Going under the Knife in the USA

[@jca4la]

You can tell Winston is feeling bad when his sunglasses don't whoosh when he takes them off. But seriously, get well soon man!

[@alexcarter8807]

No suit, no shave, no whoosh. Hope you get better soon!

[@dalimillazan2877]

I mean he isnt even in suit

[@NoCatsHere]

Always ask for an itemized list for every charge! You'd be surprised how much of your bill disappears.

[@NoCatsHere]

Or so I hear, I'm Canadian.

[@domg6041]

Also Cash is king, insurance companies are a pain in the ass to deal with and Hospitals will take a kick to the bill for cash.

[@cosmicrider5898]

Else where in the world you arent charged for such neccessary things.

[@Ugandaman144]

Everyone was nice, laugh riot, that’s because you had good insurance, don’t have and see what happens. Still love your shows. I worked a hospital once and it’s not always nice. Peace

[@kingharryannis]

@@NoCatsHere I'm in BC .Very grateful for the Canadian Health Care System . But it is abused by members of the Chinese Communist Party flying in and out to use it.

[@joest.pierre8280]

"Everyone is worried about being sued" Bingo! It's not just healthcare, but every facet of American life.

[@WG-xi1ux]

Because there are too many lawyers need to be "fed".

[@robertb2468]

BINGO LIAR! Joe ST. Pierre: The researchers Brigham and Women's Hospital found that over the course of the twenty-two year time period, the overall rate of medical malpractice claims paid on behalf of all United States physicians decreased by 55.7 percent. As the lead author, Adam Schaffer, M.D., stated, “We’ve found that there was an overall drop in the amount of paid claim across all specialties, but that the magnitude of the decline was markedly different by specialty.” Pediatricians experienced the greatest decline, with a decrease in claims by 75.8 percent, while cardiologists only saw a 13.5 percent decrease. BINGO LIAR!

[@stuart3712]

The window of lawsuits is only open for a small % of the american population. If you got the $$ then you can sue for anything for any reason but if you do not have $$ then you cant get a attorney even if you got a class A case with a slight chance of a loss and i mean a slight chance.

[@silverbullet2008bb]

@@stuart3712 It's different here in the UK. If the lawyers think it's a winnable case they'll take it on with no cash up front from you and if you win the case then the other side pays your legal fees.

[@kstreet7438]

@@robertb2468 regardless people love to threaten to sue, you know as an American you have heard that phrase many times.

[@cornheadahh]

As an American, our Healthcare is the worst thing about the country. The quality of care is good, but the cost and hurdles you need to jump through is ridiculous.

[@m2pozad]

Crime is even worse than the Wealthcare System.

[@jia2001]

​@@m2pozad Crime in the USA is not the worst in the world. Yes, some states and places are bad in the USA, but if you compare USA to Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Russia and etc on homicide alone. USA is a safe place compare to a lot of places in the world

[@m2pozad]

@@jia2001 Good point, when compared to the worst of the worst, the US has some room to go. I feel better. Do you know that some property crimes, (including vehicle theft) aren't even responded to, for lack of resources?

[@internetpolice1166]

@@m2pozad That's a very broad statement. Despite the grime media stories, crime in the US has declined every year for over 20 years now. Maybe you are too young to remember but there was a time where NYC was one of the scariest places to walk around even in broad daylight and forget the subway....it was like signing your own death certificate. It's what sparked the Guardian Angels group to take action and help protect citizens before the city starting putting transit cops everywhere. Now there is a cop on every street corner, like I said transit cops on the trains and in the subways and even at night the majority of areas are safe to walk by yourself freely. Of course, like anywhere there are individual events that occur, but overall it's safe. As for property crimes, if you call for a stolen stereo in NYC you probably won't get a response for hours, but in most other places in the country you'll get an officer within a half hour to take a report as long as nothing big is happening. Someone spray painted mine and my neighbors fence about two years ago and within 15 minutes a Trooper came out, took a picture, and wrote up a report for our insurance companies. Same thing happened to my buddy in Boston where I lived for some time. We were at work, some jerk off broke into his car and stole his cd player. Cops came out very timely and took a report for him. I mean that's all they can really do is take a report for insurance purposes. They certainly don't have the resources to launch a full blown Hardy Boys investigation into the case of the stolen cd player.

[@m2pozad]

@@internetpolice1166 So Clinton put a 100,000 additional cops on the street and the national stats trend down, while policing costs skyrocket. Either way you slice it there is nothing to feel good about. Nearby Seattle and surrounding areas sure isn't what it was 20 years ago either, we're now a carjacking hotspot, and looking to defund the police. Neighborhood Watch was discontinued during the recession, while local incident reports show crime happening all around us daily. I'm healthy, so the Wealthcare system is irrelevant until I have something serious, then I'll lose my house. But in the meantime there's crime... after several incidents I'm armed, fearful, and p.o.ed. Look out!

[@JohnAdams-qc2ju]

Key advice: the hospital isn't what gets covered in the USA, a covered hospital has some items covered and you can NEVER find out ahead of time. Basically the bed/room may be covered but the blood test may be outsource (inside of the same building) to a different company that might not be covered. The doctors will each have their own agreements with insurance company (and it varies dr to dr inside the same building where you may or may not be covered) and they won't know off the top of their head if your covered and if you are if its 5%, 50%,100%, etc. So in your case, there will be an ER room fee, nurses, meds, tests, ER dr - then your transferred to new surgical dr, his nurses, his sub drs and his tests/meds/etc - then transferred to the normal hositpal (non-ER room you spent recovery in) with their own staff, ests, meds. Then a week later the billing staff will gather those 20+ different insurance info from the tests,drs,meds,etc and will see what is charged to the insurance and wait for a response if they pay or negotiate it which could range from 0%-100% of the bill, then the drs/meds/etc that are not covered if charged to you directly which can vary widely in your case your looking at 10-40k personal bill insurance doesn't cover and they will charge you directly. You don't know until you get the bill a month later in the mail. Good news is you can call that hosiptal's billing dept and claim you can't pay and request an itemized list first. This always gets it reduce by 50%. If you still can't pay you can argue the items/services on the list you never had (they always add 20%+ padding of false charges). You can keep fighting it and get it reduced to like 1-2k and then pay it. I know this sounds wrong but trust me this is how it works and why no one can tell you ahead of time what is covered - the only thing you can do is check the hospital is covered by your insurance (which basically means they cover some stuff and make no promise what they will cover). If its a crazy high bill and the hositpal won't lower it to a reasonable level (few grand) you can then engage your insurance company and say you can't pay this and they often will pay more. In short you have to fight it (few month process with billing dept of the hospital and your insurance company). They view it this way: if you can afford it you will just pay the bill and if you can't you will engage them to lower it to a payable level (so set a hard limit you will fight for before giving up and paying it). If you don't engage and don't pay they will put it on your credit and sue you and/or kick you out of the US if your not a citizen (or not renew a visa due to debt). Good luck.

[@thebiggestlittlecity]

So helpful man!

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

this is the reason why I'd want a universal basic care (and then you can pay an option premium) because even basic check ups and simple procedures are like gambling/roulette. Its one thing to need specialized care, but its all over place. Having to hope to different hospitals while being sick/in pain. I feel it also does such a disservice to the health staff and doctors, they do all they can to keep you well while dealing with the stress of back end admin. Also don't like insurance tied to your job (if you have one) as they can change it when ever. Its also so different depending on what state you're in. So confusing.

[@euunul]

This system seems to be most inefficient, convoluted and bureaucratic healthcare/insurance system I ever heard off.

[@eyeofthetiger6002]

Why can't you guys adopt your neighbour's healthcare system?🇨🇦 Seems to work pretty well there.

[@eddenoy321]

@@eyeofthetiger6002 because we have an insurance lobby in DC that will fight and prevent that.

[@betelgezaa]

Great that he has started to point out drawbacks of USA too.

[@betelgezaa]

@@scbong4612 we may be less perceptive than others. His observations are accurate and trustful.

[@computergames5]

We need more people like that in america honestly, I say that from here in California.

[@betelgezaa]

@@computergames5 true. He is an elite.

[@ingold1470]

@@computergames5 How does Cali compare to other states?

[@adicooli1711]

@@scbong4612 Exactly how those keyboard warriors complaining about Israel should go there and see what's happening themselves.

[@stephanievaladez5286]

I am so sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, as an American, when you have health insurance, this is the first thing you research 'What Hospital Takes Your Insurance'. The health care workers do not know about this information. Sorry to say this but American health care is about MONEY, MONEY, MONEY. So watch out for yourself or you WILL be taken advantage of. Sorry this happened to you.

