Guest guest Posted October 28, 2006 Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 Hi all I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me in NZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 Yes, there is something to be said for living in a smaller country. I was operated on here in Israel, smaller than New Zealand, but was able to find an excellent surgeon within visiting distance, so my family could come to visit. It was done at a large medical center near Tel Aviv with the best hip & knee surgeons in the country...God bless socialized medicine! Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004 mdavison@... From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of HarnettSent: 29 October, 2006 1:42 AMJoint Replacement Subject: RE: Re choice of surgeons Hi all I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me in NZ My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 Sherry, that's your privilege... but without socialized medicine, I would have had to sell my house to cover the medical costs. The expression "Socialized Medicine" is not the dirty word that politicians and lobbyists would have you believe. At least in Israel, 100% of the population is covered, at rates that all can afford. The last time I checked, one out of five Americans could not afford health insurance at all, and the numbers are growing annually. Employers are cutting back on the healthcare plans offered to their employees every year, because of the high costs. Also, I have been told that many of the HMOs consider hip and knee replacements and revisions to be "elective surgery"... in other words, you won't die if you don't have the surgery (although I'm sure that any employee of the insurance companies has no problems getting approval). Quality of life seems to mean between little and nothing to the insurance companies. If you think that kind of situation is acceptable, we're going to have to agree to disagree. Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004 mdavison@... From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of S.A.M.Sent: 29 October, 2006 10:34 AMJoint Replacement Subject: Re: Re choice of surgeons I would rather sell everything I own to pay the bill than rely on a dime of government assistance. Sherry RE: Re choice of surgeons Yes, there is something to be said for living in a smaller country. I was operated on here in Israel, smaller than New Zealand, but was able to find an excellent surgeon within visiting distance, so my family could come to visit. It was done at a large medical center near Tel Aviv with the best hip & knee surgeons in the country...God bless socialized medicine! Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004 mdavisonnetvision (DOT) net.il From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of HarnettSent: 29 October, 2006 1:42 AMJoint Replacement Subject: RE: Re choice of surgeons Hi all I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me in NZ My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 I would rather sell everything I own to pay the bill than rely on a dime of government assistance. Sherry RE: Re choice of surgeons Yes, there is something to be said for living in a smaller country. I was operated on here in Israel, smaller than New Zealand, but was able to find an excellent surgeon within visiting distance, so my family could come to visit. It was done at a large medical center near Tel Aviv with the best hip & knee surgeons in the country...God bless socialized medicine! Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004 mdavisonnetvision (DOT) net.il From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of HarnettSent: 29 October, 2006 1:42 AMJoint Replacement Subject: RE: Re choice of surgeons Hi all I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me in NZ My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 Hi I feel that I have also done very well here in Australia with my surgeries over the years I have been to public and private hospitals and have always had great care but at a cost 10 years ago biltaeral TKR cost AU $30,000.00 This year 1 R TKR cost AU $29,000.00 Aussie -- RE: Re choice of surgeons Yes, there is something to be said for living in a smaller country. I was operated on here in Israel, smaller than New Zealand, but was able to find an excellent surgeon within visiting distance, so my family could come to visit. It was done at a large medical center near Tel Aviv with the best hip & knee surgeons in the country...God bless socialized medicine! Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004 mdavisonnetvision (DOT) net.il From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of HarnettSent: 29 October, 2006 1:42 AMJoint Replacement Subject: RE: Re choice of surgeons Hi all I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me in NZ My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com. __________ NOD32 1.1842 (20061027) Information __________This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.http://www.eset.com__________ NOD32 1.1842 (20061027) Information __________This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.http://www.eset.