Pros and cons of deal site medical procedures - AmericaNowNews.com

Pros and cons of deal site medical procedures

You've probably seen those daily deal sites that offer you specials on everything from spas to food. Now the medical offices are getting in on the act.

In fact, during the first three months of 2011, there were more than 2,500 medical or dental offers published on daily deals sites in the U.S. - that's eight times the number offered during the first three months in 2010.

Some of the deals sound pretty good - one deal site recently had an offer for half off the cost of four porcelain veneers and a full dental checkup. That might be tempting, especially if you don't have dental coverage.

But Medical organizations don't like the trend. The president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that limited time only deals don't encourage the thoughtful decision making that people should practice before deciding on a surgery. They also may not give you adequate time to check the track record of the doctor.

With a half off dinner coupon, all you're really risking is a bad meal - but rush in to surgery, you could be risking a lot more.

Many of the deals may just be the chance for the medical merchant to sell you something. So they may offer a free checkup, but they may want to do something like sell you some pricey teeth whitening.

The bottom line - do your research before buying.

Copyright 2012 America Now. All rights reserved.

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