Last month I posted on Hillary Care and the Canadian medical system. There wasn't much in the post except a long quote from John Stossel. Today the Aberdeen American News published a column of mine that includes more of my own clever (or not so clever) writing. I may repost it here after the three waiting period. Anyway, I have received some replies. This one comes from intrepid reader Nathan H.
I recently went through cancer treatment with Sanford Hospital System. It took six months to get a diagnosis. Finally got a biopsy by a independent ENT. The Oncology was excellent and the nursing staff also. Radiology at Sanford can do IMRT treatment but when their machine breaks down you're f*****, ,,no back up plan. Of course they don't have a reciprocal agreement with Avera ( It's capitalism not medicine,, everyone for themselves and screw the Patients). Kelby seams more concerned with sports,ego,and Wonder Domes than Medicine. the management at Sanford has allowed large gaps in care grossly affecting patients that the Doctors freely admit exist because of management. My Daughter contracted E-coli at Oxford spent four days at Churchill Hospital Oxford, England her bill ,,nothing her care the prescribed current therapy according our Family Doctor. Her English Doctor came from a former colony ,Virginia. Her bill nothing , mine $250,000. plus. Thanks, NH
I also took a call on my answering machine in response to this morning's column. The caller very briefly related the story of her brother, I believe, who was injured on the job in Canada and got an MRI that day.
I would point out that none of the stories above is germane to my argument. Most modern nations are reasonably good at getting emergency care to those who need it. And all systems will generate some horrific anecdotes. But what about the average patient, who seeks out a doctor when he or she notices a problem? It seems quite clear that the mean wait times are much longer in Canada than in the U.S. That is what counts for most people.
On the other hand, I can definitely see the advantage in Britain if you are an American, and otherwise do not have to pay the taxes to support the system, or wait months or years for routine care.
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