Tweets from a lunatic

[Dee*Jay]

What emails? I thought Hillary said they did not exist.

Somebody should look and see if they're in Mike Pence's private email account.

 

[Rhea]

RUBY - I can't see to quote you...

Rhea is just proving my point, LoveDogs.

Hers wasn't an emergency so she had to wait.

The whole idea behind a chronic condition is to be seen before it becomes an emergency, not wait until it becomes one.

Rhea is just proving my point, LoveDogs.

Hers wasn't an emergency so she had to wait.

The whole idea behind a chronic condition is to be seen before it becomes an emergency, not wait until it becomes one.

Interesting. I'd like to know how it's proving your point. I'll expand a bit on what happened.

My condition was not chronic, non-life threatening, it was being monitored with regular appointments and testing. Part of my wait was the fact that it was completely unexpected that woman in her mid 20s of a normal weight and who wasn't Afro-Caribbean descent had fibroids that badly. I was already, without knowing it, using BC which helps to control fibroids but yet they still came. It turns out I'm the exception rather than the rule. So rather than put me under anaesthetic for what's considered to be a major operation they ruled out everything else with what felt like every test under the sun to rule out any other more common problems for my age and race, and several courses of drugs to attempt to reduce and control them once they'd ruled out other options. I was in my mid 20s, married, and the doctors attempted to fix it quickly because post-surgery I would be unable to safety get pregnant for a certain amount of time. After those methods failed, I had surgery, was cut up, waited 4 weeks to heal (full pay during recovery by the way - not some saved up "sick leave"), and then returned to work. It was annoying. I hated the wait. I hated the tests. I both loathed getting letters from hospitals because it meant more tests, and loved it because I felt we were getting somewhere. Ultrasound techs are lovely but I'd pay good money to never see another one again. I was required to be on a drug which put me in a menopausal state for 3 months before surgery to assist with surgery so at least 3 months of the 18 month wait was that.

Was the wait annoying? Yes. I wanted it sorted quicker, 18 months of hospital waiting rooms felt like forever.
Was the wait longer on the NHS than if I'd gone private? Yes. Those with emergencies went first.
Am I glad of the wait? No. It turns out all the testing and drug trials were for naught - they had to cut me open anyhow.

I am now invited for a free screening at my local hospital (10 minutes away) yearly for an ultrasound to ensure they aren't returning. I can go as often as every 6 months (I choose not to) - once again free of charge. Post surgery I'm also high risk should I chose to have children. The NHS wanted to avoid surgery with me. I imagine this is both down to the health problems related to surgery and the expense (surgeon & surgical team, 2 nights in hospital, 4 weeks out of work, quarterly follow up visits for a year, yearly ultra-sound, high-risk for pregnancy & childbirth, etc).

I don't know what would have happened if I'd been in the US. I'm assuming a shorter wait. But I in no way fault the NHS rather than moaning a bit that I wish it could have gone quicker. I'm not sure what I'd have them cut out though...they won't do the tests next time. Should it happen again (touch wood) I'll let you know the wait time. I can get an ultrasound just by calling my GP's receptionist, in less than 48 hours though I'm high priority, baby!

 

[Tekate]

All ObamaCare did was give everyone crappy insurance unless you are the very rich and can pay for an expensive policy.

Poor people do not pay for it so it is better than nothing.

Middle class pay through the nose for crappy coverage.

How is this a good idea?

How was TrumpCare any better?

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/health-care-premiums-rising-obamacare/story?id=43047190

You were looking for cheaper health insurance correct? You have the need for specialists (diabetes?) which is going to more expensive and not someone health insurance companies want to insure.. health insurance companies are in the business of making money, not spending it.

What does your husbands plan at work cost you per month and is it a group policy?

 

[Tekate]

single payer systems are almost universally regarded as better and more effective. I also don't remember anyone from that thread saying they would prefer the US system. I remember people wondering if a single payer system would be feasible in the US, but certainly dont think anyone from a single payer system would want HSA.

Yes single payer system is. I don't think anyone said they would rather be in the US system. Wait times are longer in Canada, this is true, but they ARE trying to improve that.