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 Hi Greywolf I know what you are saying, here in UK we have the wonderful NHS, but obviously those of us who work, pay our taxes to the government which is then used to fund the Health service. I too am so glad we don't have the horrendous system of insurance companies like in US, so many people are forced to travel abroad for treatment because they can't afford to pay in US if insurance won't pay. jane in Wales > > Sherry, that's your privilege... but without socialized medicine, I would > have had to sell my house to cover the medical costs. The expression > " Socialized Medicine " is not the dirty word that politicians and lobbyists > would have you believe. > > At least in Israel, 100% of the population is covered, at rates that all can > afford. The last time I checked, one out of five Americans could not afford > health insurance at all, and the numbers are growing annually. Employers > are cutting back on the healthcare plans offered to their employees every > year, because of the high costs. > > Also, I have been told that many of the HMOs consider hip and knee > replacements and revisions to be " elective surgery " ... in other words, you > won't die if you don't have the surgery (although I'm sure that any employee > of the insurance companies has no problems getting approval). Quality of > life seems to mean between little and nothing to the insurance companies. > > If you think that kind of situation is acceptable, we're going to have to > agree to disagree. > > Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004 > mdavison@... > > _____ > > From: Joint Replacement > [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of S.A.M. > Sent: 29 October, 2006 10:34 AM > Joint Replacement > Subject: Re: Re choice of surgeons > > > > > I would rather sell everything I own to pay the bill than > rely on a dime of government assistance. > > Sherry > > > RE: Re choice of surgeons > > > Hi all > I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although > there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with > a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward > either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision > surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about > it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising > their technique' on me > > in NZ > > > > > _____ > > > > -------------------------------------------- > My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 We don't have to wait for tests here like in Canada. When the doctor ordered my metal reduction MRI I could have gotten it the same day but my husband had to get a day off to drive me down there. This is a very specialized MRI which is for people with metal in there bodies only so there are 5 in the state. Regular MRI machines are all over the place. Sherry RE: Re choice of surgeons Yes, there is something to be said for living in a smaller country. I was operated on here in Israel, smaller than New Zealand, but was able to find an excellent surgeon within visiting distance, so my family could come to visit. It was done at a large medical center near Tel Aviv with the best hip & knee surgeons in the country...God bless socialized medicine! Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004 mdavisonnetvision (DOT) net.il From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of HarnettSent: 29 October, 2006 1:42 AMJoint Replacement Subject: RE: Re choice of surgeons Hi all I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me in NZ My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 You'd die to protect me and the other taxpayers? Awfully considerate. Ann S. RE: Re choice of surgeons Yes, there is something to be said for living in a smaller country. I was operated on here in Israel, smaller than New Zealand, but was able to find an excellent surgeon within visiting distance, so my family could come to visit. It was done at a large medical center near Tel Aviv with the best hip & knee surgeons in the country...God bless socialized medicine! Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004 mdavisonnetvision (DOT) net.il From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of HarnettSent: 29 October, 2006 1:42 AMJoint Replacement Subject: RE: Re choice of surgeons Hi all I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me in NZ My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 "The last time I checked, one out of five Americans could not afford health insurance at all, and the numbers are growing annually." That is really scary! As I said previously, NZ hospitals are funded out of taxation, so every NZ citizen is entitled to free hospital care. But we even treat non-NZers who turn up! (Such as Pacific Islanders who have poor health care in their own countries.) I would prefer to live in a country where our soft-heartedness is exploited occasionally, than somewhere where some citizens can't get healthcare. How can you turn sick people away? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 RE: Re choice of surgeons Yes, there is something to be said for living in a smaller country. I was operated on here in Israel, smaller than New Zealand, but was able to find an excellent surgeon within visiting distance, so my family could come to visit. It was done at a large medical center near Tel Aviv with the best hip & knee surgeons in the country...God bless socialized medicine! Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004 mdavisonnetvision (DOT) net.il From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of HarnettSent: 29 October, 2006 1:42 AMJoint Replacement Subject: RE: Re choice of surgeons Hi all I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me in NZ My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 I really don't feel I'm an exception (rather than the rule), as I've always had great medical care in the U.S., especially since I've been on Medicare, with supplemental coverage. I'm now 80 and having RTKR soon. I've never had difficulty finding physicians who will take Medicare patients, nor have I ever had a problem seeing a specialized physician (even when I contact the doctor myself, without a physician referral). In fact, I've already seen three orthopedic surgeons regarding my right knee, and will be going to the fourth specialist soon (at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center), as I want to be confident in my own mind that I'm having the most qualified surgeon and best care available. Maybe some of the complainers about U.S. medical care just aren't being assertive or persistent enough to ensure they receive the same. I feel very fortunate to be living in this wonderful country with easy access to well trained doctors and the very latest medical procedures and follow-up care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 I totally agree with you. I had my hip replaced, had visiting nurses and PT's and stayed in the hospital for 4 days and it cost me $400. My insurance picked up the rest. I would never want socialized medicine in this country. Our taxes are far too high already. We support nearly every country on earth and we as taxpayers pay for this. I don't want to wait to have a procedure done, I want to be able to choose my doctor. The tax rate in Scotland is atrocious. My cousins live there and they tell me it's because of the medical system. Arianne > > > Wouldn't like it but I be damned if I'll stick the taxpayers > with my medical bills. > > Sherry > > RE: Re choice of surgeons > > > Hi all > I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me > > in NZ > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti- spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 I know that it is a popular way to sell newspapers and the nightly news, but to say that 1 out of 5 Americans can't afford healthcare is simply not true. One out of 5 Americans CHOOSE not to purchase health care. They are mostly self-employed people. the poor are taken care of and can choose their own doctor (something people who purchase healthcare cannot do. The elderly get medicare which $85 per month is taken out of their social security check. Then most elderly purchase a medigap plan to pay for those things medicare won't cover. Those who don't have insurance use the hospital emergency room as their doctor. That is paid for by a 'free pool' which means that everyone else who does purchase insurance, pays a surtax on the premium to cover emergency room services. Arianne > > > > " The last time I checked, one out of five Americans could not afford health > insurance at all, and the numbers are growing annually. " > > That is really scary! As I said previously, NZ hospitals are funded out of > taxation, so every NZ citizen is entitled to free hospital care. But we even > treat non-NZers who turn up! (Such as Pacific Islanders who have poor health > care in their own countries.) I would prefer to live in a country where our > soft-heartedness is exploited occasionally, than somewhere where some > citizens can't get healthcare. How can you turn sick people away? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 Surely the so-called 'socialized medicine' system ensures that the poor are able to get medical treatment. How do they get treatment otherwise? And I would feel especially sorry for children in poor families. When medical care comes out of our taxes, it is fairer to all, as those on big incomes pay a percentage in tax and so do those on low incomes. My family is on a good income and we are happy that our taxes help provide medical care (and schools etc) for everyone. Surely it is the duty of those with lots to help those little? I'm just grateful to live in a country where I can get a THR done. Everything else seems rather insignificant in view of that fact. ----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of arianne377Sent: Monday, 30 October 2006 3:57 p.m.Joint Replacement Subject: Re: Re choice of surgeons I totally agree with you. I had my hip replaced, had visiting nurses and PT's and stayed in the hospital for 4 days and it cost me $400. My insurance picked up the rest. I would never want socialized medicine in this country. Our taxes are far too high already. We support nearly every country on earth and we as taxpayers pay for this.I don't want to wait to have a procedure done, I want to be able to choose my doctor.The tax rate in Scotland is atrocious. My cousins live there and they tell me it's because of the medical system.Arianne>> > Wouldn't like it but I be damned if I'll stick the taxpayers> with my medical bills. > > Sherry> > RE: Re choice of surgeons> > > Hi all> I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me > > in NZ> > > > ----------------------------------------------------------> My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 That's really interesting, thanks -----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of arianne377Sent: Monday, 30 October 2006 4:06 p.m.Joint Replacement Subject: Re: Re choice of surgeons I know that it is a popular way to sell newspapers and the nightly news, but to say that 1 out of 5 Americans can't afford healthcare is simply not true. One out of 5 Americans CHOOSE not to purchase health care. They are mostly self-employed people. the poor are taken care of and can choose their own doctor (something people who purchase healthcare cannot do. The elderly get medicare which $85 per month is taken out of their social security check. Then most elderly purchase a medigap plan to pay for those things medicare won't cover.Those who don't have insurance use the hospital emergency room as their doctor. That is paid for by a 'free pool' which means that everyone else who does purchase insurance, pays a surtax on the premium to cover emergency room services.Arianne>> > > "The last time I checked, one out of five Americans could not afford health> insurance at all, and the numbers are growing annually."