GullahGullahIslander
117431
3353
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It could be so much better...
Oct 8, 2020 11:02 PM
GullahGullahIslander
117431
3353
54
ilovemyblackpugsogoaheadanddownvoteme
If you don’t have insurance please do not pay your physician’s bill until you have asked for a self pay discount.♥️,a medical coder/biller
idonthinksoo
I truly never thought about it like this and it explains so much.
LillyReke
BylawsBarrister
Even of it really did cost that much, with as much as we spend on our military we could cover it.
doesthisnameevenmatter
That doesn’t even touch the cost of pharmaceuticals... most branded drugs cost pennies and are sold for exponential profits.
squeakypanda
https://youtu.be/CeDOQpfaUc8 adam Ruins everything has a good segment on this.
GreenGaeasSon
Our health care FINANCING industry is the problem... NOT financing health care.
Kodaxmax
Theres no way cost is an issue when its common knowledge america wastes the majority of it's money. nearly half is military spending ffs
Imadethisaccounttopost
THIS, THIS IS EXACTLY THE PROBLEM! We've live with it so long, generations of people think it's normal. There are people in charge of our
Imadethisaccounttopost
country right now that think standardized universal health care will cost a fortune BECAUSE the bills are so exorbitant and fake.
kalinsovrin
American medication costs as much as they can get away robbing you for.
twfx
I just had a rapid covid test and asked the cost. $220 uninsured. Wouldn’t say what they charged my ACA insurance
Blacktusk
I had a specialty test done that was $700, but if insurance didn't cover it you got a $350 "discount." Who knows what a fair cost was.
TheMadOnion
Christ that's something I never even thought of. But then again did they really think a box of tissues cost the hospital $50?! Idk anymore..
cybermage256
But those prices aren't true in the USA due to regulation and malpractice. Otherwise hospitals would be rich instead of going under.
PineappleMigraine
millions in NICU costs for a premature baby
rukeman
You would be referring to trumptards. They're idiots.
agentpingox69oo
There are a depressing number of Democrats in Congress and left leaning voters against single payer, or don’t think it would work.
paranoidplatinum
No, I'm quite blue and am 100% for univ Healthcare. I didn't put two and two together that we wouldn't be paying the stupid high amount <
paranoidplatinum
I knew we were being overcharged but didn't connect everything till now. Don't be so judgy, you just make people defensive without informing
SirBrendan
Biden opposes a national health service or single-payer system. Your 'left-wing' is useless.
zilloid
Biden is not left wing. Biden is democrat, which is basically at or actually slightly right-of center, compared to global politics.
UsernamesAreStupidAnyways
The American "left" politicians are really only "slightly-less-to-the-right"
tcpolecat7
Actually no. We think it costs MORE than we're charged for it, and that insurance is covering the majority of the costs.
BlargoBopolis
I saw an American once make the argument that it costs so much for them because they're subsidizing costs for the rest of the planet.
SirDuncelot
[deleted]
[deleted]
Iwannaseeit
I didn't believe you until that...
cybermeister
We are if you count aircraft carriers.
CountJizzula
Look up which countries produce insulin.
mouseyroxy1
As an American I know it's wildly overpriced but there really isn't anything I can personally do about it beyond voting but even then
Conkapo
This is why when all you do is call the other side retarded, you convince no one. A lot of people here are guilty of that.
TechnicallyWereAllHalfCentaur
eschuber
This
sykotic1189
Considering the comment directly above you is currently talking about "Trumptards" I'd consider your point fairly validated
CheesecakePi
Bizarkly
Obama made the deal with the devil: sold the American market to the insurance industry *in exchange for* poor to be covered; it helped some!
aThingWithTheStufAndTheJunk
That's always been my major criticism this whole time. The ACA gave the insurance industry a vastly increased customer base in exchange 1/
aThingWithTheStufAndTheJunk
for poor people and people with preexisting conditions. It's not great but it's a foot in the door and I don't want to see it dismantled 2/
aThingWithTheStufAndTheJunk
by the GOP because they have zero interest in replacing it with anything better.
Bizarkly
You'd *think* that the GOP would be happy that its major donor captured *an entire country* -- but they're busy catering to the freedumbers.
FinishingCarpentry
So thankful to be Canadian.
Wonderbeastlett
My mom said why would we trust our gov with our healthcare when they can't seem to get anything right? My response to her...
Wonderbeastlett
Why do you keep voting and supporting the people you put into that gov?
LiteralFish
I read most people like their own representatives and think the others (that aren't on the docket for them) are the problem.
