Originally Posted by
Rjk
I frequently work with surgeons in the us and UK healthcare systems.
We charge the states double what we charge the UK hospitals for the same equipment.
Additionally many Us surgeons end up having to modify their treatment in line with what the insurance system will pay for rather than what is needed.
For instance, if you have a bone impingement in one of your joints I've heard of some insurance companies only paying the Dr if they have removed 5mm of bone or more, even if removing 3mm would have sorted the issue.
That specific example is understandable though, as removing 3mm of bone might relieve the symptoms, but has a higher risk of recurrence which would then lead to the insurance being liable for any secondary treatment along with a potential law suit for not permanently treating the problem.
I know as I've had the procedure on my shoulder and I used to work with Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Also many of the surgeons I've worked with wouldn't touch anyone over the age of 45 as their recovery is statistically worse so that has an impact on their performance statistics. If you are a higher risk for any reason then the best surgeons aren't available to you.
The USA system is fantastically well funded, and at the forefront of many things, but if you tried to run it on what we pay for the NHS it would be an unmitigated disaster.
Likewise if we paid into the NHS what Americans pay for their healthcare it would be the best in the world.