Visited an Eye Doc a few weeks ago for a slight irritation in my right eye.

Exam... all good. $110.00

Saw a few eyelashes that were kind of turned in when looking thru the scope.

"Surgical" procedure... aka.. pluck 12 eye lashes.... $150.00

Total: $260.00

$31.80 out of pocket.

Why is healthcare so expensive?

(ha ha... yeah yeah.. I know.. malpractice etc...)

 

Because that's what we're willing to pay.

Why are pilot profession wages so low?

Because that's what we're willing to work for. And that applies from the smallest regional to the largest network carrier.

 

For one thing, Doctors make a lot more because they are required to have a higher level of education than pilots!

Al

 

There are to many dreamers and romantics in the pilot profession. I don't know how, but many pilots will look you straight in the eye and say that they don't mind the lack of decent wages and poor treatment. Just yesterday, after a four hour unpaid sit, my colleague said: "well this is still better than a day at work". I just don't understand this mentality from a professional and I am embarrased to be a part of such a self devaluating culture. I have realized that there is only one way to change my situation. So, if things don't change in a few years, I will. I'm preparing for it by going back to school. We will see...

 

for the most part, i agree. also, a lot harder getting into medicals schools.

 

Wise man!



Al

 

I have had people tell me that before also. I'll never understand it given the fact that it is usually said while we are AT WORK and not at home.

 

You are correct, and airlines and the industry seem to take advantage of this. If I were truly independently wealthy, I would probably have been a Steve Fossett type adventurer / dreamer / romantic (hopefully with a better ending). Flying is enjoyable for so many people, that individuals are willing to put up with all the bad things in the profession to do it.

Keep in mind becoming a doctor is not that quickly done, as it requires 4 yrs college + 4 yrs med school + 1 yr internship + 2 years residency + 3 years specialty (optional e.g. cardiology, endocrinology, etc.) + 2 years subspecialty (optional e.g. neuro-onc, interventional cardiology, etc.) During that time after medical school we are also paid $40-55k, and typically have $100-200,000 in loans. Fully trained, a researching physician earns around $120-180,000, but somebody in private practice can make much bigger amounts of money (like your eye doc )

I think it is atrocious how pilots are being treated, but the "inelastic supply curve" seems to be one of the contributing factors.

 

Remember, that 228.20 comes from somewhere.

 

The $260.00 is "list price" ---- much of the $228.20 is "written off" if you have health insurance.

Doctors/hospitals typically end up collecting far less than what they charge.