anne-marie - I don't know where you live;I live in Brisbane. If you go to a public hospital, you will wait in emergency for hours. If you need an operation, chances are it will be elective surgery and you will wait months for it, that's if you're lucky. If you presented yourself to a public hospital here with, say, bowel cancer, don't expect an immediate operation, because you won't get it.

My aunt is a pensioner who pays for private health cover.She used to be a doctors receptionist. She has recently had an operation for bowel cancer, immediately on being diagnosed. You would not get that in a public hospital as things stand at the moment. Sure, the treatment is free but that's all its got going for it.

My dad insists on using the public hospital. At 95, he sits for hours in the waiting room, only to be given a bare 5-10 minutes by the specialist. I don't think this is good enough.

Sure you may have to wait but it is the same anywhere - dentists, drs, lawyers etc. However, I still think we have a wonderful health system - do some research into other systems and you will find we are lucky. I don't think you can judge a system by waiting time - it will happen everywhere and in a variety of situations. I live in NSW and have only had wonderful experiences at my local state hospital - including a duaghter with cancer, husband with cancer and a few times for myself. All times our collective expereinces have been great. i know there are exceptions to the rule but, in the scheme of things and in the big picture are fairly unusual.

I haven't read the original post by this Seymore person. I could not find a way to search for the message either. But from the various responses in the three different post about this persons post there seems to be a lot of confusion.



All but about 10% to 15% or the US citizens have medical insurance of one type or another.



Most of our generic medications can be bought at places like WalMart for less than $5.00 for a months, maybe longer, supply. My medicines can't be generic but my insurance picks up all expenses after $70.00 for a three month supply for each medication.



Some insurance companies will deliver you medications through the mail. No need to drive to the pharmacy. They will contact you when it is time for a renewal. Call back or computer them to repeat the order. If need be they will contact your doctor for verifications.



Waiting in an emergency room is non existent for real emergencies. Three years ago I was taken to the local hospital by my wife because I was no longer able to talk and she said I was acting strange. The emergency room immediately took me in. Then they did test and within two hours I was on my way to a larger hospital an hour and half away in a different state. I was suffering from a brain tumor. The distant hospital had neurosurgeons on staff, they did a MRI immediately, and two days later the operation took place. No waiting for any of the procedures. Fortunately for me I was unconscious for most of this time. The doctors and my wife used phone calls for discussions and approvals.



Waiting in the emergency rooms is caused by out Emergency Room Law that says anyone that gets into an emergency room must be attended. Even if they are illegal immigrants, foreigners, what ever, Kids with coughs, folks with back strain, many that have no money flood the emergency rooms. But real emergencies get taken care right away.



I don't wait a year for dentist visits. When teeth are pulled the replacements are made and ready within three or four days. I just had a bone specialist take a look at my knee. I waited two weeks for the visit. It would have been more like a week but he was on vacation when I made the appointment.



I saw an argument that waiting does not matter. But it does matter as the service is just as important as the medical care finally given. Timely can be the difference between life and death.



Most folks in the US think we have some of the best medical services in the world.



Now to contrast that to Canada who also is quite proud of it's medical services. Just this past week the TV showed about a young girl that has some sort of growth in her head. She passes out, has left university studies, must be watched most of the time. Yet Canada has not permitted her to have an MRI or surgery I find it hard that any doctor would do this to a person. It must be some RULE or government medical restriction that could put this young girl in such a traumatic position. Many of the Canadians have been transported to the US for a lack of facilities or doctors or staff. Of course the Canadians will try to deny that, even when it is in the news or found by googling.



Now I know that Australians think there system is the best, as do the Americans, and Canadians, and folks in other countries. So it should be. Be proud of what you have. And next to what the US has I think Australia also has a good system in general, and could be greatly improved if the long waits could be eliminated. Australia has allowed the people to have choices of the type of coverage wanted. Same in the US, we have many many choices. Which seems to be working pretty well.



I am 75, been retired since 62, and doing very well for the wife and I. I am glad I do not have to worry about the government messing with my retirement. What I have is mine and if I earn more it is still mine.



Nothing meant to cause concerns for the Australians. Just hoping to make the point that the US folks are really doing quite well.

.

Thanks bob .............a good reply...........clay



If you click on page 2 of the Hot Topics segment you will find the original post plus a couple of replies

annemarie - I can only comment on our local public hospital system in Queensland - honestly, if you had something serious wrong with you you would not use it. People are dying here because of the waiting for "elective' surgery.Our public hospital system is in meltdown here. It's been a hot topic of discussion in the media.

If you get cancer here, you'd better have private cover.