General
negative wallet biopsy
What does negative wallet biopsy mean?
Cynical slang for transferring or discharging a patient after discovering they cannot pay — the only 'test' that came back negative was the wallet.
"Miraculous recovery the moment the wallet biopsy came back negative."
Origin
US healthcare slang critiquing insurance-driven care; also plain 'wallet biopsy.'
Frequently asked questions
What is a negative wallet biopsy?
Cynical slang for moving a patient on after finding they can't pay — the 'test' that came back negative was their wallet, not any disease.
What is it criticising?
Insurance-driven care in the US system, where a patient's ability to pay influences how far they're worked up or where they're sent.
Is it the same as 'wallet biopsy'?
It's the pointed version: a wallet biopsy checks means to pay, and a 'negative' one is the excuse to discharge or transfer.
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