Raped In America; What Was The Cost Last Time You Saw A Dr? Working Thread For World Health Costs.

I made an office visit for a tick bite just to be on the safe side. I spent a total time of 15 min. at the office. I got a prescription for antibiotic cream and told to watch for the redness to go away in a few days if not come back. Total cost was $88.00. $88 dollars for 15 minutes! That is $352.00 an hour.

reply to post by JayinAR

I don't think you can fix one thing, especially a social program, and expect it to release tension across the board.
Sweeping reform is what is needed. Not just this one thing.

I don't have problem with sweeping reform. My problem is that every issue turns into political squat. Even you must admit that sweeping reform is useless unless there is a considerate amount of compromised involved.

reply to post by cloakndagger

Let that be a lesson to ya! Kidding...
You will know what to do next time, eh?
I am a firm believer in natural remedies/solutions.
I also found out the hard way if I want to be sick all the time,
go to a doctor!
After all it IS in their best financial interest!
Granted there is a time to go to the doctor, but some
have no idea about their own bodies and trust doctors implicitly!
That to me is suicidal!
But, to each his own I guess!

reply to post by JayinAR


A lot of Americans don't want the same kind of government health care that they have in the UK or Canada. Those against it shouldn't be forced to have it.

A lot of Americans would love to have the same government health care as the UK or Canada and those people should have that option.

This shouldn't even be an issue. Why is it OK that Americans pay what they do in taxes and are not allowed even basic health care?

reply to post by jam321

True.
Now if we knew how to compromise we may get somewhere.
The divorice rate in this country is proof we dont know how to do that!
Sorry, its late, I'm about done for tonight.
I have enjoyed talking with you all and wish you the best!

Originally posted by dodadoom
reply to post by mental modulator

 

Thank you for sharing that!
I see your point. Deep stuff!
Until you go through something like that you have no idea.
The system was supposed to help people when they needed it.
It morphed into a way of life for alot of people.
They figured, why work if I don't have to.

In theory it should work for the people who need a little temporary help,
but when you have people who take advantage of it, it fails.
Like universal health care would unfortunately. IMO

Man this was hard to put into the right words!



[edit on 7-9-2009 by dodadoom]

No doubt...

Personally I think we are up the creek -


IT is my opinion it will be the last nail in the coffin -
In ten years we will be paying 100% more on premiums
Within that time, employer provided insurance will disappear
In twenty years the costs will be some where around 220% what it is today.

People do not want to be taxed anymore which I can understand, so
we will all be isolated in our potency, drop in an ocean, take what we are given and that is what it will be.

Thanks for hearing me out, I hope you and yours stay very HEALTHY and safe!

reply to post by Sundancer

Um, because the people dont have lobbyists?
I hope I dont come across as a dweeb.
I swear you asked me though!
Yap, its late, Im loopy!

reply to post by dodadoom


It's sad but you're right. I couldn't have said it better.

We the people don't count because we can't afford to pay the government to vote in our best interest.

I'm heading for bed but look forward to seeing you and your opinions in this thread tomorrow. Star for you!

reply to post by mental modulator

You are correct I feel also!
Your welcome and no problem, I enjoy your company.
I was going to write a thread called "the great contraction".
Or the united states of contraction....
Because that is what I feel we are headed for.
Things will never be the same, but people seem to want it to be.
The only way we can get through it is very carefully.
There are too many out of work and more joining them everyday,
there are no jobs anymore and no one seems to know where they went.
And they are probably not coming back. We outsourced them.
If people dont work they cant pay taxes, buy things, etc, and the
snowball rolls and picks up speed downhill.
Almost seems to me its either all planned out, or we got people
with no clue running the world.
Either way, not looking good.
Welcome to the great contraction.....

Btw, thanks for the stars and for putting up with me everyone!
Its all good and you are all purty cool!

[edit on 7-9-2009 by dodadoom]

reply to post by dodadoom


I agree with You a 100% regarding natural remedies. It doesn't stop in States as far as cramming the doctors down all Our throats non stop. To kick that into hyper drive the FDA, AMA, and the like totally encourage us not to seek any kind of alternative treatments. I think that is just wrong.

My mother had a Heart attack about 8 years back; I guess technically it was congestive Heart failure. Any ways, the doctors all frowned upon her for taking a lot of vitamins; treated her like a reject.

The funny part to the whole story was that according to their measurements, and tests she should have been way dead, and not talking to them..........

So it made me speculate at their stupidity for not crediting the more natural things she had been doing; instead of damning those very things.

reply to post by Sundancer

Thank you Sundancer!
All we ask for is the same care our elected politicians receive right?
I mean, thats only fair......right?
Thanks again and have a good night!

[edit on 7-9-2009 by dodadoom]

Originally posted by mental modulator
Not me-

My passed away father -

Was a Chair of Social Ecology at a UC - GREAT INSURANCE

Diagnosed glioblastoma in Oct 2005 - passed June 2009

Just finished the legal stuff (LW&T) two weeks ago

His treatment total after insurance = $2,320,000.00 - give or take a couple thousand

His new wife is trying to keep their house thru legal channels

[edit on 7-9-2009 by mental modulator]

I'm sorry to hear about your father .

