Health Reform: List prices on everything. New websites may help this happen

My view on health reform is very different from current media and congressional measures. I would like to see financially empowered individuals drive the system, rather than ever expanding government bureaucracies and insurance and pharmaceutical industries. Published prices would help individuals. All patients are shocked and amazed when they see their hospital, physician and laboratory charges (not the amounts actually paid, just what they charge before insurance contractual discounts). I would like to see all list prices widely available, in advance. (Our fees are easily available to callers, and given in writing during a consultation.)

A recent Wall Street Journal article was titled, "Lifting the Veil on Pricing for Health Care." (Wed, Oct. 28, 2009) This shows some early attempts to use the web to let people know and compare prices. It is not the same as each company giving us their prices in advance, or publishing them for all to see. That would be better, but these websites are an attempt.

Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704222704574499623333862720.html

Independent websites: www.outofpocket.com www.newchoicehealth.com www.changehealthcare.com and www.healthcarebluebook.com (some estimates may be unreliable and non-specific)

The government programs have set fees for Medicare (federal, elderly & disabled)(www.cms.hhs.gov) and Medicaid (state/federal, low income). Their websites may show their allowed amounts. Most hospitals and physicians cannot remain in business on the low amounts these government programs provide, without other sources of income. They certainly cannot provide the care that many of us are accustomed to today.

Even patients with "good" insurance would benefit from the influence that comparison has in a marketplace. I think we call that transparency.

Cosmetic Surgery Education in Easley, South Carolina

WE'RE COMING TO YOU!

Tonight is the next in our series of community education events. Dr. Graham and our patient coordinator, Ms. Betty Babb will host a 2 1/2 hour presentation in Easley, SC. We'll be at Dunburk's Conference Center 110 South Pendleton Street.

We have many guests registered, but will accommodate you if you call our office today at 864-676-1707.

Our blog last week explains more about the content and times. http://expertplasticsurgeon.blogspot.com/2009/10/easley-seneca-south-carolina-were.html

Large, Heavy Breast Solution - Breast Reduction by Dr. Sutton Graham

Since we see many women about concerns they have with their breasts, large & heavy breasts is a common complaint. Breast reduction surgery is very common for Dr. Graham, and provides relief of back, neck and shoulder pain for hundreds of women.

Breast reduction provides a way to relieve these symptoms, as well as slumped posture, clothing fit problems, bra strap pain & grooving of the shoulders, headache, rashes, even occasionally arm tingling. The care begins with evaluation during a consultation with us. Referral from your primary care doctor is not required by us, but rarely required by your insurance company. If your doctor has recorded symptoms and treatments for them in the past, we may request those records. Dr. Graham will carefully assess you and your health, and the possible value of surgery, explain procedure details, risks and recovery. We'll prepare any necessary paperwork for the insurance company and await their response. Most patients are approved and scheduled within weeks.

If you do not have insurance coverage or they decline reimbursement, then there is the option of self-pay procedure in our facility at a much lower charge than hospital rates.

We monitor your recovery and very frequently hear how very happy patients are. Many of their testimonials are printed, along with before & after photos, in our photo gallery http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/photogallery/breast-reduction-4799

Additional information is available on our website http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/breast-lift-reduction.html

Dr. Graham is pleased to serve patients throughout North & South Carolina and Northern Georgia.

Breast Augmentation: Find the best surgeon

You're not simply buying a product (the implant). You're picking a professional service. Choose carefully. Our patients understand this, but we want everyone to consider their choice carefully.

You may begin your search with the internet, but I would not suggest that as your only source of information. The internet provides an opportunity for professionals like Dr. Graham to let many people learn about his training, background, experience and results. However the internet, with excellent marketing, like yellow pages advertising, can even make non-surgeons look like good choices.

Easley & Seneca, South Carolina: We're Coming to You!

In our continuing series of presentations to our communities, we will be visiting Easley and Seneca, South Carolina in the next two weeks. Come & join us! Bring your friends!

We're serving refreshments and highlighting our quality cosmetic surgery (our team, our facility, our wonderful patients, their beautiful results)

The presentations start at 6:00pm.
--6:00 until 7:15 Facial Cosmetic Procedures
--7:15 until 7:30 Break & Refreshments
--7:30 until 8:30 Breast & Body Procedures

We have many before & after photographs. We'll discuss skin care, non-surgical treatments, minimally invasive and standard surgical procedures.

You'll learn a lot from Dr. Graham's presentation. And you'll have plenty of time for questions in both sessions. You can also ask us to contact you afterward with additional information.

Easley's session is Tuesday, October 27th at Dunburk's Reception and Conference Center in historic downtown Easley, on South Pendleton Street. Parking is available street-side or in the large parking area behind the building. Directions are available on their website http://www.dunburks.com/Directions.html

Seneca's session is one week later, on Tuesday, November 3rd at Rudy's on Ram Cat Restaurant. This is in the historic district of Seneca on Ram Cat Alley. Parking is available street-side or in the large lot one block away on North Townville and Main Street. Their website also includes directions http://www.tigergourmet.com/rudys-on-ram-cat-alley.htm

We have picked these locations to give you our experience and detailed information in two wonderful facilities. Bring your interested family members and friends, and please join us.

Dr. Graham's Aesthetic Center for Breast & Cosmetic Surgery is a specialized cosmetic plastic surgery practice, located in Greenville, South Carolina. We serve Georgia, South Carolina & Western North Carolina.

Breast lift in South Carolina by Dr. Sutton Graham

In South Carolina, a very common patient request is breast lift. Women consult Dr. Graham about changes they have gone through. Their breasts have changed by their 30's to 40's, due to having children, nursing children, loosing weight, or simply time & gravity. They notice how good they look in supportive bras, but not without good support. They notice how sports bras and tight, fitted clothing flattens the breast. We often hear, "I'm only 30 and my breasts look like my grandmother's." (My apologies to beautiful grandmothers everywhere.)

Several before & after examples can be seen at our photo gallery: http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/photogallery/breast-lift-mastopexy-4796

Mastopexy means to lift or tack up the breast. It is the operation we perform to improve breast sagging. There are a variety of types based on the issues that patients are experiencing. Mastopexy does not make breasts larger or smaller because it preserves your natural breast tissue. Only skin is removed.

If we simply remove skin above a low areola and nipple, the operation is called peri-areolar mastopexy. If we remove some of the loose skin beneath the breast, the operation is called a vertical-pattern, key-hole, or lollipop mastopexy. If we remove more skin from the breast, the operation is called a standard or Wise-pattern mastopexy. Incisions will fade over time and can be easily covered under swim suits, bra tops, plunging necklines, etc.

In addition to the skin removal, important internal tightening is done. The breast gland tissue and normal fat is often suspended or supported internally to improve breast projection and upper pole fullness. Many patients request the addition of a breast implant to increase breast size and enhance projection and fullness. Some patients request a size decrease, removal of a portion of their breast tissue. This is called a breast reduction. When a patient has two different sized breasts, different procedures improve symmetry.

If you are interested in more information, and live in the Greenville / Spartanburg / Asheville / Anderson / Columbia areas, please call 864-676-1707 or send an e-mail through our website. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/breast-lift-reduction.html

Presentation in Clemson, SC Tonight: Breast, Face & Body

Our Clemson presentation has been moved to tonight, October 20th. We will be in Easley on the 27th. Call us for more information, 864-676-1707. Love to see patients, friends and interested people there.