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Nov
14
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Posted by cameron
November 14, 2007 |
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It seems the U.S. healthcare system gets negative reviews when compared to other countries. I wrote a review of recent research findings a few days ago which you can see below. As in most research it often comes down to how a question is asked or phrased as to the outcome of that research. I have first hand experience of the U.S. system and the British system and there are great differences. It has been quite a while since I was in the British system but close family members are still in it or have gone through various illnesses or worse. These are some of my observations:
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Inadequacies in the British system are causing the emergence of a healthcare insurance industry to “top up” or “fill in” holes in their system in much the same way we top up Medicare coverage. Every cost cutting measure in the national system drives more business to the insurance companies. In effect, the long term direction is towards the U.S. system.
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Although denied at the official level, there are constant rumors in Britain about reduced coverage for the elderly. This would be the application of priorities to the young of overtaxed resources. I don’t know if this is true but the rumor persists.
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The Brits are not big on doctor visits unless they are sick so the concept of annual physicals and early detection of serious problems are behind the way U.S. patients use their General Practitioners.
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Waiting times for surgery can be long in Britain, especially for a non life threatening condition. My first experience in the U.S. actually shocked me. Expecting to be placed on a waiting list I was very surprised when the doctor asked “when do you want to do this?”
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Since the U.S. drives many advances in science it is natural to find the latest equipment in widespread use here before many other places can afford it.
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In the U.S., although the initial immediate access to a doctor can be slow sometimes, the movement through the system to see specialists and even hospital specialist can be swift. It is a given that every medical professional in the U.S. system is a profit center and customers drive profits. That means they want to see you as soon as possible. That drives the serious delays out of the system and they will run every test under the sun to find what ails you.
- Finally, my son asked me the following question; “which system would I rather be in if I had a problem?” I didn’t even have to think about it; “the U.S.” was my reply. That speaks volumes. This system isn’t perfect but others are less perfect. Most people only know one system so their opinions or perceptions are not comparative. If they new the U.S. system those folks abroad might actually prefer it!
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[…] Empty Nest wrote an interesting post today on U.S. Healthcare â Part 2Here’s a quick excerpt It seems the U.S. healthcare system gets negative reviews when compared to other countries. I wrote a review of recent research findings a few days ago which you can see below. As in most research it often comes down to how a question is asked or phrased as to the outcome of that research. I have first hand experience of the U.S. system and the British system and there are great differences. It has been quite a while since I was in the British system but close family members are still in it or […]
[…] Empty Nest wrote an interesting post today on U.S. Healthcare â Part 2Here’s a quick excerpt It seems the U.S. healthcare system gets negative reviews when compared to other countries. I wrote a review of recent research findings a few days ago which you can see below. As in most research it often comes down to how a question is asked or phrased as to the outcome of that research. I have first hand experience of the U.S. system and the British system and there are great differences. It has been quite a while since I was in the British system but close family members are still in it or […]