I was diagnosed with glioblasta multiforme brain tumor in 2007(previously diagnosed with grade 3 brain tumor in 2002). fortunately being from the UK the treatment has all been free. I believe i have had the best treatment available.
My surgeon is world renowned. My oncologists are specialised in cancer of the Brain. I have MRI scans whenever I feel I need them. I have had 6 weeks of radiotherapy 5 days a week. I have had chemotherapy twice with very expensive drugs.
I have had counselling and helped set up a support group at the hospital for young people with Brain Tumors, where young people from the south of England can come and meet others, get advice on diets and benefits, receive complimentary therapies and just generally chat with people in similar situations.

having originally had the radiotherapy 7 years ago for the original tumor. It has damaged something in my brain that stumaltes the hormones. so as well as having to take medication everyday for controling seizures, I also have to take certain steroids and hormones on a daily basis. again all these prescriptions are free.

I really couldn't imagine the cost of all this. I must be costing the british tax payer a fortune.
I'm just thankful for the NHS every day. we have never worried about any finances from the day i was diagnosed.

[edit on 7-9-2009 by woodwardjnr]

Well the problem in the US is that most of your tax dollars go to defense and servicing your enormous debt. After that there is not much left for anything else. Canada our biggest expenditure is health care.

Don't believe all the BS adds with supposed Canadians telling horror stories of our system. It's not perfect but I'll take it and pay the appropriate taxes to help fund it. I never have to worry about getting sick or going bankrupt if I do have an unfortunate illness or injury.

It requires a big choice. Have this big expensive military that sucks the life out of everything else. I'm not saying you have to be defenseless. A good foreign policy and war should never be needed.

Originally posted by woodwardjnr

Originally posted by mental modulator
Not me-

My passed away father -

Was a Chair of Social Ecology at a UC - GREAT INSURANCE

Diagnosed glioblastoma in Oct 2005 - passed June 2009

Just finished the legal stuff (LW&T) two weeks ago

His treatment total after insurance = $2,320,000.00 - give or take a couple thousand

His new wife is trying to keep their house thru legal channels

[edit on 7-9-2009 by mental modulator]

I'm sorry to hear about your father .

I was diagnosed with glioblasta multiforme brain tumor in 2007(previously diagnosed with grade 3 brain tumor in 2002). fortunately being from the UK the treatment has all been free. I believe i have had the best treatment available.
My surgeon is world renowned. My oncologists are specialised in cancer of the Brain. I have MRI scans whenever I feel I need them. I have had 6 weeks of radiotherapy 5 days a week. I have had chemotherapy twice with very expensive drugs.
I have had counselling and helped set up a support group at the hospital for young people with Brain Tumors, where young people from the south of England can come and meet others, get advice on diets and benefits, receive complimentary therapies and just generally chat with people in similar situations.

having originally had the radiotherapy 7 years ago for the original tumor. It has damaged something in my brain that stumaltes the hormones. so as well as having to take medication everyday for controling seizures, I also have to take certain steroids and hormones on a daily basis. again all these prescriptions are free.

I really couldn't imagine the cost of all this. I must be costing the british tax payer a fortune.
I'm just thankful for the NHS every day. we have never worried about any finances from the day i was diagnosed.

[edit on 7-9-2009 by woodwardjnr]

Thank for your kind words and you are a brave fighter enduring such a thing.

America is in a big mess, this whole issue cuts to the core of who we are.
It is such a fundamental argument that it include the specific ideas upon which our country was founded.

It is all very ideological-

half the nation believes that nothing should be free, that EVERYTHING has the right to be assigned a cost. They feel this notion is so
tied to the foundation of American freedom that the idea itself should be protected no matter the concern or societal consequences.

I explain this side of the debate to YOU in England because it would be the side you probably do not understand.

On an active political level these people feel the way to fixing the problem is to give the various companies MORE FREEDOM in their practices, implementation and decisions.
They cite the reason of high cost is due to LAW SUITS, SYSTEM ABUSE, ILLEGAL ALIENS and LACK OF COMPETITION on a state by state basis.

Once again the solution is to stay completely out of business's way.
This is why SOCIALIZING the system is so disagreeable on a core political level...

On a practical level, these people do not want to be forced to pay for things that
impact other people, via taxes. They also do not want to give government a larger role
in their own lives.

The pro health care side is motivated by the same things that motivated NHS which I'm sure you understand.

Anyhow, I am glad you take care of your people there it is very nice to hear of a place where people and humanity trump all other concerns.

BE WELL MY FRIEND!

reply to post by mental modulator


thanks for your supportive words.

actually being on this site is helping me understand the ideology of Americans a lot more and hence the debate on health care. It is a much more complicated ideology in these times, when capitalism doesn't really seem to be working in every ones interests and the free market starts look less and less free.

