had a
colonoscopy, wasn't there as he just had surgery for Colorectal
cancer. Starts chemo next week. No one knows this except me, so I
couldn't throw it out as an example.

I'm sure that the guy who cannot afford an exam would be taken care
of if he had cancer, and it would cost you and I far more than the
cost of the exam.

We don't put the effort into prevention, but spend a lot on treatment.

Wellness is cheap. Cancer surgery and chemotherapy is expensive.


I had a $20 co-pay for my colonoscopy. My union health insurance paid
the rest. The doctor was terrific, a woman with a raucous sense of
humor. She had me laughing before the procedure and when the
anesthesia wore off.

My wife got the photos of my "tract." She and the doctor agreed I was
a perfect asshole in every way that was important.

No one 50 or older should pass up this screening because of a lack of
money, and it should be done every five years.





$10 co-pay here. Top notch place. We who have insurance are lucky.

The owner of the ketch next to me would agree on your last paragraph,
I'd bet he wishes he had done it. He's not expected to make it, but
has to go through hell first.

For those who are apprehensive, I laid there looking at the heart
monitor. The nurse said, "OK, your done." My reaction was, "Done
with what?" To say it's nothing is an understatement. The
preparation used to be the worst part, but they make it easy now.

They don't knock you out, they erase your memory. Then go out and
have a nice breakfast.




The worst part, and it would rank as the worst part of many experiences,
was the crud you have to drink several times the day before to clean out
your intestine. Incredible. Awful. Worse than flying in a helicopter
with SW Tom.



They gave me Maalox (?) and 64 oz of Gatorade. It tasted like Gatorade,
but you have to drink 8 oz every ten minutes. You lose your taste for
Gatorade.

Not that bad. Next time will probably be even easier.

Watch it if you dare...
 

On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:12:56 -0700, Jim wrote:



They don't knock you out, they erase your memory. Then go out and have
a nice breakfast.

Men in Black drug.
The first time I felt like a horse dying of whatever it is they eat
and makes them die from exploded guts.
Trapped air according to the doc.
Puked - maybe a drug reaction - and then had severe abdominal pain
for about half an hour - went home when it lessened a bit.
Wasn't over for another half-hour - not until my ass started a tuba
tribute.
Second time was a lot better.

--Vic

Watch it if you dare...
 

Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:51:31 -0700, Jim wrote:

H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health insurance
(or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about $3200.

I saw what the insurance company was billed on the first one I had
about 5 years ago. Six or seven benign polyps removed.
$4700.
Go figure.

--Vic


When I looked at prices, they ranged from $1500 to $42000. If they find
polyps the charge for the removal of each one. $4700 sounds about right.

I'm kind if suspicious that my neighbor and I each had two. I'll bet
they never find just one.

That is a profit based health care system works.

Does the library make a profit? Fire Dept? Police? Craigslist?

As Craig said, "I'm running a service, not a business." Maybe our
health care system has the wrong focus.

Watch it if you dare...
 

Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:12:56 -0700, Jim wrote:


They don't knock you out, they erase your memory. Then go out and have
a nice breakfast.

Men in Black drug.
The first time I felt like a horse dying of whatever it is they eat
and makes them die from exploded guts.
Trapped air according to the doc.
Puked - maybe a drug reaction - and then had severe abdominal pain
for about half an hour - went home when it lessened a bit.
Wasn't over for another half-hour - not until my ass started a tuba
tribute.
Second time was a lot better.

--Vic

That sounds more like the Sigmiscope (sp) If you remember it, it was a
Sigmiscope. And you don't forget one of those.

Watch it if you dare...
 

On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:33:42 -0700, Jim wrote:



When I looked at prices, they ranged from $1500 to $42000. If they find
polyps the charge for the removal of each one. $4700 sounds about right.

Makes sense.

I'm kind if suspicious that my neighbor and I each had two. I'll bet
they never find just one.

I got pictures. And I actually woke up and was watching the screen
for a while, until the doc noticed and motioned the nurse to dope me
more.
Probably a good idea, because I was starting to feel the snake.
Saw him burning one out. Maybe I was under too long for the initial
dose.

--Vic

Watch it if you dare...
 

Jim wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:12:56 -0700, Jim wrote:


They don't knock you out, they erase your memory. Then go out and
have a nice breakfast.

