How medical systems work
From an expat American on my flist:
I wish there was some kind of ABCs to how to understand how the British medical system works that was aimed at Americans (rather than at foreigners in general).
Anyone know of such a thing? And vice versa for the US?
The kinds of things we're interested in is knowing to go to the GP to ask for a repeat prescription (=refill) and when you may need another appointment, rather than phoning the pharmacy, or in the US that when you get a prescription you may have to wait until you're virtually out of meds before you can get the new scrip filled, and not all pharmacies will take your scrip - what's with that? In the UK I can take any NHS or private prescription as soon as I have it to any pharmacy and have it filled (assuming they have the stuff in stock - they might need to order something unusual).
Any other differences people have encountered - apart from the obvious NHS/lack thereof?
I wish there was some kind of ABCs to how to understand how the British medical system works that was aimed at Americans (rather than at foreigners in general).
Anyone know of such a thing? And vice versa for the US?
The kinds of things we're interested in is knowing to go to the GP to ask for a repeat prescription (=refill) and when you may need another appointment, rather than phoning the pharmacy, or in the US that when you get a prescription you may have to wait until you're virtually out of meds before you can get the new scrip filled, and not all pharmacies will take your scrip - what's with that? In the UK I can take any NHS or private prescription as soon as I have it to any pharmacy and have it filled (assuming they have the stuff in stock - they might need to order something unusual).
Any other differences people have encountered - apart from the obvious NHS/lack thereof?