I called my son (who lives in Israel) to talk about the latest "breakthrough" in US-Israel relations and he quickly changed the subject to talk about a persistent GI problem he has been having. I won't go into details but it's serious enough that it does require a specialist to determine whether he needs medication or an endoscopy. I had a similar problem (father-son bonding) a couple of weeks ago and was able to schedule an appointment with my GI within 3 days. My son told me the earliest anyone would see him -- and he has the Israeli equivalent of Obamacare "Gold" coverage -- was three months from now. Our only choice -- if we don't want to wait until the Messiah arrives -- is to pay out of pocket and see a doctor in his or her private time.
Such delays are routine, even though Israel's health plans regularly discourage patients from using specialists and procedures. Gatekeeping merely postpones use and could often increase it by making illnesses more severe. The claim that there are "too many" procedures is made all the time. The problem is, no one knows with any degree of certainty we feel comfortable with, which are necessary in their place and time and which are not. All we know is what we are not certain of. Sooner is better than later especially if it can lead to healthier behavior...
Such delays are routine, even though Israel's health plans regularly discourage patients from using specialists and procedures. Gatekeeping merely postpones use and could often increase it by making illnesses more severe. The claim that there are "too many" procedures is made all the time. The problem is, no one knows with any degree of certainty we feel comfortable with, which are necessary in their place and time and which are not. All we know is what we are not certain of. Sooner is better than later especially if it can lead to healthier behavior...
