morpeth

Two recent experiences with ER rooms in UK, and NYC , maybe just anecdotal and not a generalization, but showed me the difference.

Visit in UK for minor issue walked in, gave name and description of issue. Hour later saw a nurse, unfortunately didn't speak English too well, who tried to solve problem but couldnt. She called a doctor, resolved issue in a few minutes. No silly tests recommended, nor checking blood pressure which would have been totally unnecessary. Thanked the doctor and that was that.

In NYC, besides name long application to be filled out, discussion about insurance coverage. Then all sorts of additional questions by nurse, take weight, blood pressure etc, again for particular issue unnecessary. Then besides nurses time, the doctor came, spent 15 minutes, solved issue but then recommended additional tests. But then had to "check out" . Bill came in mail three weeks later for $800.

Forgetting the outrageous cost of $800 , the cost of time of the various individuals certainly would exceed the time spent by the NHS personnel.

Yes people do seem to see doctors more often ( if they have insurance or decent insurance ) in USA than UK.

morpeth

That was the theory, I wonder in practice whether that happened though I guess would take years of study to know effects of what seems like common sense.

I had an ACA policy between private insurance policies while changing policies. I know there are many issues that the ACA can be faulted on, but my experience with an ACA policy was superb. Without a doubt it helped many people and probably lives. Very hard to be sympathetic to opponents of ACA who don't propose something better. Maybe money should just be provided to the state sand let them sort out as federal government/Congress seem unable to. The true problem though is not insurance premiums but outrageous costs of doctors and hospitals.

UK system is so much better, not just NHS but also the generally reasonable charges for private insurance.

S Folinsky

Medicare Part A [hospitalization] is paid by the payroll withholding during the working life.
Medicare Part B [health care] is paid by premiums, usually deducted from social security payments.

If you don't mind HMO model [e.g. Kaiser, Secure Horizons], there are what are called Part C plans in which the Part B premium payment goes to the HMO. It often includes Part D drug coverage.

My neighbor [with whom I get along with] is quite enthusiastic about The Donald. But I asked about his experience with Medicare and his recently deceased mother. He was quite happy. I mentioned that perhaps some type of Medicare for all might not be a bad idea. He did not reject that idea out of hand.

mrken30

Just been sent this story about non-government controlled healthcare. Which do you prefer? Unnecessary procedures done for profit, or the occasional non covered procedure?

Providence CEO takes out an ad to apologize for Swedish Health issues | FierceHealthcare

To quote the article.

The increased number of procedures spurred hospital revenues to $500 million in net operating revenue and an exceptionally high number of Medicare reimbursements per inpatient stay in 2015. It also burned out medical staff members, subjected patients to more invasive surgeries than necessary, and produced “high rates of blood clots, collapsed lungs and serious surgical complications,” per the investigation.

scrubbedexpat099

Doctors can withdraw life support from a sick baby with a rare genetic condition against his parents' wishes, a High Court judge has ruled.
Specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital said eight-month-old Charlie Gard has irreversible brain damage and should be moved to palliative care.
His parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard, from London, had wanted to take him to the US for a treatment trial.

Charlie Gard case: Doctors can withdraw baby's life support - BBC News

This was on the Radio today, much discussion obviously there is often not an easy answer.

mrken30

I am not sure if the parents are just being selfish in this case. It's hard to put yourself in their shoes, but what quality of life would their kid have? How much suffering do you put your kid through?

Giantaxe

There was a similar case with a teenager in Oakland who was deemed brain dead. Parents disagreed:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jahi_McMath_case

morpeth

I recently have had experience with the NHS for some simple matters, and compared to the USA the service was excellent, and unnecessary procedures and paperwork weren't present. Looking at the percentage of the UK GDP accounted for by healthcare, compared to the US, it would seem quite obvious the US system is hurting the competiveness of USA manufacturing. Plus private health care insurance in the UK certainly more affordable as well.

All this talk about insurance premiums in the US addresses a symptom rather than the problem- out of control healthcare costs.

MidAtlantic

The incredible thing here in the US is that % of GDP spent on health care is among the highest of industrialized countries but the outcomes are among the worst.

morpeth

Exactly, and why US politicians are so short-sighted. Solving the health care situation in the issue by addressing the problem and not just the symptoms, would in the end not only provide better overall health care, save the government money nut also make companies more competitive.

fakey

(Republican) US politicians aren't short-sighted at all - they are venal, corrupt crooks whose role is to milk the system to the advantage of their corporate masters.
At least Obama & the dems attempted to reform what is obviously an evilly cynical health system.
And in response, middle America voted for Trump & more corporate power.

morpeth

Just out of curiosity where did the hundreds of millions Clinton raised come from ?

scrubbedexpat091

Another reality of government controlled healthcare.

I didnt have to pay a dime out of pocket directly for my colonoscopy.

fakey

Goldman sachs, the illuminati, the new world order & the shape shifting lizards from the 5th dimension who sold you your tin foil hat

SultanOfSwing

Let me be the first to congratulate you on some top-shelf shitposting