So there are no waiting periods to see a physician in the US?

[bleedingheart]

I am trying to make a doctor's appointment and the earliest the doctor can see me is in AUGUST.

Okay...call me nuts but AUGUST? So I pay out the nose for insurance and to see a good doctor I have to wait two months and get this...the appointment won't be with the actual DOCTOR...nope I get a Physicians Assistant.

My point in all of this is ...there are still WAITING PERIODS...even in our supposedly "superior" country...so tell me now...Why no National Healthcare?

[Jo March]

1. Sigh. bleedingheart, why do you hate America?

Why? Is it because of our freedoms?

[bleedingheart]

3. cuz I have to deal daily with "america"

[Jo March]

25. I hope you realize that I was just joking

I don't honestly think that you hate America.

[bleedingheart]

26. I knew that...

:-)

[Jo March]

31. Just checking! :)

When I was in the Army, we had to wait for appointments as well. It was a pain in the butt and made me angry.

Now that I don't have health insurance, I wish that I had it so good as to wait 3 months for an appointment.

[ariellyn]

42. lol n/t

[Walt Starr]

2. I can tell you why

National Healthcare would start to remove some of the profits of big corporations, that's why.

[bleedingheart]

8. It would control Big Pharma but it would help most corporations

think about it this way...if all a company had to do was take a healthcare tax out of your salary and divert it to the US government...then there would be no need for ...

1. company sponsored health news letters
2. company run healthcare lines to answer insurance questions
3. sending HR people around the country each time the insurance changed or got worse..

I know my company (in the Fortune 500) spends way too much on healthcare...

[realisticphish]

11. ah, you conspiracy theorists

with your "facts" and "rational thought" and "undeniable evidence." buncha commies, if you ask me

[4_Legs_Good]

4. I'm the lucky one because I *had* an appointment scheduled for May!!!!

which I made back in February. Unfortunately, though, they just called and rescheduled me for, wouldn't you know it, AUGUST.

david

[aquart]

5. I gave up waiting to see a gynecologist.

I did menopause on my own, it was so difficult to get an appointment.

[MuseRider]

10. Me too.

I finally decided it was a natural thing for my body so I am going it alone. Why pay someone to tell me that?

[Demobrat]

24. What do you mean, you're doing it on your own?

You mean instead of taking estrogen for night sweats, you just open a window? Don't you know that you are depriving the health care industry of their right to profit from your disease, oops I mean perfectly natural life phase?

[MuseRider]

32. LOL

I would have had my babies at home too if the hospital wouldn't have taken them away from me for 3 days of observation. As a former nurse married to a former doctor I have little use for the medical profession. I go when I have to go but goodness, where had our common sense gone? I am numero uno noncompliant patient.

[Demobrat]

33. I make my appts a year ahead of time

for my annual exam and mammogram. I just make the appointment for the next year when I leave the office. Otherwise it would take 3-4 months to get in.

[aquart]

41. I refuse to believe a hot flash is natural.

A nasty evolutionary error which should be corrected promptly. That's my position and I'm holding to it.

[bullimiami]

6. its the insurance industry making them work like prostitutes

the whole medical infrastructure has been corrupted by greed.
doctors work longer, see patients less, make less money and are miserable. While big insurance gets rich and we all suffer.

remember hillary and the healthcare we should have had? welcome to republican hell.

[MuseRider]

7. I would not spend

one moment going to a PA. Insist on the doctor. Why pay for a doctor and get a PA? Last time I looked they got paid out of the doctors fee and you get seen by someone with less knowledge than the nurse who only takes your BP. Sorry, this is all a terrible situation but if we stand for this we get much less than we pay for.

[Nite Owl]

9. Same thing here

Been this way for years too. And those premiums and copays keep going up.

