Why Healthcare Costs Are Out of Control
 
Ten Times Retail Markup?!? Healthcare costs are skyrocketing.  Why, Lord, why? - Is it all those scans prescribed by the docs who own the scanners? - Is it all those CYA tests to protect the docs from lawsuits? - Is it the meds that cost 300% more in the U.S.A. than anywhere else in the world? - Is it the weak regulations on keeping our food safe? - Is it the $500 a minute specialist fees? YES!  All that and insane overcharges for everything from the famous dollar-per-aspirin some hospitals charge to things like THIS... THE STORY A close pal breaks her ankle.  She goes to a podiatrist.  The Physician gives her a simple, off-the-shelf ankle brace for temporary support.  The bills trickle in. Cost for that brace?  $490! Whoa, we say.  So we look up the cost of this device.  Check it out: = $490  charged by the Podiatrist = $49.95  charged by Smart+Medical Identical product.  Identical manufacturer.  Identical reimbursement code. Keep in mind #49.95 is a retail price, available to you and...