Surgery

I once had an operation a few years ago. I had my appendix removed and the surgery was done only a day after I was admitted because I already had infections in my lower abdomen. The hospital wouldn't do the operation unless we deposit at least $1,500 (USD) wherein I could've died if I haven't had the operation right away. My mom called my dad immediately so he could send some money so there, my mom was able to deposit the money to the hospital the next morning. It's a private hospital and it's the nearest in our place so it's quite expensive.

I'm just not sure about public hospitals if they have the same admitting and surgery process.

 

Doctors are in a profession just like anyone else. I am sure that whatever skills you have could also be saving the lives of the needy somewhere in the world, digging wells or some such. But most of us are not saints so that is not what we are doing. On that basis, I do not expect it of others regardless of their profession.

I have pretty good insurance so I would go to the nearest hospital that accepts it; they all have excellent records. But I, personally, prefer a socialized system where health care is supported by tax money and access for most things is the same for all people regardless of income.

 

I don't see that as any more the responsibility of the doctor as of every single citizen. Unless you spend all you time lobbying for needy people to get free whatever-you-do. I work with doctors and most fo them do quite a lot of free cahrity work, which is a hell of a lot more than most people do.

If they system is broke, it's not the cog's fault. It's all the dipshits that voted to de-fund healthcare, not support preventative care, not support care for children, not support nutritional taxes, not support compulsory vaccination, not support insurance covering birth control, etc because they don't believe in paying tax or being guided by scientific evidence.

 

@to7update It is indeed sad. Yes, they have this Hippocratic oath that they take wherein they state their obligations and responsibilities as a doctor to save people's lives. But instead of simply obeying it, they choose money over it which is really devastating especially for the poor who cannot afford the cost of health care.

I'm not from the US, I'm from the Philippines and at this moment, they are in the process of changing our health care system. Recently, they've announced that PhilHealth (similar to HMO / Medicare in the US, I believe) which is the universal health coverage in our country, is now free for all. So everyone is now covered which is definitely a great news for everyone.

That's really nice to hear I hope all people in the medical field does the same, save lives before the bill.

 

In my country the cost of surgery is relatively small compared to many other countries. The good thing we have some of the best doctors in the world excelling in the developed countries. That said, for example appendectomy in the private hospitals cost around $300 or less in most places except in few exceptional centers where it maybe more.

 

I think this issue of ease matter will go according to how much money you have available to spend. Fortunately or unfortunately, money always makes things quicker.

Unfortunately, for those who depend on the government, always suffer enough (and this is very, very unfair).

 

As @Shine_Spirit has mentioned, the power of money prevails.
Here, people who can afford, go to the private hospitals and for the rest there're government hospitals. The range of private hospitals vary as well. If you're economically sound, you can choose branded private hospitals.
Unfortunate, but there's discrimination out there in a basic human right like healthcare.

 

@moondebi Unfortunately the law of the one who has the most money is worth it. Inevitably, even though laws are created to try to equalize society, there will always be groups that are "exceptions" and it's precisely these groups that are responsible for reminding us that our society is not a correct society (in fact, it's a society so fragmented that I don't believe anymore in a standardization of nations).

 

In my area if one doesn't have health insurance than we get charge I very high amount for any kind of surgery or treatment if not able to pay one may not be treated even if it's an emergency. Good thing there is an opportunity to get free healthcare but it depends on what treatment one needs if its something they don't provide then we are pretty much ignored.

 

I required surgery once that needed to happen right away. I didn't have any insurance. I had to pay a deposit.

I then told them not to include any extras, to itemize every single solitary thing on the bill, and to send me home as soon as possible. I brought my own items with me for the hospital room for my limited stay. I couldn't afford to pay hundreds of dollars for a little hygiene kit and water pitcher, etc.

There are ways to save money on medical needs, like above. Check the itemized bill carefully too. Don't pay $25 dollars for a "surgery marking tool," if they use a Sharpie.

You can also ask your healthcare provider to only give you the blood tests that you must have instead of doing a full panel. This can often save you hundreds of dollars.

Ask for generic medications, if they are equal to the name brand (and they often are... ask your pharmacist).

 

I am able to get discounts on surgeries because I am a person with disability. I got diagnosed with a mental disorder and because of a government project. All people with a disabilities can get discounts on medical care, food, and other goods.

 

In America right now all the good Pres. Obama did is in jeopardy, for the Republicans in Congress including a Republican Pres. Trump, wants to repeal ObamaCare. I have Medicaid, am a Senior Citizen and got back pain. I checked with a specialist, that I saw on TV, Laser Spine Institute about my back pain. They say I'm a good candidate for the surgery and they take Medicaid, the surgery will cost $22 500. In America they try tot have Universal Health care including dental, hearing aids and hospital care and ambulance rides for emergencies. With ObamaCare all had the opportunity to get some health care. It is not perfect and needs to have lots of improvements, but it's a start to bettering the country's peoples health. Luckily I researched about back pain to find out about white willow bark that can cure even pain from bursitis. Many say they'd wanted to better ObamaCare, but according to many at Congress, the elected Republicans, just want to take away ObamaCare and will repeal it. It's a sad day in America. The W.H.O. is trying so hard to bring Universal Health Care to all countries. Hope W.H.O. succeeds in bringing Universal Health Care to all countries, soon. I wish you success and Jesus, help you heal and be cured, too. In the Bible Jesus does a lot and heals & cures too. Thank you Jesus, amen. You're welcome in advance. (It is a precarious time in America, now with what Republicans want to do to ObamaCare.

 

Something I realized, Surgeries are cheaper in 3rd world countries. My aunt got her tumors removed on Mexico. She crossed the border and it saved her a lot of money. I also know someone who gets to have his surgery on Thailand and he paid only the quarter of the price. 3rd world countries have cheaper cost of living making expensive surgeries there cheaper. You have to be careful on choosing doctors though.

 

I suggest one should always take the second opinion because doctors in our country always try to manipulate the situation by hurrying things. I have known many cases where surgery could be avoided but doctors hasted the things and operated in a hurry. There are number of C section surgeries each day which could well be avoided but doctors perform them to make extra money.