[Kerrytravelers]

12. If you're sick, pray! That's what America voted for.

Right now, while I"m still healthy, I'll give you the old rolly eyes:
:eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes:

But after I'm sick and can see no doctor for six months, I'll give you the pukey guy:
:puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke:

[tabasco]

13. Right wingers often repeat a talking point about Canada.

How the Canadian health system is so broke and they have long waiting periods, etc. Whenever a right-winger tells me this, I ask them how many Canadians they talked to to get that info. Of course, they talked to no Canadians.

The Canadians I know are pretty happy with their health care and most assuredly would not trade their system for ours.

This is one of the easier talking points to debunk - the "failed" Canadian health care system.


edit typo dammit

[bleedingheart]

16. I had a Canadian client talk to me about this once

and because of the American "press" he was under the impression that antibiotics just flow from fountains down here (granted they probably leach into our water system..but that is another subject)..

and that we don't have waiting periods. I had to dispel that myth and he then realized how much luckier he really was.

[Jacobin]

21. Unless you know a doctor on a personal level in my town

You will be lucky to get an appointment in 2 to 3 months.

[elare]

30. As a Canadian ...

If I were to phone my doctor's office right now for anything other than a physical, I'd be in sometime next week at the latest. If I was really sick, they'd try to squeeze me in the same day between some of the doctor's other appointments. For a physical, I might have to wait a month or so.

[Conservativesux]

44. May you step in camel dung you lucky neighbor !...............Well...

...So much for the myth of superior US healthcare.

Only if you have cash money in hand, can you get in to see a doctor so soon here the the Land of the Slave.

And then it usually a PA!

[Lydia Leftcoast]

14. Hey, Beltway consultants!

National healthcare is a winning issue!

Everybody is dissatisfied, whether they can't afford health care at all, or whether they have to wait too long, or whether they're being pawned off on less-skilled practitioners but paying for an MD, or whether their insurance company has some untrained clerical worker second-guessing the doctor and refusing to pay for a procedure because it's not in the manual.

These days, only a small percentage of Americans would say that they are satisfied with their health care.

[chelsea0011]

15. I'm about to cancel a check-up and I know I am now looking at Sept

for a new appointment

[spinbaby]

17. And you're in the Pittsburgh area, too

Pittsburgh is like the city that was eaten by medical centers--they sprawl everywhere you look.

[bleedingheart]

19. Yeah just try and get an appointment with one...then it is a nightmare

You know that warm and fuzzy UPMC commercial...well it makes me want to yak. Today I try and make an appointment for my yearly physical and it is going to take til August to see a PA. I just can't take it anymore...there is no way I am going to see a PA when I pay for an MD. I have been burned too many times by PA's.

[MountainLaurel]

38. Wonder if it's because

Industrial pollutants have made the 'Burgh a gold mine for healthcare: asbestosis, black lung, rare cancers, birth defects. Between the water supplies, the air, and the workplaces, Pittsburghers have a lot of opportunity to get sick.

[tabasco]

40. Maybe in the past.

According to the EPA, Pittsburgh air is cleaner than Denver air.

[MountainLaurel]

50. Air maybe

But those poisons are going to remain in the soil and the water table, as well as in the fat deposits and genetic code of animals and humans, for a long time.

My brother studied industrial engineering in college, and for an assignment assisted in field testing at a former industrial site that's been closed for decades. In addition to off-the-chart chemical levels, he also found a lot of three-legged frogs and other obvious signs that all is not well there.

[DoYouEverWonder]

18. Have you thought about shopping for a new Doc

I just found one in my community who only does 'after-hours' and I've never had to wait to see him. Plus he's very cute and kind. Fortunately I do have good insurance, so that helps a lot too.

[bleedingheart]

22. Actually I may have too...but I am torn

I have been going to the physicians in this practice for many years because they are among the best in their field. They are with a premier women's hospital in Pittsburgh.

But now it is just almost impossible to get in there to get an appointment...because they are good...but it sucks nonetheless and now that I have to see a PA...I just am not happy about it.

[DoYouEverWonder]

36. My husband and I

specifically look for MD's that are in their own practice. We've learned to stay away from groups. We have found that we've gotten better and more personal care has a result.

