Countin the Health Care Benjamin$

According to cosmeticsurgery.com

• 2.8 Million: Number of Botox injections given in the U.S. in ’03.
• 6.9 million: People who had a minimally invasive procedure in ’03.
• 8.7 Million: People who had some cosmetic procedure in ’03.
• 10 million: The estimated number of cosmetic patients who will have gone under the knife by the end of ’04.
• 1.9 million: number of cosmetic surgery procedures done in ’01.

Just out of curiosity last month I went to my ophthalmologist and asked him how much it would cost me to get Lasik eye surgery. The response I got was 2 G's per eye. In a two-part question, I asked if he was crazy and then why so much? He responded well that's how much everyone else charges.. because the technology is just too expensive for us.

There is no question that we in America devote a ridiculous amount of money on health care. We are pretty much at the forefront of medical technlogy and those who seek health care are definitely realizing the cost associated with having such innovative techonology. The fact is that we have a really intricate health care system that allows everything from a much needed bone marrow transplant for a sickle cell anemia patient to a cosmetic nose job for Betty Big Bangs. Such an intricate health care system incorporating doctors and other health care professionals with umpteen subspecialties is going to continue to rise in maintenance and cost with newer technologies.

But I would definitely have to agree with Hailin when he says our choices also play an important factor in this issue. We must understand and come to terms with the fact that prices are likely going to continue to rise (barring a massive donation to the U.S. Health Care System courtesy of Warren Buffet). Hopefully in the coming years we will make more conscientious decisions with a focus on preventative measures as opposed to spur of the moment massively expensive life saving procedures which could have been avoided through a steadier diet and/or screening. This preventative mentality would certainly have a tremendously positive impact on families and businesses in terms of saving them money. Also maybe, as a nation, we should cut back on the number of botox injections (no disrespect Betty Big Bangs).