What do the Americans think of the British National Health Service?

Question

good? bad? dont know?

I'm English and I work in the NHS.

Answer 1

I knew an American a while ago and he was amazed that we all get free healthcare. I know the NHS is in a state, but at least it's free. We take it for granted but my American friend said the majority of Americans wish that America would adopt the same principles. Free health care for all.

Answer 2

As an American I can tell you that most don't really have much of an opinion because they really don't know much about it. I am a healthcare provider here (PA-C with Masters' in Medicine) and I know little about it except it is what we call 'socialized medicine'. We have a very big problem here in the US with people not having access to health care. Alot of people do not have health insurance and therefore cannot afford to go to the doctor. At the clinic I work at a basic visit, if I do nothing but a quick evaluation and prescribe one or two medicines will cost at least $130.00. I don't know how that compares with cost in British money, but you have to also add in the cost of the medication. The cost per visit is usually higher because I need labwork or x-rays. The money has to be paid the day of the visit. If you owe money from a previous visit you will not be seen. I think if Americans knew more about the British health system they would be pushing for a simular arrangement. The American Medical Association would fight it tooth and nail and they are happy to keep the general population in the dark about what socialized medicine is. The cost of medications are so high here that people get on the computer and order medications from Canada. I predict that health care in the US will change in the not too distant future. The American public will soon have too many people who cannot get care and the government will have to step in (and over the American Medical Association)

Answer 3

I am an American, and I am envious of the care people in the UK and Canada receive under National Health. In the US system the insurance companies grab money at each stage, so patients pay an outrageous sum for "insurance," while providers get less than they should. The insurance companies make more money by denying care than by giving it, so people with no medical training end up deciding what care an MD can give to a patient. If a contest were held to design a really bad system, I'll bet no entries would be as bad as what we have in the US.

Answer 4

We do not live under your system, therefore we know little about your system.

I do know nationalized medicine has the down side of long waiting lists. It is very possible to die while waiting for approval for treatment and has happened. The upside everyone gets health care despite their financial backround.

Answer 5

I'm a Brit, and I think the answer is bad.

Every other cant comes here, but not Yanks.

Clever gits!!