Listen to your Wife

[Bkay]

Jeez dude, glad you listened to her. Best of luck!!

 

[Imp]

The US healthcare system actually has built-in incentives for them to treat you poorly or incorrectly at least initially. If they screw up, not only do you pay for all the services they did to you that were wrong, you have to pay for all the things they do to fix their mistakes.

I've taught Medical Anthropology at the University of California & Cal Poly, & also have had medical care is several different countries, as well as extensive dental care in Costa Rica, & IMO the American medical system, based on the profit motive, leads to some gawdawful & outrageously expensive results, as well as dreadful outcomes. And no, Canadians do NOT hate their healthcare systems. When I travel, the first question I ask locals is about their medical system & how they like it. When I went to Outer Mongolia, the response was, "Unfortunately, we have the American system." When I traveled to Iceland, a young man I queried marveled how Americans could possibly stand to make money off of sick people. He considered that thought abhorrent. My overseas medical/dental care, whether emergency or planned, has always been efficient & professional, as well as darned cheap. When I flew over the handlebar of my rented Vespa on a Colombian island off the coast of Nicaragua, my hospital bill was $6 & my waiting room time was less than 5 minutes. I've saved thousands flying to Costa Rica several times for excellent medical & dental care, even though I have both Medicare & good supplemental insurance. With certain exceptions, our system pretty much sucks. I'm very picky about family medical care, & for anything other than routine, insist on teaching hospitals & I read not only curriculum vitae, but the published papers. I want my specialists to have bright students keeping them on their toes. Generally speaking, it's hard to go wrong with cancer & heart in Houston, but do your research. Yes, this is all off-topic, but too important to us all--

 

[Maryboo]

As a women please let me add to this post and guys - please listen. I had been feeling a little sick to my stomach for a few days and had a tightness around my bra strap, like I pulled a muscle. Nothing awful. Then I got a stabbing pain in a back left tooth and thought, oh crap now I have to find a dentist. My wise husband made me go to the ER against my will and after a few days stay I came home with 2 shiny new stents to avoid what would have been a “widow maker”. Women don’t have the same discomforts as men when having a heart attack. And they tend to dismiss their symptoms and carry on. So if your better half complains, listen and understand you may have to be the one to connect the dots to save her. Just my 2 cents.

 

[OldDan1943]

As a women please let me add to this post and guys - please listen. I had been feeling a little sick to my stomach for a few days and had a tightness around my bra strap, like I pulled a muscle. Nothing awful. Then I got a stabbing pain in a back left tooth and thought, oh crap now I have to find a dentist. My wise husband made me go to the ER against my will and after a few days stay I came home with 2 shiny new stents to avoid what would have been a “widow maker”. Women don’t have the same discomforts as men when having a heart attack. And they tend to dismiss their symptoms and carry on. So if your better half complains, listen and understand you may have to be the one to connect the dots to save her. Just my 2 cents.

Glad you got the stents and you are all peaches and cream now.

 

[Bryant]

listen

And that's why our health care system sucks. You are lucky some high-priced doctor who does not participate with your insurance provider did not bill you for $5,000 or more (not covered) for "services rendered". It happens every day and their is no recourse.

Always amazed to hear Americans say this. Obviously, you haven't traveled around much. Our health care is the best in the world. The reason it's so overpriced is government involvement and the fact that our hospitals are required to give free health care to 20,000,000 illegal aliens that use the emergency room to treat common illnesses.

People all over the world come here to be treated. To be honest, if you get charged 5k and you are alive the next day, I'd say that's a pretty good deal.

 

[BandB]

Always amazed to hear Americans say this. Obviously, you haven't traveled around much. Our health care is the best in the world.

Wifey B: Perhaps true but then why is our life expectancy not reflective of that. 53rd out of 228 isn't bad but many countries 2 to 5 years longer.

Do you really consider our medical care better than Canada?

I'm not blasting our health care but we can learn from other countries who are doing things we're not. Like most countries too, our health care is definitely better for some of our population than others. We even have 7 years different by state. You're in FL, so in the middle, but do you realize life expectancy in Mississippi and Alabama is over 4 years less than FL? There are hospitals and doctors I wouldn't consider for major illness or surgery, but many people have no choice based on location, finances, and insurance.

I do think our health care is better than some might say, but I also think it has a long way to go and it's not equal for all.

 

[Miz Trom]

The reason it's so overpriced is government involvement and the fact that our hospitals are required to give free health care to 20,000,000 illegal aliens that use the emergency room to treat common illnesses.

