S04.E03: Bachelor Pad Makeover

[gunderda]

19 hours ago, sATL said:

If I searched correctly, southwest doesn't fly into Laredo (link) .  Southwest does fly from/to Little Rock, Arkansas , which I think is a ways from the Duggars..hmmm

One of the scrolling pictures matches what we saw of the Laredo terminal (link)

Children under 2 have to pay now to fly ? If not, it is nice of Southwest to let them check 2 free bags. :)

ah good point! I forgot Kids under 2 don't need a ticket so I then he wouldn't get 2 bags. 

But it's looking like they likely paid at least $25/per bag since they couldn't have flown Southwest. So yea... that was $275.  They could have shipped it for way less.

Edited February 3, 2017 by gunderda

[gunderda]

50 minutes ago, louannems said:

You know, I am truly surprised seeing Jilly in tight yoga pants. After a decade of them spouting off modesty rules, and seeing girls swim in skirts, ride bicycles and horses in skirts, ski in skirts, and didn't they once parachute in skirts?, well, it does surprise me.  Not loose pajama pants, either. (Here in the Seattle are, I can walk into most any grocery store or Target, and see women wearing baggy fleece or flannel pajama pants).

 

ETA:. They even played fire-fighter in skirts!!!!!!!

I thought I maybe saw a black skirt on top of the yoga pants?  It was really hard to tell though and did almost look like it was only pants.  Wearing a skirt on a bike seems so dangerous. 

[riverblue22]

There was a short skirt over the pants.  I think it was the kind of skirt they have with their bathing suits.

[luvmylabs]

I'm giving Derrick a pass on the gag reflex thing.  He said he has been to specialists before (probably before he was married), so maybe someone who watches can suggest some way to help.  I would have preferred not to see the whole gag scene!  And why that quack didn't get Jill to a specialist right away because of her narrowed carotid artery!  Ugh!  Whatever I feel about the family, health problems are a bummer.

[MV713]

Anyone who thinks that the Duggars pay for ANYTHING, let alone checked bag fees, is nuts.

[bigskygirl]

Jill may not have a narrowed carotid artery. I had an EKG showing abnormal or missed heartbeats, and I had to wait five long weeks before my treadmill stress test. I was ask if I known I had a heart murmur, and my blood pressure and heart rate was dangerously high when I started walking on the treadmill. Luckily, my pressure and heart rate went down to more normal levels as I kept walking. After numerous testings and waiting three months to see a cardiologist, I was told no murmur, and no signs of heart disease, heart damage or blocked coronary arteries.  I do agree she should have been tested as soon as possible and send to a cardiologist. What I do not understand is why she was not told to wait until any test were done before trying to keep getting pregnant because a possible narrowing of a carotid artery could lead to a stroke and put her and the baby in danger. Maybe she thought God would take care of her because she is just a special snowflake. And if Derick was so concerned, he would have put his foot down and say lets hold off on having another child until we get this checked out.

[lookeyloo]

Those two look completely emotionless. Hard to crack a smile, poker face, etc.  Just blah.   Like everything is an effort for them which would make sense if they were both depressed.  Or, tired of the camera, or something else.  Maybe they are just two of the most boring people.

[Sew Sumi]

She had a skirt on over the leggings. 

[LittlePeas3]

who was sleeping on the couch when the boys went car shopping?  Do they get more peace sleeping in the common area than in their room?  

 

Healthy?  Jill and Derick?  What a load of horse poo!  I can not believe how Jill fobbed off the potential narrowing of her carotted artery!  I'm healthy, there's nothing wrong with me...blah blah, some one smack her in the head!  

 

I really feel for Jeremy, his appartment was torn apart, that should have been a Jinger and Jeremy task, not the whole circus!  

[louannems]

2 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

She had a skirt on over the leggings. 

Why couldn't I see a skirt on my 72 inch TV?

[riverblue22]

1 hour ago, louannems said:

Why couldn't I see a skirt on my 72 inch TV?