Men in Black drug.
The first time I felt like a horse dying of whatever it is they eat
and makes them die from exploded guts.
Trapped air according to the doc.
Puked - maybe a drug reaction - and then had severe abdominal pain for
about half an hour - went home when it lessened a bit.
Wasn't over for another half-hour - not until my ass started a tuba
tribute. Second time was a lot better.

--Vic

That sounds more like the Sigmiscope (sp) If you remember it, it was a
Sigmiscope. And you don't forget one of those.


More commonly called the chrome pony.

Watch it if you dare...
 

On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:36:29 -0700, Jim wrote:

Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:12:56 -0700, Jim wrote:


They don't knock you out, they erase your memory. Then go out and have
a nice breakfast.

Men in Black drug.
The first time I felt like a horse dying of whatever it is they eat
and makes them die from exploded guts.
Trapped air according to the doc.
Puked - maybe a drug reaction - and then had severe abdominal pain
for about half an hour - went home when it lessened a bit.
Wasn't over for another half-hour - not until my ass started a tuba
tribute.
Second time was a lot better.

--Vic

That sounds more like the Sigmiscope (sp) If you remember it, it was a
Sigmiscope. And you don't forget one of those.

No, it was the full Monte each time.
My HMO doc told me he won't even do sigs after he did one on a patient
and the guy died a year later from cancer up higher.
Sends patients to the proc guy for the full scoping.
BTW, a mate at work bugged me to get the scoping when I turned 55.
Apparently the HMO doesn't do that as a preventative.
So when I went in for my yearly physical I told the doc I should be
scoped since I had turned 55.
He asked me "Do you get blood in your stools?"
I said "No."
He asked again "Do you get blood in your stools?"
I said "No."
He asked again "Do you get blood in your stools?"
Well, I might be slow, but the third time was a charm.
I said "Yes."

--Vic

Watch it if you dare...
 

On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:44:48 -0400, BAR wrote:

Jim wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:12:56 -0700, Jim wrote:


They don't knock you out, they erase your memory. Then go out and
have a nice breakfast.

Men in Black drug.
The first time I felt like a horse dying of whatever it is they eat
and makes them die from exploded guts.
Trapped air according to the doc.
Puked - maybe a drug reaction - and then had severe abdominal pain for
about half an hour - went home when it lessened a bit.
Wasn't over for another half-hour - not until my ass started a tuba
tribute. Second time was a lot better.

--Vic

That sounds more like the Sigmiscope (sp) If you remember it, it was a
Sigmiscope. And you don't forget one of those.


More commonly called the chrome pony.

Damn, I never heard anything like that.
Where the hell do you hang out? (-:

--Vic

Watch it if you dare...
 

On Jul 24, 9:18*pm, H the K wrote:

.. Awful. Worse than flying in a helicopter
with SW Tom.


I'd fly with him and if need be (which I doubt) could probably back
him up, too.

If not, it wouldn't matter anyhow.

?;^ )

Watch it if you dare...
 

Jim wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:51:31 -0700, Jim wrote:

H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health
insurance (or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about
$3200.

I saw what the insurance company was billed on the first one I had
about 5 years ago. Six or seven benign polyps removed.
$4700.
Go figure.

--Vic


When I looked at prices, they ranged from $1500 to $42000. If they find
polyps the charge for the removal of each one. $4700 sounds about right.

I'm kind if suspicious that my neighbor and I each had two. I'll bet
they never find just one.

That is a profit based health care system works.

Does the library make a profit? Fire Dept? Police? Craigslist?

As Craig said, "I'm running a service, not a business." Maybe our
health care system has the wrong focus.

I saw bills totaling nearly $10,000 for a recent colonoscopy with polyp
removal/ endoscopy/ lab procedure.

Watch it if you dare...
 

Tim wrote:
On Jul 24, 9:18 pm, H the K wrote:

. Awful. Worse than flying in a helicopter
with SW Tom.


I'd fly with him and if need be (which I doubt) could probably back
him up, too.

If not, it wouldn't matter anyhow.

?;^ )





Nearer your god to be?


I don't like flying in a commercial jet with a calm, experienced
professional pilot in command. Getting in a plane with a hot-tempered,
mood-swinger like SW Tom in command? No thanks. And I wouldn't get in a
'copter unless I was being rescued by the Coast Guard.




--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

Watch it if you dare...
 

BAR wrote:
Jim wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:12:56 -0700, Jim wrote:


They don't knock you out, they erase your memory. Then go out and
have a nice breakfast.

