US Health Fare

[KnJ 0]

I'm feeling sick. I've had pain for a week (it's not "new" pain, but something that I've had investigated multiple times in US and Canada and they can't figure it out). Maybe tossing my cookies is because of the the leftover opiate I took, but I was having such bad pains in my side I thought I was going to burst an organ. Or something.

We have good insurance, but there's some weird psychological barrier to going to the doctor because of all the fees. Not wanting to drive or take a taxi or bus to the doctor (and the ER I think has some obscene deductible), I decided to curl up in bed and wait it out. But my overly dramatic self was considering that I could die because of not wanting to pay co-insurance.

Of course back home I wouldn't have hesitated. I don't think I overused health care in Canada, but if a problem arose, I'd address it. Here, it just feels like an entirely different thing. Considering that this pain has never been diagnosed or treated with anything other than anti-inflammatories, I have a real disincentive to seek care.

Sorry, US Health Fare, I hate you.

(ETA: I don't feel like I'm going to die anymore </drama>)

Edited February 23, 2010 by KnJ

[rsn 135]

I'm feeling sick. I've had pain for a week (it's not "new" pain, but something that I've had investigated multiple times in US and Canada and they can't figure it out). Maybe tossing my cookies is because of the the leftover opiate I took, but I was having such bad pains in my side I thought I was going to burst an organ. Or something.

We have good insurance, but there's some weird psychological barrier to going to the doctor because of all the fees. Not wanting to drive or take a taxi or bus to the doctor (and the ER I think has some obscene deductible), I decided to curl up in bed and wait it out. But my overly dramatic self was considering that I could die because of not wanting to pay co-insurance.

Of course back home I wouldn't have hesitated. I don't think I overused health care in Canada, but if a problem arose, I'd address it. Here, it just feels like an entirely different thing. Considering that this pain has never been diagnosed or treated with anything other than anti-inflammatories, I have a real disincentive to seek care.

Sorry, US Health Fare, I hate you.

(ETA: I don't feel like I'm going to die anymore </drama>)

This is coming from someone without experience with the Canadian medical system, but my insurance only charges a $100 copay for ER visits & $20 for dr visits. That seems extremely reasonable. You mentioned that your insurance is good, so I assume your copay is something similar. Am I missing something?

Edited February 23, 2010 by rsn

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Who is your insurance with KnJ? I ask because I've heard a lot varying things from people with health insurance in the US. Here, my insurance covers a lot, but I haven't tested its limits yet. If I need to go see the doctor for an emergency reason (ie. I'm having pains, I think I sprained something, etc.) you pay a $30 fee. Now, things like x-rays, casts, things of that nature, I'd imagine are extra but I've never had to experience it. If I want to see my doctor for a routine check up, physical, or just to discuss things, its 100% covered by my insurance.

Just from my perspective, I've never seen fiances as a reason not to go to the doctor. If I'm feeling that sick (especially if I'm feeling like I'm going to die!) I wouldn't hesitate, I would go. Money is money, your health is something you need to take care of because you only have 1 body. Are you maybe reluctant because you don't want to spend money to go to the doctor and then spend money to have tests done just for them to tell you they don't know what's wrong? Because I could understand that. It would be really frustrating...

[KnJ 0]

It's Harvard Pilgrim, and I think it's $20 to go to the doctor but the emergency thing is fuzzy, I have to look it up. It's $50 or $500.

Just from my perspective, I've never seen fiances as a reason not to go to the doctor. If I'm feeling that sick (especially if I'm feeling like I'm going to die!) I wouldn't hesitate, I would go. Money is money, your health is something you need to take care of because you only have 1 body. Are you maybe reluctant because you don't want to spend money to go to the doctor and then spend money to have tests done just for them to tell you they don't know what's wrong? Because I could understand that. It would be really frustrating...

You're right, there are no body trade-ins.

Yes, I think it's that I just am tired of 5 years of on and off pain with no frickin' reason for it. I'd probably get some thorough investigation of it if I went, but I really need to read up more -- health care is still a big black box.

I just wonder about how this health care costing money thing deters people from seeking care. In my situation, I really shouldn't be concerned about dropping $20 or $50 if I'm in a great deal of pain. It's a cultural difference, though.

Thanks for the support

K

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

Just from my perspective, I've never seen fiances as a reason not to go to the doctor.

Yeah. Those dastardly fiances shouldn't tell you what to do!

[KnJ 0]

I've never seen fiances as a reason not to go to the doctor.

Yeah. Those dastardly fiances shouldn't tell you what to do!