Maybe you were distracted by Derick's retching~

[YupItsMe]

6 hours ago, MV713 said:

Anyone who thinks that the Duggars pay for ANYTHING, let alone checked bag fees, is nuts.

I would imagine they had crew flying too so they could spread the extra bags out amongst them if there wasn't too much equipment.

[Bitter Betty]

Since it was a story line for the show, TLC probably paid for the baggage. 

[Absolom]

Assuredly it was planned and staged by TLC.  Otherwise, I expect Jinger would have happily shopped in Laredo and picked her own items after the wedding.

[Sew Sumi]

3 hours ago, riverblue22 said:

Maybe you were distracted by Derick's retching~

Yeah, you could see the skirt from the side angle when they rode down the road. It was hard to see in the scene when they were putting that too-small helmet on Izzy's Duggar Head. 

Edited February 4, 2017 by Sew Sumi

[mbutterfly]

On January 31, 2017 at 7:42 AM, DangerousMinds said:

This is scary. My recently deceased boyfriend had these symptoms too - puking after exercise and sometimes eating. And he died suddenly and unexpectedly from a aortic dissection. Same thing John Ritter and Alan Thicke reportedly died of. Derick needs to get to a specialist ASAP.

Isn't that also a possibility for people with Marfan's? It is scary. 

[Sew Sumi]

He claimed that he's been to specialists, and they haven't been able to diagnose him. But we don't know what he's been tested for or what specialists he supposedly saw. If this started when he was a junior in high school, it pre-dates his dad's death. But AFTER that, shouldn't he have re-visited the issue and been checked out for heart issues? 

[Arwen Evenstar]

2 hours ago, mbutterfly said:

Isn't that also a possibility for people with Marfan's? It is scary. 

Yes it is. I saw such a case on Dr G, Medical Examiner. A pregnant woman near term with her 3rd child died suddenly. Dr G noticed she has unusually long limbs and fingers and toes..not freakishly long and she was rather normal in appearance. It's on a spectrum, and not all people have obvious symptoms. I suspected one of my former coworkers of having it. She reminded me of Olive Oyl wrt her proportions, and had problems with her feet and balance and had had prior jaw surgeries and braces more than once..Sweet lady;hope she didn't have it. She could have merely been very slender and not particularly graceful, and she took care of herself.

I don't recall if this lady on Dr G was ever properly diagnosed or was even  unaware of such a complication if she knew.  It's how I became aware of it. Until I saw that program, I had no idea such a condition existed.  That was when Discovery Network actually showed educational programs.

[Minivanessa]

Taking my response re Marfan's to Small Talk.

[Marigold]

Athletic skirt with leggings sewn in

I actually own a pair and they are very comfortable.  When I go for walks, I wear them. 

[Arwen Evenstar]

9 hours ago, Jeeves said:

Taking my response re Marfan's to Small Talk.

Let's hope for his sake that Derick doesn't have it.  We know he won't receive the diagnosis or medical intervention he needs. Neither Marfans nor carotid artery issues are to be ignored or messed about with.

Nothing wrong with the notion that God will protect you, but I don't think God would have given humanity the intelligence and talent to develop and use medical technology had He not intended us to avail ourselves of it. St Luke, one of Jesus' disciples was the equivalent of a doctor for those times. I don't think Jesus ever told Luke that medical intervention was a bad thing and not to do it.

One thing I found really disturbing is that supposed medicine woman, Dr Jill, likely has no clue what a carotid artery is or where it is, and she didn't compute the seriousness that this puts her at risk for stroke. I would have given her a pass otherwise. 

It's worrying for such symptoms to show up in so young and height/weight  appropriate a girl. My husband's not even 40 year old Chinese, very slight framed health conscious doctor is pre diabetic and has high cholesterol. I was gobsmacked when she told us this, but it is extremely prevalent on both sides of her family. 

I think the Duggars believe (erroneously, on that and many other things) that if you're slender and young that you couldn't possibly have health issues. Even pediatric patients have strokes. Read a med journal article about a 3 year old girl having one.

