Insurance Companies: Why Do They Ration Care?

[Symmetry]

(A friend of mine in Wales just had his sinus infection corrected after ten days on antibiotics, following a 4 month wait to see an ENT. I was absolutely horrified.)

He's American, right? British folk would just go to their GP. Ear, Nose and Throat doctors are kind of an American thing. GP's can prescribe anti-biotics. Tell him to visit his local doctor next time, rather than wait four months to get a prescription from a hospital that he could have picked up by phoning for an appointment with a local surgery and received the next day.

No, he's Swiss.

Specialists are not "an American thing" - practicing specialists have been common in most modern medical systems since the 1930s. (That said, I understand you personally may not have access to any so appreciate if it may seem more exotic to you in the way natives on Tuvalu once thought cameras might steal their soul.)

He attended the local country horse doctor as you suggest, who recommended he have tea and put a warm heat pack on his face three times each day (literally, I kid you not). I was absolutely horrified. It shouldn't take more than 1 or 2 days to see a specialist.

Well I am appalled at your obviously true story.

[saxitoxin]

(A friend of mine in Wales just had his sinus infection corrected after ten days on antibiotics, following a 4 month wait to see an ENT. I was absolutely horrified.)

He's American, right? British folk would just go to their GP. Ear, Nose and Throat doctors are kind of an American thing. GP's can prescribe anti-biotics. Tell him to visit his local doctor next time, rather than wait four months to get a prescription from a hospital that he could have picked up by phoning for an appointment with a local surgery and received the next day.

No, he's Swiss.

Specialists are not "an American thing" - practicing specialists have been common in most modern medical systems since the 1930s. (That said, I understand you personally may not have access to any so appreciate if it may seem more exotic to you in the way natives on Tuvalu once thought cameras might steal their soul.)

He attended the local country horse doctor as you suggest, who recommended he have tea and put a warm heat pack on his face three times each day (literally, I kid you not). I was absolutely horrified. It shouldn't take more than 1 or 2 days to see a specialist.

Well I am appalled at your obviously true story.

Whether or not it's true (it is) has been transcended in importance by your explanation that access to specialized care is a rare commodity in your experience; a service reserved only for the most exotic illness as opposed to one that people are allowed to access at-will for any reason or no reason at all.

[Symmetry]

(A friend of mine in Wales just had his sinus infection corrected after ten days on antibiotics, following a 4 month wait to see an ENT. I was absolutely horrified.)

He's American, right? British folk would just go to their GP. Ear, Nose and Throat doctors are kind of an American thing. GP's can prescribe anti-biotics. Tell him to visit his local doctor next time, rather than wait four months to get a prescription from a hospital that he could have picked up by phoning for an appointment with a local surgery and received the next day.

No, he's Swiss.

Specialists are not "an American thing" - practicing specialists have been common in most modern medical systems since the 1930s. (That said, I understand you personally may not have access to any so appreciate if it may seem more exotic to you in the way natives on Tuvalu once thought cameras might steal their soul.)

He attended the local country horse doctor as you suggest, who recommended he have tea and put a warm heat pack on his face three times each day (literally, I kid you not). I was absolutely horrified. It shouldn't take more than 1 or 2 days to see a specialist.

Well I am appalled at your obviously true story.

Whether or not it's true (it is) has been transcended in importance by your explanation that access to specialized care is a rare commodity in your experience; a service reserved only for the most exotic illness as opposed to one that people are allowed to access at-will for any reason or no reason at all.

Well, I'm convinced, and you're well on the way to convincing yourself. I don't see the issue.

[saxitoxin]

Well, I'm convinced, and you're well on the way to convincing yourself. I don't see the issue.

Have you ever seen a specialist or has your medical access been limited to 5 minutes with the local country horse doctor ("GP") as you're wheeled down a conveyor belt stacked with other patients? You seem to be baffled to the point of disbelief that this isn't the norm in countries like Holland, Singapore, Switzerland, etc. It's difficult to describe the sky to someone who's never looked up. Know what I'm saying?

