Posted by stargazer2 on October 31, 2008, at 22:09:32
In reply to Re: TIME: Depression: 'the disorder of the ablest', posted by Questionmark on October 30, 2008, at 15:42:59
I don't know where the author got that figure for the cost of ECT but where I worked, a few years ago, it cost around $1500/per treatment. You have to include anesthesia, medication, 2 MD's (shrink, anesthesiologist)2 RN's, and other misc. costs.
Why do you think the shrink was always looking for more patients to treat. The most common question I was asked is how much does he get paid to "push the button". Amazing. No one ever asked aboout the effectiveness of the treatment.
He definately tried to drum up business, seeking out patients who would stop their treatments and trying to convince them to come back. Those without insurance were obviously not sought out. I never felt that doing ECT on the elderly was humane either.
If it worked well that might be different. But to do this to a 85 year old in a nursing home who refuses to eat is cruel and unusual punishment.
The way many elderly die is when they stop eating. That can be a very normal physiological event and forcing someone to eat is not normal.
It is just the inability of many to allow someone to die with dignity.
I have to make sure that my living will is clear and will not allow something like that to be done to me.I bet they don't do that in Europe or where medical care is valued and not used indiscriminately.
On a side note...Perhaps $55 is just the cost of the juice or wattage.
SG2
poster:stargazer2
thread:858812
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081027/msgs/860146.html