<p>"OP, you were also paying for the possibility that your problem wasn’t just ear wax–something a walk-in clinic might not be able to deal with. "</p>
<p>I like this answer, At the first visit, you are expected to rule out anything that might have dire consequences, even if this is your first and last visit. Hard to listen to the “chief complaint” with that on your mind.</p>
<p>As a pediatrician, I knew it was rare to need ear wax removal unless the patient was doing something they shouldn’t ( i.e.Q tips), or something dire.</p>
<p>I like the idea that the cost is shared when patients demand strep tests and MRI’s because of something they read on an internet forum. I don’t see why the cost should be shouldered only by the doc and the insurance company, because folks doubt their motives.</p>
<p>Hopefully patients will make good use of the internet when they have to share the cost.</p>