[saxitoxin]

The 25-year-old had been asking for the NHS surgery because of constant back and neck pain for more than seven years. She couldn’t afford the £6,000 cost to have it done privately in the UK.

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news ... z1uXLmB6bb

I guess my friend was lucky to get in after only 4 months.

New research claims the UK health system is not designed to cope with multiple health problems.

The research published in medical journal The Lancet says most patients with two or more conditions are actually under 65 and health systems in the UK as well as other developed countries were not devised to deal with this scenario.

The Dundee University study also states that the system must be radically changed to cope.

http://news.stv.tv/tayside/99057-uk-hea ... -problems/

heart-wrenching

[Symmetry]

Well, I'm convinced, and you're well on the way to convincing yourself. I don't see the issue.

Have you ever seen a specialist or has your medical access been limited to 5 minutes with the local country horse doctor ("GP") as you're wheeled down a conveyor belt stacked with other patients? You seem to be baffled to the point of disbelief that this isn't the norm in other countries like the U.S., Holland, Switzerland, etc. It's difficult to describe the sky to someone who's never looked up. Know what I'm saying?

I said I believed your story. What's not to believe?

[saxitoxin]

Well, I'm convinced, and you're well on the way to convincing yourself. I don't see the issue.

Have you ever seen a specialist or has your medical access been limited to 5 minutes with the local country horse doctor ("GP") as you're wheeled down a conveyor belt stacked with other patients? You seem to be baffled to the point of disbelief that this isn't the norm in other countries like the U.S., Holland, Switzerland, etc. It's difficult to describe the sky to someone who's never looked up. Know what I'm saying?

I said I believed your story. What's not to believe?

Have you ever seen a specialist?

A simple question - I'm not so sure why you're so intent on avoiding it. One's living circumstances are nothing about which to embarrassed if they're beyond one's control.

[Symmetry]

Well, I'm convinced, and you're well on the way to convincing yourself. I don't see the issue.

Have you ever seen a specialist or has your medical access been limited to 5 minutes with the local country horse doctor ("GP") as you're wheeled down a conveyor belt stacked with other patients? You seem to be baffled to the point of disbelief that this isn't the norm in other countries like the U.S., Holland, Switzerland, etc. It's difficult to describe the sky to someone who's never looked up. Know what I'm saying?

I said I believed your story. What's not to believe?

Have you ever seen a specialist?

A simple question - I'm not so sure why you're so intent on avoiding it. One's living circumstances are nothing about which to embarrassed if they're beyond one's control.

Probably, certainly if doctors who specialise in dental care count. Does your Swiss friend need help?

[saxitoxin]

Well, I'm convinced, and you're well on the way to convincing yourself. I don't see the issue.

Have you ever seen a specialist or has your medical access been limited to 5 minutes with the local country horse doctor ("GP") as you're wheeled down a conveyor belt stacked with other patients? You seem to be baffled to the point of disbelief that this isn't the norm in other countries like the U.S., Holland, Switzerland, etc. It's difficult to describe the sky to someone who's never looked up. Know what I'm saying?

I said I believed your story. What's not to believe?

Have you ever seen a specialist?

A simple question - I'm not so sure why you're so intent on avoiding it. One's living circumstances are nothing about which to embarrassed if they're beyond one's control.

Probably, certainly if doctors who specialise in dental care count. Does your Swiss friend need help?

Was that a graduation gift? Though, I don't think a dentist would count as a medical specialist as the term is conventionally known in developed countries. But that's it, then? The once-in-a-lifetime adventure of a trip to the dentist to pull what hasn't fallen out?

[Symmetry]

Have you ever seen a specialist or has your medical access been limited to 5 minutes with the local country horse doctor ("GP") as you're wheeled down a conveyor belt stacked with other patients? You seem to be baffled to the point of disbelief that this isn't the norm in other countries like the U.S., Holland, Switzerland, etc. It's difficult to describe the sky to someone who's never looked up. Know what I'm saying?

