NationStates Jolt Archive

What should be done about it?Please no flaming, just honest answers.

A reformation on the system. A system which helps those in need without taking too much from the tax payers (the government wouldn't want people complaining the US is turning socialist), nor do I want to hear healthcare is unimportant.

dunno enough about the US system (except that you have no NHS & should have one imo). the UK's NHS needs more still more funding after years of tory neglect.

that said, i actually know little about the whole matter :(

dunno enough about the US system (except that you have no NHS & should have one imo). the UK's NHS needs more still more funding after years of tory neglect.

that said, i actually know little about the whole matter :(

The problem with the NHS is that it has too much mangement, a simple probelm to deal with:
:sniper:

We do have anational system in the US. Its just not that great. Also, many states have their own systems. In NEw York, every child under 18 is covered publicaly.

Also, o nly something like 10% of Americans don't have private coverage. This is not good, but its far from the hell hole some want it to be.

The main issue is expense and the fear that the 10% is going to increase. Its a complex issue that nationalizing is only going to make worse. Instead of paying too much money to your insurance company, you pay it to the government.

It doesn't solve the issue of kickbacks to doctors for perscribing certain drugs and procedures, over the top legal pay offs for malpractice claims, and the overall crappy way the average American lives.

Beyond that, it's important to remember that of that 10% who lack private coverage, about 55% are 20-30 years old and don't view themselves as needing it, despite the fact they can afford it. Another sizable proportion (about 10% of the uninsured) just don't have it because they believe that modern medicine is unhealthy, and as such don't partake of doctors. So, it's more like 3.5% of the American population lacks health insurance because of necessity.

The US should take example from Canada.

What should be done about?Please no flaming, just honest answers.

First, people need to realize that healthcare is not a right it is a service that has to be procured. Everyone is not entitled to the latest and greatest simply because they exist. We don't have enough resources on the planet to support that kind of expense.

Second, malpractice suits are way out of control in the U.S. A cap on punitive damages must be implemented and punitive damages must not be granted unless there is a clear intent to harm or defraud.

Third, the insurance industry may need to be regulated (as much as I hate Gov. regulation) as it is gouging both doctors and patients.

Fourth, pharmacutical companies should not be able to lobby doctors on an ongoing basis to use their meds. If the is an update or improvement that docs need to be educated on, fine, but none of this weekly visits with benefits crap.

Fifth, Docs. need a dose of morality and a reminder of their oaths.

I'll probably think of more, but that is a good start.

First, people need to realize that healthcare is not a right it is a service that has to be procured. Everyone is not entitled to the latest and greatest simply because they exist. We don't have enough resources on the planet to support that kind of expense.

Second, malpractice suits are way out of control in the U.S. A cap on punitive damages must be implemented and punitive damages must not be granted unless there is a clear intent to harm or defraud.

Third, the insurance industry may need to be regulated (as much as I hate Gov. regulation) as it is gouging both doctors and patients.

The only problem with malpractice suits IS the insurance industry. They claim to doctors that being sued is what is causing their prices to go up, so then doctors and insurance companies lobby republicans to say that we need MORE government regulation on courts, but less on business.

In truth, insurance companies do what banks do. They invest in the stock market and use the profits from that to pay out those who come to collect.

Fourth, pharmacutical companies should not be able to lobby doctors on an ongoing basis to use their meds. If the is an update or improvement that docs need to be educated on, fine, but none of this weekly visits with benefits crap.

Pharmacutical companies shouldn't be the ones educating doctors period. As a school teacher I have to take courses and workshops every year to demonstrate a "pursuit of further content mastery." Why should doctors be allowed to practice medicine in their 70's as it was taught to them in their 20's questionmark

Pharmacutical companies also should not be advertising their medicine on TV. People, if your doctor doesn't recomend it to you, you should not think that you've gotten a bright idea about your healthcare, that he overlooked, from a TV commercial.