[OT] US/IE comparisons (was Re: [ILUG] Re: ILUG Digest, Vol 30, Issue 45)

[Lee Hosty]

John P. Looney wrote:
> On Fri, Jun 10, 2005 at 01:04:32PM -0700, Justin Mason mentioned:
> 
>>it still doesn't quite work out that way, though -- even with the
>>insurance companies supposedly paying for a lot of the expense, the US
>>*government* pays more per capita on citizens' healthcare than Sweden, and
>>per-capita spending (including both government and individual costs) is
>>highest in the world.
> 
> 
>  I'm sure that like here, a lot of the cost is because of the propensity
> of people to sue doctors. OK, it's worse here because you can now sue
> doctors even when its not their fault. But you get the idea.

Completely off-topic, but it *is* usually their fault. After 3 months 
blithering around, some so-called doctor with qualifications coming out 
his arse - and more letters after his name than were in it (confirmation 
name and mothers maiden name included) - somehow managed to diagnose my 
other half with an easily treatable but life-threatening disease. She 
almost died after being told for two months that there was either 
nothing wrong with her or that she was imagining it. Seven years in 
college and thats the best they can do?

Plus it took them 4 years to realise my mother was sick and not just 
annoying them by calling in once a month to tell them that the 
medication wasnt doing anything for her. "I'm not surprised, Mrs. Hosty. 
Thats the wrong medication. Who prescribed that for you? You should have 
come to me earlier rather than your regular doctor". "You did, you're my 
regular doctor."

And as for how the local moron to whom had to take three visits for him 
to tell me exactly what I told him was probably wrong on the first visit 
- and charged me over a 100 euro to do so - well thats pretty much 
priceless.

And the amount they charge you for writing a signature on a piece of 
paper ... its pay-back time.

I've yet to meet a doctor who had a clue what was going outside the next 
golf session with his mates.