RS> Many doctors do not make 250K here, and many DO take less
RS> when their patients can not afford to pay more, or their
RS> insurance refuses to pay more.

CA> To be objective about this, when you charge $450 per hour or
CA> more you can _afford_ to 'take less'. Maybe only charge $225
CA> for the poor patients. ;-)

 We are a "not for profit" hospital, so maybe that
is why I see a higher precentage of doctors who
make less.

 Just as one example of many, I see what the charge
was and what my insurance pays. This bill was for
$118.75 for two lab tests done at his office, and
the insurance only paid $11.71. The last line says:

   "The discounted amount is not the member's
   responsibility to pay. Claim is paid in full
   according to contract"

 So. Two lab tests and they get paid $11.71 plus a
$10 co-pay, instead of $118.75.   Yeah, they're
rolling in dough.


RS> Also, many donate time and expertise for free. We have a
RS> group of doctors that routinely fly to Mexico and other
RS> countries to treat people free of charge.

CA> Probably a tax write off. Whats that fancy beach resort in
CA> Mexico called?

 Frankly, I don't care if they DO get a write off.
It's still a very big deal to me and to the patients.

RS> It's some specialists that make those big bucks, not a
RS> typical GP.

 My wife went to the doctor yesterday. Her appointment
was for 4:45. She was not seen until 7:00, but we had
been told that he was running late when the appointment
was made. We didn't leave his office until 7:45. He was
there all day, and took all patients willing to wait.
He puts in long hours every day. I don't know how he
can have a family life.

CA> Ever find a doctor with a car less expensive than your own or
CA> in a smaller house let me know.  My _dentist's_ wife's allowance
CA> was $2500 per week and that was 15 years ago.  Yes, he told
CA> me and no I didn't ask he volunteered so he could complain
CA> about it.

 I have no idea what he drives; but, I see many doctors
at our hospital that drive older cars than I. The
doctors' parking is in the front part of the parking
garage, so its easy to see what most drive.

CA> RS> Doctors are people. Some are more generous than others,
CA> RS> just like the rest of us.

CA> True. I've known some that might fit your description. But they
CA> are the exceptions.

CA> RS> And, doctors take some pretty big risks. I wouldn't want to
CA> RS> take many of those risks on.

CA> With the proper training I would do it in a heartbeat for $450
CA> per hour and people kissing my *ss. Why not?

 A mistake might be too hard for me to live with.

 TTYL.

 Robert

 * SLMR 2.1a * I can walk on water; but, I stagger on alcohol.
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