Real-Life Math
Mr. Sprain hurt his back while lifting a 100-pound box. As part
of his medical insurance plan, Mr. Sprain is allowed to see a physical therapist.
However,
he must pay a deductible of $250. After the deductible, the insurance company
pays 50 percent of the bill, up to $1,000. After $1,000, the insurance company
picks up 100 percent of the bill.
You are a physical therapy assistant.
Your boss, the PT, charges $150 per hour for physical therapy sessions. If
patients come in for less than an hour, she will prorate the amount for the
insurance company. For example, if a patient is treated for half an
hour, she will charge the insurance company $75.
Mr. Sprain's
treatment lasted 12 weeks. Over a period of 8 weeks, Mr. Sprain came in 4.5
hours per week. In the last month of treatment, he came into the PT office
3 times a week for a half-hour each time. The day he returned to work, Mr.
Sprain returned to the office for emergency hydrotherapy. He was still in
pain. The treatment lasted 45 minutes.
How much should the insurance
company pay? How much should Mr. Sprain pay?