[lasttime85]

One word; Ridiculous! Why is it that many of the healthcare plans here require doctor referrals to see another specialist? I understand it makes their job simpler, but last time I checked it was their job to identify the problem, not simply relay information from another doctor's diagnosis.

Wifey is 32 weeks pregnant with twins and having contractions. Though they have settled down now, one day she was receiving them seconds apart. Not our first child, so we know how the game works. Our doctor (whom is already paid I might add) is unavailable for nearly 2 weeks, as are all the other doctors in his practice. Instead of going to the ER and having some random doctor request that we go into delivery now (before the babies are fully developed), we decide to wait it out, try to get a bed rest chit approved so she can relax and not put too much stress on her body. But of course, nobody is available to approve such a request, and to see another doctor without a referral will be a nice sum of money out of pocket. Sometimes it makes me believe our healthcare system is really out of sync....

Not really looking for advice, as we have considered most of our options. Just wanted to vent a bit and post something not seen as often on these forums, maybe even give some of you younger folks something to think about...

[jfkIII]

Just curious...was it not the same way from where you moved from?

[Prosze]

Maternity care itself is a pita. Why do they have to see her cant they use fax for bed rest note? When you say see another Dr. do you mean in a completely different office? If so they probably wouldn't see her anyway since she is so far along & refer you to the hospital.

[happyhunting]

Are you HMO or PPO? I know that with HMO, which we had over 15 years ago, I had to see a general practitioner before seeing anyone else, via their recomendation. The last 15 years on a PPO we have more control. I go straight to the specialist.

Good doctors are hard to come by here, and when you find a specialist you love they are often booked months in advance as they are very popular. I actually had my OB "quit" in my 8th month and had to find a new doc for my last month of pregnancy, this was 15 years ago. I've finally found the best Internist, I've latched on to him like I'm a stalker. So I know how you feel! Good luck with the new baby

[Tiger Beer]

Not that you'd feel any better about this.

This cost US$2,000 without insurance. But my wife gave birth to our son who was delivered here in Japan. Our doctor is always on call, actually I see him in the gym that I go to all the time. Anyways, in that clinic, my wife and son recieved their own bed and room and 3 meals a day (standard practice)...for FIVE DAYS straight after the delivery. With a nursing staff available 24-7, and the doctor in and out all the time. Yes, US$2,000 without insurance.

I think in the U.S., this would have cost me something ridiculous. I think the delivery would have cost a fortunate, and you wouldn't want to stay one night, let alone five, just for financial reasons.

The funny thing is that I am sure Japan is one of the more expensive countries out there for this kind of thing. But, the U.S. is at extraordinary extreme of the spectrum with no one else near it.

If my wife becomes pregnant again, I will quickly delay any plan to return to the U.S. for awhile, just to go through a nice, peaceful, relaxed, affordable, process that I went through here again.

[syborg]

how is the healthcare service/quality in vegas?

[Prosze]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

Not that you'd feel any better about this.

This cost US$2,000 without insurance. But my wife gave birth to our son who was delivered here in Japan. Our doctor is always on call, actually I see him in the gym that I go to all the time. Anyways, in that clinic, my wife and son recieved their own bed and room and 3 meals a day (standard practice)...for FIVE DAYS straight after the delivery. With a nursing staff available 24-7, and the doctor in and out all the time. Yes, US$2,000 without insurance.

I think in the U.S., this would have cost me something ridiculous. I think the delivery would have cost a fortunate, and you wouldn't want to stay one night, let alone five, just for financial reasons.

The funny thing is that I am sure Japan is one of the more expensive countries out there for this kind of thing. But, the U.S. is at extraordinary extreme of the spectrum with no one else near it.

If my wife becomes pregnant again, I will quickly delay any plan to return to the U.S. for awhile, just to go through a nice, peaceful, relaxed, affordable, process that I went through here again.

A relative of mine that lived in Japan said she paid about $10 a month for health insurance & that she if anything paid about 5-$10 for meds.

Meanwhile I dont have insurance so when I go to the Dr. today my appointment is estimated to cost around $215 not including labwork & the medication I will need will be over $200. yay.