I said I believed your story. What's not to believe?

Have you ever seen a specialist?

A simple question - I'm not so sure why you're so intent on avoiding it. One's living circumstances are nothing about which to embarrassed if they're beyond one's control.

Probably, certainly if doctors who specialise in dental care count. Does your Swiss friend need help?

Was that a graduation gift? Though, I don't think a dentist would count as a medical specialist as the term is conventionally known in developed countries. But that's it, then?

I'm not sure what your totally convincing Swiss friend would count as a specialist, but I'm guessing you won't take too much time asking him if he considers dentists to be specialists in dental medicine.

Although, of course, I still think your point is valid, truthful, and well set out.

[saxitoxin]

I'm not sure what your totally convincing Swiss friend would count as a specialist, but I'm guessing you won't take too much time asking him if he considers dentists to be specialists in dental medicine.

Although, of course, I still think your point is valid, truthful, and well set out.

Symmetry, I'm sad for you that your access to health care is so limited you are unsure what counts as a medical specialist and are too embarrassed to have a frank discussion about your circumstances, resigned to the deflections of sarcasm.

I know we've had our differences but I sincerely hope things improve for you. No one should have to worry about where one's next meal is coming from or where one might find comfort if afflicted with a serious illness. I think it's too bad the ruling family of your country has reserved the best care for themselves and hobbled-together a pauper's system of factory hospitals just to keep workers on the job.

Between the front of stoicism you present with your sarcastic jibes I can sense a certain sad weariness in your voice like a chimney sweep from Mary Poppins. It makes me sad to hear it.

[Symmetry]

I'm not sure what your totally convincing Swiss friend would count as a specialist, but I'm guessing you won't take too much time asking him if he considers dentists to be specialists in dental medicine.

Although, of course, I still think your point is valid, truthful, and well set out.

Symmetry, I'm sad for you that your access to health care is so limited you are unsure what counts as a medical specialist and are too embarrassed to have a frank discussion about your circumstances, resigned to the deflections of sarcasm.

I know we've had our differences but I sincerely hope things improve for you. No one should have to worry about where one's next meal is coming from or where one might find comfort if afflicted with a serious illness. I think it's too bad the ruling family of your country has reserved the best care for themselves and hobbled-together a pauper's system of factory hospitals just to keep workers on the job.

Between the front of stoicism you present with your sarcastic jibes I can sense a certain sad weariness in your voice. It makes me sad to hear it.

I'm not sure how often I can express that I believe you. I want to help your Swiss friend get better.

[saxitoxin]

I'm not sure what your totally convincing Swiss friend would count as a specialist, but I'm guessing you won't take too much time asking him if he considers dentists to be specialists in dental medicine.

Although, of course, I still think your point is valid, truthful, and well set out.

Symmetry, I'm sad for you that your access to health care is so limited you are unsure what counts as a medical specialist and are too embarrassed to have a frank discussion about your circumstances, resigned to the deflections of sarcasm.

I know we've had our differences but I sincerely hope things improve for you. No one should have to worry about where one's next meal is coming from or where one might find comfort if afflicted with a serious illness. I think it's too bad the ruling family of your country has reserved the best care for themselves and hobbled-together a pauper's system of factory hospitals just to keep workers on the job.

Between the front of stoicism you present with your sarcastic jibes I can sense a certain sad weariness in your voice. It makes me sad to hear it.

I'm not sure how often I can express that I believe you. I want to help your Swiss friend get better.

He's better, thankfully. And the specialist he saw - eventually - was quite competent. And terribly overworked. A case similar to that of the woman in the article I quoted earlier who had to endure 7 years of discomfort on the waiting list for surgery.

Anyway, I know institutionalized poverty and urban dirt/grime in Britain is supposed to be character-building and is widely feted and embraced in culture through song and dance. The "good enough for dad" mindset, right? Maybe there's something to it. I don't want to disparage other people's ways of going about things. As long as they have their cozy, but simple 100-to-a-block flat, TV dinner and a paid-up licence fee to Auntie Beeb I think that's all most Britons really want and can settle for standards a bit less than those of Holland or Switzerland. I don't judge.