Wonderbeastlett
Still doesn't make sense tho when your party is majority and running the gov!?
LiteralFish
What? You don't think it makes sense that we do what the majority of our country votes for?
Wonderbeastlett
I am saying that my family was complaining about the majority winner that they also voted for! They don't trust the gov...
cepheidvariable
Biggest wait time I've had is with respect to psychiatrists. But right now, that's to be expected.
cepheidvariable
But, prior to the pandemic? Still exorbitantly long, but primarily because mental health is underfunded, and practitioners are retiring.
ererr
4 billion into a plane that can't fly.. we have the fucking funding for universal Healthcare. Fuck the American politicians. Most of them.
echonite
which plane? The F35? It flies quite well. See them almost every day.
ererr
Well, I guess some of them do. I havent read into it in a while, like 2 years almost. Other variations still have problems that prevent them
ererr
From flying right and carrying out the pilots mission. When a plane that has flaws that cause it to crash when gaining height, it can't fly.
echonite
Well the F35 and its variants are doing pretty damn well.
germanbloke
Don't worry, we Europeans have that too. And universal health care.
ramarins
4h in the ER last month. 3.5h waiting, 30mins with the doctors, plus blood work. $5,100 was the charge to the insurance.
jenbirBaroness
What the hell.... I had the same last year. Went to my general practitioner first with complaint, he referred me to the hospital.......
jenbirBaroness
I waited in ER for a few hrs. Blood tests and time with doc plus prescription for meds. It cost 60euro ~ 70dollars.
jenbirBaroness
That was without private medical insurance.
ramarins
Yep, that's how it should work.
sirlapins
when to e.r [passing blood ] found a infection 8 days in hospital ,,cost to me Zero [paid taxes 64 yrs ] that's how heath care works
ramarins
It cost *ME* zero, because I happen to 1) have good insurance and 2) met my deductible But that's how much the hospital thought it was due.
sirlapins
aussies pay medicare surcharge [ 1 % ] for a set coverage,[ no boob job ] & pay for insurance for the rest
FoxGodRecords
My cancer diagnosis and treatment was "billed" at over $500,000 for the initial treatment.
JBadger
I was on Medicare when I was pregnant. It covered the whole thing, the birth and all the check ups afterward.
mousezoey
Medicaid, but ok
NothingPrince
Country?
NothingPrince
I'm not sure how this offended anyone. But one more try which country are you from?
JBadger
The US
NothingPrince
Cheers
catsandcoke
Do you mean Medicaid? Medicare is for old people.
Nyxi88
In Australia Medicare is the free health system
gexkko11
Disabled people get medicare too after being on disability long enough. I have it and it's awesome. I'm 35.
JBadger
Yeah I really 105
gregariouslouganis
Yessssss. I'm on Medicare and due in 4 weeks! I owed $5000 with private ins last kid. I'm excited. Haven't seen a bill yet.
JBadger
Its amazeballs. I'm all for socialized medicine.
bigkingdingaling
Why are people whos income justifies Medicare, having more children?
Sasurau
The question you should be asking is how out of pocket are you going to be after getting your head surgically removed from your ass.
runegodoflaw0
So only middle class and up can have children?
gregariouslouganis
We still have private insurance. Got laid off in Aug, pregnant in Feb when covid was gonna disappear like a miracle.
thepriceisrightbitchez
You can get Medicare for reasons other than not having enough money.
DanielAsparagus
A reminder that you once posted this.
mellevalacachetada
Lol true though
mellevalacachetada
I meant the reply is funny and true at the same time, I also may have stolen the pic for future use
EandAbaybay
The question you should be asking is why is having a kid so expensive people need government help to pay for it. Idiot
DrNadz
No. The question is why are you so bad at planning that others should have to pay for YOUR kids. 1 kid going through basic college is ~50k.
DrNadz
If you can’t figure out how to afford to put your kids through college, don’t have any! Don’t make me pay for your kids lives! I have my own
DethBySnuSnu
I'm confused... Are you trying to make everyone's point for us, orrr? Because basic education maybe shouldn't cost several /1
EandAbaybay
Thats not what was being debated here? Having a child in America costs at least 10 grand, at minimum. In other countries it cost at the 1/2
SuperIncoherentRantingMan
US medicine costs so much because insurance companies make their billions by leeching off their host like parasites. Eliminate the entire
supermanjake
Do people think insurance companies are just gonna be good with not making all that $? Its still gonna cost a ton, but just paid by taxes
SuperIncoherentRantingMan
Do you know what happens when you remove the need for a marketing department in each company? You save likely hundreds of millions.