Please, just stop. Don't do this here on TF.

 

[BruceK]

Wifey B: ...
Do you really consider our (means US)medical care better than Canada?...

Visiting Canada a couple of years ago, I needed oral antibiotics for an infected finger. A GP visit was $300! A pharmacy consult was free except of course the prescribed medication cost. I didn`t have the benefit of the Canadian subsidised medical system, but was amazed the subsidised value of a GP visit is $300, here it`s around $80. How does that compare to USA?

 

[OldDan1943]

Please, just stop. Don't do this here on TF.

 

[BandB]

Visiting Canada a couple of years ago, I needed oral antibiotics for an infected finger. A GP visit was $300! A pharmacy consult was free except of course the prescribed medication cost. I didn`t have the benefit of the Canadian subsidised medical system, but was amazed the subsidised value of a GP visit is $300, here it`s around $80. How does that compare to USA?

Wifey B: It would vary widely in the US as it would in Canada. If you had a deal with a doctor, you'd likely get it for $100-150. However, most doctors have higher rates they bill. Then insurers have contracted rates and pay less, but uninsured may get stuck with the full rate if they didn't negotiate or it wasn't a doctor who treats many uninsured. A lot of times for things like what you had, you'd go to an urgent care center. They charge more. Were there any labs run or x-rays? An urgent care might charge you $250 plus 75 for the labs or something.

Those without insurance in the US and Canada will pay a premium in some cases. On the other hand, with some doctors, they get discounted rates.

 

[menzies]

All these posts following the OP.

US healthcare system versus others. Treating illegals, etc. etc.

What is good, better, best.

The guy originally said "listen to your wife."

It's very simple.

Guys...

Listen to your wife.

I don't know what rule in life that is - but I bet it's damn close to number one!

 

[BandB]

All these posts following the OP.

US healthcare system versus others. Treating illegals, etc. etc.

What is good, better, best.

The guy originally said "listen to your wife."

It's very simple.

Guys...

Listen to your wife.

I don't know what rule in life that is - but I bet it's damn close to number one!

Wifey B: NUMBER ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But then so is "Listen to your husband."

Most spouses give their partner better advice than they do things themselves.

 

[Bryant]

Listen

Wifey B: Perhaps true but then why is our life expectancy not reflective of that. 53rd out of 228 isn't bad but many countries 2 to 5 years longer.

Do you really consider our medical care better than Canada?

I'm not blasting our health care but we can learn from other countries who are doing things we're not. Like most countries too, our health care is definitely better for some of our population than others. We even have 7 years different by state. You're in FL, so in the middle, but do you realize life expectancy in Mississippi and Alabama is over 4 years less than FL? There are hospitals and doctors I wouldn't consider for major illness or surgery, but many people have no choice based on location, finances, and insurance.

I do think our health care is better than some might say, but I also think it has a long way to go and it's not equal for all.

Canada? Are you serious? One of the worst systems on earth. Socialized healthcare. People wait for months for their first appointment. They die waiting for treatment.

When you need brain surgery, heart surgery, major organ transplants, cancer treatment, people all over the earth come to one place and it isn’t Canada or Costa Rica or anywhere else. They come here. For one reason. The problem with our healthcare has nothing to do with the the quality. The problem is government involvement that has totally screwed up the cost and the enormous cost of providing free care to 20,000,000 people. Someone has to pay for that and that someone is “us”.

 

[dhays]

Always amazed to hear Americans say this. Obviously, you haven't traveled around much. Our health care is the best in the world. The reason it's so overpriced is government involvement and the fact that our hospitals are required to give free health care to 20,000,000 illegal aliens that use the emergency room to treat common illnesses.

Bryant,

Your profile describes you as a retired Marine and having retired from the Railroad. First, you have my respect for your career in the Marine Corps.

As both an active duty and retired service member, your health care experience has been government run health care. You may also participate in the Railroad Medicare program which is different than the rest of the over 65 age group deal with. I would say that while your experience, both professionally and as a health care consumer, give you a very limited view of health care economics.

 

[menzies]

Bryant,

Your profile describes you as a retired Marine and having retired from the Railroad. First, you have my respect for your career in the Marine Corps.

As both an active duty and retired service member, your health care experience has been government run health care. You may also participate in the Railroad Medicare program which is different than the rest of the over 65 age group deal with. I would say that while your experience, both professionally and as a health care consumer, give you a very limited view of health care economics.

What does your wife say about this?

