Want proof that the medical care system is flawed??

As people who know me are aware, when I have proof of a misdeed or flat out misrepresentation of the truth I stand up and make sure that people find out.  Well here’s another example that focuses on our healthcare system and why it needs to be changed.  Fortunately, the economy (or lack of ), may be the single best catalyst for change.

Here’s the facts regarding this issue:  An acquaintance of mine suffered some severe abdominal distress late last week.  It was bad enough to require an emergency room visit.  Fortunately, it appears that it wasn’t anything too bad, though some more investigation is being done.  Now, let’s get to the billing aspect of this visit.  On Monday this week, the bill was received for $5,200 for the visit….most of us would freak at a sudden charge like that, especially for something relatively minor.  Being uninsured this was even more of a shock to this gentleman.  So he called the billing office where he was turned over to the group that handles uninsured billing.  His bill after discussion now was only $1000.   So, did he receive $1K of care or $5K of care?   Something is wrong here and the insurance companies, the billing groups, and the medical profession as a whole is clearly out of whack.  This lack of transparency is why so many Americans are without insurance and why the system needs to be thrown out and started over.  Who fights the move to national healthcare?  Would you believe the AMA (American Medical Association).  It’s time to fight and fight dirty with these folks.   If you have insurance demand the fees charged to those that are uninsured.  Do not let them bill at 5x the reasonable charge and let insurance end up paying 2.5x.  If they would be happy at $1K, then $1K should be the charge.  If you go to the doctor’s office and you see a drug rep in there (look for the young male or female dressed in business clothes with a little laptop and handouts for the drug samples) find a new doctor.  That rep is costing you money and the health industry billions in the pushing of drugs that are marginally beneficial and would cost far less without the commissions paid to these reps.  Tell the doctor that you won’t use his services if reps routinely visit.  Look at the magazines offered in the reception room.  If they have a drug ad in them, please ask that that reading material be removed and the subscription cancelled.  Why?  Have you looked at the cost of advertising in a major magazine.  It’s exhorbitant.  Why do drugs cost so much??   Add in the advertising and the commissions you can see that the cost is at least double what it should be and likely 10 to 20x.  These are facts and it’s about time that we call BS on them.  Now, I guarantee someone is going to say well how do we recover R&D on our drugs?  Well if you worry about reasonable profits over a reasonable period of time, you’ll do just fine.  When you try and use the current corporate 3month window, then it won’t work.  Another clear example that drug companies shouldn’t be grouped in with average industry.  This also would help insurance companies reduce cost and provide more coverage putting a much better face on their industry as well.

What can you do to fight the system?  First, challenge your doctor and his charges.  Second, if insured, demand the uninsured rates from these doctors and hospitals and still submit the claim.  Third, find doctors who understand the dilemma and support them.  Fourth, stop using pharmaceutical drugs like they are candy.  Chances are that you can find supplements, change your diet and lifestyle to reduce your dependancy and/or need for pharmaceuticals.  Fifth, visit alternative doctors like chiropractors or osteopaths.  In the long run, under their care, you’ll have better results.  Lastly, tell your current doctors why you are not using them as much.  Help them understand that their support of the current system is costing them business and that they need to change for the sake of all of us that live in this country.

Remember, above all, that you are in charge of your own body and to turn over that responsibility to someone else is a lack of will and profound laziness.  Maybe saying it out loud will help you accomplish some positive change in your life.  Starting today, eat better (organic), supplement (with LiverGARD, of course), and exercise.  Get outside and walk, run, swim, play…just move and keep moving.

in health,

NBPI

Keeping it straight…

It’s not too difficult to understand why, after such a significant economic upheaval (that’s still not over), that some companies are still acting with impunity over their actions.  It’s still greed and the hope that people are so caught up in other things that they won’t get caught.  I want to point out a company, but will refrain from using their name, that has obviously continued this practice.  Let’s say you have a family member who requires an ambulance…let’s say this person has excellent insurance…and let’s say that the bill was paid by the insurance company promptly.  Let’s even say that the provider CASHED the check that was sent…and let’s say that this company has threatened collections and other legal action if the bill isn’t paid.  Why is it that the person with the insurance is that open to the fraudulent efforts of this ‘response company’ to collect additional money for services rendered?  I must thank the insurance company ( how often do we say that) for giving us the language that finally prompted this ‘response company’ to finally give up their fraudulent collection efforts (reluctantly, of course).  Who else is this happening to and how much does this cost each one of us in additional premiums and higher medical costs?  If it happens to someone in my family and we have the coverage we have, what happens to the 95% who have lesser coverage?  How many people are sent to collections wrongly due to the practices of these companies?  If it is happening more than 1% at this point, then fraud is rampant and you and I deserve better.  I encourage you to review every medical bill and insurance reimbursement you receive.  I recommend that you contact these companies directly and ask for clarification of their policies and exactly what they expect to pay and what companies that provide service expect to receive.   If we decide to pursue this further with a class action effort or other, we’ll keep you posted.  If these companies finally realize that we’re the sentries they may stop the overt efforts to steal from you, and that’s what they were trying to do to us.

How does this relate to Natural Bridges Products and LiverGARD?  It doesn’t, other than you won’t find us trying to be fraudulent, devious, or anything of that nature.  Our products work, they’re fairly priced, and safe to use.  We wouldn’t do it any other way.  We’re just sorry that others choose a different path, especially since we can’t understand why…..check back for further updates….

All the best, NBPI