Calculating Doctor’s Expense

The Talmud learned from the words, ורפא ירפא, meaning, “You shall surely heal him,” that permission was granted to doctors to heal. They were messengers of Hashem.

The context of this verse in the Torah, was that doctor bills had to be paid for injuring another person. It is quite interesting how this was calculated.

The court would order that an assessment be made by professionals, how long it would take for a wound to heal. They would also add the costs of medications and treatments. This would be similar to today, if someone was hospitalized.

The offender is given an option. He can pay all medical liabilities as they develop, or he can make a deal. He can elect to pay one lump sum for all of the anticipated expenses.

For example, if the doctors estimate the person will be hospitalized for ten days and the total bill will be $5000, he can pay that amount and be relieved of his responsibility.

If the wounded individual heals faster, he will not receive a refund. But if it takes longer than expected, he will not be asked to pay any more money.

We see a very practical aspect of the Torah, and how its implementation makes a lot of sense.