The Computer Will See You Now

[Lootman]

I saw a GP in the US. They definitely exist - it was on insurance, but it was def a general practitioner, I had a chest infection and got anti biotics, it wasn't a specialist.l

There are certainly doctors in the US who will see any patient for anything. The closest concept I know of is a doctor who specialises in "internal medicine", which potentially covers just about anything.

The difference is that there is no concept of patients "registering" with a single doctor as there is here. You can see any doctor you want in the US, assuming they are willing to see you. The idea of having "my" doctor" doesn't really exists there even if you always see just one doctor. You can pick and choose on a case-by-case basis. They advertise, which makes it easier.

The exception, as I mentioned earlier, is the HMO system, which does have the concept of a "gatekeeper" who you have to see first, and then who directs you elsewhere.

And of course the doctors are all private, unless employed by a public hospital or the VA. Insurance pays the bill and the government plays no role.

[melonfool]

I saw a GP in the US. They definitely exist - it was on insurance, but it was def a general practitioner, I had a chest infection and got anti biotics, it wasn't a specialist.l

There are certainly doctors in the US who will see any patient for anything. The closest concept I know of is a doctor who specialises in "internal medicine", which potentially covers just about anything.

The difference is that there is no concept of patients "registering" with a single doctor as there is here. You can see any doctor you want in the US, assuming they are willing to see you. The idea of having "my" doctor" doesn't really exists there even if you always see just one doctor. You can pick and choose on a case-by-case basis. They advertise, which makes it easier.

The exception, as I mentioned earlier, is the HMO system, which does have the concept of a "gatekeeper" who you have to see first, and then who directs you elsewhere.

And of course the doctors are all private, unless employed by a public hospital or the VA. Insurance pays the bill and the government plays no role.

How convenient that you can just change your assertions in the face of a contrary experience.

What you say in this post is not what you said in the post I was replying to.

Mel

[Lootman]

I saw a GP in the US. They definitely exist - it was on insurance, but it was def a general practitioner, I had a chest infection and got anti biotics, it wasn't a specialist.l

There are certainly doctors in the US who will see any patient for anything. The closest concept I know of is a doctor who specialises in "internal medicine", which potentially covers just about anything.

The difference is that there is no concept of patients "registering" with a single doctor as there is here. You can see any doctor you want in the US, assuming they are willing to see you. The idea of having "my" doctor" doesn't really exists there even if you always see just one doctor. You can pick and choose on a case-by-case basis. They advertise, which makes it easier.

The exception, as I mentioned earlier, is the HMO system, which does have the concept of a "gatekeeper" who you have to see first, and then who directs you elsewhere.

And of course the doctors are all private, unless employed by a public hospital or the VA. Insurance pays the bill and the government plays no role.

How convenient that you can just change your assertions in the face of a contrary experience.

What you say in this post is not what you said in the post I was replying to.

I was not denying your recall of a single anecdote. I was giving a broader background based on my having spent time 49 of the 50 states in the US.

[PinkDalek]

I was giving a broader background based on my having spent time [in] 49 of the 50 states in the US.

Yet you got out of each early for good behaviour?

[Lootman]

I was giving a broader background based on my having spent time [in] 49 of the 50 states in the US.

Yet you got out of each early for good behaviour?

"Spent" time not "served" time, although I did spend a few hours in a county central lock-up once, on a drunkenness incident for which the charges were later dropped.

I would not recommend it. For a while I was chained to a couple of Mexican drug dealers. They don't mess about there.

[PinkDalek]

I would not recommend it. For a while I was chained to a couple of Mexican drug dealers. They don't mess about there.

How did you know they were drug dealers, did they confess to you?

[Lootman]

I would not recommend it. For a while I was chained to a couple of Mexican drug dealers. They don't mess about there.

How did you know they were drug dealers, did they confess to you?

Yes they did. I guess they didn't figure me for a snitch.

The worst part was that they were taking a break and had just bought burritos. Apparently the cops confiscated those cylindrical delights and consumed them. An upgrade from donuts, perhaps?

[Dod101]

I was not denying your recall of a single anecdote. I was giving a broader background based on my having spent time 49 of the 50 states in the US.

You have 'spent time' in 49 of the 50 States? I presume you mean 'have visited'? In itself that is quite a claim. If I were you I would add the 50th just for the hell of it. I suppose you have not consulted a doctor in each State?

Dod

[redsturgeon]

I was not denying your recall of a single anecdote. I was giving a broader background based on my having spent time 49 of the 50 states in the US.

You have 'spent time' in 49 of the 50 States? I presume you mean 'have visited'? In itself that is quite a claim. If I were you I would add the 50th just for the hell of it. I suppose you have not consulted a doctor in each State?

Dod

Only 48 for me, the obvious omissions being Alaska and Hawaii, which of those are you missing?

John

[Dod101]

Hi RS

If you are asking me it is more those that I have visited than am missing. I am much more at home in the Far East I am afraid.

Dod

[redsturgeon]

Hi RS

If you are asking me it is more those that I have visited than am missing. I am much more at home in the Far East I am afraid.

Dod

Apologies for the ambiguity...my question was aimed more at Lootman and asking "which state have you not been to?"

I love some things about the US but I hate I lot too.

John

[Dod101]

Yes I wondered that as well.

Dod

[Lootman]

If you are asking me it is more those that I have visited than am missing. I am much more at home in the Far East I am afraid.

Apologies for the ambiguity...my question was aimed more at Lootman and asking "which state have you not been to?"

Hawaii. Alaska was actually one of the first States I visited.

I have had healthcare in maybe five States.

[Dod101]

Thanks. That's funny. Hawaii is one of the States I have visited although it was a long while ago as a stopover from Hong Kong to California. I have never really tried to count the number I have visited. Now 'way off topic.

Dod