Good thought on would it work in America... I don't know, I've not thought about it really, medicare works but physicians complain bitterly about it I don't know where Ruby get's some of her information... when I was pretty sick back in Atown... my physician said I had to go to the emergency room of one of the big hospitals in central Austin, so off I went.. I went into St David's Hospital and went ahead of everyone there (all Mexican/hispanic/not people showing up in a black mercedes like me types sorry to say it but true).. I was whisked in and taken first.. that much I do remember... I got great treatment, although I was shaking so badly and COLD and the nurse wouldn't give me another blanket as she said I only get one on my insurance plan and I left it in the CT room (I think who knows my fever was 104)...

anecdote: My son who was 19 went a bit gonzo (as my husband sat there btw) and started yelling MY MOTHER NEEDS A BLANKET NOW! I got one.. lucky me my sons love me the experience was surreal btw)...

I think there will always be tiered healthcare.. rich people can just buy their way in .

a bit of new news about wait times in Canada also:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/priority-surgery-wait-times-1.4043534

 

[Matata]

The irony is just too much sometimes...liar in chief calling out others for allegedly being dishonest. I'm grateful that tweeter's vocabulary is limited otherwise can you imagine trying to wade through entire paragraphs of ungrammatical and improperly punctuated vitriol.

 

[lovedogs]

The irony is just too much sometimes...liar in chief calling out others for allegedly being dishonest. I'm grateful that tweeter's vocabulary is limited otherwise can you imagine trying to wade through entire paragraphs of ungrammatical and improperly punctuated vitriol.

He's not even trying anymore. He just flails around to try and distract everyone from the colossal Russia scandal. At this point it's just SAD!

 

[mary poppins]

Why did he complaint about NYT and then link to NY Post?

 

[ruby59]

Yes single payer system is. I don't think anyone said they would rather be in the US system. Wait times are longer in Canada, this is true, but they ARE trying to improve that.

Good thought on would it work in America... I don't know, I've not thought about it really, medicare works but physicians complain bitterly about it I don't know where Ruby get's some of her information... when I was pretty sick back in Atown... my physician said I had to go to the emergency room of one of the big hospitals in central Austin, so off I went.. I went into St David's Hospital and went ahead of everyone there (all Mexican/hispanic/not people showing up in a black mercedes like me types sorry to say it but true).. I was whisked in and taken first.. that much I do remember... I got great treatment, although I was shaking so badly and COLD and the nurse wouldn't give me another blanket as she said I only get one on my insurance plan and I left it in the CT room (I think who knows my fever was 104)...

anecdote: My son who was 19 went a bit gonzo (as my husband sat there btw) and started yelling MY MOTHER NEEDS A BLANKET NOW! I got one.. lucky me my sons love me the experience was surreal btw)...

I think there will always be tiered healthcare.. rich people can just buy their way in .

a bit of new news about wait times in Canada also:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/priority-surgery-wait-times-1.4043534

Once again, you are missing my point.

You are talking about emergencies.

Do you know what a chronic condition even is?

It is something you maintain so it does not turn into an emergency.

 

[telephone89]

Chronic conditions are treated pretty well in Canada. You can go to your doctor whenever you please. No deductible!
Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iceland, Switzerland, Israel, Luxembourg, Australia, Sweden, Canada, France, Norway, Spain, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Germany, UK, Greece are all listed above the USA for life expectancy and all have 'universal health care' [and probably a few more that I forgot]. (as of 2015, USA listed 43).
These countries care about their poor getting help just as much as their rich. I think they're all doing just fine with the current state of healthcare

 

[lovedogs]

Chronic conditions are treated pretty well in Canada. You can go to your doctor whenever you please. No deductible!
Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iceland, Switzerland, Israel, Luxembourg, Australia, Sweden, Canada, France, Norway, Spain, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Germany, UK, Greece are all listed above the USA for life expectancy and all have 'universal health care' [and probably a few more that I forgot]. (as of 2015, USA listed 43).
These countries care about their poor getting help just as much as their rich. I think they're all doing just fine with the current state of healthcare

The problem is that some people don't care about (or want to see) facts. They just spout nonsense without any proof, and then when you show them evidence to the contrary they find some way to spin it to fit their narrative. We are one of the only (if not the only) "1st world" country without single payer, and all of the ones who have it have higher life expectancies. Unfortunately some people are stubborn, ignorant, and in denial.