SuperIncoherentRantingMan
So in fact, those people may see a pay increase since money isn't being needlessly wasted on competition.
ctsdad
Hospital costs are a huge part actually. Insurance hides a lot of fuckery. 60 minutes has covered this.
notsureofanything
I’m a vet and in vet school got to watch a brain surgery. Total cost of surgery and post op care was $6,000 (MS state).
iplaytrombone
Thank you for your service.
SuperIncoherentRantingMan
Cost of every insurance company annually, replace it with a medicare staff tripled to handle the demand and our costs drop dramatically.
AnOceanMan
Let me conjure 3x more industry workers out of thin air!
SuperIncoherentRantingMan
There'd be a whole shit-ton of unemployed people from the insurance companies that would be looking for jobs in the field. Ta-da! Solved.
Gherkincensed
Which will never happen now, maybe in a different timeline after 1960 or so
SuperIncoherentRantingMan
Best just to give up and accept the abuse, hmm? Seems like a shitty way to live your life.
Gherkincensed
Who said anything about giving up?
BitterBostonian
We also allow big pharma to set ridiculously high prices with no checks. But private insurance raping us as well, to your point.
BikeCookie
Pharmeceutical prices are driving by what the market will pay which in large part is determined by insurance companies.
Chalybos
But then who would pay our congressmen and senators?
ManateemSix
A lot of Medicare's operations are actually handled by private third parties. They'd just pivot to bid those contracts ala private prisons
SuperIncoherentRantingMan
Yeah, it would take far better regulation than is active currently in order to operate most efficiently.
ManateemSix
You'd likely see a decimation of the healthcare provider space. As several will likely close rather than pivot. However healthcare is only..
ManateemSix
Part of the problem of cost. We have a system designed to promote poor health. Cycles of poverty, food deserts, procesed food, sedentariness
Rascal101
My coworker said she hates socialized medicine because the wait times to be treated would be too long because everyone would see a Dr.
MyNewUsernameIsCrap
Amazing how "everyone would see a doctor and have a chance to be healthy" is a bad thing for some
InfiniteJester90
This is a none sense argument. I gotta pay $100 to wait 3hrs to see a doc that will see me for 5min. Better hope I’m not sick, because that
InfiniteJester90
will cost a lot more (screenings, tests, prescription cost).No one can convince me we can’t do better in this country in terms of healthcare
localsurfer
pffft. I've rung my clinic before and they've said 'are you free in an hour?' Straight in, all free.
nosleep2spooky
I have the VA and honestly waiting a month isn't all that bad especially when most of my stuff is chronic. Their urgent care works well 1/
nosleep2spooky
Enough too. Even then I get most things done over the phone and medication is sent in the mail.
thedadwhobeatshiskidwithjumpercables
This is in fact how socialized medicine works for non emergency care but I would rather wait based on need instead of how much $ I have.
gleely
Talked about that to someone in Florida on vacay. Their wait times were about as bad, if not worse, than ours. tho, triage is still a thing.
bodyinthebackseat
In the US I found out I needed surgery and got in a week later. A year after I heard about a guy who needed the same but had to wait 1/2
bodyinthebackseat
So long that his body now has a fist sized hole from waiting 7 months in the UK. The wait added to complications.
dyxj
In contrast, I waited 2.5 years to see a dentist in America because I couldn't afford it. It's not just availability that delays treatment.
NotAllAreFound
I'm in Aus and the only reason I have issues with wait times id because my doctor is an asshole- I was booked for the first appointment of
NotAllAreFound
The day- dr walked in, and made me wait nearly 2 hours to be seen.
cleed79
One of the biggest problems my bff has in the UK is getting timely appointments. 2nd is getting correct meds.
colourofair
I was in Alberta and needed emergency surgery. I was on the operating table 8 hours after diagnosis. I didn't pay a dime.
PlasticFicus
I work with one of those retards, too. He's uninsured.
dankorsore
Wait time is bs. I waited two months to get in with my doctor. Only thing treated same day in the US is emergencies.
tpgreyknight
Damn the poors, ruining things for normal people. They should pull on their bootstraps if they want treatment.
IUpvoteForFood
I had to sit for hours at every doc appointment AND I paid cash. America is a scam
micicle
Seeing a specialist here is a nightmare so I understand that argument
defaultbunny
It's called triage. Jesus. Sore shoulder? We'll fix it. Hold tight and take some tylenol. Cancer? You start chemo next week.
sheeeiit
cepheidvariable
I live in Canada. Wait times aren't that bad. Yes, there are some horror stories, but they're one in a million.
xaero13
In the US where I live, to schedule a regular check-up with your family doc requires a month+ notice, same with dentists, eye dr 1 week
megagreg
If your coworker has insurance, then she has socialized medicine. It's just for a much smaller group, and someone gets a cut.
