Bob Greene 's friend found the hospital bill from his birth in 1947 . It was $ 70 , $ 726 in 2012 dollars . He says the price of a hospital birth in 2008 was $ 11,000 . Why is it so expensive now ? Comment: Greene : Some say not all costly procedures necessary , but outcomes are better now .
Bob Greene 's friend found the hospital bill from his birth in 1947 . It was $ 70 , $ 726 in 2012 dollars . He says the price of a hospital birth in 2008 was $ 11,000 . Why is it so expensive now ? He says huge pricetag is partly due to advanced technology that has greatly cut infant mortality . Greene : Some say not all costly procedures necessary , but outcomes are better now .