Jack Vonder Heide, president of Technology Briefing Centers, has also noticed a rapid growth in discount websites. “We’re seeing more of them coming onto the market every week,” he said.
With discount-related websites experiencing a five-fold increase in deal volume over the first quarter of 2011, it seems that consumers are actively seeking ways to stretch their spending dollars in this difficult economy. Because medical bills can cost thousands of dollars, American consumers are even looking for bargains in health care.
Groupon, a popular deal-of-the-day website, recently advertised a 52% discount on four porcelain veneers and a dental check-up. The procedure was originally listed at $5,000, but sold to a customer at a mere $2,400. Of course, dentists allow payment by credit card to help widen their customer base. Also from the Groupon website, Communications coordinator Melissa Morgan bought a dental cleaning, examination and an X-ray for $50. Morgan was pleasantly surprised when she found this whopping 82% discount, saying, “I don’t have dental insurance so it seems like a really good deal.”
Though these discounts have been supremely beneficial to consumers who do not have high incomes or medical insurance, medical organizations are wary that some consumers may be putting themselves at risk. Greg Sterling, an Internet analyst with Opus Research, states that discounts encourage consumers to focus on the low prices, rather than the quality of care.
President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Malcolm Z. Roth, adds that “you shouldn’t be doing procedures on a whim.” Consumers should not to be tempted by limited time offers because the quality of medical treatment is critical. Invasive procedures are often risky and can lead to infections, so it is important to investigate the doctors offering these deals.
According to Maire Griffin, director of communications for Living Social, which offers daily discounts, “we do everything in our power to connect our members with reputable merchants with the highest ethical standards.” Furthermore, she notes that their business offers medical services that are minimally invasive and mostly outpatient. While Living Social may be a trustworthy site, consumers should still be wary when shopping for discounted medical procedures.
Article published by: Trees Full of Money
