Healthcare in the USA

(Pictures have nothing in common with the blog entry)

I am always surprised at the studies of costs compared to results. In the past few days two studies came out, one on the average longevity of individuals thru out the world.  I thought the US would rate very high, but we were #33 in one report and #26 in another.

Take Japan, we spend twice the amount on health care than Japan, but live 5 years less, wonder why?

I did read one place where we paid 33% more for medications (pills) than Canada, Mexico or the UK.  Wonder why?

 

One study I read said our doctors were leery of lawsuits, so they prescribed meds and do a lot of referrals which runs up our cost.

We also take more meds per patient. Frankly when I told my Dr. that I developed a rash after starting the first statin, he didn’t pause a second and said, ‘It’s not the statin.’  Now that quick diagnosis or opinion bothers me.  I know they are pushed, you can wait an hour to see your doctor less than 15 minutes and the average cost is going to be $200.  He is forced by a schedule to see so many patients an hour.  It seems so impersonal, but that is the system today. Over all, We  will never see the ‘Family doctor’ again. The one who knows every name and when they were born.  So we must live with it.

Along that vein, I borrowed this quote from Paula, the cowgirl.  http://pl78064.blogspot.com/

I thought of the family doctor we went to for many years. He was all business and the health subject a person was there for. The only thing I knew about him was that he smoked because I saw cigarettes in his pocket (bad for a doctor or anyone). I knew he had a wife because at times she filled in for the receptionist but she wasn’t very friendly. ( my emphasis)

He was a good doctor and would prescribe medicine for my kids over the phone and never charge a penny.

On the other hand, my doctor now, I know where he grew up, where he lives now, what he thinks of our school system, also about a true southern lady patient (no names of course). He is able to give his medical advice, listen to my complaints and still make me feel like he knows I am a person and not just a number in his books.  (end quote)

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My Sherry likes her Dr. and is happy with him. She has been going to him for a few years now. I went to him once. I didn’t like him, he must have better bedside manners with the other patients.(But then to be honest, I dislike going to any Doctor, even for my hearing).

I know this is a little simplistic, but during my time there were many folks who NEVER SAW a dr. until they joined the service.

Oh well, I guess that is all the damage I can do. I may or may not post this. “What you  think?” I ask this computer?  And it said……  ”Nite Shipslog”

PS:

Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your
opponents will do it for you.
~Author unknown~

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Did you see the little Smart Car? This shows the rest of it.