Analysis: 'Sicko' numbers mostly accurate; more context needed

[sinkingfeeling]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/06/28/sicko.fact.check/index.html

<snip> Moore covers a lot of ground. Our team investigated some of the claims put forth in his film. We found that his numbers were mostly right, but his arguments could use a little more context. As we dug deep to uncover the numbers, we found surprisingly few inaccuracies in the film. In fact, most pundits or health-care experts we spoke to spent more time on errors of omission rather than disputing the actual claims in the film.

Like Moore, we also found that more money does not equal better care. Both the French and Canadian systems rank in the Top 10 of the world's best health-care systems, according to the World Health Organization. The United States comes in at No. 37. The rankings are based on general health of the population, access, patient satisfaction and how the care's paid for.

"Sicko" also ignores a handful of good things about the American system. Believe it or not, the United States does rank highest in the patient satisfaction category. Americans do have shorter wait times than everyone but Germans when it comes to nonemergency elective surgery such as hip replacements, cataract removal or knee repair.

[itsrobert]

1. backhanded slap

"we found surprisingly few inaccuracies"

Why is it surprising?

[supernova]

2. Argh! Elective Surgery

Why, when we discuss publically funded medicare, is the first canard righties always go for is "well, elective surgery" will be harder to get."

:wtf:

How about making necessary surgery easier to obtain for all, regardless of ability to pay?

Then we can talk about elective surgery.

I swear this country is getting dumber by the minute. :-(

[Beaverhausen]

3. Americans have shorter wait times? Wasn't there an article saying the opposite posted here

just the other day?

[yardwork]

5. Only for nonemergency elective surgery...which is available only to the wealthy here.

We have the shortest wait times for nonemergency elective surgery. That's because other countries limit nonemergency elective surgery in order to provide better health care for those who are critically or chronically ill. We dispense with health care for the masses and provide elective healthcare to the wealthy who can afford to pay.

[canetoad]

6. Cosmetic surgery

at the drop of an eyelid?

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. I guess we have a shorter wait time to die

without the health care we need, that is given for FREE in most other countries.

[lovuian]

7. they missed the biggest point France & Canada don't make you

file for bankruptcy because your sick

and are a better system

thats the REAL POINT