|
Be grateful for the NHS!
As someone who worked in healthcare in the UK I was sick to the back teeth regarding the general abuse and ungratefulness the British people had towards healthcare workers there.
Because they didnt pay anything directly for the service they had no value for it. Trying to self manage a cold was too much for them there. They would run to a GP with 5 mins of sore throat. The US should be a wake up call for Brits. no abuse of the system there, you can ask for whatever you want just get your AMEX out beforehand. the NHS will go eventually and it will disappear due to the abuse and demands of the consumers using it and no other reason than that! |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
It depends on your situation. The US health care system is great if you have access to it i.e. the right health insurance. It's the health insurance system that is the real problem.
Here in the US, I have access to doctors and other medical services at really short notice simply because I have a decent health insurance plan (which also adds dental, vision and prescription coverage). In the UK, I would likely have much less access to (and longer waits for) medical services. However, if you don't have health insurance in the US, then you're in trouble if you get sick. People in this situation would be better off with the UK system. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905212)
As someone who worked in healthcare in the UK I was sick to the back teeth regarding the general abuse and ungratefulness the British people had towards healthcare workers there.
Because they didnt pay anything directly for the service they had no value for it. Trying to self manage a cold was too much for them there. They would run to a GP with 5 mins of sore throat. The US should be a wake up call for Brits. no abuse of the system there, you can ask for whatever you want just get your AMEX out beforehand. the NHS will go eventually and it will disappear due to the abuse and demands of the consumers using it and no other reason than that! I think you're preaching to the converted. :lol: |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by MarylandNed
(Post 9905279)
It depends on your situation. The US health care system is great if you have access to it i.e. the right health insurance. It's the health insurance system that is the real problem.
Here in the US, I have access to doctors and other medical services at really short notice simply because I have a decent health insurance plan (which also adds dental, vision and prescription coverage). In the UK, I would likely have much less access to (and longer waits for) medical services. However, if you don't have health insurance in the US, then you're in trouble if you get sick. People in this situation would be better off with the UK system. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl
(Post 9905302)
I think you're preaching to the converted. :lol:
Although it was nice to ring the orthodontist for one of my daughters and get an appointment for next week (called on Tuesday)....although slightly worried about the cost as we are only 50% covered for orthodontic care (up to a max of $5K then it's no cover :unsure:)....yikes! In the UK my other daughter was put on the waiting list just before we came over here and we got a letter saying there was an 18mth waiting list for the initial appt and then another 18mth waiting list for treatment!!! I think if it was 'urgent' we would have paid to go privately but thankfully our dentist took the waiting list's into account and referred her early!! Anyone know how much braces cost here?!? :confused: |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by Wibblypig
(Post 9905316)
:thumbsup::thumbsup:
Although it was nice to ring the orthodontist for one of my daughters and get an appointment for next week (called on Tuesday)....although slightly worried about the cost as we are only 50% covered for orthodontic care (up to a max of $5K then it's no cover :unsure:)....yikes! In the UK my other daughter was put on the waiting list just before we came over here and we got a letter saying there was an 18mth waiting list for the initial appt and then another 18mth waiting list for treatment!!! I think if it was 'urgent' we would have paid to go privately but thankfully our dentist took the waiting list's into account and referred her early!! Anyone know how much braces cost here?!? :confused: |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl
(Post 9905327)
I think around $5/6K.
|
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
why do you think the NHS is full of whining malingering hyperchondriacs? Its because its free. You think if they had to pay to get all that stuff done they would?
Hell no!! |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905212)
The US should be a wake up call for Brits. no abuse of the system there, you can ask for whatever you want just get your AMEX out beforehand.
|
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
And 'free' prescriptions in Scotland, I just paid $102 for a nasal spray for the dude which will last 30 days as we haven't met our $3000 prescription deductible (that's a whole lots of drugs!!!) and it has no generic alternative.
|
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905212)
The US should be a wake up call for Brits. no abuse of the system there, you can ask for whatever you want just get your AMEX out beforehand.
There are 6 people in my family and our annual deductible is reached every year. So we have absolutely no incentive not to go seek medical services because we know that our deductible will be reached at some point anyway - usually before June. So we essentially have access to free medical care during the 2nd half of the year. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by ChocolateBabz
(Post 9905419)
And 'free' prescriptions in Scotland, I just paid $102 for a nasal spray for the dude which will last 30 days as we haven't met our $3000 prescription deductible (that's a whole lots of drugs!!!) and it has no generic alternative.
|
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by Wibblypig
(Post 9905316)
:thumbsup::thumbsup:
Although it was nice to ring the orthodontist for one of my daughters and get an appointment for next week (called on Tuesday)....although slightly worried about the cost as we are only 50% covered for orthodontic care (up to a max of $5K then it's no cover :unsure:)....yikes! In the UK my other daughter was put on the waiting list just before we came over here and we got a letter saying there was an 18mth waiting list for the initial appt and then another 18mth waiting list for treatment!!! I think if it was 'urgent' we would have paid to go privately but thankfully our dentist took the waiting list's into account and referred her early!! Anyone know how much braces cost here?!? :confused: |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905391)
why do you think the NHS is full of whining malingering hyperchondriacs?