Haha

For the record, he's my husband now, and he's definitely not keeping me from seeing the doctor

[SapphireDreams 71]

It's Harvard Pilgrim, and I think it's $20 to go to the doctor but the emergency thing is fuzzy, I have to look it up. It's $50 or $500.

You're right, there are no body trade-ins.

Yes, I think it's that I just am tired of 5 years of on and off pain with no frickin' reason for it. I'd probably get some thorough investigation of it if I went, but I really need to read up more -- health care is still a big black box.

I just wonder about how this health care costing money thing deters people from seeking care. In my situation, I really shouldn't be concerned about dropping $20 or $50 if I'm in a great deal of pain. It's a cultural difference, though.

Thanks for the support

K

Definitely a cultural difference KnJ, I totally get what you're saying. My first visit to the Dr. was a bit frightening. I'm still trying to figure it all out.

Going from paying 0 to $15 (my co-pay) to see a Dr. is so odd to me. To other's it's a steal.

[KiminON 0]

I feel the same way. I go for my annual with my OB and that is it (out of pocket is usually $200 or so after bloodwork). I was supposed to get a mammo this year, but the $400 it was going to cost me went to a flight home to see my mom who was sick. The night she went to the ER I was mentally calculating how much it would probably cost for everything they did just that evening. Even with insurance, probably a couple of grand in co-pays and do not pays. My husband had a sinus infection last summer and our cost was almost $800 including the MRI to rule out a brain tumour. Of course, his daugher was planning a trip to Italy.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Yeah. Those dastardly fiances shouldn't tell you what to do!

I guess I'm just so used to typing things about fiances and fiance visas it just came out that way.

But, I get what everyone's saying. Back home you would just go to the doctor, no second thought about it. Now you need to stop and think about how much things will cost. Even if its just a few dollars, that's still something to at least consider. Also, you never know what will come up and cost you even more. Need an X-ray, MRI, shot, cast, etc. and its impossible sometimes to even predict how it will all add up too. That's what bothers me the most. There's always hidden costs they don't bother making you aware of. When you go to the doctor you never really know what kind of bill you're going to end up with, and there seems to be a stigma around asking. I guess, who breaks their leg and says, "wait! Don't put the cast on, I need a breakdown of costs!" Its like you need to experience it to know what's involved.

On the other hand, I got my last HPV shot here in the US and discovered it was free based on my coverage. So I paid $180 each for the first two in Canada when I could have waited and did the second AND third ones here for free. So unpredictable!

[redmen99 1]

A quick rule of thumb for Health Insurance in the US. This may differ from plan to plan, but this is the basics... If you go to the doctors, you pay the co-pay and that is it, unless they do tests, (yearly pap, blood work, etc.) then there will be further co-pays later on for those tests. What you need to do is ask your doctor to send your tests to the lab that is covered under your insurance so that your co-pays are less. Some plans have an out of pocket deductible. If you use an "in-network" doctor your deductible will be less. If you use an "out of network" doctor, your deductible will be higher.

Your best bet is to read the ins and outs of your policy through your employer as every plan is different and learn how you can save money by using doctors and hospitals that offer a discount to you by using their network providers. Your company's HR department should be able to direct you on where to find the information you require.

You may also want to ask your HR department if they have a "Flex Spending Account" which takes money out of your paycheck pre-tax to use for co-pays, prescriptions, medical expenses, dentist co-pays and charges and even some over the counter medications. It gives you a tax savings and it helps cover the expenses.

Also, check with your prescription plan. If you take a maintenance drug, like birth control or high blood pressure medication, you may be able to order a 3 month supply for the cost of a month or 2 depending on if you use generic or name brand.

Just a few quick tips for my Canadian friends.....

[ValerieA 350]

A quick rule of thumb for Health Insurance in the US. This may differ from plan to plan, but this is the basics... If you go to the doctors, you pay the co-pay and that is it, unless they do tests, (yearly pap, blood work, etc.) then there will be further co-pays later on for those tests. What you need to do is ask your doctor to send your tests to the lab that is covered under your insurance so that your co-pays are less. Some plans have an out of pocket deductible. If you use an "in-network" doctor your deductible will be less. If you use an "out of network" doctor, your deductible will be higher.

Your best bet is to read the ins and outs of your policy through your employer as every plan is different and learn how you can save money by using doctors and hospitals that offer a discount to you by using their network providers. Your company's HR department should be able to direct you on where to find the information you require.

You may also want to ask your HR department if they have a "Flex Spending Account" which takes money out of your paycheck pre-tax to use for co-pays, prescriptions, medical expenses, dentist co-pays and charges and even some over the counter medications. It gives you a tax savings and it helps cover the expenses.