> > That is really scary! As I said previously, NZ hospitals are funded out of> taxation, so every NZ citizen is entitled to free hospital care. But we even> treat non-NZers who turn up! (Such as Pacific Islanders who have poor health> care in their own countries.) I would prefer to live in a country where our> soft-heartedness is exploited occasionally, than somewhere where some> citizens can't get healthcare. How can you turn sick people away?> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 Hi all I'm feeling bad, because I started this thread off with my observation about living in a small country and not therefore having too many OS choices. It seems to have become a little heated! So I will bow out off this discussion now... (4 weeks to go to my THR) P.S: , my THR is covered by insurance but will cost NZ$20 RE: Re choice of surgeons Yes, there is something to be said for living in a smaller country. I was operated on here in Israel, smaller than New Zealand, but was able to find an excellent surgeon within visiting distance, so my family could come to visit. It was done at a large medical center near Tel Aviv with the best hip & knee surgeons in the country...God bless socialized medicine! Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004 mdavisonnetvision (DOT) net.il From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of HarnettSent: 29 October, 2006 1:42 AMJoint Replacement Subject: RE: Re choice of surgeons Hi all I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me in NZ My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com. __________ NOD32 1.1842 (20061027) Information __________This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.http://www.eset.com__________ NOD32 1.1842 (20061027) Information __________This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.http://www.eset.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 I totally agree with you. I had my hip replaced, had visiting nurses and PT's and stayed in the hospital for 4 days and it cost me $400. My insurance picked up the rest. I would never want socialized medicine in this country. Our taxes are far too high already. We support nearly every country on earth We don't have to do this. And we don't do it out of the kindness of our hearts. We do it so we can eventually control most of the world. Or the country has oil or something else we want cheap (cheap for manufacturers, not buyers). and we as taxpayers pay for this.I don't want to wait to have a procedure done, I want to be able to choose my doctor. This shouldn't happen under socialized med. It doesn't have to. The tax rate in Scotland is atrocious. My cousins live there and they tell me it's because of the medical system. The tax rate in countries that provide free/cheap medicine, education, and housing are high. But it all evens out. Nobody lives on the streets, and the rich pay a lot more than they do here. Here there are so many loopholes, they hardly have to pay anything. And how about Soc Sec? Wealthy people in the US collect Social Security. And as for SS taxes on working people, the burden falls on the less well paid. At a certain point, the person doesn't have to pay on extra income. It's completely upside down. Ann S. Arianne>> > Wouldn't like it but I be damned if I'll stick the taxpayers> with my medical bills. > > Sherry> > RE: Re choice of surgeons> > > Hi all> I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me > > in NZ> > > > ----------------------------------------------------------> My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 I know that it is a popular way to sell newspapers and the nightly news, but to say that 1 out of 5 Americans can't afford healthcare is simply not true. One out of 5 Americans CHOOSE not to purchase health care. They are mostly self-employed people. Who, if they really do choose not to buy health insurance, do it because they can't afford it. What's the alternative to health care? Getting really sick and maybe dying. People choose that? the poor are taken care of and can choose their own doctor Where do you get this? The poor are taken care of and choose their own doctor? Choose their own doctor? I know someone who is disabled, can't work, and not only can she not choose her own doctor, but she's denied medicines she needs because they're "addictive" (remember our discussion on that? She's in constant pain). (something people who purchase healthcare cannot do. The elderly get medicare which $85 per month is taken out of their social security check. Which it shouldn't be, since they've already paid every month they work. In my town, 80% of doctors will not take a new Medicare patient. Where are these people supposed to go? Again, they're forced