I understand that America was set up to free itself from large government and anything resembling government involvement is seen as going against the principles of what America stands for. so on that level i'm starting to understand the debate more.

I think Obama has done a lousy job at convincing Americans of the benefits of public health care. I understand why Americans are angry when something so important is being discussed.

[edit on 7-9-2009 by woodwardjnr]

Originally posted by woodwardjnr
reply to post by mental modulator

 

actually being on this site is helping me understand the ideology of Americans a lot more and hence the debate on health care. It is a much more complicated ideology in these times, when capitalism doesn't really seem to be working in every ones interests and the free market starts look less and less free.

Very funny, I am ABSOLUTELY fascinated with British versions of RIGHT/LEFT
I find the whole notion new and alien. Sometimes I cannot tell if the person posting is a liberal or conservative ATSer, I try to understand the issues over there but it is hard to
reference the discussion.

I also find the debate much more practical and at the same time principle based, just fascinating.

Is there a popular movement trying to eliminate NHS? and if so why not? (I know it is a weird way to pose a question)

Originally posted by mental modulator

Originally posted by woodwardjnr
reply to post by mental modulator

 

actually being on this site is helping me understand the ideology of Americans a lot more and hence the debate on health care. It is a much more complicated ideology in these times, when capitalism doesn't really seem to be working in every ones interests and the free market starts look less and less free.

Very funny, I am ABSOLUTELY fascinated with British versions of RIGHT/LEFT
I find the whole notion new and alien. Sometimes I cannot tell if the person posting is a liberal or conservative ATSer, I try to understand the issues over there but it is hard to
reference the discussion.

I also find the debate much more practical and at the same time principle based, just fascinating.

Is there a popular movement trying to eliminate NHS? and if so why not? (I know it is a weird way to pose a question)

I would consider my self a socialist, but don't confuse me with a liberal.

Originally posted by woodwardjnr

Originally posted by mental modulator

Originally posted by woodwardjnr
reply to post by mental modulator

 

actually being on this site is helping me understand the ideology of Americans a lot more and hence the debate on health care. It is a much more complicated ideology in these times, when capitalism doesn't really seem to be working in every ones interests and the free market starts look less and less free.

Very funny, I am ABSOLUTELY fascinated with British versions of RIGHT/LEFT
I find the whole notion new and alien. Sometimes I cannot tell if the person posting is a liberal or conservative ATSer, I try to understand the issues over there but it is hard to
reference the discussion.

I also find the debate much more practical and at the same time principle based, just fascinating.

Is there a popular movement trying to eliminate NHS? and if so why not? (I know it is a weird way to pose a question)

I would consider my self a socialist, but don't confuse me with a liberal.

Interesting, it is the exact opposite here...

The liberals are being called socialists in derogatory fashion, much like you would not want to be confussed with a liberal.

Could you expand on your response, like define socialist and liberal as you know it in UK politics.

I will have to get back to you on this one



[edit on 7-9-2009 by woodwardjnr]

reply to post by sanchoearlyjones


I will try to do my best to explain how our health care system works here in Belgium. It should give you a nice perspective.

First of all every family or individual is obliged to have a health insurance, if you cannot afford one our government will provide you with basic health care coverage. If such a person encounters a grave illness which is not covered by the government, the hospital will still receive its money from a national health care fund. ( There is a chance that you will have to pay something back, but it`s mostly reviewed case by case, it depends on your income and they have no problem with setting up a payment plan for you. )

If you can afford such an insurance and you have to go to the doctor, dentist or even some specialists you will pay around 18 to 50eur of which you get about 50% back from your insurance. Hospital admittance is in 99% of all cases at no cost to you. ( for example, my girlfriend spent about a week in the hospital this year and did not pay anything. Not even the meds )

On a side note : People are requested to always visit their physician first before running to the ER. Unless you`ve had an accident of some sorts that needs immediate medical attention.

How does this work and what does it cost ?

Well our family insurance ( including some heavy dental coverage ) costs about 150eur a year ( that`s about 165 - 175 USD ). Oh, and it also covers my family when abroad.

An individual insurance costs about twice that much.

If you are employed, the employer has to have a medical insurance for all his employees. So if anything happens to you while at work it is covered.
The employee and the employer pay a monthly fee for this. The fee depends on where you are employed and which company your employer uses.

Besides that most employers will offer you a group insurance policy at a low cost. My monthly fee is about 35eur I think.

On top of all of this, each month 13.07% is deducted from your bruto salary (=before taxes) and this money goes to the national health care fund. Your employer has to pay about 33.00% of your bruto salary to that same fund.
This is the fund that pays for most ER - Hospital bills and the same fund pays the bills of those who do not work or simply can`t afford an insurance (which usually implies you do not work).

The fund is also responsible for paying out your pension ( yes, that`s also covered by our social care network )

I hope I have been clear with all of this, if you have any specific questions I will try to answer them to the best of my knowledge.

Edit for typo and clarification.





[edit on 7-9-2009 by Lunatyx]