Also, check with your prescription plan. If you take a maintenance drug, like birth control or high blood pressure medication, you may be able to order a 3 month supply for the cost of a month or 2 depending on if you use generic or name brand.

Just a few quick tips for my Canadian friends.....

This is SO much more to think about than just running across the street to see my doctor. Sigh. My hubby is worth it, but JEEZ.

[redmen99 1]

This is SO much more to think about than just running across the street to see my doctor. Sigh. My hubby is worth it, but JEEZ.

Aww, I didn't mean to frustrate you! It was meant as an aid to help save money in the end. My husband doesn't get it at all.... He's going to be a difficult one to explain all this ####### to.....

[Kathryn41 3,205]

KnJ,

I'll be one of the first ones to complain about the US health system but I use it because I need to. It is like pulling teeth to get my husband to the doctor though, even when he is sick, because it has been so ingrained into him that you don't see a doctor unless you are on your last legs and absolutely about to die and need to be admitted to the hospital because it is going to cost lots of money. That is one reason why the US health care system is so focused on 'crisis care' or 'treatment' rather than preventative medicine. People don't see the value of trying to prevent something that might never happen and pay for it, rather than deal with something when it has become too big to ignore anymore.

That being said, it may be that a new look at your medical situation by a new doctor will lead you to a diagnosis and a treatment plan, if not to cure it, then at least to keep it under control. You shouldn't have to deal with such pain that it leaves you crumpled up and nauseous unable to do anything as often as it sounds like you do.

Check in with your family doctor and see what tests he/she suggests. Ask if there is a specialist - an internist or a gastroenterologist (depending on where in your side the pain in)- that he can refer you to for a consult. Ask your doctor to refer you to someone who IS covered by your medical insurance -his/her staff should be able to do that for you (and may even know off hand) or the specialists's staff can do that as well. You'll probably have to book the appointment yourself - and check to see if you require your insurer's permission to see the specialist first (two more differences than in Canada - getting permission, and booking your own appointments). You deserve to be healthy. You don't deserve to be in pain. Good luck.

Edited February 24, 2010 by Kathryn41

[Sam and Ben 2]

Oooh, the procrastination club! Can I join?

I hated visiting my doctor back in Canada, so my hesitation isn't strictly based on the fact that we're now paying for something that I had covered before... but still. Our monthly policy fees are so, so high as is, and then we still have a co-pay to deal with when actually seeing a doctor. And yes, that's only a $20 co-pay, I believe, but that's just the initial visit. Then whatever prescriptions I require or regular exams I'm severely lacking... It just all seems like so much.

It's not something I enjoy in the first place... I really shouldn't have to pay for the experience to boot.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

KnJ,

I'll be one of the first ones to complain about the US health system but I use it because I need to. It is like pulling teeth to get my husband to the doctor though, even when he is sick, because it has been so ingrained into him that you don't see a doctor unless you are on your last legs and absolutely about to die and need to be admitted to the hospital because it is going to cost lots of money. That is one reason why the US health care system is so focused on 'crisis care' or 'treatment' rather than preventative medicine. People don't see the value of trying to prevent something that might never happen and pay for it, rather than deal with something when it has become too big to ignore anymore.

That being said, it may be that a new look at your medical situation by a new doctor will lead you to a diagnosis and a treatment plan, if not to cure it, then at least to keep it under control. You shouldn't have to deal with such pain that it leaves you crumpled up and nauseous unable to do anything as often as it sounds like you do.

Check in with your family doctor and see what tests he/she suggests. Ask if there is a specialist - an internist or a gastroenterologist (depending on where in your side the pain in)- that he can refer you to for a consult. Ask your doctor to refer you to someone who IS covered by your medical insurance -his/her staff should be able to do that for you (and may even know off hand) or the specialists's staff can do that as well. You'll probably have to book the appointment yourself - and check to see if you require your insurer's permission to see the specialist first (two more differences than in Canada - getting permission, and booking your own appointments). You deserve to be healthy. You don't deserve to be in pain. Good luck.

I really think that's bit of a misconception.

If you truly look at a health insurance plan especially, it's focused on preventative care. It's the crisis care that you DONT want as it'll cost you an arm and a leg in the long run. Preventative care is rather inexpensive and easy enough if you're willing to do it.

I think it's more of a willingness of an individual rather than the system itself.

The system is fine and of awesome quality, it's just people feel they have better things to do than go to the doctor. All of our habits are this way though. It's why we are a 'fast food' nation today it would seem to most....

Men are men especially (as I am one) and we would rather 'tough it out' at first anyway on most things because we feel we can kick anything's #######!