 

[SMC]

People with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis actually do better in Canada: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/20/...tients-in-canada-outlive-those-in-the-us.html

Their healthcare system is a reason for this.

 

[monarch64]

I don't have a chronic condition. Therefore I don't want to pay for anyone else's. It's also not my fault people have emergencies. They should have planned their lives better--why should I pay for their mistakes?

 

[ruby59]

Chronic conditions are treated pretty well in Canada. You can go to your doctor whenever you please. No deductible!
Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iceland, Switzerland, Israel, Luxembourg, Australia, Sweden, Canada, France, Norway, Spain, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Germany, UK, Greece are all listed above the USA for life expectancy and all have 'universal health care' [and probably a few more that I forgot]. (as of 2015, USA listed 43).
These countries care about their poor getting help just as much as their rich. I think they're all doing just fine with the current state of healthcare

Thank you telephone. That was what I was trying to determine.

Acute conditions and chronic ones are quite different. And I was under the impression that because you had so many fewer doctors you had to wait much longer to see one.

And that you could be bumped if a true emergency from another came up.

 

[ruby59]

I don't have a chronic condition. Therefore I don't want to pay for anyone else's. It's also not my fault people have emergencies. They should have planned their lives better--why should I pay for their mistakes?

Oh, Monarch I cannot comment on your post.

But to say it is nice to see you and hoping you and your daughter are doing well.

 

[ruby59]

The problem is that some people don't care about (or want to see) facts. They just spout nonsense without any proof, and then when you show them evidence to the contrary they find some way to spin it to fit their narrative. We are one of the only (if not the only) "1st world" country without single payer, and all of the ones who have it have higher life expectancies. Unfortunately some people are stubborn, ignorant, and in denial.

Lovedogs, would a one payer system work in a country as big as the US?

 

[telephone89]

Another thing is a big focus on preventative medicine. With no deductibles or 'punishments' for going to the doctor, its easier to catch things early. I've been tremendously lucky with my employers that I can usually even schedule flex time to attend the doctor - meaning no lost wages.

 

[monarch64]

Oh, Monarch I cannot comment on your post.

But to say it is nice to see you and hoping you and your daughter are doing well.

Thanks, good to see you too. We are well!
I really think single payer would work here. Why can't we at least try it? I mean it can't be worse than the ACA or what Trump put together. Right?

 

[ruby59]

Another thing is a big focus on preventative medicine. With no deductibles or 'punishments' for going to the doctor, its easier to catch things early. I've been tremendously lucky with my employers that I can usually even schedule flex time to attend the doctor - meaning no lost wages.

Yes, that can be a problem.

I share a job with another woman. So we try to cover each other in case of an emergency or doctor's appointment.

But someone has to be sitting at that desk, so scheduling appointments can be difficult.

Where my husband works, you have to present a doctor's note if you are going to be out more than 3 days or you do not get paid and get written up.

So it can be very punitive here.

 

[ruby59]

Thanks, good to see you too. We are well!
I really think single payer would work here. Why can't we at least try it? I mean it can't be worse than the ACA or what Trump put together. Right?

I am not moaning in the least that Trump care did not go through.

I do not know if you saw this, but we now have a third option.

My husband is going to take a cut in pay and reclassify back to his old job, which was part of the Union.

This means we will go back to our old State policy.

In the long run it will work much better for us, so now we only have to wait until open enrollment to switch.

 

[telephone89]

Yes, that can be a problem.

I share a job with another woman. So we try to cover each other in case of an emergency or doctor's appointment.

But someone has to be sitting at that desk, so scheduling appointments can be difficult.

Where my husband works, you have to present a doctor's note if you are going to be out more than 3 days or you do not get paid and get written up.

