Reducing hospital bills = Removing Agents in practice
Magnitude of Problem
Hospitals bills can ruin your financial planning. Did you know that 20% of your medical bills can be reduced by simply removing the agents who take you to hospitals? We seldom realize the impact that these agents have on us - namely, the hospital bills. Agents charge a percentage of the total bills which is then transferred to the patients in their bills.
Possible Reasons For This Problem
The most important reason is the lack of regulations on quacks. Quacks run clinics everywhere in our country and charge a hefty commission for referrals. The practice has become so much rampant and normalized that hardly do people look down upon this.
A World Of Irony
On one hand, central and state governments strive hard to reduce the burden of health costs by introducing schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Delhi Arogya Kosh. On the other hand, we have these unregulated practices of agents and commissions. The middle class is almost always adversely affected. Imagine yourself paying a particular amount towards your surgery with a commission of nearly 20-30% going to the agent. This could have been easily avioided had you gone directly to the hospital/ doctor probably.
My Experience
Very early in my private practice, I was regularly approached by such agents with lucrative and alluring offers. They tempt you with the promise of getting a huge number of patients. Though tempting as a newcomer, I have always resisted these offers. As a result, I get less number of patients but genuine ones. I am able to reduce their hospital bills since I don’t need to pay any agents.
A Ray Of Hope
Thankfully, most corporate hospitals have discontinued giving commissions to agents and this malpratice has dwindled drastically. However, the situation is grim in smaller centres where patients go with the hope of cheaper treatment. I only hope that good sense prevails and the system is eventually cleaned up of this menace.
How Can You Safeguard Yourself
1) Try to get in touch with your doctor/ hospital directly most of whom are readily approachable.
2) It is advisable to consult your family physician or hospitals for referrals directly. They tend to give you genuine advice usually.
3) Stay away from unrelated people who tend to talk on your behalf with hospitals saying they will get your bills reduced. Talk to the hospitals directly.
4) Never go to a hospital where you are being coerced by someone to get treated.
5) Overseas patients should be wary of their interpreters who sometimes act as agents themselves.
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Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.