There isn't a shred of evidence in that article to support the claim that medical care in the U.S. is bad.
There's unlikely to be any solution though, barring a massive shift in public opinion. True reform would reduce a bunch of insurance companies to smoking craters and would certainly involve some sort of tax increase, both of which would be regarded by most in government as unacceptable outcomes.
As it is, the horrible expenses paid by the sick help to subsidize those who can't pay (who are anyway discouraged from getting regular care as much as possible). Costs are already distributed, just not evenly, because you only pay the horrible prices when you get sick. And most people prefer not to think about it until then.
The expenses are covered not just (or mainly) by the sick but by the insured. There's a reason my insurance is nearly $500 a month, though I"ve never been sick or injured and rarely visit a doctor (I've thus contributed probably $50,000 to healthcare without consuming any). Given my general health, young age, and low chance of catastrophic injury, the only explanation is that i'm subsidizing other people's care.
There are clearly indirect costs that go into inflating insurance premiums. I find it very hard to understand why it's acceptable to pay in one way (high premiums, catastrophic care bills) but not in another (nationalized health care). I've never heard an argument against it that didn't strike me as pure FUD. [Incidentally, not trolling Republicans here—I'd love to hear a good explanation that goes beyond distaste for anything government-run.]
If you really think cutting into your ear and stitching it up is a good idea for a DIY project, well, it's a free country.
Well, it's actually not a free country in this regard. It's illegal to pay some guy with good hands but no degree to do it for him.
For many people moving to the US the cost of medical bills seems insane.
PS: It's not that he is actually charging that for his time. It's just rolling a lot of overhead into it.
There's paperwork, billing, the use of a room and supplies, a nurse or assistant is involved somewhere...
The consultation looks much more overpriced than the procedure.
If you add some tests, they're usually 20-40 euros each. Of course this is free if you go to the public doctors. And now here in Germany, all doctors are private and the mandatory insurance will cover most of the expenses.
And before you say it, no, legal/malpractice expenses aren't the cause, because in USA that adds up to <5% of total medical budgets and can't explain the other 45% "bonus price".
At the very least, it is by definition not 'free market economy' since you can't even choose where to buy based on price if they aren't telling you the prices.