Thank Goodness For the Germans

[sportsnut3007]

I just want to send a shout out to German Doctors who use new American Made devices that are helping patients significantly while US we have to wait ten years . Again, I know that sometimes overseas is surgery happy, but I think alot of the stuff being used in Europe will soon come here and help many patients. I know in past stuff over there has caused problems etc in long run, but also alot of stuff has helped that was used in germany first. Knee replacements were one time probbably put down by American DRs, and now its a surgery performed with alot of confidence.

[Katie]

It's not just the Germans, although they are the ones I heard most about too. The surgeon I had in Brazil is using devices made in the US too. As a patient, it sure is frustrating to have to travel so far for treatment, be it Europe or South America, let alone India, etc.

[rhatzy]

Isn't it nice to know that our american government is involved in all aspects of our lives to make sure we make the right decision. They do know what's best for us. Just can't wait for the government health care to kick in, then it will all be perfect.

Mark

[Jack-of-all-trades]

sorry if this is a bit off topic but felt I had to get it in

An elderly friend I met recently was on his way to take care of his brother who is getting ready for, and has approval from medicare and Blue Cross &Blue Shield for a lung transplant. The total cost will be $960,000.00 with him paying $10,000.00. He is 67 years old.

As a society, we have some tough decisions ahead of us.

[stogner245]

Amen to that fellow n.c. member. What is this country coming to? The idiots in charge have no clue of what to do except to keep filling their pockets with cash kickbacks and unearned bonuses for insurance companies. This is one of those decisions that really make you wonder, Does anyone have enough brain inside that peanut head to make a decent decision when the eivdence is there to keep someone enjoying life without severe pain. I have been to germany and My whole attitude about the rest of the world has changed. Its the U.S. that is 22nd on the list of worldhealthcare.ratings. it is greed and stupidity in my opinion.

[Katie]

Jack, are you questioning the fellow's age or the cost of the transplant? That price seems totally ridiculous to me. The costs attached to these major surgeries appear to be unreasonable, especially considering what is charged in almost every other country. That is what needs to be addressed, IMHO.

[Cindylou]

Jack, are you questioning the fellow's age or the cost of the transplant? That price seems totally ridiculous to me. The costs attached to these major surgeries appear to be unreasonable, especially considering what is charged in almost every other country. That is what needs to be addressed, IMHO.

Thank-you for that question Katie. I was actually wondering the same thing. CL

[KanRunMo]

The hospitals have to add in the cost of those who don't have insurance and can't pay anything as well as those who are deadbeats and beat the system somehow, while being forced to take everyone who comes to their door (emergency room). The doctors have the same problems and have to add in big amounts to their bills to cover the same types of patients.

The "new medical reform" plans to cut Medicare (senior citizens medical) which everyone has paid into their whole working life and Social Secuity (retirement) which everyone has paid into their whole working life. If these plans had been kept separate out of the main government budget and allowed to gain interest all these years there would be plenty for everyone when they get to 65 or could possibly cover benefits earlier. Unfortunately, the government used it freely and unwisely until it now has a deficit (according to their figures). Now they plan to cut these benefits.

A thought: The government should "set aside" money for medical use for each person to use as s/he sees fit. Then when it's gone, you pay the cost. Most working people would have about 40 - 50 years of very little use of their medical money and would have what they need when they need it.

I thought someone had started some info on the cost of the various medical/spine surgery procedures on SPS that showed what procedures cost at various sights by various doctors, but I guess not.

[helmut]

Jack, are you questioning the fellow's age or the cost of the transplant? That price seems totally ridiculous to me. The costs attached to these major surgeries appear to be unreasonable, especially considering what is charged in almost every other country. That is what needs to be addressed, IMHO.

Exactly right. Where exactly does that figure come from? How much is the dead guy getting paid for the spare lung? I guess he/she doesn't care anymore. So who gets the money?


Helmut

[Justin]

Exactly right. Where exactly does that figure come from? How much is the dead guy getting paid for the spare lung? I guess he/she doesn't care anymore. So who gets the money?


Helmut

Here's a link that spells out "where the money goes:"

• Estimated U.S. Average 2008 First-Year Billed Charges Per Transplant.
  
• The detailed PDF can be found here: 2008 U.S. organ and tissue transplant cost estimates and discussion.