The Orthopedic Care Value Gap

Why does the average patient spend over $1,000 on orthopedic care before ever receiving a clear diagnosis?
In this episode, Dr. Fred Bagares unpacks what he calls “the orthopedic treadmill”—a six-month cycle of copays, referrals, and vague answers that leaves patients frustrated and no closer to recovery. Through the story of Maria, a 42-year-old runner trapped in this maze, Dr. Bagares explores how insurance-based medicine often rewards volume over value—and what a clarity-first, direct-care model could look like instead.

You’ll hear how sunk costs, choice overload, and “coverage confusion” keep patients spinning their wheels—and how a more transparent, diagnostic-driven approach can shorten recovery time, improve outcomes, and restore trust.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re paying for access or actual answers, this episode will make you rethink the true cost of care—and why clarity shouldn’t be the most expensive part of your recovery.

🕰 Timestamps + Key Themes

[00:00] The $1,000 Question
Why most patients spend four figures before anyone explains what’s actually wrong.

[00:01:00] Maria’s Story: A Runner on the Orthopedic Treadmill
From urgent care to orthopedics to PT—six months, six copays, still no clarity.

[00:03:00] When “Good Insurance” Isn’t Good Care
Coverage vs. quality, and why “in-network” often means “out-of-answers.”

[00:05:00] The Psychology of Staying Stuck
How sunk-cost bias and the burden of choice keep patients cycling through the system.

[00:06:00] The Coupon Illusion
How insurance behaves like a coupon that only works after you overspend.

[00:07:00] What Value-Based Care Could Look Like
A side-by-side comparison: traditional care vs. a direct, clarity-driven model.

[00:09:00] Maria’s Turning Point
How a clear diagnosis and coordinated plan restored her confidence—and her miles.

[00:10:00] Access vs. Answers
Why clarity, continuity, and communication are the real currencies of modern care.

[00:11:00] The Reframe
Coverage doesn’t equal care. Access doesn’t equal outcomes. You deserve better.

🎧 Listen if:
You’re tired of waiting months for results, confused by your MRI report, or wondering if the system is working for you or on you.

👉 CTA:
If you want Clarity Guides, next-step tools, or to explore advanced treatments like PRP or shockwave therapy, visit FredBagares.com or MSKDirectVB.com.

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