I was recently faced with the prospect of not having health insurance. Don't get me wrong: I do not in any way, shape or form suggest that being without health insurance is a good idea. It's not. Long story short, I did manage to get health insurance. It was incredibly difficult and complicated and I have sudden empathy for people who are without.
Onward. I was forced to ask myself the question: what has a doctor ever done for me that has actually helped (i.e. told me something or did something to me) that I could not have done on my own? Surprisingly, I came up with only 1 thing: prescribing drugs (which actually technically would not even be on the list if I lived in - say, Mexico). Yes, there may come a time when you are really f'ed up for whatever reason and need surgery. But seriosuly -- for day to day, year to year stuff -- what does a doctor really do for you?
Both Rich and I have been experiencing various annoying health-related issues lately. Me with my hip and back (am I 80?) and Rich's knee, which has been the source of endless pain and angst. He actually went to the doctor before when we had the "good" insurance. He was told to get an MRI, come back, and they can decide what to do. Umm, ok. Here's how I envision this:
Doc: "yup, your knee is swollen -- looks like you have tendinitis or even a torn ligament"YOU THINK??
Rich: "ok, what should I do?"
Doc: "well, we can do surgery -- OR, you could just stop heaving 245 lbs over your head when you work out -- that could have something to do with it"
Not to ridicule Rich because I think everyone's knee-jerk reaction (no pun intended) when they are injured is to run to the doc. I guess what I'm saying is: if you stop and think about it, you can probably determine on your very own what you should really do to help yourself. It's usually fairly common sense.
Do you agree? Shoot me a comment and tell me what a doctor has done for you lately (ER room visits don't count). Cheers.
That's 247.5 lbs!!!
ReplyDeleteDoctors are useless, except for taking out the trash, sex and paying bills ;-)
ReplyDeleteHave you ever had a rash and seen a dermotologist? I find it to be one of the most annoying things ever. The conversation usually goes something like: "Yeah, I don't know what that is. Try some hydrocortozone, or some Benedryl, and maybe you're allergic to your laundry detergent." It usually takes 4 months to get an appointment for a professional opinion such as this.
I think it is actually good when you are annoyed by a doctor and they can't really help you. If all you're doing at the doctor is getting a pap smear and complaining about minor aches that they can't really do anything about, this is a good thing. When they start taking you seriously, and call in an emergency consult, be VERY afraid. Something is majorly wrong with you, you will probably need surgery, and there is a chance your life will profoundly change ... or worse.
I guess I am saying that I think insurance is really there for those "oh shit" moments when it really hits the fan and gets super scary. That is when doctors are actually worth anything. Besides, internists (GENERALLY) are less motivated then specialists. They get paid less and they have had less training. GPs are do what they do for the lifestyle and if there is anything remotely wrong with you, they are going to send you to someone with specialized training who may or may not be able to help you ... oh, and it will take 4-6 months to get that appointment unless you're seriously f'd up.
Okay -- I think that was more than a comment. More like a long rambling from a lady who is procrastinating at work.