One with a difference. It was brought to my attention by Cece [Nowhere, USA] that women in the USA undergoing mastectomies may be required to leave hospital upon completion of surgery, sometimes still groggy from the anaesthetic and drainage tubes attached. A petition has been set up to force insurance companies to foot the bill for at least 48 hours' aftercare in hospital. I think only US residents can sign.
Although I am obviously commenting from Europe, I think it's barbaric to send someone home after major surgery, after a procedure that is emotionally and physically demanding. I never cease to be horrified at the sometimes decrepit level of healthcare over in the States, all for the sake of a few bucks for the healthcare insurance companies. Sorry guys.
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I have never heard of anyone being sent home after a mastectomy. I have knew several who had them & having been a nurse for 30 yrs cared for many, maybe this is a new practice??? But I had not heard of it before (I retired about 15 yrs ago). It is indeed barbaric if this be the case & yes you know it would be for the $ of the insur co. grrrr
ReplyDeleteSugar
I am so thankful for our Nation Health Service over here in Britain Guido. What an awful thing to have that done to you in American hospitals when you are at your most weakest and vulnerable. This sounds so insensitive with a couldn't care less attitude over human life. How awful! I would be marching up and down outside the White House with a placard to stop this if I lived there. There should at least be funds available to rescue people in this positition. I am incensed by this callousness. Grrrrrr! from me too! Jeanie
ReplyDeleteIt's true - our healthcare system over here sucks - - espcially if you don't pay for health insurance (I don't - it's way too expensive) It's a 'cater to those who can afford it' situation.....and those that can't, suffer. That and so many doctors worry about malpractice lawsuits that the prices have gone up ridiculously or the doctors have just quit altogether.
ReplyDelete~Amy
I haven't heard of this one, and will try to find out more info. I do know that the insurance companies try to send you home SOON after most anything. Okay, my brothers recent leg crushing seemed to be an exception, but oftentimes, it's okay, you're done, you're healing okay, followup therapy scheduled, great, go home. Heck, it was IIRC 24 hours hospital stay after giving birth the year I had my DD (now changed). Nicely, many doctors know how to extend stays when appropriately needed, too, and will find ways to do it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. They are always trying to push people out too soon. I've had arguements with case managers, Docs, and others over this very issue many times regarding patients that are in my care. Sometimes I win, sometimes not. It's so sad....'cause it's all about money....and they ADMIT it!
ReplyDeletePam
Yes our healthcare system is terrible and it's all about the money and someone is getting it, the money that is. New mothers go home from the hospital much too early also and it is a real concern in some cases. Joni
ReplyDeleteGuido, I know well the system in the US from when my Nephew in law as a patient there...too long a story for now but the bills were beyond belief and the Ins wouldn't pay up as he hadn't told them he had TB 25 years before !! And in the next bed was a young man who had heart failure and was being sent home as his Ins would pay no more to keep him there. His poor wife was beyond herself with the worry. when I hear folks run down our Health service I get real annoyed. It may have faults but it is still best in the world. Sybil
ReplyDeleteGuido, so sad that money is more important than quality of life!
ReplyDeleteI'm heading there now. It does piss me off the treatment patients get here in the US due to insurance rip offs! (Hugs) Indigo
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good cause to call attention to. Thank you! No one should have to leave the hospital so soon after major surgery.
ReplyDeleteLori