Ian |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by MarylandNed
(Post 9905421)
By the way, there is still abuse of the system in the US. People who have no deductible (or who have already reached their deductible limit for the year) can go to town on medical services at no or reduced cost.
There are 6 people in my family and our annual deductible is reached every year. So we have absolutely no incentive not to go seek medical services because we know that our deductible will be reached at some point anyway - usually before June. So we essentially have access to free medical care during the 2nd half of the year. yeah but u still got to shell out yr co pay a co pay in england would make most NHS patients not bother going to the ED or even their own GP |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905467)
yeah but u still got to shell out yr co pay a co pay in england would make most NHS patients not bother going to the ED or even their own GP
|
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by fatbrit
(Post 9905484)
It would be just wonderful to model the NHS on the great successes of the US system. :whatchutalkingabout
PS I am mad. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by MarylandNed
(Post 9905279)
Here in the US, I have access to doctors and other medical services at really short notice simply because I have a decent health insurance plan (which also adds dental, vision and prescription coverage). In the UK, I would likely have much less access to (and longer waits for) medical services.
Seeing my doctor can be a half day expedition unless you get a very early appointment. Go in at 11:00 and you'll be lucky to get called before 12:30. Another hour stuck in the little exam room and Captain Laptop will usually make an appearance an hour later, see me for 2 minutes, stare at his laptop (I'm sure he's on WebMD) and then send me for at least 3K's worth of tests, scans and X-rays. Having insurance in this town makes you look like a big, walking money bag to most docs. I've worked in both healthcare systems. The one thing I can say about the U.S. system is that they're a lot more sensitive to costs. of course, that's just so they can make a lot more profit out of patients. In the NHS though, I came across plenty of people who thought that their funding was a bottomless pit and acted accordingly. I wouldn't wish the U.S. system on my worst enemy though. I live in a ski town and have ski-ed since I was 8 (which was a long, long time ago). I would never go ski-ing here though. The cost of getting hurt would be catastrophic even with insurance. Back home, I once hurt myself pretty badly ski-ing and spent 3 months in hospital and another 6 months of physio recovering. Can you imagine the cost here? I know plenty of other people with the same concerns. That has to have a knock-on effect on the local economy. This system also dis-courages people from leaving their jobs and setting up businesses that could employ people and generate taxes for the local economy. Tying health coverage to employment is a stupid state of affairs that benefits no one but the insurance companies. The bottom line, for me at least, is that it is immoral to view people's health as something to make a profit out of. Unfortunately, in the land of "I'm alright Jack, screw you", I'm in a minority. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by cluedweasel
(Post 9905544)
To be fair, I think this can vary depending on where you live too. My wife needed to see a doctor (a GP, nothing fancy) a few weeks ago. She hadn't been to see her usual one for 2 years and he'd moved out of state. The first struggle was to actually find anyone taking patients. Once she found someone who was willing to take on new patients, it was a 5 week wait for an appointment unless it was an emergency.
Seeing my doctor can be a half day expedition unless you get a very early appointment. Go in at 11:00 and you'll be lucky to get called before 12:30. Another hour stuck in the little exam room and Captain Laptop will usually make an appearance an hour later, see me for 2 minutes, stare at his laptop (I'm sure he's on WebMD) and then send me for at least 3K's worth of tests, scans and X-rays. Having insurance in this town makes you look like a big, walking money bag to most docs. I've worked in both healthcare systems. The one thing I can say about the U.S. system is that they're a lot more sensitive to costs. of course, that's just so they can make a lot more profit out of patients. In the NHS though, I came across plenty of people who thought that their funding was a bottomless pit and acted accordingly. I wouldn't wish the U.S. system on my worst enemy though. I live in a ski town and have ski-ed since I was 8 (which was a long, long time ago). I would never go ski-ing here though. The cost of getting hurt would be catastrophic even with insurance. Back home, I once hurt myself pretty badly ski-ing and spent 3 months in hospital and another 6 months of physio recovering. Can you imagine the cost here? I know plenty of other people with the same concerns. That has to have a knock-on effect on the local economy. This system also dis-courages people from leaving their jobs and setting up businesses that could employ people and generate taxes for the local economy. Tying health coverage to employment is a stupid state of affairs that benefits no one but the insurance companies. The bottom line, for me at least, is that it is immoral to view people's health as something to make a profit out of. Unfortunately, in the land of "I'm alright Jack, screw you", I'm in a minority. Thats what attracts healthcare workers to the US, fact patients dont get a free ride and have to pay their way. I managed to download the recent panorama. Vast majority Americans think healthcare is a choice not a right! Also they think you should pay to see a doctor. The idea of the NHS is great its just that the patients messed it up and will eventually kill it asap. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905212)
As someone who worked in healthcare in the UK I was sick to the back teeth regarding the general abuse and ungratefulness the British people had towards healthcare workers there.