[@eyeofthetiger6002]

Then why do Americans put up with it?!

[@freddypumper8794]

Eyeofthetiger cuz freedom 🇺🇸

[@eyeofthetiger6002]

@@freddypumper8794 freedom from what?

[@anotherabeer4341]

My niece was born severely deaf 22 years ago. She received cochlear implants at age 3. Insurance companies automatically pay 100% for children born deaf and if it’s a child with no insurance every state requires it to be performed anyway. Whereas in Canada she would have been on a SEVEN YEAR WAITING LIST. I was heavily researching the issue at that time. My niece would have been 10 and lost valuable childhood years of hearing in Canada!! It was doctors in the “money money money” American system who invented the cochlear implants which now are used around the globe. It has made those men wealthy. Yes, the American system can be messed up but it was the profit motive that changed my niece’s life. She was even playing instruments in her high school band!! She talks normally too.

[@georgeinjapan6583]

@@eyeofthetiger6002 Because the are very misinformed about the various possibilities around the word.

[@supremepartydude]

Dude - I got a 40,000 dollar bill in 2019 for a hernia operation and found a lot of double billing and padded charges in my bill. I'm down in Florida using Florida Blue and its a bad experience for anybody with a lot of room for improvement. Your pain is not alone.

[@cosmicrider5898]

Fight it?

[@bashisobsolete.pythonismyn6321]

do you need a lawyer to fight it?

[@tubegor]

40,000 dollar bill for a hernia operation? It used to be called street robbery.

[@Videotubelord]

Any country will accept you as a refugee for this.

[@yousei5421]

free health care ez clap

[@yeet__]

Well.. Look on the bright-side, by driving yourself to the hospital while staving off your appendix from rupturing you saved at least 3500$ on ambulance costs!

[@wendigo6667]

Is that an exaggeration?

[@jsn1252]

@@wendigo6667 Yes, but consider the costs involved. A specialized vehicle has to be purchased, maintained, insured, staffed with several trained personnel, stocked with extensive medical supplies, and additionally insured for its purpose. The also have to transport people regardless of their ability to pay or consent, shifting costs onto those who can. Regulatory nonsense further complicates the matter.

[@SirWetBiscuit]

@Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Yeah my two main gripes with healthcare here are 1) can be expensive 2) confusing as all hell to understand different insurance policies, as Winston said.

[@charliemomo2605]

It was $5000 for an ambulance ride here in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA

[@MrDLRu]

Don't ever take a chopper...10min ride is about $35,000

[@dirac17]

American here, let me give you some advice... to find out where you are covered and for what, you need to ask your insurance provider, not the hospitals. Hospital workers will have no idea what your insurance covers. Your health insurance will provide you with a provider network directory which you use to pick hospitals/doctors/clinics/etc...

[@Zarcon2008]

Dirac17 is right Winston you should have looked in to this long before you became ill... then you would have a good idea what's covered. However Ashfeil's advice is also valid, if you have an emergency go directly to the ER/Hospital... it's an emergency right?

[@ahwhite2022]

That's why he started by calling the number on his insurance card.

[@giampaolomannucci8281]

I'm pretty sure he begun saying he called the insurance company for direction and they didn't help

[@dirac17]

@@giampaolomannucci8281 Yeah that doesn't make sense... the insurance company must provide which hospitals/doctors are in network. Maybe he didn't ask the right question.

[@Ethos711]

I work in medical insurance. I wish I could give you some advice, but the truth is I avoid using my own insurance because it's so convoluted.

[@Haylla2008]

You have that option? So many places I know won't accept you without insurance.

[@Haylla2008]

@Andrew John ?

[@ratedrreformed8452]

Criminal

[@manfredmuench2657]

First lesson from this is to check which hospitals are covered as soon as you get your insurance, and second is to locate them beforehand. Bit like checking out the emergency exits in an unfamiliar building, hoping you never need them but aware of where they are in case you do. Speedy recovery.

[@delirium1326]

I got hernia surgery in California a few years ago. The negatives were like Winston said, it took forever to find out where I was eligible for treatment and then schedule the surgery. On the plus side my insurance actually covered 100% of it and the staff was great!

[@UranusGaseous]

This is not mutually exclusive to just California though. I live in NY and it's like that here also. People just like to bash on California.. especially people who come from taker states and don't realize that California is a donor state.

[@Dimythios]

Not me dude. I was covered right away. Depends where you are at and that is everywhere in the US.

[@Dimythios]

@@UranusGaseous Yup 100% correct. I've traveled across the US several times and always wound up back in Northern California. It's either Too cold in the Winter, Too hot and or muggy in the Summer, And Rain goes sideways. You are dodging Derechos, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Massive floods and Rain Fall... and the god damn bugs that rises from the darkness that requires mesh so you can sleep. God that hum that increases when the sun goes down in many of the Southern/Eastern/Northern States is damn errie. No I'll stay in Northern California and not have the blood sucked out of my or seeing a T 5 tornado while riding on my Harley.

[@dektran4843]

@@UranusGaseous ITS EXCLUSIVE TO THE MOST HEAVILY REGULATED STATES

[@kinjalshah2592]

He need to do surgery on urgent basis. While you may did surgery on planned basis so that's make big difference. When you have time then you can plan

[@b.snoodleman5864]

Health care in this country has become such a money making racket that its become pretty much impossible to get a medical care system that covers every citizen.

[@Pentti_Hilkuri]

This should only take about one day at the hospital and I would guess the actual cost of the whole ordeal is a couple of thousands. I would have to pay 140 for the surgery and a 50 per day for the in ward stay.

[@b.snoodleman5864]

@@Pentti_Hilkuri Luckily my job has good health benefits. I had arthroscopic hernia surgery a few years ago that cost $28,000 but it cost me less than $1,000 out of pocket. If you don't have health coverage through an employer in the USA your screwed.

[@michellehantran]

Imagine being told that your insurance “should” cover everything but then getting a huge bill slapped with a “just kidding”.

[@TheTimeIsNow2]

Michelle Han Tran That’s nothing compared to socialist countries like Cuba Venezuela and the communist totalitarian regime in China. You should see what they have to pay for their healthcare if they can even get any any more

[@michellehantran]

Melnyiam of course, I totally agree with you - just blatantly pointing out the hypocrisy and increasingly wasteful complex healthcare system in America esp comparing to the efficiency of other western healthcare systems.

[@TheTimeIsNow2]

@@michellehantran we have to tolerate the bureaucracy because the TRUTH is that the best in their field doctors want to be paid as such and want the best opportunities to practice and discover. Will NEVER happen in any form of socialized medicine. No reason whatsoever that shitty doctors should be making as much as exceptional ones but socialized medicine does just that. It drives the very best doctors far far away. It should. No one in their right mind would willingly participate in a system not merit based. All social and communism rewards laziness and poor quality equally to those that are motivated, above average capability and intelligence. This is why communism and socialism ALWAYS end up in some form of authoritarian totalitarian garbage far removed from the original concept which looks great on paper

[@nathanmeryash2853]

I went to an urgent care clinic recently. They said $200 cash for the visit or $20-$100 estimated with my insurance which was in network. They then went ahead and charged my in-network insurance $600-$700 of which the insurance passed on about $500 as patient responsibility... The urgent care center and insurance said sorry we won't change anything or let you pay the cash price. Paid it with Amex and then disputed the charge via Amex for which I won the dispute.

[@michellehantran]

@@nathanmeryash2853 didn't know you can get that disputed! But then again, you do have amex.

[@cnordegren]

Thank you for bringing Sasha back for the introduction!

[@laduzi3940]

I am so thankful for Australia Medicare and proud to be Australian. My sister had a similar situation. Drove 2 minutes to the hospital. She waited 30 minutes in the waiting room, 1hr for transfered to surgical then out the door next day with follow up in a community clinic. If I was to defend anything, I would defend Medicare with my life.

[@hopdevil007]

Similar stories happen all over America every day. You just don't hear about them.

[@Shaw4123]

Edgar Friendly Because of something I like to call “liberal media” Which only points out the flaws in America and never the positives.

[@laduzi3940]

@@hopdevil007 It's universal, which means it covers 100% population. I understand that Americans get the good healthcare through their job. That doesn't exist here, employers do not have to pay for cover. Medicare care just comes out of the budget. It's so simple and unbureaucratic people here take it for granted. No insurance, no which "hospital/insurance covers this", no costs regarding healthcare. If something costs 1mil bucks, user doesn't pay a cent. That's what it means to have universal coverage. In fact Australia's income tax is slightly lower then most states in the USA. Income taxes are much more lower then the federal taxes if count low end employment, you do not start paying tax until 18k per annum. News Corp is lying to you.

