An online marketplace where doctors can bid for medical procedures ranging from tummy tucks to hip replacements is experiencing big growth as Americans worry about rising health care costs. The site, MediBid, was launched in 2010 by Ralph Weber, who likens it to a Priceline.com for medical care. Users receive multiple bids from doctors, and typically pay up to 80% less than the uninsured rate and 50% less than the insurance-discounted price for procedures. But patients be warned: Even though doctors include their credentials, you'll still need to do your own research.