Lifk
Generalist is like 1 day wait or half a day. Specialised can take between 3 and 9 month. But then there is emergency if needed.
or0b0ur0s
Never waited less than 40 minutes - and often more than 90, with an appointment booked months in advance. I've also been unable to schedule>
or0b0ur0s
appointments within 90 days of calling, at least 8 times out of 10. Scheduling isn't exactly great right now. Being a doctor became less >
or0b0ur0s
than profitable when the insurance, hospital, and drug middlemen sucked all the profit up, so they're rare and hard to get now.
surelyoneoftheseusernamesisavailable
Triage. If you are the most urgent, you go first. And trust me, when you're the most urgent you realise how wonderful that is.
dowranglery
That's right, to see a doctor and be healthier. Woooah. What a terrible thing. LOL :/
christiangoth
Think about how horrible that is. "If people don't get priced out of medical care then the line will be too long".
ImHereToGetDownvotes
Yep. In other words, "I don't care how many people have to suffer, I want treatment the day I think I need it no matter what."
transientmind
Which is hilarious because when people can see a doctor whenever they want, they tend to see them earlier, which ends up meaning less often.
Blacktusk
It turns out that the doctor training system is intentionally inefficient to create greater demand for doctor services.
giantsteps92
Lmao so she doesn't want everyone to have access to healthcare. There would be a line only because people actually have access to it...
ExaDeuce
YES BITCH THATS THE IDEA EVERYONE GETS TO SEE A DOCTOR WHEN THEY ARE SICK ALLOW ME TO DEMONSTRATE BY BREAKING YOUR FACE
danimals847
"We can't give everyone access to health care - they will try to get health care!"
sverebom
Germany, walked into ER with stomach pain, on the examination table in five minutes, gallbladder removed the same day, left after three /1
sverebom
days, paid 20 bucks for two overnight stays (which is already quite outrageous). My sis beat black cancer, paid nothing. /end
sverebom
Addendum: Of I needed to see a doc right now, I'd wait an hour max. For specialists wait times can vary greatly though.
Groostav
My Canadian dad was referred for biopsy, diagnosed with cancer 2 wks later, had surgery 2 wks after that. During covid. Seems fast to me.
NihilistNietzcheNet
There's a great way to fix that, regulate tertiary education tuition fees so it's more affordable to become a medical professional. Win-win
kaoticgirl
My current wait time in America is until I get a new job. I'm seasonal so every 6 months or so I am back to uninsured.
applesforjuice
To be fair I went to the ER with my Canadian gf (after she took 9hrs to convince me) and she said it was crazy how fast I was seen
lsnasty
She's apparently never had to see a specialist here in the US.
eagalian
Been a while since it was posted, but an ex ceo of one of the big pharmacy groups came out and said the wait time thing was a lie
peekingthroughagapinthefence
That seems such a selfish attitude. Don't want to share the Doctors time and let everyone have access. Even though that's not how that...
peekingthroughagapinthefence
.. works in reality. I'm in Canada & have a good job. But the comfort in knowing that no matter what happens w/ work or life, you will...
peekingthroughagapinthefence
.. always be looked after if you need medical help, makes your entire life less stressful.
newsguycraigevans
Rushed my son to ER, anaphylactic shock, to be seen while he was STRUGGLING TO BREATHE i had to prove proof if insurance.
newsguycraigevans
Fuck this broken health care system. And fuck the Republicans who keep it in place.
junkgoof
In most countries they treat you first and don’t really follow up on the billing. Well, in civilized countries.
Bladedrummer
Hmm, I lived in Italy and Spain and the US, if you don't want to pay $400+, you're going to be waiting a long while in the US too.
Bladedrummer
Even for simple shit like seeing a therapist, ffs.
kelseysaurusrex
Oh you're lucky if therapy is even covered by insurance at all in the US. Mental health isn't *health*, it's weakness of character.
DevonGronka
Just like your eyeballs and teeth aren't actually parts of your body, either.
Velonici
The longest I ever had to wait in Germany was 2 days for an MRI. In the states I can wait up to 4 just to see my Dr.
Brodor
I'm in Toronto.I haven't had to wait more than 30 minutes in the ER. They prioritize. There's idiots who go in for sore knees. They wait ?
