fbpx

I lived overseas. Heathcare in the US is HORRIBLY BROKEN.

I lived overseas. Heathcare in the US is HORRIBLY BROKEN.

[Compared to other advanced nations, healthcare in the US is horribly broken -- too expensive, too complicated, fraught with avoidable errors, and doesn't allow healthcare professionals to actually deliver healthcare.]

My wife and I experienced top-notch healthcare in another country for 20+ years. The US “system” (I am being very generous with that word) is horribly broken.

Please note, I am not disparaging the wonderful work of all the dedicated healthcare delivery professionals, but just like the apocryphal boiling frog, I wonder if you realize just how overburdened you have become due to the mind-numbing complexity of the patchwork of competing and incompatible insurance and billing systems.

And this complexity and burden is leading to potentially dangerous errors. Fortunately, my wife is conversant in medical terminology, for she has spotted egregious errors in her and my medical records in the US, errors we never experienced elsewhere, that could have had disastrous consequences. And she is also conversant in accounting practices, and armed with nearly infinite patience, for the dozens and perhaps hundreds of hours she has spent over the past few years getting billing straightened out.

Contrary to prevailing narratives, we never waited as long overseas for non-urgent care as we have in the US, mostly due to insurance preapproval, but also due to having to remain within our network — an obstacle to receiving care that doesn’t even exist in other systems.

And as for the question of cost, even as a high-wage employee, the increased tax burden overseas was comparable to the cost of private group insurance in the US, not even accounting for the thousands of dollars we didn’t have to spend by not having to satisfy deductibles — another obstacle to receiving care.

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on SoMeDocs? Find out what we’re looking for here and submit your writing, or send us a pitch.

Share

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nurturing Souls in a Season of Healing

Nurturing Souls in a Season of Healing

Grace Torres-Hodges, DPM, MBA explains why there is no pill or protocol (& sometimes it’s not even medical expertise), but demonstrating genuine concern for patients’ well-being and caring. 

Blog: Badge of Burnout

A physician’s personal account of battling burnout and mental health struggles, with lessons learned and aspirations to live a more joyful, fulfilling life.

The True Art of Medicine

The Crafting Doctors

Doctors do some incredible work outside of the exam room. Some even craft! Take a peek at some of our highlighted doctors, here, in this series.

David Norris, MD, MBA

Negotiate as a Physician and Win

Catch this 8-part series, hosted by physician & business consultant David Norris, MD, MBA & produced by Dana Corriel, MD. Learn to be a stronger negotiator with these important tactics.

My “Go To” Spices for Indian Food: Beginner’s Guide

The Doctor’s Food

In honor of our upcoming virtual Lifestyle Medicine conference, we thought it would be fun to share some of what doctors eat (and prepare!), released regularly. Bottoms’ up!

Bryce Bowers, DO

Bryce Bowers, DO

“We must first take care of ourselves in order to take care of the patient.”

Want More?

Be a part of the healthcare revolution.
Don't miss a thing SoMeDocs publishes!

Disclaimer: SoMeDocs assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, claims, or content of the individual experts' profiles, contributions and courses. Details within posts cannot be verified. This site does not represent medical advice and you should always consult with your private physician before taking on anything you read online. See SoMeDocs' Terms of Use for more information.

follow us

© 2023 SoMeDocs. All Rights Reserved.

Support A Platform that Celebrates Real Doctors

For just $10 a month, you can help keep this openly accessible site available to all & help us sponsor in more doctors.

Interested in the must-read, unique content from our magazine?

I acknowledge that this site is not to be used for medical advice.

Play Video
Our Founder Answers Your BURNING Question

SoMeDocs

“Why should I become a member of SoMeDocs if I already have my own space online?”

Site SoMeDocs Logo, square

WANT TO STAY IN THE LOOP?

DON'T MISS A SINGLE CONTENT PIECE.