The paediatrician had two complete sputum tests done at Lancet for my daughter in a week. The doctor was unable to advise on the cost of the tests. The invoice from Lancet was R 2129.20 for each of the two tests (Total 4258.40)! I am alarmed that Lancet can simply proceed with tests that are so expensive without informing the client of the cost before proceeding. The doctors do not know what these tests cost (how should they?)
In this case where the doctor orders the test, there is no contact between the client and Lancet. So there really is no way to verify these costs before being committed unwittingly to the exorbitant costs.
If we had known what the costs were, we would have been able to better consider the options available to us. I believe this represents unethical business practice.
I have tried to discuss this with Lancet, but can only get hold of their accounts department, who obviously only cares about settling the arrears account.
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