I spent half that time in Critical Care (much of that on a ventilator, a small amount sedated), and most of the rest in a specialist neuro-rehab unit. I would have died otherwise.
Fortunately it cost me nothing - Thank Bevan for the NHS - but if I were in the US I imagine I would be financially crippled!
That depends.
Are you wealthy? If yes, you’re fine. If no, you’re fucked.
Are you a veteran? Same answers.
Are you poor? You probably died in the waiting room.
Ha. Hahaha. Yeah. No. Not necessarily.
Source: knew way too many vets with awful, untreated ailments from my time in US healthcare.
I have heard that VA hospitals are better in some places. I really have had better care from the VA than from public health care.
Most people don’t know but you can get the best of both. You can push for what called “community care” through the VA. If the VA admits there isnt a VA doctor close enough to you, they will send you to a private doctor of your choosing and pay for the whole thing.
I was able to get back surgery by the best doctor in the region this way. I refused to work with the VA doctor due to a bad appointment. I waited weeks to see this doctor and he spent 5 minutes looking at my chart to say I was too young to be helped. Could’ve just told me over the phone. Went back to my primary and complained and they signed me up for community care since they were the only other in the area.
Yes, I’ve tried community care.
I actually got worse care 9/10 times. The wait times are sometimes longer to get established as a patient in the public sector.