Have you asked her?

 

[dhays]

The problem is government involvement that has totally screwed up the cost and the enormous cost of providing free care to 20,000,000 people. Someone has to pay for that and that someone is “us”.

The economics of US healthcare are significantly out of whack. I agree completely. I also agree that part of the reason is due to US laws, but not in the way you seem to think.

If you really wanted to reduce the cost of healthcare in the US the quickest and easiest way to do it is to simply eliminate all insurance. Right off the top you would save 25% or more of the health care dollars spent. Then market forces would start to control costs through typical supply and demand. Very simple really.

Unfortunately, (although some would consider it fortunate) there would be a huge rise in mortality and morbidity. Lots of folks would die and their quality of life would be significantly less. Many here on TF frankly would be dead. However, health care, at least for those that receive it, would be much less expensive.

 

[Bryant]

Limited

Bryant,

Your profile describes you as a retired Marine and having retired from the Railroad. First, you have my respect for your career in the Marine Corps.

As both an active duty and retired service member, your health care experience has been government run health care. You may also participate in the Railroad Medicare program which is different than the rest of the over 65 age group deal with. I would say that while your experience, both professionally and as a health care consumer, give you a very limited view of health care economics.

Your perception of my situation is a common one but is inaccurate. Regardless, the common gripe about the quality of our healthcare is also inaccurate. The quality of our healthcare is the best on earth. The problem is the cost and I’ve addressed several of the reasons that our costs are so high.

As an aside, I find it interesting that people who own yachts complain that they can’t afford healthcare and blame our system for that.

Things that make you say “hmmm”

 

[angus99]

Canada? Are you serious? One of the worst systems on earth. Socialized healthcare. People wait for months for their first appointment. They die waiting for treatment.

This lies somewhere between oversimplification and straight BS. Most of my Canadian family and friends love their healthcare system. A recent poll showed 90 percent of Canadians favor the system while wanting improvements at the margins, like shorter waiting times for non-emergency services.

From a Washington Post story on the Canadian system:

Canada spends less per capita on health-care than the United States and performs better on a wide range of indicators like life expectancy, obesity rates, infant mortality and “amenable mortality”— deaths that theoretically could have been avoided by timely and effective medical care . . .

People who bitch the loudest about the Canadian system have more problems with the concept than the reality . . . perhaps because it works.

 

[Bryant]

This lies somewhere between oversimplification and straight BS. Most of my Canadian family and friends love their healthcare system. A recent poll showed 90 percent of Canadians favor the system while wanting improvements at the margins, like shorter waiting times for non-emergency services.

From a Washington Post story on the Canadian system:

Canada spends less per capita on health-care than the United States and performs better on a wide range of indicators like life expectancy, obesity rates, infant mortality and “amenable mortality”— deaths that theoretically could have been avoided by timely and effective medical care . . .

People who bitch the loudest about the Canadian system have more problems with the concept than the reality . . . perhaps because it works.

Ok. That’s why everyone on earth goes to Canada for serious healthcare.
Your statement is factually inaccurate.
Washington Post? Just LOL.

 

[menzies]

So, should you listen to the wife? This is the question is front of us.

Or are you j***ks just interested in a debate about health care that has been going on for decades and for which there is not a right or wrong answer - yet?

Hot air following more hot air. Not one person persuaded to change their mind on this through Internet forums -ever.

So back to the question. Offered by a guy who has had a serious medical condition that was actually resolved by him listening to his wife.

Which was the aim of this thread.

So again. Will you listen to your spouse already?

 

[Bryant]

Just replied to the direction the thread was going but you make a good point.
My wife just told me to stop talking to you. I’m listening.

 

[menzies]

My wife just told me to stop talking to you. I’m listening.

?.

 

[BandB]

Your perception of my situation is a common one but is inaccurate. Regardless, the common gripe about the quality of our healthcare is also inaccurate. The quality of our healthcare is the best on earth. The problem is the cost and I’ve addressed several of the reasons that our costs are so high.

As an aside, I find it interesting that people who own yachts complain that they can’t afford healthcare and blame our system for that.

Things that make you say “hmmm”

Wifey B: I haven't complained I can't afford health care of blamed the system because I can't. However, your narrowmindedness and repetition of false information doesn't enhance your view. We've studied health care in other countries and we now have around 6,000 employees (9,400 people covered) we cover through our plan. Everyone isn't as fortunate. The VA system is the nearest thing in the US to the systems in other countries. DHayes points to the cost added by insurers and that's where single payer systems do have an advantage.

