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Basically it says outcomes are the same but in U.S. the treatment is twice as much due to higher drug prices.
'
Not even a little surprised.
There is a reason why medical tourism is such a big market. Tourism too countries outside of the USA.
In my case an MRI of my lower back, a CT scan of my sinuses, I saw 2 specialists and a GP, all done in 1 day, no followups, no needless back and forth, no middleman. Paid for out of pocket was $400 bucks. That included 6 medications. I had a raging sinus infection that seemed to confuse my American doctor. Evidently Claratin 24 hour won't cure sinus infections.
When I went to the hospital I checked in and explained what my issues were. They made a copy of my passport and verified I would be able to pay for services. I was assigned a nurse whose only job was to take me where ever I needed to go. In other words minimize my frustration.
I saw the ENT first. The ENT did a brief interview and sent me for a CT. On return my CT results were already waiting. The Doc numbed the sinuses and put a camera up the nose. Took pictures. Then asked what my US doctor was doing for me. I told her Claritin 24 hour. The doctor shook her head and quietly explained that Claritin would not help me. She prescribed 2 heavy duty anti-biotics and something to dry the sinuses out.
Next up was a general practitioner . I figured while I was there might as well have all my ailments addressed. He examined me did blood work and prescribed some medication. I honestly dont recall their purpose. This was 3 years ago.
Finally a Back specialist because my low back always hurts. He ordered an MRI, 1.5 Hours later I was back in his office. MY MRI results were waiting for me. With only an estimated 80% chance of improving my condition the good doctor didn't recommend surgery.
As I checked out and paid for the services I was handed a CD. It contained everything that was done that day including results and copies of CT and MRI.
All for $400, done in a day.
I checked with my insurance My out of pocket in the USA for the above would have been north of a grand after insurance.
There is much we can learn from other countries.
Not even a little surprised.
There is a reason why medical tourism is such a big market. Tourism too countries outside of the USA.
In my case an MRI of my lower back, a CT scan of my sinuses, I saw 2 specialists and a GP, all done in 1 day, no followups, no needless back and forth, no middleman. Paid for out of pocket was $400 bucks. That included 6 medications. I had a raging sinus infection that seemed to confuse my American doctor. Evidently Claratin 24 hour won't cure sinus infections.
When I went to the hospital I checked in and explained what my issues were. They made a copy of my passport and verified I would be able to pay for services. I was assigned a nurse whose only job was to take me where ever I needed to go. In other words minimize my frustration.
I saw the ENT first. The ENT did a brief interview and sent me for a CT. On return my CT results were already waiting. The Doc numbed the sinuses and put a camera up the nose. Took pictures. Then asked what my US doctor was doing for me. I told her Claritin 24 hour. The doctor shook her head and quietly explained that Claritin would not help me. She prescribed 2 heavy duty anti-biotics and something to dry the sinuses out.
Next up was a general practitioner . I figured while I was there might as well have all my ailments addressed. He examined me did blood work and prescribed some medication. I honestly dont recall their purpose.
Finally a Back specialist because my low back always hurts. He ordered an MRI, 1.5 Hours later I was back in his office. MY MRI results were waiting for me. With only an estimated 80% chance of improving my condition the good doctor didn't recommend surgery.
As I checked out and paid for the services I was handed a CD. It contained everything that was done that day including results and copies of CT and MRI.
All for $400, done in a day.
I checked with my insurance My out of pocket in the USA for the above would have been north of a grand after insurance.
What is really crazy is the price of say a CT in a hospital vs. an outpatient facility in the same area can be drastically different.
For a country that brags about being the richest on the planet, our healthcare system sucks. When I go in for the most simple procedure, the final bill is obscene. We tried to do something about it (Obamacare), and it was a starting point, now we need to make it better.
I recently went under a procedure that literally could be life saving. The doctor has to convince the insurance company that is worthwhile. The procedure required to first get a CT. the CT did not pick up what was needed so they had to do a procedure to inject a small piece of metal for the CT scan. that procedure was not covered. Huh?
Basically it says outcomes are the same but in U.S. the treatment is twice as much due to higher drug prices.
'
That's because the Canadian health care system has monopoly pricing and thus gets cheaper rates for it.
Thus, the drug companies force more of the RND costs on us and the Canadians (and others) ride on our coat-tails for the newest, most effective treatments.
Any questions?
P.S. I've worked in insurance pricing for decades....most of the country has no idea the extent that they are subsidizing others either internally or domestically.
That's because the Canadian health care system has monopoly pricing and thus gets cheaper rates for it.
Thus, the drug companies force more of the RND costs on us and the Canadians (and others) ride on our coat-tails for the newest, most effective treatments.
Any questions?
All industrial nations use block negotiations. The VA also does that. So I don't buy that arguement.
You guys are going to get free healthcare? - sounds awesome, but who's going to pay for it?
The tooth fairy
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