I’d love a second opinion when it comes to my health sometimes… but not for $565 out of pocket!
Posted by Z on May 21st, 2008 -
As I was exploring healthcare on the web today, I saw a service I thought was interesting - a web based expert (Cleveland Clinic, aka CC) second opinion healthcare service. I applaud CC for heading down this path, as I feel this is where healthcare needs to go, but the $565 price tag is proof that the consumer/buyers need to demand better pricing. If I had cancer I may pay that, and perhaps that is what CC expects. But there are somethings which I just need a quick opinion on and would like to get an expert opinion. Perhaps CC has looked at this part of the market and chooses to leave it to the nurses and doctors at other vendors - e.g. maybe I can get the virtual second opinion at Walgreens online for $40?
Regardless, as the healthcare data and transparency waves continue to rise, we as consumers will be better positioned to educate ourselves about healthcare and make better quality and cost decisions - playing a significant role in the reform of healthcare as we know (or in some cases don’t know) it today.
Here’s the article: MyConsult: Second Medical Opinions From Doctors at The Cleveland Clinic
FYI, this topic related to a book I just finished reading by G. Halvorson (CEO Kaiser Permanente) - Health Care Reform NOW! (recommended reading).