Men in Black drug.
The first time I felt like a horse dying of whatever it is they eat
and makes them die from exploded guts.
Trapped air according to the doc.
Puked - maybe a drug reaction - and then had severe abdominal pain
for about half an hour - went home when it lessened a bit.
Wasn't over for another half-hour - not until my ass started a tuba
tribute. Second time was a lot better.

--Vic

That sounds more like the Sigmiscope (sp) If you remember it, it was
a Sigmiscope. And you don't forget one of those.


More commonly called the chrome pony.



Now *that* is a funny phrase.


--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

Watch it if you dare...
 

Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:44:48 -0400, BAR wrote:

Jim wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:12:56 -0700, Jim wrote:


They don't knock you out, they erase your memory. Then go out and
have a nice breakfast.

Men in Black drug.
The first time I felt like a horse dying of whatever it is they eat
and makes them die from exploded guts.
Trapped air according to the doc.
Puked - maybe a drug reaction - and then had severe abdominal pain for
about half an hour - went home when it lessened a bit.
Wasn't over for another half-hour - not until my ass started a tuba
tribute. Second time was a lot better.

--Vic
That sounds more like the Sigmiscope (sp) If you remember it, it was a
Sigmiscope. And you don't forget one of those.

More commonly called the chrome pony.

Damn, I never heard anything like that.
Where the hell do you hang out? (-:

My family has a history of colon cancer. My dad joked about having to go
take a ride on the chrome pony every couple of years.

Watch it if you dare...
 

just Jim wrote:
Jim wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:51:31 -0700, Jim wrote:

H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps
removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health
insurance (or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about
$3200.

I saw what the insurance company was billed on the first one I had
about 5 years ago. Six or seven benign polyps removed.
$4700.
Go figure.

--Vic


When I looked at prices, they ranged from $1500 to $42000. If they
find polyps the charge for the removal of each one. $4700 sounds
about right.

I'm kind if suspicious that my neighbor and I each had two. I'll bet
they never find just one.

That is a profit based health care system works.

Does the library make a profit? Fire Dept? Police? Craigslist?

As Craig said, "I'm running a service, not a business." Maybe our
health care system has the wrong focus.

I saw bills totaling nearly $10,000 for a recent colonoscopy with polyp
removal/ endoscopy/ lab procedure.

Wow, but it still is 1/10 of cancer treatment, is far easier on you, and
has a better outcome.

I found a huge range of prices.

The challenge is to have whoever pays, pay the same price as a private
individual would pay. You know those guys who yell the loudest about
destroying capitalism? They are seemingly the same ones who don't want
competition in health care.

I'd sure like to see us find a way to provide preventative procedures
for everyone. That would undoubtedly be cheaper than what we do now.

Want a surprise? Look at life expectancy figures. We aren't at the
top. Interesting to see what countries have the longest, and who we are
behind.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...ife_expectancy

Watch it if you dare...
 

Jim wrote:
just Jim wrote:
Jim wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:51:31 -0700, Jim wrote:

H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of
us dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps
removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said
he (age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health
insurance (or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to
about $3200.

I saw what the insurance company was billed on the first one I had
about 5 years ago. Six or seven benign polyps removed.
$4700.
Go figure.

--Vic


When I looked at prices, they ranged from $1500 to $42000. If they
find polyps the charge for the removal of each one. $4700 sounds
about right.

I'm kind if suspicious that my neighbor and I each had two. I'll bet
they never find just one.

That is a profit based health care system works.

Does the library make a profit? Fire Dept? Police? Craigslist?

As Craig said, "I'm running a service, not a business." Maybe our
health care system has the wrong focus.

I saw bills totaling nearly $10,000 for a recent colonoscopy with
polyp removal/ endoscopy/ lab procedure.

Wow, but it still is 1/10 of cancer treatment, is far easier on you, and
has a better outcome.

I found a huge range of prices.

The challenge is to have whoever pays, pay the same price as a private
individual would pay. You know those guys who yell the loudest about
destroying capitalism? They are seemingly the same ones who don't want
competition in health care.

I'd sure like to see us find a way to provide preventative procedures
for everyone. That would undoubtedly be cheaper than what we do now.

Want a surprise? Look at life expectancy figures. We aren't at the
top. Interesting to see what countries have the longest, and who we are
behind.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...ife_expectancy


Fascinating, ain't it? Where everyone has good access to health care,
they live longer than we do. D'oh.



--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

Watch it if you dare...
 

