Sick As a Dog - Have Health Insurance - But I'm Not Going to the Doctor (lawyers, John Edwards)
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I'm on the side that when you are as sick as you are for *5* days then a doctor is called for. Do you have the ability do diagnose yourself? You probably do have the flu....but, you're not a doctor. (unless you left that part out)
You're being a liability to yourself, not the 'system'. The system is meant for people who are SICK to be seen by a doctor...
I'm a RN and I've seen both sides of your argument. People abuse the ER for all sorts of reasons...and people neglect their health for all sorts of reasons. People come in, crazy sick, from the same convoluted thinking as you have. WHY wait? Doctors make room for sick visits in their schedules...AND, just FYI, THAT'S what doctors are there for...to tend to the SICK.
It's obviously your choice, but if you had gone to the doc within a day or so of getting your symptoms you might have been treated with Tamiflu or perhaps you have a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics. Either way, the longer you wait the more you will suffer. If it IS bacterial, you are making a ridiculous mistake. Watching someone come in and tell us they've been this sick for 5 days is as silly as someone coming in for a sinus headache asking for tylenol.
Your body, your choice....if it continues, you probably need to get to a doc soon to make sure it IS viral.
Originally Posted by Toyman at Jewel Lake I'm a lot like you, I've been to the doctor 2 times in the last 30 years, both times for stiches beyond what I could slap butterfly sutures on. And both times I had to pay the whole bill since it didn't top my deductable. Lets see...$450/month X 12months x 30 years = $162,000 in insurance that was never utilized. Yet we have many others that go to the doctor for every little sniffle and ache.
Don't be so sure that $162,000 will never be utilized. My husband was like you, avoided going to doctor even though he had insurance. Fast forward years later and he ended up in the hospital for 3 months and going to outpatient for five months after that, four days a week. Biyearly check ups probably could have avoided that.
Insurance---whether it's health, car or house---is something you buy and hopefully never need to use.
There are many things that 'naturopaths' cannot cure or manage. I happen to have a chronic and degenerative disorder and I'm being kept ALIVE by biotechnology, sceintists and DOCTORS. Most 'naturopaths' are quacks. I've met plenty that thought they could 'cure' what I had, and most just made me sicker.
So don't knock on the people who have helped me, and thousands like me.
I've been sick as a dog the past 5 days, presumably with the flu, which has completely sapped my energy, my appetite, and any motivation to do anything other than lay in the bed. Just miserable.
Interestingly, I have health insurance, and I chose not to go to the doctor. It would seem that I would want to utilize my insurance since I have reasonable co-payments, good coverage, and I would likely get an appointment right away. Not to mention, I do pay monthly premiums.
I think you ought to go to work and infect everyone. You might be able to get a kickback of some sort from the doctors.
I've been sick as a dog the past 5 days, presumably with the flu, which has completely sapped my energy, my appetite, and any motivation to do anything other than lay in the bed. Just miserable.
Interestingly, I have health insurance, and I chose not to go to the doctor. It would seem that I would want to utilize my insurance since I have reasonable co-payments, good coverage, and I would likely get an appointment right away. Not to mention, I do pay monthly premiums.
So why didn't I go?
Because I refuse to be a burden on the system even though I have a very legitmate reason to go. I am of the opinion that going to see a doctor should be the action of last resort, not the first thing that comes to mind. Part of the problem with our healthcare system is that it is abused at every level. On one hand, you've got the perpetually "sick" showing up at the family doctor for every little sniffle, and on the other hand you've got those who show up at the emergency room without insurance but only need a Tylenol or a Band-Aid. Both forms of abuse overburden the system financially and logistically.
With all due respect, I know quite a few people who overutilize insurance/healthcare. Having the flu is no cause to see a doctor, and this is coming from a mother with a child with Asthma. Sure, those you listed can become sicker as a result of the flu, but they should be in phone contact at first with the doctor or their nurse, not showing up hoping to get antibiotics. And yes, I know people who STILL think antibiotics will cure the flu.
Had an interesting breakfast with some local politicians this weekend, two of the running for congress. One, who is a doctor, told some eye-popping stories illustrating how insurance is abused in all directions. He also gave specifics of how to reform healthcare and insurance (remember, these are two very distinct things) without costing much, if anythign at all. Start small. Tort reform goes a long way. Purchase insurance across state lines is another.
Why can't we start with the things which cost the least, rather than a sweeping overhaul? See what less expensive means work first? Who knows, maybe some great and less costly ideas will spring up out of these types of changes.
Paragraph 1: We have a few "frequent flyers" at our office, but I have not seen any outright abuse insurance.