Thisisntactuallyme
If only America had enough well educated people to put up with the demand of doctors.
gregariouslouganis
I live in Vegas. To see a decent dr takes months. My sister had to wait 2 months to be dx as a type 1 diabetic, she told them her suspicion.
shutupjennifer
Hi fellow Vegas person!
MrTay
My mom is in a really high powered position and believes this. Because when they bring people from Europe and give them insane insurance 1/
MrTay
They use it all the time for everything and bitch about healthcare in their own countries. We always argue because I’m like you have 2/
MrTay
The best health insurance possible. You get anything you’re covered and your employees. That’s not reality. She doesn’t trust the gov 3/
MrTay
To do better which I honestly can’t fault her for. It will be a disaster somehow for 50 years. But I think we should go for it.
flatbanana
The idea that you have to keep lines short by raising prices out of affordability for people is crazy
MiniMegaOfParagonCity
It's greatly exaggerated by American health insurance companies to keep people opposed to it.
MiniMegaOfParagonCity
The bigger issue is actually the effect on doctor's attitudes. Everyone can see a doctor at any time, so they get a lot of irrelevant stuff
MiniMegaOfParagonCity
People going to the Dr cause they got a mild sore throat, hypochondriacs going in constantly over nothing.
MiniMegaOfParagonCity
They become overworked and apathetic. They're more likely to assume your concerns are nothing and turn you away when you actually need help.
MiniMegaOfParagonCity
That's why it's important to find a good family doctor to stick with who knows you and your health instead of going to medicenters.
StupidFingAsshole
The idea that socialized health care systems have absurdly long wait times is propaganda by lobbyists.
LSDontknowwhatsgoingon
I'm in Ontario, I have only needed to go a few times but I have never had to wait more than an hour or two at emergency.
Valriver
I'm in Gatineau and I go to "Apple Tree" to see a doctor quick, pay the price and come back within an hour. Otherwise, I would wait for 8!
ChiLLeCheeze
I knew America was better. I had to wait 4-5 hours for my mom in the hospital. Bigger number!!
junkgoof
I was proposed same day ACL surgery in TO. I tried to avoid it but ended up going in 2 weeks later. Went in on crutches, walked out.
junkgoof
Was out of work at the time. Free surgery, free physio.
Rascal101
I've waited months for my kid to see a neurologist, it's at least two months for a check up. I'm used to waiting but I dread the bill.
UsernamesAreStupidAnyways
What? When I had my first seizure as a kid, I was in a hospital room the same day; started a barrage of tests the day after. 1/?
UsernamesAreStupidAnyways
And I hardly ever had to wait long times for neuro related tests/consultations after... who the fuck doesn't prioritise kids with neuro? 2/2
UsernamesAreStupidAnyways
(Note: obviously not American, as it hasn't cost me an arm and a leg to live with and control the epilepsy after...) 3/2
Revadarius
They've got a point. Brit here. Waiting lines (if you're ever referred) for anything semi serious is non-existent. We can see a doctor...
Revadarius
... basically whenever. But if you have anything serious they'll have you on waiting lists for months/years. And the process will be..
Revadarius
... restarted if you get bounced to the wrong place/specialist. I've had a debilitating condition for over a decade, they've just about.
Revadarius
... got around to accepting/believing I have a problem.
milkymilkmilky
I lived in multiple countries. Went to ER 3 times, wasn’t admitted to stay overnight. Seattle has the longest wait of 5+ hours, >>
milkymilkmilky
costs almost $4K. Toronto was less than an hour and second time about an hour of wait, zero cost. Kuala Lumpur was more than 2 hours >>
milkymilkmilky
at a private hospital, cost of $300. In Kuala Lumpur it would be less than $50 had I went to the public hospital.
milkymilkmilky
To be fair, in Kuala Lumpur, I went at 3am and they only have 1 ER doctor on duty so I had to wait longer. But specialists doctors usually >
milkymilkmilky
Have a wait time for 2-3 hours even if you have an appointment. Not sure why.
Tairu8
Oh the horror everyone gets to see a doctor! What a shitty world that would be right? /s
EKOasaripple
right? that implies that they acknowledge there masses of ppl not seeking medical help that suddenly would. And that's bad?
Rascal101
Yeah, my mind went there too.
PunkassUnicorn
Yeah and to think you’d be in the same waiting room as the poor people.
Imakejokesbetterbyexplainingthem
Even the poor!? That is communism!
StarscreamAndHutch
This was proved to be propaganda.
afahrlig
I'm from Norway. Never had to sit in a line at the hospital for more than 5min. In the US however, I waited in agony in the ER for hours.