Because they didnt pay anything directly for the service they had no value for it. Trying to self manage a cold was too much for them there. They would run to a GP with 5 mins of sore throat. The US should be a wake up call for Brits. no abuse of the system there, you can ask for whatever you want just get your AMEX out beforehand. the NHS will go eventually and it will disappear due to the abuse and demands of the consumers using it and no other reason than that! By the way re the comment in post #6...it is not free. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by Lola-Monmouth
(Post 9905641)
The NHS must be much better off having employees like you leave. Bet you spent your time looking down your healthy nose at people who were ill or needed reassurance. I too worked in the NHS and some of it's problems are due to lazy, sneering, I know my rights, employees who thought because they worked for the government they could take things easy and abuse the (sick) people it should be serving. The lazy employees also took the maximum number of sick days on full pay as they could per year, whether ill or not.
By the way re the comment in post #6...it is not free. it is free at the point of abuse *cough* should be use! 'they could take things easy and abuse the (sick) people it should be serving' what on earth do you think the docs in the US are doing??!! As a doctor said to me the other day I dont see a patient when they walk through the door I just see $$$$ signs and it is my job to rinse as much as I can out of them lol |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905598)
The idea of the NHS is great its just that the patients messed it up and will eventually kill it asap.
|
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905391)
why do you think the NHS is full of whining malingering hyperchondriacs? Its because its free. You think if they had to pay to get all that stuff done they would?
Hell no!! And regarding the comment written by someone else about the price of inhalers in the US vs Scotland by someone else, just how much do you think such a drug costs? It's about the same in the UK, it's just that the payment for it doesn't come directly from your pocket at point of use. This is not a personal attack, just trying to point out that many medications ARE very expensive, and that the users of such products genuinely have little idea of their true cost to the NHS/UK governments/tax payers. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905598)
Vast majority Americans think healthcare is a choice not a right!
Ian |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by Lola-Monmouth
(Post 9905641)
The NHS must be much better off having employees like you leave. Bet you spent your time looking down your healthy nose at people who were ill or needed reassurance. I too worked in the NHS and some of it's problems are due to lazy, sneering, I know my rights, employees who thought because they worked for the government they could take things easy and abuse the (sick) people it should be serving. The lazy employees also took the maximum number of sick days on full pay as they could per year, whether ill or not.
By the way re the comment in post #6...it is not free. you speak a lot of presumptious twaddle i never took a day off sick in england and if i did enjoy doing that thing then the States is the worst place to come for that kind of thing (sick leave etc). I left because of the patients rude, ungrateful 'i want everything but pay nothing attitude' also the great thing about the states for doctors is that when annoying people like yourself walk in the door you are fare game for any clinician to fleece a few thousand bucks out of you without breaking sweat. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
The NHS wasn't designed to provide the service it is now expected to provide. It was also introduced at a time where individuals seemed to take a lot more responsibility for their own actions, and also new how to self medicate.
My current role is as an Emergency Dept physician (short-term contract in the UK). It's surprising to see the number of people who attend with pain (headache, or abdominal, or joint) who have had the pain for a few hours and have not tried one single thing to relieve the pain. eg paracetamol. And then we have the people who discover their cervix at 1am on a Sunday morning. Or vaginal bleeding - last occurred 4 weeks ago. And 4 weeks before that. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by fatbrit
(Post 9905663)
And you think the US system is sustainable in its current form?
|
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905683)
do you see any doctors complaining about the current system? Nope neither do i!
|
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905683)
do you see any doctors complaining about the current system? Nope neither do i!
|
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by Ozzidoc
(Post 9905680)
The NHS wasn't designed to provide the service it is now expected to provide. It was also introduced at a time where individuals seemed to take a lot more responsibility for their own actions, and also new how to self medicate.