[@jackgibbons6013]

Мауи Dp it's pretty universal, news only reporting on the negative aspects and things that should be better.

[@Big1nz]

@@jackgibbons6013 Jack your just wrong. A large portion of america is uninsured or have jack shit insurance that doesn't cover what you need and has high premiums. We have over 20 thousands deaths a year because people lack insurance. You seem like you've never seen the large scale issues going on here. On top of it all we PAY THE MOST and rank lower than most of the first world ......

[@mitchlew12345]

I'm from Australia and recently had a heart issue. I rang the ambulance, they took me to the ER. Gave me a bunch of treatments and I was on my way. Total cost $0.00. I will NEVER understand the American system. The crazy thing is many of them will defend their system to death. Seriously every other first world country has an answer for healthcare. Why can't America?

[@JONOVID]

Australia has borders & we limit who can come in , also we have some of the highest taxes - income tax in the world you have a job, to pay for it,

[@mitchlew12345]

@@JONOVID The US government spends more on Healthcare per capita than we do. The patient also pays huge out of pocket expenses on top of this. Europe also has border issues but have seemed to handle health care much better.

[@fgsaramago]

@brbnews so you shouldnt call and ask questions? Are you joking? He did the exact correct thing. Maybe if anericans did that more healthcare would be cheaper!

[@stuart3712]

The issues isn't the medical system, its politics... Which fuks up the system. You got a different cost of life then people in the US and you guys pay for your free medical in taxes. Here in the US, republicans dont want to pay taxes and democrats wants to pocket it. Democrats wants to increase wages, republicans wants to increase cost of living which means everything cost more and not everyone had got the increase wages so many becomes homeless or ends up on EBT. The whole US system is shit and effects things like the medical.

[@KingPepeLePew]

@@JONOVID In Australia's free system you can not choose your doctor, you must take which ever doctor they assign to you and if that means a newbie who just scrapped into medicine with the bare minimum of marks and has been doing surgery for 14 hours straight then that is the guy you get like it or not in the public system. If you opt for medical insurance you can pretty much chose your doctor/surgeon and go to a private hospital where everyone isn't rushing around all burned out.

[@c4ptainsimian]

To help US citizens understand how this works in other developed countries: My appendix burst one morning before work in Japan. I wasted a bit of time going to clinics thinking it was a stomach flu while walking like Quasimodo. Finally went to a hospital, got X-ray and CAT scanned. Emergency surgery immediately as I was losing the ability to stay conscious. 2 hour surgery vacuuming my guts out. Appendix had leaked through me so couldn’t do simple keyhole surgery. Progressed to peritonitis. 7 days in ICU followed by 8 days recovering from infection. Final cost with nationalised health insurance was ¥5000 (about USD $50). I assume it would be about the same cost and quality of care in my home country, Australia. US citizens deserve better.

[@alexcarter8807]

USA needs a socialist revolution. We nearly had one in the 1930s and this time around, I don't see anyone like Franklin Delano Roosevelt waiting in the wings so we might have to go through with it.

[@albertoroveda5135]

I got a ACL and meniscus surgery in Italy, cost ? 0€ and free breakfast

[@timothyvandyke9511]

Interesting, American genuinely wondering here, how much do you pay in taxes as a percent of paycheck if you don't mind my asking, I'm at around 20% in taxes on a standard just above median salary.

[@timothyvandyke9511]

Not trying to start some political fight, just want to ask a real person about their experience. Trying to learn ☺️

[@scintillam_dei]

Your last name is a genocidal maniac's. You deserve a better one.

[@franny2tm]

As an Aussie, I am absolutely shocked listening to this. I had an emergency situation where I needed surgery. I went to the closest public hospital, went to the ER, explained the type of pain I was having and where and pretty much got pushed in front of the line. I got a bed straight away with doctors and nurses looking after me and doing tests etc. When they found the root cause, they transferred me to another hospital via ambulance because the facilities at the other hospital had better specialist and equipment to deal with my issue. When I got there they doped me up with pain killers until the specialists and surgeons were ready to take me in. Long story short, I spent about 5 days in hospital. (well 2 hospitals really) I had a transfer via ambulance, and a surgery. How much did all that cost me at the end? $0. (well, my taxes pay for the service, but you get what I mean.) I don't even have private health insurance. I'm not saying our health system is perfect, but it's not going to put anyone in serious debt. When an emergency happens, the LAST thing you want to think about is "how am I going to pay for this!?"

[@mrboobyhead]

yeah spot on, I'm Aussie & although do have private insurance the thought of getting seriously sick and having to think which hospital need to go to, and how much it going to cost blows my mind.

[@leigh1220]

Same here in Scotland. I felt sad listening to this, but glad to hear how amazing the medical staff were

[@JuniFFXIVChannel]

If that happened in the US, it would cost you an easy $100k-$200k w/o insurance, especially because of the ambulance and surgery.

[@darkakanechan1]

As an Aussie, I'd never use my Private Health Insurance for Emergency Care at hospital.

[@ManUtd503]

@@JuniFFXIVChannel Your right about what it would cost you if that happened in the U.S the bill would be significantly reduced through financial assistance programs and infact, a lot of these cases just get written off and the person just pays a few thousand. I had a family friend who fell 50nfeet at Yosemite national park. She had to be air lifted to a trauma hospital, had multiple surgeries, and was in the hospital for over a month. Her entire bill was written off and guess how much it was. 1,000,000. Yup 1 million dollars for everything but she only paid like 1k in payments.

[@markw9841]

I am glad you feel better. Just FYI every hospital is legally required to provide emergency care to stabilize a patient regardless of insurance.

[@ratedrreformed8452]

....then send you a $30,000 bill....ask me how i know

[@toddfarkman2177]

"As a foreigner, it's confusing" - uh no, for everyone it's confusing. Basically you go where ever they point you to go and hand them your insurance card and cross your fingers it all works out. Having no insurance is a living hell and could bankrupt you. If you think it's bad with insurance, imagine going in with cash and asking "how much will this doctor visit cost" - and they don't know!! Even beyond that, they try and bilk the insurance company. What is fucking scary now is that hospitals get extra $$$$ if you are COVID19. So hospitals are treating people without COVID19 but claiming they are infected just to make money.

[@philiprizek6384]

I've heard of hospitals or corners reporting a lot of deaths as coveted related I kind of thought that maybe they were told to do that from a higher power in the government so we had a stronger case against China for when we do something about it

[@toddfarkman2177]

@@philiprizek6384 There's a video of an ex-army nurse that was working at a US hospital and saying they were treating people NOT infected like they were. She said the makeshift hospitals in Iraq were better than the US hospitals that are killing people for $$$$. I've seen it first hand. People think all of our money creates the best hospitals, but instead we have a bunch of used car dealer doctors and hospital CEOs that are willing to let people die just so they get rich.

[@eddenoy321]

Correct ! And , as a bonus, you may get put in the Covid ward where you will catch Covid-19 and get put on a ventilator after which, you will likely die or be permanently disabled.

[@darce2019]

A word of advice about the US insurance companies: most of them have a large web presence where you can log on and see which hospitals are covered.

[@wayneparke554]

He has Obamacare. It is so badly ran and managed. It is no wonder everyone hates it.

[@Cakebattered]

Not all insurance company offer that info online, and when they do, it requires you to create an online account, which isn't as simple as creating an email or social media account.

[@darce2019]

Cake Batter that’s why I said most

[@darce2019]

Wayne Parke the ACA has nothing to do with what he experienced. In fact the ACA required insurance companies to disclose services that are and aren’t covered and provide reasoning why.

[@mspatti]

@@wayneparke554 Through Obamacare I Signed up for Blue Cross, which runs like a top. It was wonderful until I aged out and now Medicare costs slightly more than I paid for Obamacare, and covers a little less each year. No complaints yet.

[@KellyStarks]

In Texas they passed a law limiting law suits for medical care … medical costs were halved. Yes, half of the costs of medicine is for defense against lawyers.

[@jurgenwiesner3807]

Horrible !!! I am humble and so grateful to live in Germany, I had also my serious situations... All best wishes for your recovery.

[@korasones1009]

This is why America is reducing it's expensive in Guarding your country..while American pay high military expense to take care of your country, Germany get subsidized with American Finance so you can have Health care.

[@b3rliner624]

Korasones Thanks for the clarification mr. trump... i thought we have healthcare for all cuz it’s the right thing to do instead of helping rich people only but what do i know...

