Comparative Health

[ewx]

Americans reportedly less healthy than British, but not because of their broken health care system or greater tendency towards obesity. I wonder why?

Comments

[aldabra]

Even with real insurance, the insurer dictates which hospital you get to use, which isn't necessarily the one you'd have chosen. I don't think there's mauch more in the way of patient choice there than there is here; it's just the insurers rather than the NHS choosing on your behalf.

[naath.livejournal.com]

Unless you are a rich bugger. In which case you pick the hospital, the consultant and when you would like it done. And then pay through the nose.

[aldabra]

Of course you can do that here too.

[mtbc100.livejournal.com]

TBH I've never managed to want to use a doctor or a hospital who wasn't nicely covered by our insurer, and for years we've had the PPO policies that have directories of preferred providers, it's just that everyone we try seems to be in the directory, even the really great doctors. There are restrictions, but I think you get much more choice than you do on the NHS.

[aldabra]

I don't think that's been the case with Dad's insurers, but doubtless it varies.