What is most concerning is we see no evidence in these Duggar home birth debacles of any monitoring for preeclampsia or gestational diabetes or other blood work that any pregnant women with half the sense a God gave a goose usually gets. Jilly Muffin Midwife is probably in denial that she's become a high risk pregnancy with arterial issues like this.

[Tabbygirl521]

On 2/1/2017 at 6:10 PM, Absolom said:

If she shortened Jeremy to Jer, she already has a brother Jer.  So she's kind of stuck between his full name and a pet name. 

"Jeremy" and "Jeremiah" are essentially the same name anyway. 

[louannems]

Ha ha!  It's super rainy in Seattle today, and the Headship is busy schlepping his elderly parents around, so I rewatched the episode.  I managed to stay awake this time and definitely noticed Jill's skirt over the leggings this time around.

When Jill sits on the floor to put on Izzy's shoes for the bike ride, OMG, I saw not just thick dust, but big full-blown dust bunnies under the table.  I had 3 kids and a full-time job, and managed to keep my home fairly clean.  I did a room or two, or an area, every day, so by the week's end, everything had been gone over.

As the first sofa gets plopped in the middle of the room, Jinge goes That Looks So Goooood, Baaaabe!!!  Really Jinge!? Jinge comes across as a true Stepford wife with no opinions or personality, beyond contorted facial expressions.

Jinge is " amazingly surprised" that Pops gifts her a table for a wedding gift?  WTF!  Jill gets a mansion, Jessa and Josh got mold houses, and she freaks out over a cheap, made in China table?!

The non-cute twin has huge popable zits that TLC never bothered to even marginally try to cover-up.

Joy Anna states that even though Jessa is the Taskmaster, it is not harsh or they would all sit around and do nothing.

Jeremy claims that The Few Times he and Jinger's have been together, it has rained.  It a a theme.  This statement highlights just how few times they have actually spent together!

Is the apartment not air-conditioned?  Poor Spurgie's hair was plastered to his head with sweat.

I have been pregnant 3 times, have had countless exams by the age of 59, and I cannot recall ever having a Dr listening to my carotids with a stethoscope. Jill's ultrasound of the neck and heart will most likely cost about $1,400.  Hope she's saved up.

Really?!  Josiah was ordered by Jessa to take apart Jeremy's toilet seat to clean it??!  How insulting to Jeremy!

So Jeremy's buddies from church did all that moving for free?  A real moving company?  Here, that work is pricey.

I have slept under a thick goose down comforter (a Duuuvette!!!!!!!) for decades, but is is cool and very damp in Seattle.   A duvet in Texas seems too warm, but again, the air-conditioned air could be cool.

That quack doctor, who performed exams on fully clothed persons, had super messy shelving littered with bottles of Elmer's glue!!!

Jill had "A Few Complications" in CA which we get no glimpse into.  I'm guessing miscarriage.

Why does the tiny apartment living room need two sofas?  Our first apartment only had one, and if we "hosted" a "fellowship" we just pulled in the kitchen chairs.  We certainly never had a guest room!  What newlywed does?  Family can check into the Holiday Inn!

Jinge is spending the last 8 weeks before her wedding Walking Foreword and Being Joyful!  Gothard Speak Crap!!!

Come Thou Fount was framed and actually put on the wall?  GOD!

I could never do my weekly dusting with all that crap on every single inch of every single surface!

So Jinger's going to drive to Laredo in "her" car?  Daddy bought her a huge SUV?  Since the Howlers bought the boat, instead? I had to work hard (after college, that is) to buy myself a first car.  A tiny Hyundai Excell, too!

I just adore how Midwife Jill asks Jessa Do You Want To Listen To The Baby's Heartbeat?  After Jessa is already lying on the couch awaiting the Doppler.

During Derick's portion of the Family Wellness Exam, Jill is breastfeeding Izzy.  Maybe that's the reason she hasn't already spawned # 2.  I BF my first for 2 1/2 years and I had my cycles return within 4 weeks of birth.

