I recently saw a healthy 50-something gentleman in my clinic. He is uninsured, though he makes a good living working as an attorney. He had not seen a physician in many years and was overweight but wanted a checkup before beginning a new exercise program. After talking with him and examining him, he was found to be in reasonably good health. He had with him a list of lab work that he had researched and wanted to receive, most of which is not indicated for a patient in his condition. Despite being alerted to this fact, he was willing to pay up to $1,500 of his own money to receive the blood work.

One test that was indicated for him that he did not anticipate was a colonoscopy. He accepted it when told about the importance of the test in his situation. However, after discovering the colonoscopy would cost around $3,000, all of it being out-of-pocket due to his lack of insurance, he understandably decided against the procedure.