[kenny blankenship]

20. Good thing you aren't deathly ill with visible symptoms of a hidden illnes

illness, that is.

You could go to an emergency room to see a doc and hopefully get admitted to a hospital but because you're not bleeding to death on the floor, you might not be seen by a physician all day long (or the next day) as the injured without health insurance keep coming in ahead of you.

[CBHagman]

23. I had to wait six months for a medical test.

And that's with a very decent insurance plan in the good ol' U.S. of A.

[B Calm]

27. The last time I made a Dr. appointment, I had to wait three weeks..

Gee and I thought that was terrible..

[bleedingheart]

28. Oh it is getting better by the minute!

All the other physicians I have tried don't have office hours after 3:30pm...wow...some life..

Meanwhile I have to call while I am working...

[Senior citizen]

29. I can get same-day appointments at the senior clinic

around the corner. But they're part of a large medical group and they're primarily a portal. What they like to do is send you for lots of tests and get you hooked on lots of meds. Since I don't like going for unnecessary tests or taking unnecessary meds, I usually resort to a combination of a visit to the public health nurse at my senior center, who is very knowledgeable and caring, and a lot of googling of natural health sites.

My most recent serious problem was an ulcer. I had to buy a juicer, but a cabbage-and-carrot juice regimen cleared it up nicely within a few weeks. Soon afterwards I spoke with a neighbor who has had a similar problem for seven years, is taking 32 different pills daily, and isn't getting any better. My conclusion is that from an economic point of view, it would be foolish of pharmaceutical companies to sell pills that could cure you, since you would then be unlikely to buy any more pills. Similarly, if a doctor cured you, you would be unlikely to come back until you got sick again. Since I'm more concerned about my health than I am about corporate profits, I've just about abandoned the U.S. health care industry--or perhaps they're the ones who've abandoned me.

[gizmo1979]

34. my appt. are always 6 months in advance

And I get charged if I cancel.

[prolesunited]

35. Sorry for your experience

After years and years of bad experiences, I *finally* found I small practice that I absolutely love. It's two doctors in a small office just down the street. I like both of them and are equally comfortable with either, so I just see whomever is on duty. If you're an existing patient with an issue that needs attention, they'll get you in that day, the next at the very latest. I only have to wait a week or two for a physical or non-crisis issue.

My blood pressure has been up for the past few days so I called this morning and I was in by the afternoon. He actually spent nearly 30 minutes talking with me about what was going on to cause the change and some other medical issues I'm dealing with. He gave me samples to tide me over until I could get a mail order supply.

They actually listen to you and aren't insulted if you as questions or have researched your disease. I've referred everyone I know to them and if they have a lot of active patient files, they will actually turn patients down. For them, money doesn't come at the expense of quality patient care.

They make sure patients have the medicine they need if they can't pay for it, either by stocking them with samples or getting them in programs. They'll even set up payment plans for people.

Even at the University of Chicago, I only had a five-week wait to get in their OBGYN Dept., which I don't think is too bad. (Although the waiting in limbo sucks.)

I'm lucky that I have a BC/BS PPO plan that gives me a lot of options — although I am paying $520 per month under COBRA to keep it, but a LOT less than it would be for treating my current conditions.

I wish everyone could find doctors they like and that are committed to serving them.

[MountainLaurel]

37. Trying finding a psychiatrist

Last time I was, most of those on my insurance provider's list weren't accepting new patients. Of those who were, the nearest appointment was three months away. Not a pleasant situation when you're on the edge anyway.

[Lauri16]

39. I never have any problems

But then I live out in the sticks. If I call the doctor, I can always get an appointment for that day or the next morning. I have to get a CT scan on my abdomen. They called the hospital this morning and it's scheduled for Thursday.

Hope everything's okay and you get to see a doc soon!

[cestpaspossible]

43. There's almost no point in seeing a physician in the US

all they want to do is prescribe the latest drug they're getting a kickback for.

[Dee625]

45. You need to find a new physician

I have 2 physicians.