"H the K" wrote in message
m...


Fascinating, ain't it? Where everyone has good access to health care, they
live longer than we do. D'oh.


Much more associated with lifestyle and diet.

Eisboch

Watch it if you dare...
 

Eisboch wrote:

"H the K" wrote in message
m...


Fascinating, ain't it? Where everyone has good access to health care,
they live longer than we do. D'oh.


Much more associated with lifestyle and diet.

Eisboch


Whatever makes you feel good about our low ranking, eh?

Watch it if you dare...
 

On Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:16:19 -0400, "Eisboch"
wrote:


"H the K" wrote in message
om...


Fascinating, ain't it? Where everyone has good access to health care, they
live longer than we do. D'oh.


Much more associated with lifestyle and diet.


Yes, take Russia for example.

Watch it if you dare...
 

On Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:16:19 -0400, Eisboch wrote:

"H the K" wrote in message
m...


Fascinating, ain't it? Where everyone has good access to health care,
they live longer than we do. D'oh.


Much more associated with lifestyle and diet.


And infant mortality?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...mortality_rate

Watch it if you dare...
 

H the K wrote:
Eisboch wrote:

"H the K" wrote in message
m...


Fascinating, ain't it? Where everyone has good access to health care,
they live longer than we do. D'oh.


Much more associated with lifestyle and diet.

Eisboch


Whatever makes you feel good about our low ranking, eh?

Freedom has a cost and I am willing to pay it.

Watch it if you dare...
 

"Jim" wrote in message
m...
Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:51:31 -0700, Jim wrote:

H the K wrote:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html



I'm going to defy the truce, which I shouldn't do.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday. Out of a group three of us
dock neighbors, two just had Colonoscopys. Both had two polyps removed.

Third guy, a liveaboard who makes his living doing odd jobs, said he
(age 53) could never afford a Colonoscopy, as he had no health insurance
(or an actual job) he has other things to pay for.

I did some looking, a Colonoscopy costs from a low of $650, to about
$3200.

I saw what the insurance company was billed on the first one I had
about 5 years ago. Six or seven benign polyps removed.
$4700.
Go figure.

--Vic


When I looked at prices, they ranged from $1500 to $42000. If they find
polyps the charge for the removal of each one. $4700 sounds about right.

I'm kind if suspicious that my neighbor and I each had two. I'll bet they
never find just one.

That is a profit based health care system works.

Does the library make a profit? Fire Dept? Police? Craigslist?

As Craig said, "I'm running a service, not a business." Maybe our health
care system has the wrong focus.

I had one small polyp, and was not the type that goes rogue. So they said
come back in 10 years. Wife had different polyp and said come back in 5
years. She took the pills to clean her out this time. Said was much
better. My PPO had no co-pay and I get to pick my doc, unlike an HMO. So I
pick the best doc in the valley. I was turning 60, and had my deductible
paid, so figured I would get the colonoscopy for healths sake. Broken rib
playing roller hockey at 59 covers the deductible.

Watch it if you dare...
 

On Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:20:47 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:




I had one small polyp, and was not the type that goes rogue. So they said
come back in 10 years. Wife had different polyp and said come back in 5
years. She took the pills to clean her out this time. Said was much
better. My PPO had no co-pay and I get to pick my doc, unlike an HMO.

I don't know how it works with your insurance, or in different parts
of the country. That's one of the problems with health insurance
coverage - they keep moving targets and keep everybody guessing.
I've had the same primary care doc through three different HMO's.
Originally picked him because of the group and the hospital I'd be in
if something serious happened, which I've heard is the most important
consideration.
The co-pay is maybe up to 25 bucks for a visit now. Last I went a
couple years ago it was 15 bucks.
For some perspective, I'm going to pick up 2 ball joints and 2 outer
tie rod ends for my '97 Lumina today. The ball joints are $42 each
and the tie rod ends $38 each. And those are minor parts prices.
Haven't looked close at the details for a while, but last I looked my
Aetna HMO insurance is more expensive than the offered PPO, but has
less deductibles.
A bud I worked with was always harping on that "pick my doc" deal.
Never understood that, unless you're a hypochondriac.
I've been to eye, ortho, and rear end specialists, and each time my
doc gave me choices of who to see in those specialties - and why - as
we talked it over.
I'm not about to go running to specialists without talking to my doc,
so it's natural I see him first.
I don't listen to aunt Mabel or pharma TV ads for medical aid.
Should have paid attention to my wife once though.
My left knee was giving me a lot of pain for a long time and the doc,
the ortho guy, and the x-rays and then MRI found nothing.
Went to a physical therapist the ortho guy sent me to after looking at
the x-rays and MRI, and she trained me in exercises I was supposed to
do.
HMO paid for all this except less than 50 bucks in co-pays.
Before I could get into the exercises my wife yelled at me for maybe
the 5th time to get my legs off the desk while I was on the computer.
Said it didn't look natural.
I always leaned back in my easy chair with my wireless keyboard on my
lap, and my heels up higher on the desk, supporting my legs.
Next day she came home with an Ottoman for my legs and insisted I use
it.
Pain was gone in a week and never came back.
Guess I was hyperextending my knee joint or whatever for too many
years. Told the doc later and he laughed and said he'll remember that
next time somebody has knee pain.

