Paying for what might have been.(medical billing)

Australian Doctor,  March, 2006  by Pam, Dr

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By Dr Pam

AN orthopaedic surgeon I met while travelling told me he had sustained a subdural haematoma after an accident in the US. It required drainage via a burr hole. His craniotomy was performed under local anaesthetic.

My colleague questioned the $US4000 ($A5400) bill he received from the anaesthetist. The anaesthetist explained that although the procedure was straightforward and successful, it might not have been. Had there been any deterioration in my friend's condition, a general anaesthetic might have been required. The anaesthetist justified his fee based on his ...

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