to use the emergency room. Then most elderly purchase a medigap plan IF they can pay for it. to pay for those things medicare won't cover. You seem to assume that everyone makes a really good income. This is not true, especially of retired people. Those who don't have insurance use the hospital emergency room as their doctor. Who pays for that? Who creates the money to reimburse the hospital for the costs? When hospitals get to where they can't afford that, they turn patients away. That is paid for by a 'free pool' which means that everyone else who does purchase insurance, pays a surtax on the premium to cover emergency room services. Where did you get that information? Ann S. Arianne>> > > "The last time I checked, one out of five Americans could not afford health> insurance at all, and the numbers are growing annually."> > That is really scary! As I said previously, NZ hospitals are funded out of> taxation, so every NZ citizen is entitled to free hospital care. But we even> treat non-NZers who turn up! (Such as Pacific Islanders who have poor health> care in their own countries.) I would prefer to live in a country where our> soft-heartedness is exploited occasionally, than somewhere where some> citizens can't get healthcare. How can you turn sick people away?> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 Ann, I said I would bow out, but just had to say how much I agree with you: I would love to have a coffee and chat with you, if we weren't on opposite sides of the world -----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of Ann Sent: Monday, 30 October 2006 6:19 p.m.Joint Replacement Subject: Re: Re: Re choice of surgeons I totally agree with you. I had my hip replaced, had visiting nurses and PT's and stayed in the hospital for 4 days and it cost me $400. My insurance picked up the rest. I would never want socialized medicine in this country. Our taxes are far too high already. We support nearly every country on earth We don't have to do this. And we don't do it out of the kindness of our hearts. We do it so we can eventually control most of the world. Or the country has oil or something else we want cheap (cheap for manufacturers, not buyers). and we as taxpayers pay for this.I don't want to wait to have a procedure done, I want to be able to choose my doctor. This shouldn't happen under socialized med. It doesn't have to. The tax rate in Scotland is atrocious. My cousins live there and they tell me it's because of the medical system. The tax rate in countries that provide free/cheap medicine, education, and housing are high. But it all evens out. Nobody lives on the streets, and the rich pay a lot more than they do here. Here there are so many loopholes, they hardly have to pay anything. And how about Soc Sec? Wealthy people in the US collect Social Security. And as for SS taxes on working people, the burden falls on the less well paid. At a certain point, the person doesn't have to pay on extra income. It's completely upside down. Ann S. Arianne>> > Wouldn't like it but I be damned if I'll stick the taxpayers> with my medical bills. > > Sherry> > RE: Re choice of surgeons> > > Hi all> I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising their technique' on me > > in NZ> > > > ----------------------------------------------------------> My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 , Don’t feel bad about you starting this thread!! Discussions like this take on a life of their own and the web is the only place it can happen unless a group of people are face to face. Every now and then a thread starts about something emotional to all of us and this is one of them. We all need to vent from time to time and most DR.’s agree that it’s good for us. It WILL calm down. It just takes a day or two and then we will be back to “normal”. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 I was aware that some doctors weren't taking new Medicare patients, but the recent article in the local paper here in Olympia WA did say that 80% aren't taking new ones. That was pretty scary. I'll be 65 next year. I'm glad you've had such good experience. What state are you in? Ann S. Re: Re choice of surgeons I really don't feel I'm an exception (rather than the rule), as I've always had great medical care in the U.S., especially since I've been on Medicare, with supplemental coverage. I'm now 80 and having RTKR soon. I've never had difficulty finding physicians who will take Medicare patients, nor have I ever had a problem seeing a specialized physician (even when I contact the doctor myself, without a physician referral). In fact, I've already seen three orthopedic surgeons regarding my right knee, and will be going to the fourth specialist soon (at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center), as I want to be confident in my own mind that I'm having the most qualified surgeon and best care available. Maybe some of the complainers about U.S. medical care just aren't being assertive or persistent enough to ensure they receive the same. I feel very fortunate to be living in this wonderful country with easy access to well trained doctors and the very latest medical procedures and follow-up care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 I don't know what state you live in, but here in Massachusetts, everyone who purchased health insurance pays a surtax on that premium to pay for the 'free pool' for hospitals who provide free care to people who either can't or