Hospital visit
Further to recent comments in tatjna's journal about medical costs, and what the TPPA negotiations are threatening to do to Pharmac in New Zealand, I'd just like to record my experince last Monday evening...
About 10pm Istarted to feel rather weary and overdue for bed, particularly as my shoulders began to ache rathr uncomfortably, so I duly retired. Once n bed Igot nicely settled and begn to shake uncontrollably like I was out in a snow storm with not enough cothes, even though I felt warm. Rapid cnsultation with $wife and notnotabouthim ensued, followed by a call to emergency for an ambulance. Duly a couple of young (to me anyway) paramedics turned up and proceeded to quickly diagnose hat I wasn't having a heart attack or any other direly urgent condition, but nonetheless I should be taken to the local Emergency Department. Blood samples were taken and various medications were applied during the transfer. At the ED more blood samples and tests, a couple of Xrays and a CAT scan later the conclusion was reached that I had suffered an infection on my upper lungs, and I was sent home with a prescription for a course of antibiotics.
So the cost to me for all that? $3.00 (for the medicine).
And the US wants to impose it's medical system on us, and our government is bending over and asking "how far?". The billboards get it right - Yeah Right!
About 10pm Istarted to feel rather weary and overdue for bed, particularly as my shoulders began to ache rathr uncomfortably, so I duly retired. Once n bed Igot nicely settled and begn to shake uncontrollably like I was out in a snow storm with not enough cothes, even though I felt warm. Rapid cnsultation with $wife and notnotabouthim ensued, followed by a call to emergency for an ambulance. Duly a couple of young (to me anyway) paramedics turned up and proceeded to quickly diagnose hat I wasn't having a heart attack or any other direly urgent condition, but nonetheless I should be taken to the local Emergency Department. Blood samples were taken and various medications were applied during the transfer. At the ED more blood samples and tests, a couple of Xrays and a CAT scan later the conclusion was reached that I had suffered an infection on my upper lungs, and I was sent home with a prescription for a course of antibiotics.
So the cost to me for all that? $3.00 (for the medicine).
And the US wants to impose it's medical system on us, and our government is bending over and asking "how far?". The billboards get it right - Yeah Right!