AutomationLife
Im from Norway too, last time i was at the er(akutten) i had to wait 3-4 hours. Small town. I had gotten electrified and had to do an EKG.
zeiji
swe. i was super unlucky when i broke my finger, had to wait 9h in ER, but 4 car accident, stabbing victim and seizure got prio.
zeiji
broke my knee, instant care. collapsed from a panic attack, 2h later i have a prescription and a referral to psychiatrist in 2days.
Larirari
Triage is a bitch sometimes. The ticket to getting in the ER fast is taking the ambulance which will still set you back a cool few thousand
zeiji
yea when i fucked up my knee they got me in an ambulance and it was instant care, cost me like $20 cus i had to stay over night and ate food
Larirari
$20? I'm going to assume you're not American...
sSommy
No, you'll still be triaged accordingly, no matter how you get there. Don't waste precious ambulance resources and time for non-ermergencies
sSommy
I'm 40 miles from the hospital, population here is largely elderly. We only have 2 ambulances. If you call one for your broken foot when you
NotThatKindaDoctor
As an American I never understood this argument because literally everyone here has a story about waiting forever to see a doctor so like...
84321
As someone who works in medical scheduling, this. We have new patients who are waiting months to be seen.
kelseysaurusrex
My former manager was dealing with crippling abdominal pain and couldn't get in to see an in-network doc for 3 weeks. And was still bitching
kelseysaurusrex
About wait times in Canada. Like??? You're in it now?? And probably have to pay a bunch of money too?
Rascal101
Right?! I don't go to the doctor because I can't afford the bill, it would be nice to have the option of treatment even if I wait.
RealRaceRiotsAreAboutGettingBlueshelledInMarioKart
As an American who's lived in the several other countries, the US has had the hands down longest wait times.
RealRaceRiotsAreAboutGettingBlueshelledInMarioKart
Broken arm in the US was 12 hours before seeing Dr (no meds until Dr.) Broken Arm in the UK was 15 minutes to see Dr. (meds at check-in)
The1WhoDoesntPost
Im in the us and just had to wait 3 weeks for a hearing test.
Sharklaserspewpew
Pre ACA we had waits to see a specialist and now we sill have months long waits to see specialists. Even in a metro area like south florida.
FelixG
I am sure other people have had bad problems, but I have never waited more than a handful of days to see anything other than a dentist. 1/2
FelixG
Hell, for my back surgery I expected to wait weeks, the surgeon was like "Well, how about Wednesday? (This was on Monday) 2/2
BillandTedsUnremarkableTripToCostCo
It’s very much dependent on where you live. Around here the wait is usually 2-3 weeks for anything other than the ER or urgent care.
safetcup
This! You guys have the same shitty system but you pay a ton of $$$. The only one vip are the richs.
flickaflockafox
It took me six months to see my new PCP when I moved states. It’s insane.
aleghanna
Had a patient with breathing issues, earliest a pulmonologist would see her was in 3 months. Took almost an hour to find her one in 3 weeks
flickaflockafox
Yup! Took 3 months to see my pulmonologist for the first time, too! If I’m gonna wait anyway, may as well make it single payer.
iCurse
Best part is here in Europe you call up a doc, go see them, sit in the waiting room for 10 minutes and you're called in, for free
wlfman
This times a billion. We have to wait to get referrals and then wait to see specialists. AND everything costs a metric fuckton.
neckingduringschindlerslist
Canadians have to do this too. Get referrals and wait. But, once again, paid for in advance from our taxes. That aren’t much more than US.
NekoMiko06
no it doesn't. it costs a US Customary fuckton.
Cyranojoe
Which is quite a bit larger than a metric fuckton. Because everything is bigger in the U.S., beyotch!
dyxj
Except the lb vs the kg.
pyroshen
The comparison isn't just waiting in an office but waiting months for a specialist because you might not be critical. It's a triage system
MystiCaliKotta
I have to schedule appointments with my endocrinologist six months or more in advance. What are you talking about?
idonthaveanyideawhatthehelliamtalkingabout
yeah it is, but are you insured to see the specialist ? because if not, you might never go to see him in the us, because you can't afford it
BlueberryQuickjet
I've waited 2+ months to be seen for incredibly painful allergic skin issues in the US and paid tons to be seen
shadowedlace
I see a rheumatologist and a neurologist. Every time I move or change insurance its 1 month min to see a go, another month for them to
shadowedlace
Actually process the referral, then two months waiting for a "new patient" appointment. I live in Austin and before that Los Angeles.
shadowedlace
Sorry GP not go
Jarjarthejedi
But that complaint is straight up wrong. USA is third in waiting for a specialist, and the difference in the top 10 is functionally nothing.
