The Economics of Medicine

Michael Madrid, 47, a software developer in New York City, saw an orthopedist because of knee pain and was sent for an M.R.I. When he called the office for results he was told he had to come in to get them, to protect his “privacy.” The scan showed a small ligament tear that required no treatment, and Mr. Madrid was billed $170 for a second visit.

The doctor could easily have given the patient this information over the phone. It would spare the patient the drive to the doctor’s office–but then the doctor wouldn’t get paid. The economics of medicine stand in the way of progress.