[Symmetry]

I'm not sure what your totally convincing Swiss friend would count as a specialist, but I'm guessing you won't take too much time asking him if he considers dentists to be specialists in dental medicine.

Although, of course, I still think your point is valid, truthful, and well set out.

Symmetry, I'm sad for you that your access to health care is so limited you are unsure what counts as a medical specialist and are too embarrassed to have a frank discussion about your circumstances, resigned to the deflections of sarcasm.

I know we've had our differences but I sincerely hope things improve for you. No one should have to worry about where one's next meal is coming from or where one might find comfort if afflicted with a serious illness. I think it's too bad the ruling family of your country has reserved the best care for themselves and hobbled-together a pauper's system of factory hospitals just to keep workers on the job.

Between the front of stoicism you present with your sarcastic jibes I can sense a certain sad weariness in your voice. It makes me sad to hear it.

I'm not sure how often I can express that I believe you. I want to help your Swiss friend get better.

He's better, thankfully.

Thank goodness, I think many of us were concerned, I know I was.

[saxitoxin]

I'm not sure what your totally convincing Swiss friend would count as a specialist, but I'm guessing you won't take too much time asking him if he considers dentists to be specialists in dental medicine.

Although, of course, I still think your point is valid, truthful, and well set out.

Symmetry, I'm sad for you that your access to health care is so limited you are unsure what counts as a medical specialist and are too embarrassed to have a frank discussion about your circumstances, resigned to the deflections of sarcasm.

I know we've had our differences but I sincerely hope things improve for you. No one should have to worry about where one's next meal is coming from or where one might find comfort if afflicted with a serious illness. I think it's too bad the ruling family of your country has reserved the best care for themselves and hobbled-together a pauper's system of factory hospitals just to keep workers on the job.

Between the front of stoicism you present with your sarcastic jibes I can sense a certain sad weariness in your voice. It makes me sad to hear it.

I'm not sure how often I can express that I believe you. I want to help your Swiss friend get better.

He's better, thankfully.

Thank goodness, I think many of us were concerned, I know I was.

Good on you! That British dry humour is why we adore you people! Always quick to turn an impossible situation into a witty turn-of-phrase. This is why I'm convinced you'll get through it. Maybe not with a full set of teeth, but you'll get through it. (Lay off the 5-for-a-quid Cadbury eggs on the Tesco clearance rack and Booth's Dry, though.)

[Symmetry]

I'm not sure how often I can express that I believe you. I want to help your Swiss friend get better.

He's better, thankfully.

Thank goodness, I think many of us were concerned, I know I was.

Good on you! That British dry humour is why we adore you people! Always quick to turn an impossible situation into a witty turn-of-phrase. This is why I'm convinced you'll get through it. Maybe not with a full set of teeth, but you'll get through it. (Lay off the Cadbury eggs and Booth's Dry, though.)

I don't understand, if I'd said that I wanted your Swiss friend to be in pain, would that be better? That would have been an awful thing to wish on a human being.

[saxitoxin]

I'm not sure how often I can express that I believe you. I want to help your Swiss friend get better.

He's better, thankfully.

Thank goodness, I think many of us were concerned, I know I was.

Good on you! That British dry humour is why we adore you people! Always quick to turn an impossible situation into a witty turn-of-phrase. This is why I'm convinced you'll get through it. Maybe not with a full set of teeth, but you'll get through it. (Lay off the Cadbury eggs and Booth's Dry, though.)

I don't understand, if I'd said that I wanted your Swiss friend to be in pain, would that be better? That would have been an awful thing to wish on a human being.

Oh, naughty! Now I know you've gotten into the Booth's Dry - and after I warned you! Naughty mog!

You may NOT have more! You've had quite enough, I think!

