No country for old men?

[NitNoi]

I am shocked that citizens in first world countries can't quickly see a GP. The Australian Medicare system does seem like a Utopia by comparison. Sure, elective surgery like hip replacements will see you on a waiting list but the wait for a GP consultation in Sydney will be less than an hour - and many practices "bulk bill" so there is no charge.

Here in the Philippines, I live in a provincial town. I know several people who have died because they (and their family) can't afford dialysis. I would be surprised if this is common in the US or other countries that are being denigrated here.

[kittyboy]

I am shocked that citizens in first world countries can't quickly see a GP. The Australian Medicare system does seem like a Utopia by comparison. Sure, elective surgery like hip replacements will see you on a waiting list but the wait for a GP consultation in Sydney will be less than an hour - and many practices "bulk bill" so there is no charge.

Here in the Philippines, I live in a provincial town. I know several people who have died because they (and their family) can't afford dialysis. I would be surprised if this is common in the US or other countries that are being denigrated here.

In the USA if you can not provide proof of insurance a gp will turn you away from the office. No insurance no doctor visit unless you pay cash upfront.
People resort to going to the emergency room at hospitals but will get turned away for non emergencies.

[paborn]

I can't understand why people find the concept of insurance so difficult to understand. When I first moved to South Florida from New York I was informed that my house was in a flood zone ( from the canals that regulate the waters ) , later, I was informed that a determination was made that it is not. I still pay the insurance in case the new information is wrong. Just as I pay fire insurance and hurricane insurance and an umbrella policy to protect mny assets. All the while hoping I never have to use them and fully aware that my money will help to reimburse those not so fortunate. For God's sake it's called "insurance" to insure that coverage is there. It has nothing to do with anyone's self rightous feelings about how hard they worked.

[TaoR]

The trouble is those are facts and everyone in the United States can give a whole litany of examples of what is wrong with our system. But when you bring up "healthcare for all" you get hit with "I believe in personal responsibility." When you bring up how we could implement something like the Swiss Healthcare system (which is the only option I see that cannot be called "socialized medicine" then you hear nothing but comments about Europe and how we have the best healthcare in the world.

The reality is even with health insurance, even with the high cost for insurance policies, with the cost of copays, maximum out of pocket limits, and all the other fees and penalties healthcare, even for those with insurance, is still the number one reason for people declaring bankruptcy in the United States.

[paborn]

The trouble is those are facts and everyone in the United States can give a whole litany of examples of what is wrong with our system. But when you bring up "healthcare for all" you get hit with "I believe in personal responsibility." When you bring up how we could implement something like the Swiss Healthcare system (which is the only option I see that cannot be called "socialized medicine" then you hear nothing but comments about Europe and how we have the best healthcare in the world.

The reality is even with health insurance, even with the high cost for insurance policies, with the cost of copays, maximum out of pocket limits, and all the other fees and penalties healthcare, even for those with insurance, is still the number one reason for people declaring bankruptcy in the United States.

Absolutely, a substantial portion of the credit card debt in the US is for medicne and medical services

[arsenal]

Healthcare, free at the point of delivery is a standard within western Europe. However it comes with a very hefty price tag both in monetary and social terms. In The UK people use the media to get what they feel is their entitlement while others use the same media to stoke up anger at immigrants receiving free treatment despite having paid nothing in. Norway is usually touted as being the Utopia for such matters but the cost of living is eye wateringly expensive with a Big Mac meal costing 11 euros and anti-biotics 24 euros. No easy answers to healthcare.

https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/norway?currency=EUR

[frequent]

I am shocked that citizens in first world countries can't quickly see a GP. The Australian Medicare system does seem like a Utopia by comparison. Sure, elective surgery like hip replacements will see you on a waiting list but the wait for a GP consultation in Sydney will be less than an hour - and many practices "bulk bill" so there is no charge.

Here in the Philippines, I live in a provincial town. I know several people who have died because they (and their family) can't afford dialysis. I would be surprised if this is common in the US or other countries that are being denigrated here.

My favourite Australian health-related advertisement is this one. I'm sure it will resonate with many of our members

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTIWjR2GpFo

[poshglasgow]

Just to throw this out there -- I don't really ever need medical attention, but my parents are getting to be that age. Gotta say, can't really say I'd rely on the healthcare system in Canada or the like, and from the stories I hear, US is no better especially when it comes to things like the price of prescription dugs.

My dad has been trying to get a GP for over 3 years, and still doesn't have one. He did get a latter a couple months ago informing him that no doctors are currently available, and to please be patient.

About a year or so ago my dad went in for minor knee surgery. They got him into a gown, put him on a stretcher, put him in the hallway, and asked him to wait there. About 1am rolled around, my mom hadn't heard anything yet so got a little worried, called the hospital and asked if the surgery is done, or what's up? They basically just told her, "oh whoops, we forgot all about him. his surgery was actually cancelled, and he's still laying in the hallway if you want to come pick him up". They totally forgot about him, and just left him in the hallway for about 8+ hours.

For about 3 years my mom was in constant agonizing pain and barely able to walk due to a bad hip. After years of waiting patiently in pain, she had enough, flew down to Mexico and got a hip replacement. She's back to doing great, walking the golf course, again. All the while, she's still waiting for a phone call to schedule a consultation to see whether or not she qualifies to be put on the waiting list for a hip replacement. She's not even on the list yet!

I don't have much to do with doctors, but for example, I went to the eye doctor here, and it was a 18 day wait to get in for a quick 15 minute check up. In Thailand we'd call to see the eye specialist and it was, "sure, you can come in tonight anytime after 5pm, or tomorrow before 11am". Same goes for dental surgery. I don't know how long I'd wait in Canada, but I'm sure it'd be more than 20 hours, which is all it was in Thailand to see the dentist at KK Ram. Hell, in Canada it's a 5 day wait just to get a haircut, much less see a specialist at a hospital.

I went to see my doctor the other day, as I had a sore eye. He said, "Right, go behind the screens and take off all your clothes."
"Sorry?"
"Go behind the screens and take off all your clothes."
"But, I've come in about my sore eye."
"I know, so go behind the screens and take off all your clothes."

I did as he asked and then stood there behind the screens with my clothes in my arms. "Okay doctor, I've taken off all my clothes so where I shall put them?"
"Put them over there on the couch next to mine," He replied excitedly.

[frequent]

Then there's the patient who was told by the doctor that he needs a rectal test to examination his prostate. The doctor then explained that that would require a finger up the patient's arse. The patient than asked for two fingers as "I value a second opinion"

And the man who took his wife to the doctor because "Ever since I taught her to do it doggy style I can't stop her chasing cars"

[poshglasgow]

Then there's the patient who was told by the doctor that he needs a rectal test to examination his prostate. The doctor then explained that that would require a finger up the patient's arse. The patient than asked for two fingers as "I value a second opinion"

And the man who took his wife to the doctor because "Ever since I taught her to do it doggy style I can't stop her chasing cars"

Excellent! Made me laugh.