Jarjarthejedi
So all shifting it to that proves is that they have no idea how it works in other countries and are assuming instead of researching :/
Jarjarthejedi
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/health-care-wait-times-by-country
nicelyvillainous
Pretty sure that doesn’t include people waiting before scheduling a doctor’s visit. Had an ex with knee problem that waited 3 years until...
MisuseOfLiterally
I live in quebec where our wait time is legendary long, and still I prefer that and honestly.. the time you wait is usually justified. 1/
fartser
The thing is we Americans like to say that one like we DONT already have to wait 1+ hours when its busy and you have an appointment
Jonduke19
Hey. Un québécois! Ça va?
Whatwhatsomethingbutt
My boss was having regular chest pains. They made her wait 3 weeks. We're in the US. Also, this is pre-covid.
HeartsAndStars
My cardio apt took over a month too book bc lost referral. Then another month til apt. Then I lost my insurance. No monitor for palpitations
AmActuallyACat
My dad has a 2 month wait to see a neurologist. He's a veteran who currently can't walk bc of dizziness but fuck him I guess
junkgoof
Life threatening stuff is done quickly. Quebec is also more corrupt than ROC. If you aren’t going to die you may get charged.
neckingduringschindlerslist
I didn’t realize that ROC was used acronym for Rest of Canada outside of my work.
queenbrochette
Not sure what you are trying to say. I'd you aren't going to die they will charge you money? That's not how it works.
junkgoof
It happens. Doctors have asked for fees to operate sooner and my SO had a paid operation due to wait and doctor reviews.
IAmACyberneticOrganismLivingTissueOverEndoskeleton
Fellow québécois here, Id take waiting in an ER room for 10hrs instead of having life crippling debt.
ktwrex
Omg we have thatsome times and still have to pay out the nose.
fartser
Exactly our wait times are already that long so why the fridge would I want to pay for mansion priced Tylenol and a bandaid. Like its normal
WillTheRealObiWanPleaseStandUp
Same. And honestly with bonjoursanté walk in’s, you make your apt the night before online and wait max 45 minutes the day of.
DoesSnowglobesWorkAsAUsername
If you're a new patient it can take months to see a doctor. I scheduled an appt with an ent the earliest new patient appt was 2 months out
Snowblind321
My wife and I are trying to find a GP and the wait here is minimum 5 months in our area. Even when we had a GP it was still a 2 month wait.
Snowblind321
Are the wait times really that bad in places with socialized health care? It seems like it can't be worse than it is for my family now
sup3rflyy
I have pretty good health insurance and have been with my doctor for about 7 years. I still wait 1-2 months for routine appointments.
ktwrex
Thats totaly comparable to some specialists in the US.
DoesSnowglobesWorkAsAUsername
Im in the US and its also for primary doctors. They have wait lists
homerunman
Specialist nothing. I'm trying to get a new GP right now, the ones accepting new patients (maybe 1/4 docs) have openings in March '21.
TheMouseOfMadness
It's like that in the US with insurance though, so I'm not seeing a difference
DoesSnowglobesWorkAsAUsername
I am in the US
Ezzybells
In Australia you can see a new Dr. within a day or 2. Specialists can take a few weeks. Can wait a few hours in emergency if not serious
TheMouseOfMadness
I broke my finger, went to the ER. They xrayed it, handed me a splint, I taped it on MYSELF, and they charged me for surgery.
MisuseOfLiterally
You come in for a cough? motherfucker wait. You come because you broke your face on the pavement? You'll be taken care of right away 2/
cepheidvariable
Prioritizing, yeah. Though some bias exists. I waited 6+ hours because I broke my hand in a mental meltdown. Deserved it, really.
StevenRivera48
I work in radiology. The number of morons that come in to an ER on Sunday night at 1am for a chronic cough or foot pain...unbelievable
Acdkatie
My favorite MD I work with will open with “tell me about your Emergency tonight” when people come in for that kind of crap.
MisuseOfLiterally
People are just incredibly selfish, they come for all sorts of nonsense and are pissed that it takes a while because of some real emergencis
ZeroLogain
Salut mon ami! Same here - youre having a seizure? Doctor multiple nurses and orderlys get that take care of. The guy not dying can wait. 1/
ZeroLogain
Triage is a pain in the ass when you're sitting there for 8 hours but it makes fucking sense.
ontarioOT
It isn't selfishness, some people don't have good access to non emergency services. A lot of that is due to gatekeeping by doctors' lobbies.
