Sov:

This is the true nature of a free market healthcare system. I am too young for medicare, too wealthy probably for the VA, and I can't afford a good plan at $600-$800/month that will give me a low deductible for office visits or discounted doctor visits.

They can't give you a price so you can decide and you are expected to just have it done and pay the bill collectors afterwards whatever the undeclared cost is. Its 11:45 PM and 10 hours after I asked him how bad the costs would be. As a patient with a choice as we are told by many here, I am practicing my right in a free market healthcare system to make a choice by asking about cost.

It appears the healthcare market is not prepared to answer those questions of costs when asked by patients who must pay cash; but, they are not bashful to ask for the cash after the procedure is done, with no discount, and they will hound you. The US healthcare system is flawed and most people here don't know it.

I agree with your diagnosis as it fits my symptoms and our age bracket. I just spent the last 2 hours buried under 5 blankets trying to stay warm while dressed. No fever though and a headache and aches.