We brought in every kid with athsma during the H1N1 epidemic, if they had flu symptoms, a) to test them for flu, and b) to see if the disease was giving them an exacerbation. These kids got Tamiflu if they they had the flu and were seen in the first 48 hours of illness, which shortens the duration of symptoms, something important for athsmatics. If you don't go in during the day, you could well end up in the ER at night, costing "the system" much more.
Paragraph 2: A few anecdotes do not make a case for anything, even from a doctor. What were his solutions? Hint: tort reform and selling insurance across state lines won't save much, if any money. Litigation costs account for ~ 1-2% of medical spending, and selling ins. across state lines hasn't helped with auto insurance at all. You're still rated by where you live. If you live in a big city, you'll pay a higher rate no matter where you get your ins.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AeroGuyDC
Are you of the opinion that people DON'T jump and run to the doctor when they get the flu? Is that your position? Because it's flawed if so. That's actually part of the problem with the system - its abused on so many different levels - overuse being one of those abuses.
My position is that most offices have some sort of phone line that you call and speak with a nurse, or sometimes a dr, and discuss your symptoms and whether you need to be seen. I already posted what the protocol was for low-risk people with flu symptoms (which may be you).
Quote:
Originally Posted by cleoT
I think the point DC is trying to make, that a lot of people refuse to admit, is that there are countless people who abuse healthcare and insurance. To not admit to this is really quite silly. Of course people abuse it. There isn't an industry--government, capitolist or socialist-- out there that isn't up for abuse. It's human nature, and to give it a pass in healthcare means you're continuing to give the very same people a pass who will eventually lead reformed healthcare down the same road as medicaid.
Hasn't anyone heard the phrase "give 'em an inch they'll take a mile?"
Again, I work in a physician's office and I have never seen outright abuse. We have our patients who are in more often than others, but there is usually some reason for them to come in. Generally, as kids get older, the parents, even the "nervous nellies" bring them in less.
I find you attitude towards others disrespectful.
Quote:
Originally Posted by aqua0
I've had a very raw and sore throat the last 2 weeks and I didn't go to the doctor. I just gargled night and day on salt water. It helped, as I'm getting better. Anything I can do to avoid getting chemically treated, I will do. And I have health insurance.
However, if it's something that is persistent or severe, I will definitely see a doctor. There are definitely people who see the doctor like it's a lifestyle. That's not taking responsibility.
Other countries that have nat'l health care don't have as many sick people. So therefore, I'd think it was due to the UNHEALTHY AMERICAN LIFESTYLE that is generating the abuse of the US health system.
Until we all address this issue first (overeating, junk foods, and sedentary life), the issue of health care costs will not change!
You probably should see the dr. You may have strep, which, untreated can cause heart and kidney problems. This is not a lifestyle issue; it's a matter of being exposed the the strep bacteria.
Quote:
Originally Posted by georgia dem
if you think you going to the doctor is some how being responsible then I say tough it out, just make sure you stay home and do not carry your germs around.
I am 58 I get a flu shot every year ( when available) that I pay for myself
of the times I have not been able to I get the flu and end up really sick, not just with the sniffles I end up flat of my back ofr a week, being self-employed it is important for me to work.
I go to the doctor when I have to as I have been most of my life with no insurance and then went to a clinic and I paid for it.
I am not going to get on some big guilt trip when I need to go to get medical help, but if it makes you feel like something special, have at it.
Why do you feel the need to tell folks this? Sounds a lot like false pride.
" Look at me" good grief~~ sorry I am not impressed
Something we agree on.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cuebald
I think you ought to go to work and infect everyone. You might be able to get a kickback of some sort from the doctors.
Out of curiosity, why didn't you get a flu shot?
Good post. Many people don't get flu shots b/c "they never get the flu", they think they get the flu from the shot, they say they got the flu anyway. The first group usually get yearly shots after they've had the flu once. The second group is incorrect, you can't get flu from a flu shot b/c it's killed virus vaccine. You may get a fever and some aches for a few days, especially after your first shot. There is a remote chance you can get flu from the flu mist vaccine. The third group may be confusing gastroenteritis with influenza. The former gives you vomiting and diarrhea, and is not the flu. The latter makes you cough violently, run a high fever, and have body aches for days on end.
dear friend
you have been on CDF for awhile and your posts seem fine you are definitely part of this community. aside from any political issues --you are definitely worth the care.
a 29 year old healthy female died here a few weeks ago from the swine flu.
get thee to the doctor. do it now.
I've been sick as a dog the past 5 days, presumably with the flu, which has completely sapped my energy, my appetite, and any motivation to do anything other than lay in the bed. Just miserable.
