The general theme of the book “Overtreated,” the New York Times’ pick for best economics book of the year, is that we can cut a significant percentage of our health care costs—”between one fifth and one third,” says the author—and not have any impact on our level of health. As a nation, we tend to err on the side of too much treatment, exposing ourselves to unnecessary risks and racking up fees on procedures we could do without. And since doctors depend on a piecemeal approach to earning income, while at the same time dealing with significant financial risks from malpractice suits, they tend to push for more treatment, not less (they need to earn a living while also protecting themselves from accusations of doing too little).
policy
12 Year Old Kid Flying Alone? Don't Expect Too Much Help From Southwest
By 12.17.07
Southwest escorts children 5 through 11 who are traveling alone, but “once you hit 12, you’re considered a youth and not an unaccompanied minor,” said Teresa Laraba, the airline’s vice president for ground operations.
Unlike most airlines, Southwest is nice enough not to charge for escorting younger kids, but you’re out of luck once your precious little brat turns 12. So what should you do?
Probably Why HomeDepot.com, et al, Doesn't Accept Gift Cards
By 11.19.07
Here’s a probable answer for that reader who complained Friday that HomeDepot.com won’t let you use gift cards, forcing him to drive 20 miles away to get his tool fix. It’s probably better than driving all the way there, only to find his gift card was empty. If you recall, last year there was a big problem with thieves stealing git cards….
HomeDepot.com Does Not Accept Home Depot Gift Cards
By 11.16.07
Just wanted to let anyone know that if they plan on giving a Home Depot Gift Card as a gift this year that they can NOT be used at homedepot.com
Verizon Gives Up: Will Not Fight FCC's Open Access Rules
By 10.23.07
Verizon Wireless abandoned its legal challenge Tuesday of the Federal Communications Commission’s rules for its upcoming auction of radio spectrum, removing a potential obstacle to the much-anticipated sale.
Chicago Wants To Keep The Change, Eliminate Parking Meter "Piggybacking"
By 10.17.07
Ah, that most delightful of surprises: The parking meter with time already on it. If the City of Chicago has its way, (and let’s face it, they usually do) the gift of a partially full parking meter will a thing of the past.
Banks Earned $19 Billion From Overdraft Fees This Year
By 10.11.07
Overdrafting makes the Consumerist very sad, and banks very happy.
Google: "Online Advertising Benefits Consumers"
By 9.29.07
“The online advertising business is complex, but my message to you today is simple: Online advertising benefits consumers, promotes free speech, and helps small businesses succeed. Google’s acquisition of DoubleClick will help advance these goals while protecting consumer privacy and enabling greater innovation, competition, and growth.”
Verizon Reverses Policy On Pro-Choice Text Messages
By 9.27.07
Verizon recently rejected a request from Naral Pro-Choice America, an abortion rights group, to make Verizon’s network available for their opt-in text message program.
Southwest To End "Family First" Boarding Policy
By 9.19.07
Southwest currently lets families board first, but they’re axing that policy in an effort to save time. Rather than board with the A group, families will now board after A but before B and C. If all members are in the A group, they will board with A.
Delta Changes Rules, Charges Up $70 For Same Day Flight Change
By 9.12.07
I travel a lot on business. I’m on travel right now, in Orlando. Luckily for me, my business this morning was completed ahead of schedule, and as I left my vendor’s office, I phoned Delta Air Lines to move up my return flight time a few hours.
L.A. Considers Temporarily Banning New Fast Food Restaurants In South L.A.
By 9.12.07
NYC isn’t the only big city picking fights with fast food restaurants these days. Citing high obesity rates in her mostly working-class district, Los Angeles councilwoman Jan Perry has proposed a 2-year ban on new fast food restaurants in parts of South L.A., in the hope that it will make room for healthier restaurants to compete.
Man Attempts To Return Walmart Ammunition At 1300 Feet Per Second
By 9.10.07
It’s Walmart’s policy, clearly visible on their website and in their stores, that all sales of guns and ammunition are final. One San Diego man didn’t like that policy so he tried to return the ammunition in another way. By firing it in the Walmart parking lot.
Returning Gifts At Best Buy Is A Big Pain In The Butt
By 6.22.07
Let me state clearly what they are having us do: I had to return the camera at the store, the cost of which will be refunded to my brother’s card. Then I have to call my brother and explain to him why I am exchanging his gift and ask him to please go back online and purchase a different camera for me. Talk about a pain for my brother who was just trying to get me a nice wedding gift!
Alaska Air's New Privacy Policy 'Changes Your Preferences'
By 3.26.07
Somehow, we find that difficult to believe. —MEGHANN MARCO
Netflix Keeps Your DVD If You Send It In By Mistake
By 3.16.07
I’m really sorry to hear that you have sent us in your game. I researched this issue and found out that our distribution centers aren’t set up to return customer discs of any kind so we’re not able to send your disc back. I understand this is frustrating for you and I am very sorry that we cannot mail your disc back to you.
CompUSA Won't Honor Rebates For Items Purchased At Closing Stores
By 3.13.07
Effective immediately, customers in closing stores are not eligible for CompUSA rebates, and manufacturer rebates will not be available. If an item was purchased prior to 2/27/07, and qualifies for a rebate, please follow the normal submission instructions located on your rebate form. The closing store will not participate in CompUSA’s national ads. However, the closing stores will have their own sales; pretty much every item in the store will be on sale, and the closing stores may have their own ads too.
Well, at least “pretty much every item in the store will be on sale.” You just don’t see enough use of the phrase “pretty much every” in store policies these days.—MEGHANN MARCO