One who doesn't take insurance but I got to anyway because he specializes in manipulation and charges $45 for an office visit because he takes cash only.
Another who is on my health insurance plan but he and his office are very considerate about getting you in if you need to be seen.

I can get into either one within a week if need be. Sometimes the same day.

I was referred to a specialist (hematologist) about a problem. I can call with a concern and get in the same day. You need to shop around a bit and establish a relationship.

[Sgent]

46. Start thinking a little differently maybe

There is no reason that a family physician can't perform an annual exam -- and if you need surgery or have abnormal results, refer you to an OB (and have lower waiting times because of the referral relationship with the family physician). The average fmaily doc does hundreds a year.

The OBs in my area will not do annuals any more period. See the family doc, or their nurse practitioner/physician assistant.

Most family physician practices, because they are responsible for your entire care, will get you in that day, or the next (usually that day) if you have an urgent problem. They are more likely to listen and talk with you, and help patients (as mentioned above) with drug costs or sign up for other programs. I've seen this even when the docs are part of a much larger hospital/group, and across geographic boundries.

OB/GYN is a surgical specialty. They train for surgery, and that's how they make money. Anything detracting from surgery they see as a cost.

[purr]

47. Are you around Irwin/N. Huntingdon?

If so I got a good doc here.. I get in with no problems.. very attentive and thorough. He's with Westmoreland Regional Hospital tho.

Only doc I get a waiting period with is either my orthopedic surgeon or my dermatologist. My OB/GYN, GP, all will take me the same day.

[leesa]

48. No shit! I have several patients who are progressing with lymphoma and

we can't treat them until their MediCal kicks in. It's taking close to 6 months some times. All were workers and not slackers but they had to get adequate coverage. We won't touch them until they get sick enough to go through the ED or until their coverage comes through.

Privatized "managed" care is a disaster.

[triguy46]

49. We do not have superior health care, but I have the answer

In terms of accessibility, cost, and in most cases quality, our health care system is a follower. But that said, we are the only country of note that does health care our way.

My suggestion? Enroll in 1 credit hour at any large university thereby making yourself eligible to be seen by the physicians at the student clinic. don't kid yourself that the care isn't good, most large college health clinics operate by higher standards than your private guys, with national accreditation and usually free (when you pay a semester health fee). In the overwhelming majority of universities, you will be seen on the day you present for care. At our university, all the docs are board certified and achieved financial independence before coming to work at the clinic. They come, for about $125/yr in return for no weekends, no after hours call, no hospital patients, paid malpractice, 10 days off at Christmas. I would take our clinc docs up against any family practice int he US and be able to deliver superior care, excellent customer service and lower costs. It costs our students $4 per credit hour per semester plus $7 to see a doc. Thats it. No huge insurance bill sent. Just $7.

How can they do this? The docs are salaried, and the mission is providing care, not buying a hummer, lexus, 8000 sq ft palace for the trophy spouse.

[geniph]

51. The thing I've noticed lately is that they try to talk you out of a visit

I'm part of an HMO, and while they can usually get me in same-day for anything serious, I won't get to see my own doctor; I'll get catch-as-catch-can. If I want an appointment to see my doctor, I schedule it a couple months in advance, although they can sometimes get me in a bit sooner. But the big thing I've noticed is that they always try to convince me on the phone that all I really need is to go lie down, or drink more juice, or whatever. They really spend a lot of effort trying to talk you out of going to the doctor. The consulting nurse telephone line is notorious for this. They talked me out of going to see the doctor when I had pneumonia. Now, granted, it was viral pneumonia, so there wasn't much the doc could do, but I did want someone to make sure it wasn't a more serious bacterial infection. They want to just prescribe me something, anything, over the telephone. And this is one of the GOOD HMO's - if they're doing that, what the hell are the bad ones doing, driving people away from the door with whips and chairs?

[Cleita]

52. This is one of the complaints about NHC, but at least

with NHC you aren't paying through the nose for insurance.