My current role is as an Emergency Dept physician (short-term contract in the UK). It's surprising to see the number of people who attend with pain (headache, or abdominal, or joint) who have had the pain for a few hours and have not tried one single thing to relieve the pain. eg paracetamol. And then we have the people who discover their cervix at 1am on a Sunday morning. Or vaginal bleeding - last occurred 4 weeks ago. And 4 weeks before that. totally agree one good thing about the US is that the cost instills some common sense which even intelligent brits in england severely lack! however once the brit goes stateside they suddenly develop common sense and dont visit for any crap. why is that then?! |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by fatbrit
(Post 9905689)
I'd hope they would, especially if they have children.
|
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905655)
it is free at the point of abuse *cough* should be use!
'they could take things easy and abuse the (sick) people it should be serving' what on earth do you think the docs in the US are doing??!! As a doctor said to me the other day I dont see a patient when they walk through the door I just see $$$$ signs and it is my job to rinse as much as I can out of them lol It would be difficult to decide which patient is *cough* abusing the system. Sometimes the quicker you get treatment for something minor the "cheaper" it will be in the long term. Prevention being the by word here. I know quite a few doctors and not one of them would make such a comment as you say...but then they are mostly foreign. As someone who avoids seeing a doctor in this country because of being viewed in term of profit I agree with the sentiment though. Actually I think I may have mis-interpretted your intial post so sorry I am such a airhead before I have had my 2 cups of coffee on a morning:o |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905693)
the system is far too lucrative for them to be concerned and doctors can always get favours for their own family from colleagues so they are just fine :thumbsup:
I've met some vile doctors, too. And a few slightly more intelligent ones. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905690)
however once the brit goes stateside they suddenly develop common sense and dont visit for any crap. why is that then?!
Then there's my neighbour. She had bowel cancer a few years ago, but most of the treatment was covered by her husband's insurance. He lost his job and they can barely keep up house payments, let alone pay for insurance. She's been feeling out of breath and having occasional chest pains for a over a year. Her husband got a new job just before Christmas and the new insurance just kicked in. She went to see the doc and it turns out she now has lung cancer. How much better would her chances have been a year ago? The NHS isn't perfect. I don't know anyone who would claim it is, but compared to the pile of shit that passes for a healthcare system here, it's a shining beacon. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905678)
you speak a lot of presumptious twaddle i never took a day off sick in england and if i did enjoy doing that thing then the States is the worst place to come for that kind of thing (sick leave etc). I left because of the patients rude, ungrateful 'i want everything but pay nothing attitude'
also the great thing about the states for doctors is that when annoying people like yourself walk in the door you are fare game for any clinician to fleece a few thousand bucks out of you without breaking sweat. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by Lola-Monmouth
(Post 9905713)
Were you a porter by any chance? Pot calling kettle there pet......
doubt would have got an EB-1 as a porter my dear :thumbup: |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by cluedweasel
(Post 9905709)
You mean like me, who suspected they were diabetic for 3 years but had to wait for insurance before confirming? I couldn't pay for myself to be diagnosed and treated because then it would have become a pr-existing condition.
Then there's my neighbour. She had bowel cancer a few years ago, but most of the treatment was covered by her husband's insurance. He lost his job and they can barely keep up house payments, let alone pay for insurance. She's been feeling out of breath and having occasional chest pains for a over a year. Her husband got a new job just before Christmas and the new insurance just kicked in. She went to see the doc and it turns out she now has lung cancer. How much better would her chances have been a year ago? The NHS isn't perfect. I don't know anyone who would claim it is, but compared to the pile of shit that passes for a healthcare system here, it's a shining beacon. watch panorama i agree with the all the congress man on that stage who says why should others have to pay for your issues? totally agree. If you dont like it then go back to england healthcare is a choice not a right and I agree with the majority of americans who feel u shld pay to see a doctor |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by Ozzidoc
(Post 9905664)
It is NOT free. It's free at point of use.
And regarding the comment written by someone else about the price of inhalers in the US vs Scotland by someone else, just how much do you think such a drug costs? It's about the same in the UK, it's just that the payment for it doesn't come directly from your pocket at point of use. This is not a personal attack, just trying to point out that many medications ARE very expensive, and that the users of such products genuinely have little idea of their true cost to the NHS/UK governments/tax payers. |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Originally Posted by sid50
(Post 9905717)
watch panorama i agree with the all the congress man on that stage who says why should others have to pay for your issues? totally agree.
If you dont like it then go back to england healthcare is a choice not a right and I agree with the majority of americans who feel u shld pay to see a doctor |
Re: Be grateful for the NHS!
Actually I think you are taking the piss and not worth replying too. Told you I hadn't had my 2 cups of coffee.......
|
| All times are GMT. The time now is 11:45 am. |
Powered by vBulletin: ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.