| Anecdata: Can be at least 15x faster in Europe (NL) than US. I moved from the US to NL. I've had a (similar) knee operation in both places, on the same knee. Both times involved an ER visit, referral to specialist, planning an MRI, getting a diagnosis, consultation with specialists, surgery, and physical therapy. The Dutch system was approximately 15x faster than the US system (Kaiser): 10 days from ER to OR, vs 5 months in the US. My brother is currently going through a different problem which is following the same trajectory as my knee, when I ask my Dutch doctor friend he is astonished at the hoops my brother has to go through to get action taken. US: * ER - unable to straighten knee (incredible pain). Happened before but never for this long. After many hours and extreme pain, it finally clicked into place in the ER. * Schedule GP visit for referral to specialist (can't go directly!) Took forever. * Schedule Specialist visit. Took forever. * Specialist said it happens sometimes, could be several things, best to wait and see. * 2nd ER visit required. Scheduled a specialist (not available for 30+ days). Talked to a out-of-plan specialist, said the problem was clear: it's the meniscus, you need an MRI to confirm, and will probably need surgery to remove parts or stitch it in place. * Specialist appointment. Still wanted to delay an MRI. Lots of foot-stomping, finally scheduled an MRI (30 days later). * In the meantime, another ER visit. * Quite some time between MRI and specialist consultation. Diagnosis was clear. Surgery scheduled for a month later. * Operation. Gives me some crutches and tells me to schedule PT for 30 days from operation. * PT can't be scheduled, 30 days haven't passed! Once 30 days passes, PT can be scheduled. First availability is 30 days in the future (AAAAAAH). NL: * ER visit (same issue again out of the blue). * Specialist sees me the same day. MRI is busy with higher-priority issues, schedules me for 2 days later. No GP approval. Doesn't need or want my info from the US, doesn't want to 'wait and see', just get and MRI and we will probably see the problem clearly! * MRI. I wait in the hospital, discuss the results with the specialist 2-3 hours later. Plans an operation less than a week away. * Operation, immediately discusses PT. Two In-plan PT organizations that the surgeon recommends are not available (fully booked), so she schedules me with an (also recommended) out-of-plan PT, and writes a letter to my insurer. They cover it. So yeah, socialized medicine rocks. |
I can go to a specialist without referral on my PPO.
> Specialist appointment. Still wanted to delay an MRI. Lots of foot-stomping, finally scheduled an MRI (30 days later).
I got my shoulder MRI within 2 days after doctor visit.
> PT can't be scheduled, 30 days haven't passed! Once 30 days passes, PT can be scheduled. First availability is 30 days in the future (AAAAAAH).
Not sure what this is, I had surgery for my shoulder and was doing PT after 4 days post op. why did you have 30 day restriction?
> doesn't want to 'wait and see', just get and MRI and we will probably see the problem clearly!
MRI's often have high false positives, in my case a torn labrum would be seen in > 70% adults over 45 with no symptoms or pain. Scheduling surgery within a week merely from MRI sounds scary and irresponsible. Why would you want to jump to surgery first when its always available as a last resort. Wouldn't you want to see if something else would do the trick without surgery.
Also, did you research how experienced the doctor is in doing this particular type of surgery, is he upto date with latest techniques, whats his malpractice rate ect. Jumping into surgery with some doctor that you just happen to meet is scary. A botched up surgery is something you have to live with for rest of your life, its irreversible decision.