So it can be very punitive here.

Then someone would take a sick day or a vacation day. You cannot fault someone for using the resources available to them. Maybe it's a mentality thing. You look at this person and curse them for taking time off because YOU have to work more. We look at them and hope they are getting the proper care so they feel better.

 

[monarch64]

I am not moaning in the least that Trump care did not go through.

I do not know if you saw this, but we now have a third option.

My husband is going to take a cut in pay and reclassify back to his old job, which was part of the Union.

This means we will go back to our old State policy.

In the long run it will work much better for us, so now we only have to wait until open enrollment to switch.

I did not see that; that's great news! Does "State policy" mean the state/government pays for it?

 

[Tekate]

Once again, you are missing my point.

You are talking about emergencies.

Do you know what a chronic condition even is?

It is something you maintain so it does not turn into an emergency.

So give me some idea of what chronic condition turns into an emergency? Did you read anything I write, I had diabetes when I was pregnant, I have had 2 hip replacements.

Arthritis is a chronic condition and you don't run into emergencies with it.. (I should know).. So what is YOUR point? that a single payer system won't work in a chronic illness? You are wrong, and why wouldn't it? any emergency is taken care of quickly in single payer systems... have you read any of my pointers?

Don't be a snark and read. You dance around facts and refuse to read otherwise you wouldn't write what you did to me.. I think you base a lot of what you think on headlines or something because you don't back up your statements.

 

[lovedogs]

So give me some idea of what chronic condition turns into an emergency? Did you read anything I write, I had diabetes when I was pregnant, I have had 2 hip replacements.

Arthritis is a chronic condition and you don't run into emergencies with it.. (I should know).. So what is YOUR point? that a single payer system won't work in a chronic illness? You are wrong, and why wouldn't it? any emergency is taken care of quickly in single payer systems... have you read any of my pointers?

Don't be a snark and read. You dance around facts and refuse to read otherwise you wouldn't write what you did to me.. I think you base a lot of what you think on headlines or something because you don't back up your statements.

This is why the ignore function is necessary. Because trying to use reason and logic is pointless when people don't care about facts.

 

[ruby59]

I did not see that; that's great news! Does "State policy" mean the state/government pays for it?

No, we still have to pay for part of the premium.

But last time we were in it the deductible was only $1,400 as opposed to the $5,000 deductible we have now. And the premium was about half.

But more importantly we will have the protection of the Union, so if Trump comes up with something worse, we cannot be switched without arbitration.

 

[cmd2014]

Rhea is just proving my point, LoveDogs.

Hers wasn't an emergency so she had to wait.

The whole idea behind a chronic condition is to be seen before it becomes an emergency, not wait until it becomes one.

As has been extensively pointed out to you in other threads, this is not accurate. Here in Canada, emergencies do get treated immediately. As they do everywhere. Serious and chronic health conditions that require more urgent care to avoid emergencies are also triaged with a high priority, and are also dealt with expediently. Cancer diagnosis is triaged based on urgency (some cancers, like thyroid cancer are EXTREMELY slow moving, and are almost never life threatening by the time nodules are found, so tend to be a lower priority than cancers that are more aggressive). More aggressive cancers get faster diagnosis and treatment. So while wait times can be psychologically stressful, they do not affect health outcomes. Research has consistently shown Canadian cancer survival rates to be comparable to or better than the US. This is also true for all other chronic and serious illnesses. In fact, because of our excellent access to primary care, long term and chronic care, and geriatric care, our life expectancies are higher than in the US. We have fewer amputations secondary to diabetes. We have fewer incidents of diabetic neuropathy/retinopathy/renal failure. Hockey notwithstanding, most of us are not missing any teeth (as our access to dental care is better). We also have lower infant mortality rates.

We can also access our own primary care physician within a day or two for non-urgent issues. Mine often is able to offer a same day appointment. I can also access walk in clinics practically 24 hours/day.

