Foolish Health Care

Re “Hospital Choice Grows Costlier,” May 5: Yes, hospital costs will be greater, not because of consumer choice but lack thereof. As usual, the insurance industry falls into that familiar trap, so well known to the wise consumer, of being penny-wise but dollar-foolish. Where in their equation is the question of quality and outcomes?

The greatest expense to any employer is the absence from work for medical reasons--often far greater than the cost itself. Where is the cost of misdiagnosis by inferior providers or botched procedures that must be redone? Or lack of proper bedside manner to ensure compliance with medical regimens? Buying health care is no different from any other purchase of high-end quality products, such as cars or home additions/remodeling: You choose merely on price at your peril.

Maude Ham

Burbank