I recall trying to unbundle several years ago. Patients would not balk
at spending 500 for a hearing aid but when they were told 325 was the
cost of the aid, 25 for the mold and 150 for dispensing fee they
exploded that i should lnot bother explaining the use of the aid nor
monitor its use nor ship it back for repair(s) nor come back for a
follow-up visit in 2 weeks. They thought I was "ripping them off"
complained to the referral sources and I had a terrible PR job to undo
the ill will generated. Could not understand there was a cost for
professional time..."car salesman explain about cars and don't charge for
their time" was a common remark. This happened both in a private
practice setting and hospital setting .
PS yes I explained professional time/expertise etc but it just wasn't
worth the agida.
Joseph Danto, Ph.D.,
danto at yu1.yu.edu or
slugger at ios.com
