[notpoliticallycorewrecked]

I have been working in the medical field for over 30 years. I agree with the general opinions being expressed on this thread. I have seen and experienced first hand the :over medication, a pill to fix everything, keep em alive no matter the quality of life, etc attitudes by family, doctors,and nurses.

A got a new perspective a year or so ago. My adult son that was married less than 6 weeks calls me ask for medical advice, he was feeling lousy. We go over his symptoms which include upper abdominal pain and just feeling lousy. Take some gas-x was my advice. He calls me a few hours later and says that the pain has move lower and he is feeling queasy. So he leaves work. My opinion is he has the flu.

A few more hours pass and he informs me that his wife has taken him to ER. I am thinking what a drama queen, let them tell you that you just have the flu. A few hours in ER with no significant test results, no high white count, no fever, just abd pain, vomiting and feel lousy. At the last minute before they release him the ER doc decides to run a catscan. The results were surprising, his appendix lit up. Oh this changes everything. Immediately scheduled him for surgery. I arrive feeling like a bad medical mom.

As they are setting him up for the surgery, the surgeon is telling him that the ONLY reason that they are doing this surgery is due to the catscan results. After the surgery the doctor comes in to talk to us. Her eyes were as big as saucers as she informs us that not only did my son have appendicitis, but that it had gangrene. If that ER doc had not done that catscan they had not discovered the appendicitis during that ER visit and my son would have died.

Total cost of the surgery/ER was $17,000. My son did have medical insurance (military) but if he didn't I would write you a check.

[A_perfect_lady]

If that ER doc had not done that catscan they had not discovered the appendicitis during that ER visit and my son would have died.

Wow, I can see why you have a new appreciation for testing!

[Diver Dave]

I underwent another lumbar fusion 2 months ago. This was 13 months after the initial injury. I was referred to 5 different doctors, physical therapy, multiple x-rays, MRI, CT and a myleogram (sp?). When surgery was finally the recommendation, I had to wait an additional 2 months on a waiting list for the procedure. Bottom line, I'm doing better but have no idea the total cost. Insurance covered it all save my co-pays for PT and the Dr visits. Out of pocket expense, $200. For everything else, there's MasterCard. {8^)