[@supermario2201]

Korasones, we have no enemies. If you guys would stop stirring up trouble in Ukraine and Belarus we'd actually would have nothing to worry at all. If you want to leave germany then please do so. We still stay friends and we are still thankful for your efforts during WW2. But affordable healthcare and free education is a must for us. As it should be for every civilized nation. See, even if you pull out your forces you will still not provide affordable health care, free education and get the homeless off the streets. You will not reduce your drug problems nor will you ever fix your infrastructure. You live your system and we live ours. Everyone they way he like it. And please refrain from spreading your "freedom" and "democracy " in the middle east or africa, as those civilians which survive this "shock and awe" will end up in europe as refugees. Stay at home for a while,better for the world.

[@kats1275]

Also ask for a itemized bill and they’ll take out some of the random charges like bandages and stuff like that, they can’t add random stuff if you ask for it

[@jaylinn416]

Well, Winston, we are just happy that you are recovering, and on your way back to vibrant health. You are an important, independent voice on the web. You cannot let your 3/4 of million subscribers down!

[@Cavemanheartrock]

clearly not an american, "It's quite far away from where we live, a 25-30 minute drive" :P that's nothing.

[@johnvault9160]

Lol for real. For me that's reasonably close.

[@gsd8225]

Obviously he's not an American, he's a South African refugee banished from China. 🇨🇳🤣

[@Dumbledoresarmy13]

Especially considering it's a hospital, not every town has a hospital. If it were the nearest grocery store, it would be more of an issue.

[@keriezy]

Sounds like he was headed towards USC if he accidentally ended up in downtown. Traffic in that area is horrendous on a good day, plus there is little to no freeway access which means it's all surface streets.

[@josephatnip2398]

I'm 20 miles just to go to any store other than a family Dollar or a gas station a hospital .....lol we have air flight insurance here

[@ricardoallende2597]

It’s the bureaucracy and costs and greed that’s killing American healthcare. I have 30+ years as a doctor and I’m going to retire early as I’ve had it. The CCP virus is the last straw. The doctor/patient relationship still exists and is the only thing left that is good. At least rationing of care hasn’t gotten to the stage of other places. But at least you won’t be bankrupted in Canada or the UK.

[@AndresRuizHi-Techchina]

I had the same surgery years ago Winston. I'm glad you're getting well pal! After that you realized that been healthy is the most important in life buddy. Stay healthy & stay AWESOME!

[@Lexy-O]

The US price is very inflated. Then they raise the price exponentially so you think you save money with the insurance.

[@Rickpa]

Every state is different in some ways, and California is much more so than the middle of the country. There is also being in a high density area with many more hospitals. I imagine the care is the same, and you'll get it regardless of your ability to pay, but California's bureaucracy is legendary.

[@tripbargains]

I had insurance with Kaiser in CA. Needed a $40,000 pacemaker. I paid exactly $100 for the overnight at the hospital. Zero for the machine and my world class surgeon! I have lived in Paris London Rome and now Florence! I can tell you that medical treatment in the US is head and shoulders above Europe even using private services!

[@brandons9027]

The access and costs are the issue. Its not a matter of service.

[@thenormanfair]

The good news (other than surviving) is that your insurance will still pay even if they do not have an agreement with that hospital, it just won't pay as much of the bill.

[@arekf3470]

Wow that is great and so generous. Lmao. Out of network can be covered up to 50% in some cases. Emergency appendix with 2 days in hospital can exceed $50k. That is still $25k. Plus, most many Americans can't afford a surprise $500 bill.

[@PuerRidcully]

I hope you've got low taxes in exchange for this garbage.

[@marcustulliuscicero9140]

The thing is, that happens somewhere like the UK and that treatment would cost £0.

[@seamikiseamiki1825]

@Liam ever heard of Swiss hospitals?

[@Mira_linn]

@Liam Maybe true however does that even matter as thouse hospitals are out of cover for mest ppl and the once you can affort or allowed to go to are worse then the once other nations with the same standart of living get trough universal healthcare? too US hospitals have a tendency to over diagnose due to the potentail for getting sued aswell as just running every fucking test in the world just becourse it is billabel, finding false positives that might lower the life quelity of the patient or even true positives where the treatment is more distrubing then the symptoms or illness itself.

[@UranusGaseous]

I had appendicitis when I was visiting China in the early 90s as a young teenager with my Parents. The experience was horrible. They wouldn't perform the surgery until my dad paid for it first. They also wouldn't give me my antibiotics to prevent infections after my surgery until my dad paid for it first. I was also put in a recovery room with 30 other people with no A/C in the middle of July in southern China and my recovery bed would best be described as a fold up party table.. and there were geckos crawling all over the walls and ceiling in there. My dad paid the premium to put me in a recovery room with A/C and there was only one other guy in there with me which happened to be the mayor of the town. There were also geckos on the wall in there. Oh and I was awake for my surgery..... All I got were epidurals. When they cut me open.. I knew it and blacked out.

[@theeccentrictripper3863]

Metal

[@Danielson1818]

Damn man. That's a pretty wild story. One of those things that sucks like hell when we go through it, but also kind of badass to explain to others as an adult. My stories are a bit different, but the same concept. Glad you got through, and thankfully your dad had the money to pay for your treatment.

[@fredasdaughter]

Glad you are now doing so much better, Winston.

[@randomodbuild]

I do agree, the US does need a lot more transparency when it comes to health care pricing

[@randomodbuild]

​@patrick henry I never said anything about changing prices I only said transparency. At least you would know around how much you would be charged for before going under the knife. But maybe the deception is where they make the majority of their profits.

[@themurmeli88]

What it *needs* is an actual system where your average person does not need to fear going through a life saving procedure in fear of bankrupting his/her family, and the insurance system clearly is anything but.

[@franzliebkin]

Biggest thing I've learned is, never pay until they start threatening you. Then start at a low number and negotiate. Just because they put a number down on a paper doesn't mean you owe it.

[@kellyr95]

*Hospitals will drop the price if you have no insurance and if you have little money you could qualify for their charity care program which will help pay the bill.*

[@franzliebkin]

@@kellyr95 That's right. And just make them wait. Don't be afraid of a long negotiation. It's kind of fun, actually.

[@FatJack210]

Yup. ALWAYS tell them you can't afford it and ask for a payment plan, NEVER pay the quoted amount.

[@Vonklieve]

Glad you still with us, Winston. You will be much better soon. You create excellent video's.

[@thomashogan9196]

When you get your insurance, you should establish contact with your primary care doctor. They can let you know what facilities they are affiliated with. Some insurance have their own hospital network with an established co-pay for visits and fees.

[@irts10]

lol primary care doctor wouldn't know ,the insurance company doesn't know

[@thomashogan9196]

@@irts10 Perhaps you have heard of the internet. Every medical insurer has a website where you now select you primary care providers, facilities, and most allow you to log in to see your test results and records. Internet. I know it's new, but give it a try.

[@silverstein3303]

Absolutely correct Thomas Hogan! All the information about a health plan is available when you sign up to pay for it. After listening to Winston whine about his lack of knowledge about his coverage, it makes me wonder about other topics he talks about. What is so difficult to find out which hospital's emergency room is covered? Post the health plan's name and see how fast you get an answer.

[@tams805]

@@thomashogan9196 Imagine being in immense pain and having to do this shit, and not just being able to call an ambulance.

[@ManUtd503]

@@irts10 the insurance company does know. Winston called the nursing advice line. That's completely separate from calling up the insurance claims number or customer service. Winston's mistake was only calling the advice line which is only for medical questions and not what's covered and what's not.

[@DavidNunezPNW]

Yet people think people wanting Socialized Healthcare is crazy 🙃

[@dayman888]

Cause it is. Commiefornia is the closest thing to socialism we have in the US. It's already a burning mess of government bureaucracy and people like you want to give them more power.

[@23rt2308u24tkhg]

He was hesitant to go to the ER because of cost. I'm hesitant to go to the ER because I could be waiting all day

[@rinrinruru1740]

It has worked in Denmark here for my entire 32 year old life. And im chronically ill. Since I was 11. Never had any issues. Only one. At the ER if it is not crirital you can end up waiting for your turn up to 40 boring ass minutes ^^

@@rinrinruru1740 That is because you are in Denmark, and not in America. If you imported the USA's medical lobby, pharma companies or worst of all, the USA Board of Medicine, it would not work. At least not unless you have lots of money to burn.

[@justsomeone5314]

Yes. You played yourself; Socialized Healthcare is what MADE everything so expensive. You can't make every transaction go through the monolithic body that is the government without making everything much more expensive - you have more people involved (with more corruption), and everything is bureaucratical.