While Jinge was sloppily packing in the girl dormitory for Laredo, I saw a rack of small children clothing.  I sure hope Anna and her 4 aren't having to ensure the humiliation of all living in the girl's dorm.  Maybe the little lost girls are tired of running down to the shared laundry room.

Another scrawny dog!!!

NWA airport sure is empty!

I had to repeatedly block Derick's gagging with my hand!  So gross and shown so many times!

At the airport, when meeting Jinge and gang,- Hi, My Luuuuv!!!  I've been married 30 yrs and have yet to receive that greeting.  I'm not jealous because it creeps me out!

I am so over the current, popular chain link patter of curtains, rugs, pillow covers, Duuuvette covers, etc.  I also see it all over the house fixxer upper type shows.

[Sew Sumi]

I can say that I  have NEVER had a doctor who HASN'T put the stethascope to my carotids during even the most routine exams, and I am in perfect health. Not to do so is grounds for malpractice, IMO. 

Rest of the post, A+! I sleep hot, so I have never considered a DOO-VET. :D

[sATL]

1 hour ago, louannems said:

During Derick's portion of the Family Wellness Exam, Jill is breastfeeding Izzy.  Maybe that's the reason she hasn't already spawned # 2.  I BF my first for 2 1/2 years and I had my cycles return within 4 weeks of birth.

Speaking of which... I didn't think it would be in the best professional sense to see all 3 of them in one "family" visit. Given it has been a while since they have been to a Dr, been out of the US for an extended period of time, and Derrick (and now Jill) have adult health concerns, I would have thought an annual adult physical would have required separate appointments. I know GenPrac MDs can do well-baby check-up, but I would have sought out a pediatrician. Were the Dillards trying to get a group rate on the appointment?

Actually a couple of years ago, I tried to piggy back during my offspring eye Dr apt and was turned down.

Edited February 5, 2017 by sATL

[Absolom]

You have to remember it was scheduled episode fodder not real life.  The doctor's morning or afternoon was blocked out for filming.

[Sew Sumi]

A doctor with some major strikes on his record. The Duggars may have forgiven him, but what about the AMA? 

And dude, 1975 called and wants their exam room back. Geez, even Bob Newhart had paneled walls in his office! 

[Christina87]

Re: Jill's "few complications in CA," I think most of us have suspected a miscarriage for a while now. I don't think mothers are under any obligation to tell anyone about a miscarriage, but why doesn't Jill, if she indeed had one? She and Derick would have a GREAT platform for their anti-abortion rants, and they could milk it for all it's worth...a funeral, endless Instagram posts, etc. Even if they didn't want to do all that, a miscarriage storyline would make Jill more relatable to viewers. It seems like every time they actually have an interesting storyline, they don't go with it, and film something painstakingly boring instead. I can't stand Jill; after josh, she is my least favorite kidult, but I think even I would have a newfound appreciation for her and Derick if they admitted they went through that, and I would even understand things like the shower rack more. 

[Arwen Evenstar]

I don't think they had a miscarriage, even though that's their business if they want to share. These folk are announcing pregnancies before the pee stick is even dry.

[Marigold]

I was kinda surprised that Jessa was allowed to speak to a male in such an overly bossy tone. 

Bossing Ben is one thing, still not OK but at least it is your own issue with your husband.   But bossing someone else's husband???  

Jeremy is all about MEEK WOMEN.  My guess is Jessa won't be invited often.  Jinge will be driving to Tater Tot Castle to visit. 

Mr. GotHard would not be pleased with this at all. 

[Arwen Evenstar]

19 minutes ago, Marigold said:

I was kinda surprised that Jessa was allowed to speak to a male in such an overly bossy tone. 

Bossing Ben is one thing, still not OK but at least it is your own issue with your husband.   But bossing someone else's husband???  

Jeremy is all about MEEK WOMEN.  My guess is Jessa won't be invited often.  Jinge will be driving to Tater Tot Castle to visit. 

