When Will the US Ever Get Adequate Healthcare Coverage?

[Coyotesheaven]

This is more of a complaint than a post, but here are my few cents about audiogram costs.

I just found out that I am being billed $800 for a single audiogram back in September! It was completely mediocre audiological testing, without any consultation with a doctor; the equipment was also terrible granted I could hear the lady playing the tones outside the box, and not through my headphones.
I just feel cheated out of my money.

Lord help us in this country with healthcare costs *that day will be long in coming*.

 

[ruben ruiz]

As long as there are people like Trump etc etc we will suffer the lack of meds and therapies to better our lives.

 

[Kazue]

Um, that worries me. I just got a audio gram done in September as well and it wasn't covered by insurance. I should ask my mom how much it cost because $800 is enough to pay a car note...America, the land of shitty healthcare

 

[Fungus]

So, I'm from across the Pond.

The NHS? Pretty good for emergency care (but can be patchy).....but 'cold' cases...nah!

Trying to be philosophical I would say that the number of diagnostic tests, potential treatments and patient numbers is increasing exponentially, such that healthcare for ALL conditions must inevitably be unaffordable....however if you are the poor wretch who needs seeing/diagnosing/treating it doesn't exactly feel right.

Fungus.

 

[ruben ruiz]

The USA land of missles and bombs and crappy health care!

 

[Zorro!]

As long as there are people like Trump etc etc we will suffer the lack of meds and therapies to better our lives.

*Full disclosure, not a Trump supporter but even I can't connect the dots on this statement.

 

[volsung37]

We're lucky in the UK to have free healthcare at point of delivery. However the system is beginning to fall apart because people are living much longer and falling victim to chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and dementia. People with tinnitus are very much at the back of the queue and referrals can take a very long time. I've spent over £1200 in the last few months on tests and private GP appointments. At least going private you can be seen almost immediately but if you haven't got ready money you can feel very uncared for by our system.

 

[MikeP505]

if you haven't got ready money you can feel very uncared for by our system

Totally agree. Here in Canada we also have universal health care in place. I won't say it's free of course, because we are all taxed to death to pay for things like this. I remember not long ago the USA decided to squish a universal health care bill put forth in congress. I remember the Americans saying they do NOT want a system like Canada and others.

Of course when you can walk into a hospital and complain about even the smallest thing, and never pay a bill for it, it becomes hard on the system. Overloads the system and the doctors and nurses trying to help. If you walk into an emergency ward here, you better be almost dead if you want to see a doctor within an hour. Otherwise grab a good book and prepare for an 8 hour visit to see a doctor for 5 minutes.

Seeing a family doctor is typically better here but even they can only see so many patience per week. They are restricted in billing the system to a maximum level. Many only work 4 day weeks now. So sure it's nice to not get a big bill, but it sure sucks when it takes 5 months, 6 months, 7 months for an appointment to see an ENT. Then you get there and in most cases any chance for real treatment has long passed. Most doctors here try to care, but just do not have the time. They also deal with so many patience with issues of very little importance. After seeing 5 patience in a row for a common cold, they become less caring. Ruins it for those who really need a good consultation.

So many pro's and cons to each system. If you got the money, you can buy your way in faster. If not, well the doctor can see you in 5 months at 9am.

 

[volsung37]

I feel sorry for the GPs sometimes as all they seem to be able to do for many chronic conditions is prescribe tranquilisers and antidepressants. Then I remember the salaries they're on and my sympathy dissapates a little.
Still in favour of our system of healhcare as under the US system if you haven't got insurance you're very much on your own with serious conditions. You're right about people abusing our system though by going to hospital with minor ailments and not bothering to turn up for GP appointments. Something will have to be done about that.