[@charleswomack2166]

Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Take care of yourself and stay awesome!

[@CrownArrow]

I have to agree the US health system is so full of fear of being sued and over priced service

[@benjamingrezik373]

they should be afraid of being sued they are a bunch of retarded negligent drug pushing criminal poisoners

[@Paraneoz]

The number one reason id never move to USA, healthcare system there is insane. Beautiful country and great people but a simple illness can ruin you for life.

[@alexcarter8807]

Not completely true. There's also a horrific car accident rate, violent weirdos, and a huge and growing underclass who are getting *very pissed off* and for very good reason. Speaking as a US'ian whos history and family history is intertwined with a lot of US history, stay the fuck away from this place.

[@TourniquetAndDeliverance]

@@alexcarter8807 US'ian? Did you just make up a term? It's called American. Cuba is to the south.

[@hopdevil007]

All you need to do is buy insurance. It's not hard to figure out. Where I come from we call that "being an adult" or "taking care of yourself."

[@perkarlsson9087]

@@hopdevil007 Yes! Just like Winston, he had bought one and he seemed pleased.

[@Jindujun]

@@hopdevil007 you are very naive lol

[@andrewprovins1068]

So happy you're OK, love your vid's. i have been a viewer for a few years now, please keep on making them. Big hello to the misses and your little one. Stay awesome !!!

[@stevetaylor9027]

Glad you're well! STAY AWESOME!!!

[@danielecork]

First episode of “ADV usa”

[@section31]

Lol

[@jeffbrubaker5228]

"A patient cured is a customer lost" - Describes the healthcare system in the USA

[@strongerstone9651]

haha, this is so funny

[@stephanievaladez5286]

This is so true. The US medical/ insurance system sucks the money out of you on all these medical procedures and if for some unknown reason you die in the hospital, they make more money off of you. You BETTER KNOW HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF.

[@missionery1]

That’s why everyone avoids the hospital in the us unless a bone is sticking out of your skin or something like that haha.

[@otofoto]

That is why Winston got "fever" for two more days.

[@commentfreely5443]

i was at a car accident after it happened. woman turned up after i raced to the nearest house and she made a call. woman said she was a doctor. she said get the guy out of the car. i asked why she didn't touch the guy. she said she didn't want to get sued and told me what to do. then ambulance eventually arrived.

[@TheColonelKlink]

California is known for many things. Good (or smart) governance is not one of them. Stay well, safe and awesome Winston and family.

[@sanekabc]

Not just California.

[@liberalsocialist9723]

And kansas is? The problem is capitalism.

[@-----------------------------]

@@liberalsocialist9723 capitalist country with socialist programs *

[@sanekabc]

@@liberalsocialist9723 Capitalism is not the problem. Corrupt capitalism is the problem.

[@UranusGaseous]

@Man-o-trails Titus It's amazing what a state can do when it gets back more money from the federal government than it puts in right? It's almost like that "healthy surplus" is being subsidized by other donor states that get back less from the gov't than they put in.

[@chemech]

Your first mistake: When you are hurting too bad to concentrate, get your butt to the ER... As for the list of acceptable hospitals, you insurance company should have a website... however, when you are hurting, just go to the nearest ER...

[@peterpain6625]

Question is: I'd say appendicitis qualifies as life-threatening. but does it in the us?

[@williamhadley1580]

Agreed. Even if you are 'out of network' they will still cover you in a life threatening situation like appendicitis. The copay amount might be higher and depending on your budget most hospitals will work with you.

[@lcdrfish8633]

Yeah, that's weird, Of course where I live only a few hospital "chains" around, but I could easily get verification for which ones my insurance was in-network for or not. (or for my dentist, if my insurance changes with my job, I call them directly first to see if they take my new company so I know if I need to look for a new one).

[@williamhadley1580]

@@lcdrfish8633 it's becoming that wayvin my region as well. Local hospitals 'merging' and consolidating with the bigger university hospitals and private health centers from Boston. The only real exception is the Dartmouth-Hitchcock network based in state.

[@lcdrfish8633]

@@williamhadley1580 Definitely prefer the university "chains". I'm sticking with the UVA system for now, but locally, I'm pretty sure Mary Washington and others are completely covered by my carrier (Tricare).

[@davesy6969]

He's got a point, I've seen a lot of his videos and he's a straight talker. If i was ill in the USA and had to go into hospital for a very expensive procedure then the first thing I'd want to know is if my medical insurance covers me. I'm fortunate that I'm a UK citizen so i don't have to worry about getting a bill. EDIT: He must have been really ill to skip the gratuitous drone shot.

[@bryansmith1920]

Love the drone shot thing :-))

[@davesy6969]

@@bryansmith1920 he could have still piloted his drone from his hospital bed and included some nice shots from above the hospital.

[@onekerri1]

I'm lucky you're in the UK, too.

[@limitedtime5471]

The real answer is your health insurance in america will NEVER cover the full bill, and when we talk about people getting bankrupted by medical bills, many of those had insurance. Even "good insurance"

[@davesy6969]

@@limitedtime5471 this is terrible, the whole point of having health insurance is to stop getting a massive bill.

[@TotalRookie_LV]

I've heard immigrants from Europe being really pissed by tedious procedure in USA clinics. Like a guy, who said something like: "Hey, I m here! Just ask me, I'll tell all my symptoms!" But no, nurse keeps ignoring him and reading questions from a checklist. My suspicion immediately was, that that is out of fear of being sued, so they strictly stick to procedure; that ritual has almost become more important than people.

[@trencher325]

Yep everything has a checklist that HAS to be covered, even I, as a teenager , have to fill out 50+ check boxes asking if I have *insert weird never heard of symptom* if I get sick when I go to the doc They do it so they don’t get sued

[@Earthgrand234]

The sad thing is I don't blame the nurses. It's sadly very prevalent that they could get sued and they don't want that too occur. I've known doctors and nurses that say they wouldn't help someone personally on the street if they were injured and just call an ambulance due to the fact that they very well can be sued and lose their case even with laws like the good seminarian clause. As much as it pains them to leave the patient like that, they gotta do what they gotta do to make sure they're okay as well.

[@TotalRookie_LV]

P.S. Yes, I do realize checklist makes sense from medical reasons too, just like in any sphere where mistakes may have high costs, for example, in aviation; and I don't mean coats just in money, it's also lives and health. But it also prevents patient from getting directly to the point of their issue while all unnecessary points are checked out, and that might make people mad.

[@zaineridling]

Welcome to my America! I'm in my 50s and spent much of my life savings paying the non-covered medical bills of my wife's mom who suffered strokes for two years before dying. And after my wife changing jobs earlier this year, her new employer's insurance was going to eat up much of her paycheck. So here I sit uninsured, again. This is the part of the US that has always sucked. 😕

[@eddenoy321]

@brbnews Trump is going to give us healthcare ? What planet do you live on ?

[@mwk1]

My Brother was in kinda exact same situation. He cut himself in a leg, it was really bad, he couldn't stop bleeding, so he just ran to the first ER he could and like Winston said, he was treated immediately, professionally, top notch, everything went nice, smooth and quick. They patched him up, gave tetanus shot and all the medications he needed and he was free to go. Cool. After a couple of days he received a receipt... $4K! BANG! It turns out that his medical insurance did not "work" in that particular hospital (or set of hospitals) he went to.

[@Nor1MAL]

You know here, you go into the ER, you get fixed, and you pay like perhaps $39-150USD and you are good, or if you paid more than $230USD in a calendar year, most of it is free :)

[@martiddy]

$4000?, holy shit!, did they replace the whole leg with a bionic one?

[@mgntstr]

@@Nor1MAL Then you don't want to know how many sick people they send home with no treatment, how many are waiting for an appointment with a doctor (let alone treatment) or how many treatments they botch. haha, free health care :) haha This is fine. Everything is fine.

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

Five more years in the US and your wife will speak perfect English. She's a very intelligent woman, always impressed by her. This was an interesting albeit very vicariously frustrating story time. Thanks so much for sharing and I'm glad you've recovered well.

[@aaronhargraves2434]

Hell seeing how his wife was a doctor in China maybe they should think about getting her through medical school to get whatever certs she is lacking here in the U.S.

[@CatChase957]

Your first mistake was calling that nurse hotline, I, and everyone else, never even heard of that. If you have bas pains, go STRAIGHT to the ER/Hospital. Doesnt matter which ER or Hospital.