Mr. GotHard would not be pleased with this at all. 

That's what I've been saying all along. See how she barked at Bin and he was scrubbing that toilet for all it was worth???

Bossing Jeremy in his own home...no doubt after the wedding Baaaabe had to find a way to tell Cringe that Jessa can't behave like that anymore as a guest.  By their sheer numbers, Duggars invade spaces like a swarm of bees.  I'm sure they have no clue how off putting their behavior is. Their dad is a boorish oaf, and they aren't allowed outsider friends to tell them their behavior is not cool.

I can just imagine that Jessa's disrespect for her headship and other Gothard and preacher males is causing much chatter at Gothard Central. She's not doing anything non Gothard gals don't do, but given that that's been something drummed into their heads and demonstrated to them that they are no better than second class citizens as per the Wisdumb Booklets, SOTDRT, and JTTH conferences....it's kinda funny too....

[Marigold]

Even in regular families/friends it is generally NOT acceptable to boss people around like that.

The duggars have no self awareness.  Jessa truly does not realize how rude her behavior is.  In fact, her siblings reinforce her shitty behavior. I almost feel bead for her.  She made a complete ass of herself on TV and really thinks we are all admiring her "talents".  No, jessa, we all think you're kinda horrible to deal with. 

Jessa, there is a difference of being a leader and being a boss. 

No one likes a boss.  Especially a bitchy one. 

[Arwen Evenstar]

22 minutes ago, Marigold said:

Even in regular families/friends it is generally NOT acceptable to boss people around like that.

True...but in most families, parents are more socially aware and that behavior would have been nipped in the bud early.

But if your father is authority obsessed and behaves like Foghorn Leghorn everywhere he goes and you aren't taught much in the way of manners ....see exhibit A...

Edited February 5, 2017 by Arwen Evenstar
Felt lik it

[Spencer Hastings]

Part of me is cheering her on and saying "F yeah!  Down with the patriarchy!"

But the other part of me believes in being a good person and not talking down to others.  I wonder why her behavior is embraced but other women in that family are expected to be meek.  Maybe all that extra training she got made her want to act out more. 

[Churchhoney]

1 hour ago, Spencer Hastings said:

Part of me is cheering her on and saying "F yeah!  Down with the patriarchy!"

But the other part of me believes in being a good person and not talking down to others.  I wonder why her behavior is embraced but other women in that family are expected to be meek.  Maybe all that extra training she got made her want to act out more. 

I've noticed that when someone is a determined bully, most people pretty much give way before them. No matter what those people may believe about who has the right to be dominant or not, no mater whether the bully is old or young or male or female or smart or dumb. .... If you want your own way, consistently demand it and shove everybody out of the way to get it. Unfortunately, that tends to work in most circumstances. We, the herd, will very very often let you lead if you grab the leadership, even if it's very much to our disadvantage.

Just sayin. 

[Marigold]

My theory is that Jessa has a normal IQ and uses that to her advantage of the other Dull Duggards who have no spine. 

[Muffyn]

On ‎1‎/‎31‎/‎2017 at 3:33 PM, Arwen Evenstar said:

So sorry for your loss and apologies for missing your post when it happened.

Thank you for sharing..you may have saved many lives with this information.

That sort of thing is NOT to be messed about with.  We have suspected Derick may have Marfan's Syndrome with his long limbs and jaw problems. Sudden aortic dissection is a complication of Marfans.

I don't have a Twitter account, but some please tweet it to him to get a CT scan to rule this out.  As many specialists that he was taken to, I'm surprised no one caught Marfans unless he's not talking about that.  With or without Marfans, he still needs to rule out aortic issues with those kinds of symptoms and get it repaired. 

I was the first to mention that Derick has a Marfanoid body type.  That does not mean he has Marfan Syndrome.  Also, even if he does meet the criteria, he very well might not have any heart related issues.  I am always concerned when people get diagnosed based on sight alone.  He is tall and thin with a narrow face, so he is marfanoid.  However, the syndrome, which I have, ranges from mild to extreme and has a variety of possible symptoms. 

