Stethoscopes aren't used much because they aren't money spinners!

So, a few months ago, after a lingering cold and cough that continued for a few weeks, I woke one morning, feeling really faint, dizzy, just freaking weird. So, I called my friend, because I didn't feel stable enough to drive myself, and asked him to take me to Urgent Care at Kaiser, my supplemental insurance provider.

After four hours of EKG, blood draws, a chest x-ray, and finally a CT scan, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. Now, I've had pneumonia twice before in my life, each time simply diagnosed with a stethoscope on my lungs. This procedure was not even done, and because I thought perhaps I was having some kind of heart episode, I didn't think much about that at the time. I was relieved it was only pneumonia.

Medicare was billed for that episode at around $2000 and I got my co-pay bill today for $255. I'm just confused as to why twice before when I had pneumonia, it was detected simply with a stethoscope? Oh, I know, stethoscope diagnosis is not a money maker. What a fucked up world, all about the money.

Ever notice that docs don't walk around wearing stethoscopes around their necks anymore?

Just venting. Oh, and physically, I am fine, just pissed off.