[@michaelpatten1286]

It does matter. There are hospitals that in-network and out-of-network with my insurance plan. The rule is never go to an out-of-network hospital. Also, always go to Urgent Care before going to the emergency room. This can save you quite a bit of money.

[@starlessaeon3972]

Word i was like what 😂

[@Matlockization]

@@michaelpatten1286 Is there ever health insurance where everything is covered ?

[@Bluesmata]

Aside from the insurance and cost aspect, we have THE BEST hospitals. And yes, if you have an emergency, you WILL be treated properly. Unlike China.

[@Guffrs]

I think for a lot of us in the USA, we are used to these issues, when we get a new insurance, we find these things out ahead of time so that we aren't trying to figure it out during an emergency. I am not saying it is right or a good system, just saying how we handle it.

[@Dethflash]

Yeah my family has a list of hospitals we can go to, dentists we can visit, and local family doctors. Isn't a good system, but a bit of beforehand planning can save yourself a tiny bit of frustration

[@tdomingues89]

@@Dethflash You understand that this is still is insane right ? i like in portugal, and if i am realy bad i just go to ER no problems, i don´t want to spend minutes to hours asking a nurse or a doctor if the hospital accepts my insure while people that work at said hospital tell me they can´t tell me or don´t know, since its best for then if you have no insure to pay more. So people are not important, but the bank acount is right ? america number 1 !

[@ridgetop8161]

Exactly. First thing I did was figure out local hospitals and doctors, and then what would happen if I got wrecked out of state or out of country.

[@bashisobsolete.pythonismyn6321]

so, they make it the patient's job to figure out medical treatment. gotta laugh.

[@marcustulliuscicero9140]

@billyfromtheusa There's many occasions where it's perfectly safe to wait a day for that kind of thing and it would save a lot of money on resourcing, but American doctors never would do that, because they'd be sued for malpractice.

[@spaceboy1164]

You have to get use to this system. It took us a while. When our first son was born despite of the insurance and network hospital and network doctor the bill they sent us was for about 15K. My wife was on the phone with them over a week and we did not pay a penny. Just never pay a bill, always negotiate and most likely you will pay a fraction of the bill or nothing at all.

[@Lerch-zc3ww]

As an American, thanks for a good summary of the shortcomings of our system, I'm glad you're recovering in spite of it!

[@theguywhoasked5591]

Looks like that expensive health insurance finally went to good use.

[@itsenzo3000]

Waddup Mao worshipper!

[@hiroshinagoya2469]

what's up Wumao

[@miraxell]

@a 2345193 dont forget about the southern Mongolia bro!

[@issacnewton9019]

你好习近平，我是习仲勋😂

[@deleted4437]

Honey or communism?

[@Imtavin15]

Welcome to the United States! Just a tip, get out of California! Good to hear your medical emergency is over and you are feeling better.

[@johnny_eth]

And go where ? Florida ?

[@trencher325]

Johnny anywhere not on the coast lines 😂

[@SomeLazyDr]

It's expensive everywhere in America. However, cities like Los Angeles and New York have good doctors that you don't get in other cities.

[@livefancams]

@@SomeLazyDr nope, Houston has the best Medical center in the world :P massive cluster of hospitals and research centers and they are much cheaper than any city on the coasts.

[@SomeLazyDr]

@@livefancams Yeah Houston does have the best of the best. I should reiterate: if you live in the top 10 cities in America, like Houston, DFW, New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, you generally have access to the best specialists.

[@hellogoodmorning8888]

I have a relative who works at the UCLA Medical Center. I hope you recover well. As a person who has lived in LA pretty much all my life I get what you mean. Best wishes for you and your family, stay healthy, and stay awesome!!!

[@hellogoodmorning8888]

I did not mean to infer that it was only an LA problem though as people have struggles with their insurance across the nation.

[@stavros5173]

I'm really happy being a Canadian citizen and paying a lot of taxes for a social healthcare system. I only have to show my healthcare card at any hospital if needed.

[@ChrisKirtley]

I always remember overhearing a guy in Chiang Mai telling his mate that he was glad to be back in Asia because his bowels worked much better😊

[@Braverman.G]

I wish Ghanaian nurses had such nice demeanour. Wishing you a speedy recovery Winston!🙏

[@SombreroPharoah]

Glad ya doin well man! Hope ya feeling alright after the whole thang! Stay awesome dude! Love from UK

[@sanekabc]

As Brad Pitt's character said in a film where he played an assassin, whose name escapes me, "America isn't a country. It's a business. Now give me my F-in money."

[@sanekabc]

@Liam That statement is too over generalized to have any validity.

[@sanekabc]

@Phil McCracken yes, that's it!

[@alexcarter8807]

@Talûn-karkû The Warchief He's an annoying 1%'er.

[@eduardbass839]

I got my appendix removed last year. I collapsed in the city after university within 10 minutes an ambulance come and picked me up. In another 15-25 Minutes a doctor scanned my belly and said we can operate right away and I agreed after a couple of phone calls. I woke up at midnight and stayed at the hospital for 4 days. A week later I received a bill. 70 Euros and my insurance cost didn’t increase either. (I have the german basic insurance without any extras)

[@Romancefantasy]

Winston is a good honest man. Most poor people will not worry about the bill and just file bankruptcy or just never pay. The people who can’t pay make it bad for people like Winston who are willing to pay.

[@brandons9027]

If they are poor they should just die.

[@Freddy0103]

Health insurance is expensive but you live in one of the most expensive states in USA. I moved out for that reason. Beautiful state but expensive

[@flukeman022]

I heard cali is a dump because of the number of homelessness makes it looks like 3rd world is that true?

[@nicolivoldkif9096]

@@flukeman022 as a trucker that goes across the country, the best WTF stories I have are all from Cali.

[@flukeman022]

@@nicolivoldkif9096 read comments and seen some videos about cali's politicians fucked the state. There was this one guy, a musician who bought materials with his own money built small houses for the homeless but the mayor said it was unexceptible and chucked them into the trash!

[@nicolivoldkif9096]

@@flukeman022 Yeah, they are always trying to find the perfect solution so end up doing nothing. When they finally do something its usually no longer applicable to the current issue and they never go back to look at changing or getting rid of it. It's not much different in other states, just Cali is significantly worse.

[@flukeman022]

@@nicolivoldkif9096 that's frustrating, sad and pointless.

[@marcteng5179]

I hope. You are getting well and hope you revoer fully. In all sense. Good luck. Jianyou!

[@SearingCow]

I am sorry you have had such a negative experience regarding insurance and the healthcare systems. They are some of the worst aspects of our country and are begrudging even for many natural born citizens.

[@zenkennystudios4648]

Dude: I don't know about California, I live in PA. but I don't think you need to go through all that. I think it's same all over US. your Insurance Co. has A network of doctors, specialists, and Hospitals in your area. you find A Primary Care Physician (doctor) within that network. It'll be best if you and your family get regular checkups with that Physician.Then if you have a Problem like you had you go straight to that PCP and let her decide were to go from there. maybe blood tests X-rays whatever may be best then She'll hook you up with A surgeon And Hospital and all covered by your Ins. You just don't go into hospitals and say I'd like an operation please. you go through the right process and it will be less fustrating.

[@anotherabeer4341]

Winston was extremely stupid. He didn’t do his homework on how to understand his insurance. He created his own problem. It was avoidable. Fool.

[@RobertJohnson-lc5bj]

He had an emergency appendicitis !

[@lizwasko]

Robert Johnson He obviously purchased the insurance, he should have known what network he was in.

[@anotherabeer4341]

Liz Wasko He also should have already picked a primary care physician! He could have immediately called his doctor for advice! I was visiting a small town in Indiana, got sick at night so I called my primary care doctor’s office in Los Angeles and left a message for the doctor who was on call. He returned my call in 10 minutes. Then he called the local CVS to approve a prescription. I walked over to CVS 30 minutes later and picked it up. SIMPLE IT WAS SIMPLE. Serpentza should be smart enough to navigate the process it’s not rocket science.

[@agalah408]

@@anotherabeer4341 What a load of bureaucratic crap. I'm almost 60 I have never had private health insurance. If I had appendicitis (as my father once had) I Would go to the nearest ER to where I happened to be, with an empty wallet, and say "fix it, it's your problem now". Then away we go... That's how emergency medicine should be. Then again, I'm not in the USA.

[@MrCountrycuz]

Winston,, I am sorry for this pain you went through, I fortunately served in the military 40 years ago and because of that I am fortunate to be able to go to the VA hospital . Best two years I have ever invested.

[@Nephrotreego]

For all of its shortcomings, we are really lucky to have the NHS.