If they are asking for suggestions it makes sense to mention that he should have a full cardiac workup including an ECG.  However, given how long he has seemingly had these symptoms (if anything they say is ever to be believed), it is less likely to be an issue with the aorta and much more likely to be exercise-induced asthma, reflux or many, many other less serious issues. 

Certainly seeking truly competent medical care would be a wonder for the Duggars.  I would hope in his youth Derick had better health care. 

On ‎2‎/‎2‎/‎2017 at 2:37 AM, GeeGolly said:

I suspect he's a little messed up if he's not getting Jill into a specialist a little quicker for a follow up regarding a health issue that could be serious. I would suspect he is even more messed up if Jill's issue is a story line to gain viewers and he went along with it. I suspect that if I was doctoring on a TV show I would have made it very apparent that I asked Derick a thorough lists of questions about his "gagging" and then re-referred to specialists because things are often missed and masked and are undetectable at certain times and medicine is forever changing.

And I for sure would have at least tried to make the exam room look updated if not fully made over.

But then again maybe the Duggars are on to something - we can all go on TV and explain our symptoms while a panel of MDs from all over are watching and they can call in diagnoses and suggestions and we can then contact local MDs for care.

If I remember correctly the guy from Flip or Flop was diagnosed with a health issue by an ER nurse that watched the show.

Being the extreme cynic that I am, I assume that much of this was shown to get people actively concerned.  If they could claim something was found, I would see the Duggars, the Duggarettes or the Duggar satellites asking for prayers and donations. Because the Lord healeth but does his best when you toss some money their way.  That is a sign of His will being done!  

[Arwen Evenstar]

@Muffyn...thanks for your insight and your delightful twist of humor at the end.

i did consider exercise-induced asthma, and asthma with minimal exertion...it resulted in me ending up with a full cardiac workup, but never caused me to vomit. There is a connection between GI issues and asthma in many cases though. Some people may vomit.

i certainly hope they would not use a suspected medical problem to gain donations for their questionable ministry. Such behavior would be an affront to those who are ill.

[MamaMax]

On 1/31/2017 at 10:29 AM, BitterApple said:

What sort of doctor is Fedosky? General medicine? Because it sounds like Derick needs to see a specialist. Derick is an idiot for giving up a job with good insurance. I can't imagine they have any sort of health plan right now if their medical care is in the hands of a quack who lost his license.

I'm sick with the flu right now so I haven't seen the episode, but regarding all the baggage, the last time I flew Delta home to Boston my suitcase was over the weight limit and I paid close to a hundred bucks in extra fees. Why the Duggars would pay money to haul thrift store crap to Laredo is beyond me.

TLC paid the freight, I'm sure. Still, why wouldn't Jinge want to purchase decorative accents herself? it would give her something to do while Babe is working.

 

On 1/31/2017 at 0:57 PM, fuzzylollipop said:

 

Jessa clearly wears Ben's balls as a necklace underneath her modesty layers and I kind of love that she's the real headship in that family but is she trying to get ownership of Jeremy's as well? I know it's the Duggars and after watching them for so many years, I shouldn't be shocked at their lack of tact, but they still got me. I can't even wrap my head around descending to an in-laws house and completely redecorating things MY way and refusing to listen to what they want. Putting a queen bed in that tiny spare bedroom? Rolling her eyes when Jeremy suggested a bunk bed and annoyingly stating, "a couple can't sleep in a bunk bed." News flash Jessa: yes! A couple can "totally" sleep in a bunk bed when they're a guest at another's house for a few days! That comment made me think that her and Ben plan on spending a lot of time in Laredo and bunk beds are beneath her since she left the TTH.