Cr4zyC4tLady
It’s selfishness if you have access to all of that in a country that has it and bitch about wait time for a stubbed toe over a heart attack.
mallotman86
Itd be cheaper as well when access is also supported legally through employment paid time off so one doesnt have to worry about $ & job.¹
SuitedBooboo
I live in QC too and have chronic illness, the wait times are miserable, but in the US I would be ruined and probably have killed myself.
thisappisajoke
Don't worry, we have subpar health care here even if we do pay. Still lots of waiting.
cepheidvariable
Agreed. I've seen a doctor at least 7 times in the last two months. I'd be bankrupt by now if I was in the US.
ImpoliteCanadian
Québécoise living in the USA, I have to "plan" my illness otherwise I'd get into debt. Waited 3 years to see a ENT for a chronic problem /1
ImpoliteCanadian
Because sthing unexpected happened before I could get an appt and cost me too much money. 3 years I tried to get it but used up all FSA /2
ImpoliteCanadian
But my favorite part is the surprise Bill in the mail I get 1 month after; those 6 blood tests you did? One is not covered.125$ due now /3
ktwrex
How long are your wait times? I've allways wondered just how much longer actualy it is compared to the US.
zsefvgb
Saw in emergency with my inger clicked open for 11.5 hrs. 12 is normally the cutoff for stitches like I needed
albertawings2020
Alberta Canada anything serious, virtually no wait times, non emergency can be days to weeks and it is excellentcare, overall.
cepheidvariable
For specialists, a few days to a few weeks, depending on the specialist. For clinics, 30 to 90 minutes. ER, depends on the emergency.
mtloech
In Ohio here, my husband got a 2nd DVT. We were referred to a hemotologist. All the ones listed on insurance in-network had a 1yr wait list.
SuitedBooboo
For serious stuff they’ll see you right away. Seeing a specialist after they found out I wasn’t at death’s door took 6 months though.
yarnmonger
Ontarian here: emergency, immediate. Serious (i.e. cancer), Very Fast like 1-3 days. Doc visit I can walk in whenever and wait about an hour
yarnmonger
Or make appt for that week with GP. But my nonserious osteocondroma took 8 months and my chronic illness I needed to see a gastro took 8 too
WillTheRealObiWanPleaseStandUp
Depends for what. To see a gyno maybe 2 weeks. To see a specialist it can take 6 months. If you have cancer you get treated right away.
HopOnTheMagicSchoolBus
As an american, if I want to see a Psychiatrist I can't get in for 6 months unless I pay $300/hr not covered under my plan
Kunitsu
Honestly as an american I'd be okay with that... if i make an appointment now i still may not be seen for atleast a month, regardless of
valen00
American wait times are broadly comparable to most single payer systems. Especially if you factor in the number of people in the US /
valen00
who should be waiting but can't afford to. link below.
SuperIncoherentRantingMan
What's amazing is that by seeing a doctor and using preventative medical practices, that person is less likely to be clogging up appt slots.
NakedGalaxy
criticallyacclaimedfuckwad
Problem is we don't prevent b/c that's less cash they get down the line. We are reactionary only. smh
SuperIncoherentRantingMan
That's the consequence of a for-profit healthcare system. When the goal is to make as much money as possible, care takes second place.
ElChupaNuggra
You fail to consider the sheer amount of Hypochondriacs, panicking first time parents, and let's not forget general overall stupidity, 1/?
ElChupaNuggra
and idiots trying to score prescription pain meds to sell. I'm Canadian and Military, I'll fight to the death to protect our policies 2/?
ElChupaNuggra
help keep people safe and social programs, but I'm no going to lie... With Free Healthcare comes some problems, but nowhere NEAR enough 3/?
ElChupaNuggra
to justify it's removal, or Prevent America Adopting it for the betterment of it's People. 4/4
Mercenarity
Though, I have family who were gruffly dismissed as hypochondriacs until actually competent doctors figured out the issue and helped them.
Mercenarity
It's also unfortunate that the word has become such a slur over the years when it's a legitimate disorder that makes people miserable.
criticallyacclaimedfuckwad
I was listed as a drug seeker for years even tho I never accepted Rx from the docs. I was in pain and they all said it was in my head. 1/2
criticallyacclaimedfuckwad
Until my gallbladder exploded and I needed emergency surgery. Years of pain could have been solved with a simple ultrasound of my abdomen.