The Origin Story

Frequently people complain about the “healthcare system” in the United States. The word “broken” is frequently used to describe it, I think that criticism is too vague to mean anything, and it disregards some important good qualities. Nevertheless, my family has found itself disappointed dealing with strangely high bills after interactions with this “healthcare system”. Now, I am happy, and obliged, to pay for services performed on my behalf, but something about this exchange left us feeling cheated.

First, newly married late on a Friday night, we found ourselves hustling to an open urgent care to solve a minor problem but a problem, nonetheless. At the same time, I was a freshly graduated RN and had a growing understanding of medical care but a limited understanding of its economics. Our chosen employers did not offer health insurance. So, we joined a health share program intended to only cover catastrophic health issues while paying out of pocket for other needs. Over a month later the bill arrived, we were astounded by the amount. I was especially bummed because I knew, due to my time as an RN, how simple the care we received was. It only took 15 minutes and a test that cost $2. This felt like blind robbery.

Trying to avoid a similar situation again, we opted for a traditional insurance plan. Being young and healthy and also frugal we chose a high deductible plan. Life happened again, and a problem requiring two subsequent surgeries with our first son arose. The bills again were astonishingly high. But, at this time I was working at an OR as an RN myself. I knew roughly what everyone in my son's surgery was being paid. I knew the cost of the drugs and equipment that was used for the surgery.  The amount we were billed was 3-4 times the sum of labor and equipment costs. What’s this manufactured sky-high price coming from? I am working to answer this question- but we will save that topic for another post.

In a more honest world, I would be able to ask the surgeon, “How much will this surgery cost?” he would say a number and I could prepare for the expense.

Most recently, with a “better” insurance plan, after receiving care we will still receive these mystery bills months after the fact. Portions of which remain unpaid by the insurance for a reason too stupid or complex to understand. The cost of care remains shrouded and unconnected to the services received.

To rectify this problem, the goal for the Cobia Clinic is to provide a more honest source of healthcare. That is my hope. By only accepting cash payments we cut through red tape miles long. This allows for posted prices. Occasionally some care is expensive, but knowing before the fact eases the blow and we can discuss alternative options. I think this is better than ignoring your finances and then sending a big bill months later.  Know up front what it will cost and forget what your insurance wants to pay for...or more accurately, not pay for. Affordable, excellent and honest care, that’s what you will find at the Cobia Clinic. Check out our prices here.