won't pay. I know people who own successful businesses who don't buy health insurance. They pay outright whenever something happens, or get free care if a major catastrophe occurs. In Massachusetts, if you are on Medicaid, you can go to whatever doctor you choose. You can go to Massachusetts General Hospital and get the best of care. If you have insurance, perhaps your benefit doesn't cover a hospital outside of your network. Again, in Massachusetts, it is against state law to refuse a patient care. Why shouldn't we pay for medicare? Medicare was not originally included in the social security system, and that is one of the reasons the system is running out of money. The average person pays $35 per week into the social security system. When that average person retires, he/she receives a average $500 per month in social securtiy benefits. Arianne > > > > > > > > " The last time I checked, one out of five Americans could not afford health > > insurance at all, and the numbers are growing annually. " > > > > That is really scary! As I said previously, NZ hospitals are funded out of > > taxation, so every NZ citizen is entitled to free hospital care. But we even > > treat non-NZers who turn up! (Such as Pacific Islanders who have poor health > > care in their own countries.) I would prefer to live in a country where our > > soft-heartedness is exploited occasionally, than somewhere where some > > citizens can't get healthcare. How can you turn sick people away? > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 No, we do it so that we will have allies when it comes time for a country to try to take us down. Arianne > > > > > > Wouldn't like it but I be damned if I'll stick the taxpayers > > with my medical bills. > > > > Sherry > > > > RE: Re choice of surgeons > > > > > > Hi all > > I'm beginning to think I'm better off being in a small country. Although there are far > fewer OS's, they know each other' reputations and anyone with a poor one would probably > not last long I don't think wer'e too backward either: My OS does THR and resurfacing > and you can get minimal incision surgeries in some places - not where I live, but I'm not > too worried about it, as it is such a new procedure and I'd prefer no-one was 'practising > their technique' on me > > > > in NZ > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > > My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti- > spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 I couldn't agree with you more. It seems though, that we are a dying breed. I happen to think that we live in the best country in the world. Why do so many people from around the planet want to come here? Arianne > > I really don't feel I'm an exception (rather than the rule), as I've > always had great medical care in the U.S., especially since I've been > on Medicare, with supplemental coverage. I'm now 80 and having RTKR > soon. I've never had difficulty finding physicians who will take > Medicare patients, nor have I ever had a problem seeing a specialized > physician (even when I contact the doctor myself, without a physician > referral). In fact, I've already seen three orthopedic surgeons > regarding my right knee, and will be going to the fourth specialist > soon (at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center), as > I want to be confident in my own mind that I'm having the most > qualified surgeon and best care available. Maybe some of the > complainers about U.S. medical care just aren't being assertive or > persistent enough to ensure they receive the same. I feel very > fortunate to be living in this wonderful country with easy access to > well trained doctors and the very latest medical procedures and > follow-up care. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 Perhaps these doctors aren't taking new patients period. Perhaps they are doctors with built up practices and cannot take new patients that would add to the work load. Perhaps you need new doctors in Washington. Arianne > > I was aware that some doctors weren't taking new Medicare patients, but the recent article in the local paper here in Olympia WA did say that 80% aren't taking new ones. That was pretty scary. I'll be 65 next year. I'm glad you've had such good experience. What state are you in? > > Ann S. > Re: Re choice of surgeons > > > I really don't feel I'm an exception (rather than the rule), as I've > always had great medical care in the U.S., especially since I've been > on Medicare, with supplemental coverage. I'm now 80 and having RTKR > soon. I've never had difficulty finding physicians who will take > Medicare patients, nor have I ever had a problem seeing a specialized > physician (even when I contact the doctor myself, without a physician > referral). In fact, I've already seen three orthopedic surgeons > regarding my right knee, and will be going to the fourth specialist > soon (at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center), as > I want to be confident in my own mind that I'm having the most > qualified surgeon and best care available. Maybe some of the > complainers about U.S. medical care just aren't being assertive or > persistent enough to ensure they receive the same. I feel very > fortunate to be living in this wonderful country with easy access to > well trained doctors and the very latest medical procedures and > follow-up care. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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