--Vic

Watch it if you dare...
 

On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:10:10 -0400, H the K
wrote:

She had me laughing before the procedure and when the anesthesia
wore off.

Anesthesia? I got nothing and it took him 45 minutes of poking just to
get past the big bend. It cost something like five grand out of
pocket.

Casady

Watch it if you dare...
 

Richard Casady wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:10:10 -0400, H the K
wrote:

She had me laughing before the procedure and when the anesthesia
wore off.

Anesthesia? I got nothing and it took him 45 minutes of poking just to
get past the big bend. It cost something like five grand out of
pocket.

Casady



No health insurance?


--
Whatever moral rules you have proposed, abide by them as they were laws,
and as if you would be guilty of impiety by violating any of them,
*unless* you are a conservative Republican office holder or minister. If
that is your position in life, then anything goes.

Watch it if you dare...
 

H the K wrote:
Richard Casady wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:10:10 -0400, H the K
wrote:

She had me laughing before the procedure and when the anesthesia wore
off.

Anesthesia? I got nothing and it took him 45 minutes of poking just to
get past the big bend. It cost something like five grand out of
pocket.

Casady



No health insurance?



Why is health insurance needed? He paid for the services he received.

Watch it if you dare...
 

BAR wrote:
H the K wrote:
Richard Casady wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:10:10 -0400, H the K
wrote:

She had me laughing before the procedure and when the anesthesia
wore off.

Anesthesia? I got nothing and it took him 45 minutes of poking just to
get past the big bend. It cost something like five grand out of
pocket.

Casady



No health insurance?



Why is health insurance needed? He paid for the services he received.


I don't think he is as stupid as you are.

--
Whatever moral rules you have proposed, abide by them as they were laws,
and as if you would be guilty of impiety by violating any of them,
*unless* you are a conservative Republican office holder or minister. If
that is your position in life, then anything goes.

Watch it if you dare...
 

H the K wrote:
BAR wrote:
H the K wrote:
Richard Casady wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:10:10 -0400, H the K
wrote:

She had me laughing before the procedure and when the anesthesia
wore off.

Anesthesia? I got nothing and it took him 45 minutes of poking just to
get past the big bend. It cost something like five grand out of
pocket.

Casady



No health insurance?



Why is health insurance needed? He paid for the services he received.


I don't think he is as stupid as you are.


You have a lock on stupidity Harry. Do you have food insurance, gasoline
insurance, clothing insurance? If not, why not. Shouldn't you protect
your self against the evil food, gas and clothing corporations who are
out to deny you food, gas and clothing?

Watch it if you dare...
 

BAR wrote:
H the K wrote:
BAR wrote:
H the K wrote:
Richard Casady wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:10:10 -0400, H the K
wrote:

She had me laughing before the procedure and when the anesthesia
wore off.

Anesthesia? I got nothing and it took him 45 minutes of poking just to
get past the big bend. It cost something like five grand out of
pocket.

Casady



No health insurance?



Why is health insurance needed? He paid for the services he received.


I don't think he is as stupid as you are.


You have a lock on stupidity Harry. Do you have food insurance, gasoline
insurance, clothing insurance? If not, why not. Shouldn't you protect
your self against the evil food, gas and clothing corporations who are
out to deny you food, gas and clothing?


You know, you've already convinced me you are a moron. No need to
reinforce it.


--
Whatever moral rules you have proposed, abide by them as they were laws,
and as if you would be guilty of impiety by violating any of them,
*unless* you are a conservative Republican office holder or minister. If
that is your position in life, then anything goes.