Specialist referrals get triaged based on urgency. Inpatient referrals are seen within 24 hours (or less). So if you are admitted through the ER for example, diagnostic testing and specialist consults happen very quickly. Outpatient referrals are triaged based on assessed need (there are three levels of referral wait lists where I live). The more urgent referrals are seen sooner. It does mean that less urgent referrals (as assessed by the specialist, often in consultation with your referring doctor) tend to wait. The specialist may even recommend to your primary care physician a course of treatment and/or diagnostic tests to have done while you wait (so they are done and waiting for the specialist by the time of your appointment). If you cannot be seen in an appropriate amount of time per government guidelines, our health system pays for you to be sent elsewhere for more urgent care. Same if treatment is not available here.

Where people here wait is for non-urgent (but often uncomfortable) issues. Hip and knee replacement surgeries are often bumped for emergency orthopedic surgeries. Life happens. An osteoarthritic joint isn't going to be dramatically worse a week/month from now. Same with gyne issues like fibroids. Uncomfortable, but not life threatening. The wait times for surgery are longer than say, if you have a prolapse (where you will bump the fibroid person's surgical slot so you can be attended to urgently).

Now, if you have money and want to seek more expedient care (diagnostic testing, treatment), you have choices. I know a number of weekend warriors who have gone to the US for non-urgent knee MRI's (I was told it cost around $300; contrast that to the $12K bill I was accidentally sent for an MRI I had when there was a pre-authorization mix-up with my health insurance company while I was working in the US).

Many services can also be accessed privately through private (fee for service) clinics. Most of us have secondary health insurance coverage through work for this. It covers dental care, eye care, prescription drugs, and allied health care. This includes psychologists, OT, physiotherapy, optometry, dietitians, foot care nurses, etc.

As for cost: It's MORE per person for small countries, not less. So it is easier to pay for when there are more people to share the costs. Large countries = easier to implement and pay for. Small countries = more expensive per person. We pay about 10% more taxes per tax bracket than the same US tax brackets do for education and healthcare. This works out to be LESS than most Americans pay in health care premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. So what you pay in taxes, you will gain back from not paying for the private plans. I know this because a I have lived and worked in both countries and my take home is about the same. Plus, I don't have to worry about changing jobs, getting sick and having to pay health insurance premiums out of my disability benefits, or capping out/not having health care costs covered under my plan, nor do I have to worry about in-network vs out of network care (gone are the days of driving over an hour across town just to see an in-network doctor or get prescriptions filled by the in-network pharmacy). Your cost of living is lower because more people = cheaper goods.

Our system is not perfect, but the things you constantly talk about in terms of your health care struggles never happen here.

 

[ruby59]

Then someone would take a sick day or a vacation day. You cannot fault someone for using the resources available to them. Maybe it's a mentality thing. You look at this person and curse them for taking time off because YOU have to work more. We look at them and hope they are getting the proper care so they feel better.

Where did I ever say that. The woman and I who share the job have an excellent working relationship.

And she covers me whenever I need her.

 

[Tekate]

This is why the ignore function is necessary. Because trying to use reason and logic is pointless when people don't care about facts.

I knew I should not have put the snark part in, but it was snarky saying: "I don't think you understand what a chronic condition is" whaaat? I know I should ignore it but I went low went I shudda gone high! after the snark attack I decided the ignore was the best way to go.. if one doesn't want to read (and dang I read Fox every day ) to understand what/why/how things are happening in our capital then time to move on.

Peace

 

[Tekate]

No, we still have to pay for part of the premium.

But last time we were in it the deductible was only $1,400 as opposed to the $5,000 deductible we have now. And the premium was about half.

But more importantly we will have the protection of the Union, so if Trump comes up with something worse, we cannot be switched without arbitration.

Till he breaks your union.

 

[soxfan]

He's at it again. What a moron......

 

[cmd2014]

But more importantly we will have the protection of the Union, so if Trump comes up with something worse, we cannot be switched without arbitration.

So why vote for and constantly defend someone who is causing you nothing but anxiety about a vital part of your life??? Sadly, many people in your shoes won't have the protection of the union or any ability to switch to a better plan that Trump won't be able to touch.