RT Journal
A1 Epelboym I, Flory J
T1 Charge variability for acute appendicitis: Is the problem overstated?
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2012
FD October 22
VO 172
IS 19
SP 1524
OP 1524
DO 10.1001/archinternmed.2012.4406
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2012.4406
AB 
We read the article by Dr Hsia and colleagues,1 as well as the related publication in the New York Times,2 with great interest. This article illustrates important concerns about charge variability in health care. A median charge of $33 611 is notably high, and a range from $1529 to $182 955 is extraordinary. However, we believe the article may somewhat overstate the scope of the problem, at least in the specific case of acute appendicitis. We would like to draw attention to several areas that would benefit from additional discussion.