Finally, can Jinger not be Robin to Jessa's Batman for just a minute?! My goodness she needs to grow a spine. I don't think she did anything the entire episode except roll her eyes and walk away anytime Jessa and Jeremy started disagreeing about something. For being the "creative one" you would think she would have more input on her future home. Or at least stand up for Jeremy, who was obviously very overwhelmed the entire episode. 

Only people who have never lived in a a college dorm could think you can't bang in a bunkbed. HA!

On 1/31/2017 at 10:27 PM, DangerousMinds said:

Hard to get an appointment with a cardiologist, or a CT scan, without insurance. Unless you have lots of cash in hand.

Go to the ER. Then all us insured people can pay increased premiums to make up for all the uninsured people who use the ER as their doctor.

[DangerousMinds]

You can't just go to the ER and see a cardiologist for a suspected problem. They will only admit those already in the midst of a cardiac crisis. And after that crisis (if you're lucky enough to have survived) you're on your own again with no follow up care. And left with hundreds of thousands in medical bills.

Edited February 7, 2017 by DangerousMinds

[Natalie68]

On 2/3/2017 at 5:50 PM, Sew Sumi said:

Yeah, you could see the skirt from the side angle when they rode down the road. It was hard to see in the scene when they were putting that too-small helmet on Izzy's Duggar Head. 

THIS drove me nuts.  In a previous job I was in charge of a student security team that did bike patrols.  They all needed helmets and I was told time and time again by the paramedics that shared our space that they MUST fit correctly!  This is not something you can do haphazardly.  Jesus Christ!  Can't they do one fucking thing for the safety of their children?  They are all willy nilly about everything.  Phew.  Had to get that off my chest.  

[kokapetl]

How much does a GP visit cost in America?

[Arwen Evenstar]

1 hour ago, Kokapetl said:

How much does a GP visit cost in America?

Easily 100 to 200 USD is what typically gets billed to the insurance. The patient usually pays up 25 to 40 USD for their portion, and insurance pays the doc whatever they agree to settle for, less what patient already paid.

To self pay, that would depend on the docs...and you'd still have to pay for any X-rays, blood work, or lab tests..billed by other parties...it's complicated 

[doodlebug]

1 hour ago, Kokapetl said:

How much does a GP visit cost in America?

It depends on where you live, why you are going and how much time is needed.  First off, most Americans have some sort of health insurance and don't have to pay the full cost.  For example, my health insurance includes an annual exam with an internist or family physician at no cost if I see someone in my plan (doctors and other practitioners enroll in various health plans and it is always cheaper to see someone within your plan).  I pay 35 bucks copay for any doctor visit other than the annual exam. 

Presuming that someone doesn't have health insurance and lives in rural Arkansas, like the Duggars (where it is relatively cheaper); paying out of pocket for a doctor visit would be probably $50-75 minimum, while in large cities and on the coasts, it could easily approach $200.  That's just for the visit.  Routine blood work, Pap smears, etc would easily double the cost.  Prescriptions, X rays, etc would also be separate and would drive the cost up, too.

ETA: I practice regular OB/GYN in a large Midwestern city and work as an employee for a large hospital system.  They bill around $200 for a new patient who comes to see me for a routine exam.  Add in a few routine things like a Pap smear, a mammogram, testing for STD's and you're talking well over $600 out of pocket, if you're not insured and not eligible for a discounted rate (most major medical centers give 'rating' to people who are uninsured based on their income, you've got to ask however.  My nephew was not insured after a layoff and saw a top orthopedic specialist; got meds, physical therapy and testing including an MRI for a knee problem and paid nothing for it. He could've had knee surgery at no cost had it been needed).

Edited February 8, 2017 by doodlebug

[kokapetl]

How long are these GP visits?  

[doodlebug]

1 hour ago, Kokapetl said:

How long are these GP visits?  

Depends on why you're there, for the most part.  If you're there for a full physical, it's probably going to be at least half an hour, maybe longer, especially if you haven't been there before.  Then, if you're an established patient and they've got your medical history; a visit for a sore throat or cough in an otherwise healthy person is going to be 15 minutes, tops.