Summary
A New York law now requires doctors to discuss treatment costs with patients before they agree to pay, but providers can still require payment agreements upfront under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget.
Physicians argue cost discussions create logistical burdens, while patient advocates say current practices lead to financial risk.
The law aims to increase price transparency and reduce medical debt, alongside other consumer protections. Some advocates seek stronger measures, like written cost estimates.
They find it burdensome to be required to have a short conversation before bankrupting a family. Here’s my sympathy for them expressed on the world tiniest violin: .
And yes, they should have to put it in writing. And yes, that costs software development time.
I make software, and I deserve to know what things cost.
So yes, they need to be forced to pay me.
And to be completely transparent, no I won’t tell them what it’s going to cost in advance. Let’s see how they like it. Lol.
Alternatively, we could all go with free public health care, and I’ll go write some other software.
That sounds nicer.