[natty dread]

Saxi, is this your swiss friend?

[saxitoxin]

Saxi, is this your swiss friend?

I have 4 Swiss friends and can't be expected to tell them all apart. (They kind of all look alike - admit it, we're all thinking it ... I'll be the bad guy who comes out and says it.)

[Symmetry]

Saxi, is this your swiss friend?

I have many Swiss friends and can't be expected to tell them all apart. (They kind of all look alike - admit it, we're all thinking it ... I'll be the bad guy who comes out and says it.)

You're drinking again.

[saxitoxin]

Saxi, is this your swiss friend?

I have many Swiss friends and can't be expected to tell them all apart. (They kind of all look alike - admit it, we're all thinking it ... I'll be the bad guy who comes out and says it.)

You're drinking again.

Yes, Dr. Drew is an Addiction Medicine Specialist. Is that your way of answering my question, I guess? (We know now you've seen physicians on the TV ... I'd just like to know if you've seen one in real life. We're getting closer!)

[Symmetry]

Saxi, is this your swiss friend?

I have many Swiss friends and can't be expected to tell them all apart. (They kind of all look alike - admit it, we're all thinking it ... I'll be the bad guy who comes out and says it.)

You're drinking again.

Yes, Dr. Drew is an Addiction Medicine Specialist. Is that your way of answering my question, I guess? (We know now you've seen physicians on the TV ... I'd just like to know if you've seen one in real life. We're getting closer!)

I don't watch television.

Your turn, how many units of alcohol do you consume weekly? If you're unfamiliar withe "units", roughly estimate your weekly allowance.

[saxitoxin]

Saxi, is this your swiss friend?

I have many Swiss friends and can't be expected to tell them all apart. (They kind of all look alike - admit it, we're all thinking it ... I'll be the bad guy who comes out and says it.)

You're drinking again.

Yes, Dr. Drew is an Addiction Medicine Specialist. Is that your way of answering my question, I guess? (We know now you've seen physicians on the TV ... I'd just like to know if you've seen one in real life. We're getting closer!)

I don't watch television.

Your turn, how many units of alcohol do you consume weekly? If you're unfamiliar withe "units", roughly estimate your weekly allowance.

I'm sorry you, once again, feel the need to derail a thread by falling back on ad hom attacks as has become your hallmark.

If you were embarrassed that I inadvertently drew attention to your assertion that access to specialized medical care is an exotic rarity, then I apologize. If you were humiliated that I linked to the NHS' policy on 18 week waiting lists, then I express regret. We're born into our circumstances, it's nothing about which to be ashamed. I'm not sure what else I can do to wind you back down.

[Symmetry]

Yes, Dr. Drew is an Addiction Medicine Specialist. Is that your way of answering my question, I guess? (We know now you've seen physicians on the TV ... I'd just like to know if you've seen one in real life. We're getting closer!)

I don't watch television.

Your turn, how many units of alcohol do you consume weekly? If you're unfamiliar withe "units", roughly estimate your weekly allowance.

I'm sorry you, once again, feel the need to derail a thread by falling back on ad hom attacks as has become your hallmark.

If you were embarrassed that I inadvertently drew attention to your assertion that access to specialized medical care is an exotic rarity, then I apologize. If you were humiliated that I linked to the NHS' policy on 18 week waiting lists, then I express regret. We're born into our circumstances, it's nothing about which to be ashamed. I'm not sure what else I can do to wind you back down.

I wasn't embarassed, now you owe me two answers. Alcohol units, and why you're being shy on this.

Being defensive isn't usually your thing. I've hit a sensitive nerve somewhere, but the thing is that you know I didn't want to hit it. But you're annoyed anyway.

You're not even trying to actually attack me anymore.

What's up saxi?

[saxitoxin]

I've hit a sensitive nerve

What profession will you seek out to repair the nerve damage, and what will be the length of queue?
(a) plumber - 8 weeks
(b) carpenter - 9 weeks
(c) neurologist - not available