The quality of our healthcare for the most fortunate may well be the best on earth as you claim. But I judge based on how it serves all the people including the least fortunate. I know those areas where the vast majority have no health insurance or coverage and the quality of doctors and hospitals in the area is horrific. I can tell you without question many areas in which if I had a serious health issue while driving through or my hubby did, we'd try to get medical transport elsewhere just as we would from some other countries. There are hospitals I wouldn't dare let perform major surgery on me or my family.

I've known seniors who went to Medicare Advantage Plans to save money while living in areas with excellent doctors and hospitals but then had a serious illness and found out their plan didn't use any of those doctors or hospitals and they ended up in a horrific facility.

It's the arrogance of thinking we're not just the best, but perfect, that leads us to fall behind instead of making improvements. There are other countries that provide great medical care. They do some things better than us and we do some things better than them. We could both learn from each other.

However, there is no objective basis whatsoever for blindly requiring that we have the best care in the world.

 

[angus99]

So, should you listen to the wife? This is the question is front of us.

Or are you j***ks just interested in a debate about health care that has been going on for decades and for which there is not a right or wrong answer - yet?

Hot air following more hot air. Not one person persuaded to change their mind on this through Internet forums -ever.

So back to the question. Offered by a guy who has had a serious medical condition that was actually resolved by him listening to his wife.

Which was the aim of this thread.

So again. Will you listen to your spouse already?

Paul, I responded to the original question earlier in the thread. And to bogus, off-topic accusations with demonstrable facts—not hot air—most recently. Not interested in a debate or expecting to change anyone’s mindset . . . just calling BS. Something I’ve never noticed you to be particularly shy about.

 

[Bryant]

Health care

What? Good lord.
Btw, the V A system is the worst healthcare available anywhere. That’s the poster child of why the government shouldn’t be involved in healthcare.
And yes, our healthcare is the best on earth. If you don’t think so, go to England when you get sick.

 

[BandB]

What? Good lord.
Btw, the V A system is the worst healthcare available anywhere. That’s the poster child of why the government shouldn’t be involved in healthcare.
And yes, our healthcare is the best on earth. If you don’t think so, go to England when you get sick.

Wifey B: No one claimed England was the best, or I didn't read that claim.

 

[Bryant]

Health care.

Just picking a random country. So where is your utopian healthcare?

 

[markpierce]

I've taught Medical Anthropology at the University of California & Cal Poly, & also have had medical care is several different countries, as well as extensive dental care in Costa Rica, & IMO the American medical system, based on the profit motive, leads to some gawdawful & outrageously expensive results, as well as dreadful outcomes. And no, Canadians do NOT hate their healthcare systems. When I travel, the first question I ask locals is about their medical system & how they like it. When I went to Outer Mongolia, the response was, "Unfortunately, we have the American system." When I traveled to Iceland, a young man I queried marveled how Americans could possibly stand to make money off of sick people. He considered that thought abhorrent. My overseas medical/dental care, whether emergency or planned, has always been efficient & professional, as well as darned cheap. When I flew over the handlebar of my rented Vespa on a Colombian island off the coast of Nicaragua, my hospital bill was $6 & my waiting room time was less than 5 minutes. I've saved thousands flying to Costa Rica several times for excellent medical & dental care, even though I have both Medicare & good supplemental insurance. With certain exceptions, our system pretty much sucks. I'm very picky about family medical care, & for anything other than routine, insist on teaching hospitals & I read not only curriculum vitae, but the published papers. I want my specialists to have bright students keeping them on their toes. Generally speaking, it's hard to go wrong with cancer & heart in Houston, but do your research. Yes, this is all off-topic, but too important to us all--

Met two Canadian families in the USA: on the San Juan River and in San Francisco. Both said they went out of their way to obtain medical treatment in USA because Canadian service was untimely.

Recently had open-heart surgery which cost $250 out-of-pocket. Of course, I pay monthly to USA government and a private organization for health-care coverage.

 

[BandB]

Just picking a random country. So where is your utopian healthcare?

Wifey B: Monaco.

 

[Bryant]

Met two Canadian families in the USA: on the San Juan River and in San Francisco. Both said they went out of their way to obtain medical treatment in USA because Canadian service was untimely.

Recently had open-heart surgery which cost $250 out-of-pocket. Of course, I pay monthly to USA government and a private organization for health-care coverage.

Yes. Because Iceland, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Borneo are the first places that come to mind when your child has cancer.