Interestingly, I have health insurance, and I chose not to go to the doctor. It would seem that I would want to utilize my insurance since I have reasonable co-payments, good coverage, and I would likely get an appointment right away. Not to mention, I do pay monthly premiums.
So why didn't I go?
Because I refuse to be a burden on the system even though I have a very legitmate reason to go. I am of the opinion that going to see a doctor should be the action of last resort, not the first thing that comes to mind. Part of the problem with our healthcare system is that it is abused at every level. On one hand, you've got the perpetually "sick" showing up at the family doctor for every little sniffle, and on the other hand you've got those who show up at the emergency room without insurance but only need a Tylenol or a Band-Aid. Both forms of abuse overburden the system financially and logistically.
I refuse to believe that universal healthcare will not lead to increased financial burden on this country. If everyone were covered by health insurance, is it not reasonable to believe that more people would use the doctor than ever before? The costs incurred could make the current abuses seem minor.
I recognize that I am an anomaly, and my philosophy is not all that common. Most people in my position would have already been to the doctor. I choose to be a responsible American by using the doctor as a last resort. I certainly don't see this philosophy taking root if universal health insurance ever comes to fruition. In fact, I believe the exact opposite will occur.
What side are you on?
I have insurance and try to hold out on going to the doctor.
I think if we had universal coverage, sure more people would go to the doc but they would go when the problem is just beginning rather than letting it get worse.
If we had universal health care, I wouldn't go to the doctor more nor would I go less. I would go when I feel like I can't take it anymore, need drugs, or need a doc's opinion.
There is "abuse" now with people who have insurance, visit the doctor for every little thing and then you have people at home who have a fatal disease and can't afford meds or treatment.
Quote:
How will we keep costs down if everyone has access to comprehensive health care?
People will seek care earlier when chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are more treatable. We know that both the uninsured and many of those with skimpy private coverage delay care because they are afraid of health care bills. This will be eliminated under such a system. Undoubtedly the costs of taking care of the medical needs of people who are currently skimping on care will cost more money in the short run. However, all of these new costs to cover the uninsured and improve coverage for the insured will be fully offset by administrative savings.
In the long run, the best way to control costs is to improve health planning to assure appropriate investments in expensive, high-tech care, to negotiate fees and budgets with doctors, hospital and drug companies, and to set and enforce a generous but finite overall budget.
I get not going to the doctor, but then you get people who DON'T go to the doctor, don't use common sense, continue to go to work/out in public and INFECT others.
Paragraph 1: We have a few "frequent flyers" at our office, but I have not seen any outright abuse insurance.
We brought in every kid with athsma during the H1N1 epidemic, if they had flu symptoms, a) to test them for flu, and b) to see if the disease was giving them an exacerbation. These kids got Tamiflu if they they had the flu and were seen in the first 48 hours of illness, which shortens the duration of symptoms, something important for athsmatics. If you don't go in during the day, you could well end up in the ER at night, costing "the system" much more.
Paragraph 2: A few anecdotes do not make a case for anything, even from a doctor. What were his solutions? Hint: tort reform and selling insurance across state lines won't save much, if any money. Litigation costs account for ~ 1-2% of medical spending, and selling ins. across state lines hasn't helped with auto insurance at all. You're still rated by where you live. If you live in a big city, you'll pay a higher rate no matter where you get your ins.
Again, I work in a physician's office and I have never seen outright abuse. We have our patients who are in more often than others, but there is usually some reason for them to come in. Generally, as kids get older, the parents, even the "nervous nellies" bring them in less.
I find you attitude towards others disrespectful.
lol. Well, since you feel comfortable getting nasty with me, I'll get nasty with you.
You say you have never seen outright abuse AND you work in a physician's office? Maybe you should get your eyes checked. Or maybe you are part of the problem. Since I don't know you, you tell us, because abuse is rampant, and to work within the field and deny this is insane.
My daughter had H1N1 and for my son's sake, I was in close contact with the pediatrician. Those phone calls cost me nothing. I was educated by a trusted member of the medical profession and knew at what point I would need to take him in. I knew my son and his situation enough to know there would be no late night ER visits. His condition is not severe and we were on top of everything at all times. He never got sick. None of us took the Tamiflu, however we all took measures to stay as germ-free as possible and to keep from infecting anyone.
How much does that Tamiflu cost? How many people are taking needless drugs, in general, because their doctor's office pushes it on them? How about needless procedures? Even sometimes procedures simply to keep themselves from being sued? Deny it all you want, but there are medical professionals who won't lie about the overall abuse, from patients to hospitals, doctors to insurance companies.
I find your disdain for those who wish to be informed and responsible utterly despicable.
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