[@risenshine2783]

Lucky yes it was a glimmer of goodness that shone after the Second World War it took millions of deaths in the war to raise the level of collective thought to our free health care for all at the point of use. Then it has been attacked by money grabbers like moths to a candle ever since, we need to tough up and protect it

[@mgntstr]

@@risenshine2783 whos the money grabber, really. The NHS grabs money from every single person with an income regardless of their need for treatment.

[@Nephrotreego]

@Mike green We pay the full amount until the patent expires, and then we can get the generic version which is not necessarily made in the US. The patented version of these drugs are sometimes extremely expensive. You guys should probably sort out your healthcare industry. For a developed country, it's kinda messed up.

[@Nephrotreego]

@Mike green I agree with you that we benefit from all of the research carried out in the US, but that is not the reason your healthcare system is so bad for the average American.

[@seanwalker4868]

Sounds like a nightmare. As a Canadian I can say we have our own health system problems, but not the sort you've described. Here it is the delays to get to see specialists and schedule operations.

[@qdav5]

We now have the same problem in the US with delays ... in addition to the outrageous costs.

[@kelsonsciford7908]

Hey Winston, I'm so glad you came out of this experience in good health. I'm currently a nursing student in California and I can confirm that we are given zero education on how insurance works or how much each item for treatment will cost the patient 😔. It sucks cause we're taught to do everything in our power to give the best possible care and interventions. But you know in the back of your mind that the hospital administration will hunt you down to charge for every item used and care provided. Also happy that the nurses were sweet towards you and your wife. It inspires me to try harder and make a lasting impact with my patients. Good luck with recovery and I apologize for all the BS involved with our American system

[@trailrunning11vlog]

It was cause by the lawyers

[@tomofasia]

My kid had to go and get his appendix operated here in Finland. We drove to a hospital 10 minutes away and he had the operation the same night. He had to stay for two nights in total because of anesthesia and standard monitoring before our surgeon was confident enough to release him and my kid was able to move much better. We had our own room for ourselves and I slept there over night as well. When there was extra food left then nurses always came and gave me a meal as well. When it comes to expenses, I only had to have his ID card with me(was never actually needed as I have my kids social security number memorized and gave it to a nurse when we checked in) and I don’t think I got billed much more than maybe 100€ or so... Of course we have to pay more taxes than in most countries but I would never trade for a US system.

[@googleuser2609]

And the best U.S doctors are better than any doctor in your country. And there are better public health care systems in certain countries than Norway, where citizens are not taxed exhorbitantly like in your country. Why are you boasting about your system?

[@jo-han]

@@googleuser2609 Why are you feeling so attacked by someone expressing their feelings? He never said it was the best system, neither did he say there were no better systems. He just conveyed an experience (healthcare in his country) and a feeling (not wanting to trade systems), but you feel attacked and feel the need to reply with a complete over exaggeration ("the best U.S doctors are better than any doctor in your country"), any "best doctor" of any country is better then "any" doctor of any other country. Why are you boasting about US doctors?

[@tomofasia]

@@googleuser2609 Lol, you think your doctors or treatments are better because of the health care expenses that are arbitrarily overblown because of health insurance/medicine cost monopoly scam? It’s true that I would love to have better ability to choose case by case basis on where my tax money goes but I’m let’s say 70% content on how it’s used. Aaanyways... Have fun, boy! 😁

[@googleuser2609]

@@tomofasia first, I am not American. I live in Australia. Let's look at Canada. Less taxes, better public healthcare system than your country. Same as in New Zealand. There are more examples, obviously. Standard of living is also higher in other countries than your country, same for climate, poverty, median household income, etc. You didn't answer: why are you boasting about the public health care system in your country? (Others are better.)

[@googleuser2609]

@@jo-han I don't live in America. No one's offended here. He expressed a point of view -- and an experience, and I'm giving him a different point of view, which is that certain other countries have better public health care systems then in his country -- without high taxes. That's all. When we talk about "best doctors", do you think in a hundred years, more cures for human disease, advancements in medical technology, and training of doctors has been better in his country, or better in the U.S.? Which country is responsible for discovering more cure? Have you actually looked at it? I mean, do you know how they are trained in his country vs U.S.? How many world class doctors are produced in his country and how many in America? Have you checked? Do you understand why some of the top universities for medicine in the world are located in U.S and not in his country? If you're not sure about what I said regarding U.S and top doctors, I encourage you really investigate it objectively, and you have your answer.

[@chrissabre1761]

2:30 'everyone's afraid of being sued' oh yeah, thats how they make money and judges let them go through. 'She couldn't tell me which would cover me ' makes you wonder why you even have that insurance....

[@barreloffun10]

That was the nurse help line, not customer service; he was asking the wrong person. In any event, emergency treatment is covered at any ER in the country.

[@githug6508]

You don't get to be in school if you don't buy that insurance. You don't get to work here if you don't buy that insurance. You don't get driver's licenses if you don't buy that insurance. You don't get to buy that car if you don't buy that insurance. You don't get to be in that apartment if you don't buy that insurance. You are not eligible to stand on that street if you don't buy that insurance........... That insurance does not cover health problems caused by standing, does not cover health problems caused by drinking, does not cover health problems caused by breathing uncertified air, does not cover health problems caused by reading youtube comments, does not cover health problems caused by political assassination, does not cover health problems caused by.........

[@bryanobrien2726]

@@barreloffun10Agreed , they are there to simply give medical advice , not hospital info or anything else . It would be nice if they had access to every aspect of your insurance info, but it would not be efficient .They really are not there for emergency situations like this either , when seconds matter do NOT call the nurse hotline , go to the nearest ER . If it matters to you , you should probably research the nearest ER that takes your insurance before you're dying .

[@matthewrichardson2271]

Best wishes to your family. I am in healthcare, and I do not fully understand the insurance system. It was interesting to hear your perspective on how that affected your response to your symptoms. Many of us living under the system are used to having the expectation that we can go for care if it seems urgent or emergent. On the other hand, as an individual I would be afraid to go to the hospital unless it was essential because of the costs and potential insurance issues.

[@lolfreddy]

The best way to check if you covered by "in-network" care is by logging in to your insurance provider's web portal and search from there. Yeah, it sucks that the information available to these hotlines is outdated, but luckily, we have the means to check this out for ourselves. Health insurance in the US is a mess for sure. When you get your bill, it's almost like they're trying to confuse you with what's covered and what's not covered. Also the way they itemize everything is confusing. It's not like a typical receipt of purchase, they have like 5 boxes with different amount being covered and owed... It's just a mess. Please get well soon, Winston! You're an important person to all of us that watch your channel!

[@bradcavanagh3092]

Appendicitis is nothing to mess around with, glad to hear you're ok. As an Australian share your frustration and bewilderment with healthcare in the USA. Health insurance in the USA is incredibly expensive, arcane and convoluted in comparison to Australia.

[@willpugh-calotte2199]

Hence, the travel advice for those heading to the US: "Don't get sick in America."

[@willpugh-calotte2199]

@ Sadly, corona has already been a big Grim Reaper for well over 200,000 Americans who didn't survive to worry about how to pay their medical bills.

[@KingPepeLePew]

it's why the 3rd world is rushing to places with free medical and generous welfare...enjoy it while you have it because it will eventually bankrupt you.

[@bradcavanagh3092]

@@willpugh-calotte2199 Travel advice for anyone should be to make sure you have good travel insurance! Medical care here in the USA is top-notch though once you work out how the system works.

[@KenLoweRaceCars]

Born in the USA, served in the US Army, wounded twice but decided twenty eight years ago that there was a lot wrong with the USA that no one was fixing... and it is getting worse. I moved to Australia which is not without its own challenges but in the end I can live either place and I choose to live in Australia. The older you get the more it seems like a good idea. My wife is from Hong Kong, has never been to the USA and don't think we will ever go.

[@alfredneuman1179]

Unfortunately we r going down the American way...

[@lopdaniel]

It's always amazes me the contrast in "our" medical system. The doctors, and actual medical staff, and facilities are amazing, but the business and insurance side of things is trash. The irony is the business side of things is where the money is.

[@matty6848]

That’s correct. If you can afford it you can access the best healthcare in the world. But if your broke your left high and dry…

[@rogerramjet6429]

Irony? Not even. Where do you think the money is ?

[@rogerramjet6429]

@@matty6848 that's why Americans that think their system is the best, have no idea of the corruption, nor how other countries are far better, than anything the system offers in America.

[@matty6848]

@@rogerramjet6429 agreed. I've had experience of the Australian healthcare system when I went fishing and nearly chopped my index finger off whilst cutting bait. I had to go too hospital in Geelong and because they were worried about infection that could turn into sepsis they kept me in for two nights. I tell you the care and treatment I received was second too none. I had my own en suite room, fed on the minute 3 times a day, the food was beautiful not typical hospital crap we get in the UK, and throughout the day I had constant checks ups on me. Although I've been in British hospitals and had good experiences there. Everyone slags our NHS off especially the Americans as they think it's "socialist healthcare" practically communism too them and it's nothing like that at all. I was at the Worcester royal hospital and again I had my own en suite room, TV, nurses checking on me, ok the food wasn't great but ok and I've got too say although I was sick, they fixed me up and sent me on my way. Neither cost me anything. If that had been in America I would of been facing a bill for tens of thousands of dollars. Apparently the American healthcare system is the most expensive in the world, which is why so many self medicate, or just sit at home and suffer, because they can't afford insurance so have no choice. Our NHS isn't perfect it has its problems but no way would I want a completely private healthcare system like America. You got no money, no insurance your good too go home and practically die. I've even heard just calling for a ambulance can cost thousands of dollars, that's before you even get too the hospital.

[@rogerramjet6429]

@@matty6848 I'm in Perth and had to take 3 days off work for food poisoning just last week. Went to a doctor, paid nothing, got a referral to hospital, and had to go onto a drip due to dehydration causing me to remain ill due to electrolyte levels. Only thing that I paid for was the taxi, to and from hospital emergency ward. No way was I going to trust it to the ambulance services if my pain happened to be acute appendicitis. We've still got problems with the ambulance services here since McGowan stuffed with the entire system via fear driven lies about the Rona. Wonder what animal will be used next? Bird flu, swine flu, monkey pox etc etc. Be hilarious if the next was something to do with donkeys. Would show the BS is being pulled out of their ass. Luckily it wasn't and was just the food poisoning lasting longer than it should have.

[@danielbaker4466]

You are correct..insurance issues for medical care are very difficult in the US. The key is to be very informed so maybe this can be used as a learning experience. #1: get a list of in network providers, including physicians and hospitals from your insurance company. The insurance person you talked to over the phone had access to this information but for some reason failed to provide it. # 2: EMTALA laws in the US prohibit the hospital from taking insurance information in the ER until you have been seen by a clinical person to be evaluated ( nurse/doctor). The clinical people do not have expertise in insurance information. The non-clinical people who take your insurance information DO know if your insurance is in network. #3: Emtala laws mandate that a hospital is required to treat you in an emergency situation and although they may not be in network, your insurance should still pay as in network because of the emergency although, this is not mandated by law. Lastly, nobody can diagnose you over the phone and if you think you need to go to the ER, go to the ER. EMTALA also mandates that if you have a condition that you as lay person think is an emergency, the insurance must pay the bill. Good luck and hope you are feeling better.

[@mykitwigger]

Prayers for your quick recovery!

[@Hession0Drasha]

The system is designed to be opaque, to extract as much cost for as little benefit as possible

[@waynetaylor2784]

Underwent triple bypass heart surgery here in Australia last year, seem less and 100% free, my cardiac surgeon was the highest qualified cardiac surgeon in my state. Best hospital service was fantastic

[@gregt7927]

May god bless dumerica May god save the Queen and May defend New Zealand but thank god for Australia 🇦🇺

[@reyrey4261]

You have to take K2 with D3. It will get rid of the calcium plaque blocking your arteries and redirect the calcium where it’s needed - the bones and teeth. You can buy it from Amazon, etana d3+k2, $9.95, 90 day supply. It will prevent heart attacks and cancer. It lowered my blood pressure from 140 to 115. My mom, who has kidney problems, had three consecutive perfect lab results (given monthly) for the first time, so we know it had to be the K2 (from natto, fermented beans eaten daily by the Japanese for breakfast). Her thinning hair also got thick because K2 improves blood circulation. Big Pharma would rather push expensive statin drugs which my mom used to take, but it destroyed her memory. Her memory is fine now.

[@waynetaylor2784]

@Tomas it was FREE , plain and simple. I pay my taxes they go to a variety of things including healthcare, get off your bullshit America has the best healthcare system crap ! If it was so damn successful why doesn't every country have the same ? Cos it doesn't work. BTW I also have private insurance as well, it's up to me what I use it for its a choice I use it for dental

[@chasgerding5258]

Nothing is FREE! Someone (you included) is paying taxes to pay all the doctors, nurses and anyone else working in the healthcare industry. Unless I'm wrong and all these people in Australia actually work for free and live in the bush. I can't stand it when people are so damn ignorant!!!

[@chasgerding5258]

@@waynetaylor2784 If it was FREE why are you taxed for it? Free means you pay nothing! How moronic to say it's free!

[@calex007]

Glad you’re still with us Winston. :)

[@ZeVexGaming]

I feel ya man. One of my biggest fears is having a medical emergency in the U.S.

[@kaimana9583]

Number one thing that puts me off ever wanting to live in the USA is the thought that getting sick or having an accident could end up bankrupting you and putting you in debt forever.

[@mikewilson7132]

Kai its a real fear trust me iam a canadain living in the us

[@jessicah3450]

You don't pay the bill. If it's a medical emergency, ER's have to treat you, don't have to provide any follow up though. But you never pay the bill they send you. In the US, they pretty much expect those of us who are uninsured and use public hospitals to not be able to afford the bill.

[@tlcode]

The term "medical Bankruptcy" is a thing. It is also the #1 cause of bankruptcy in the USA.

[@jsn1252]

Welcome to the unholy bastard child of private and socialized medicine that is the US healthcare system, where you get the flaws of both and the benefits of neither.

[@lusciousbobby]

@@jessicah3450 I saw the annual financial statement for a 300 bed hospital. Way down at the bottom was the entry for charity write offs. TWO PERCENT.

[@donstoddard8458]

I'm glad you're recuperating OK wishing you the best

[@billsekhon]

Get well Dude ! Unfortunately its a business in the USA .. only reason i moved back to Canada after five year in Cali but has you said the people there are awesome!

[@matty6848]

Your right Bill. It’s nothing but a big money making business. If there’s one thing that needs reform in America it’s the healthcare system. Unfortunately with many Americans you mention any form of social healthcare they think it’s a attack of communists.

[@RadoDani]

As one political commentator said about healthcare: there are three elements, universal coverage, affordability and quality. It is hard to properly balance all three and usually one factor suffers.

[@Coohy]

If the rest of the world can find the balance you can too you're the greatest country in the world after all

[@scwirpeo]

It's good that the US doesn't get any of those. We pay more and live shorter lives than nations who pay less, and certainly we aren't seeing coverage. You think with the most expensive healthcare on earth we could at least get quality, but the life expectancy goes down every year not up.

[@user-sk4nt5bm5r]

The 3 European countries I lived in were fine though :)

[@georgeinjapan6583]

I think it was Ben Shapiro. These three are not actually independent. Availability itself can be a function of affordability (i.e. if it is unaffordable it is "unavailable").

[@michaelc9311]

My coworker has cancer. We have 'good' insurance. She was refused a scan because the insurance wouldn't cover it. The nurse told her the insurance would have payed 27,000 dollars. She was charged 3000 when she opted to pay by herself. I believe our problem is corruption.

[@jlye01]

The medical communities of North America are extremely diverse.

[@jackgibbons6013]

Screaming Mimi's yeah sure buddy.

[@xvh274r]

@Screaming Mimi's Its not like NYC has an average life expectancy is 81 years, 3 or 4 years above the average life expectancy of the US

[@RevanLaughs]

“It was quite a far drive...25, 30min drive” *laughs in average commute time*

[@macroevolve]

@Relyvant - a 30 minjute drive where Serpentza is (SoCal i'm guessing), is probbaly a 10 minute drive where I am...because of traffic. 30 minte drive for me is 18 miles, part state Route and part highway

[@wxbgt01]

I live in Illinois. I had a stroke May 14 and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. While in the hospital I suffered a heart attack. I spent 46 days in the hospital and had PT, OT, and speech therapy 5 or 6 days per week, Total out of pocket cost was $1420. My brother lived in California and his hospital experiences were like what described so it may be a regional issue. Before ACA, my monthly premium was $290 per month with $20 co-pays. Within four years of the implementation of ACA, my monthly premium went to $1135.

[@MrStevenAttila]

I had a surgery also a few months ago, acute appendicitis. In my country, they did not perform the surgery until they know you are negative at this Covid 19 stuff you know. I was in pain more than 12 hours!