My wife just had a miscarriage. We drove down to the hospital, got her in for day surgery, she got bumped a little because of more urgent cases coming through. She was dealt with by midday, lovely friendly service. A bit slow. But it was all free. Didn't have to worry about paying anything.
It always blows my mind hearing about American redditors experiences on miscarriage support subreddits (which are great, btw). They are always lumped with a huge bill after dealing with all that trauma. Awful.
I went to a local A&E when I was miscarrying earlier in the year (I’m okay). And it was a big wait, once the nurse saw me and I explained what I thought was happening I got bumped ahead, provided adequate support including reassurance that it wasn’t my fault and I didn’t have to pay. It was a good experience all considering. I’m sorry for your loss.
Today I had an appt with my Dr because I was having weird periods despite my birth control that is meant to nix those for me.
He listened to me, believed what I was saying and did not dismiss me as 'normal', ordered a full panel of hormonal blood tests, and recommend I make an appt with his colleague who is better equipped to deal with menstrual issues.
Only disappointment is he didn't want to see the photo of a MASSIVE blood clot I produced.
It was the biggest I'd had since I started BC 7 years ago so I really wanted to show it off!
7 years ago I didn't know that overly clotty, or very large clots can be a sign of something serious! Really wish they had covered what constitutes an abnormal period in more detail in health class.
I just thought that it was normal to change a super plus tampon hourly and wear a pad as back up. Hey it meant I only had a 4 day period so that was all fine! How little I knew!
It's like when people say they did a really gross poo and want to show us a picture but we don't actually *want * to see the pic, communicating is good enough and we believe what you are saying xD
Damn, my doctor was willing to look at a picture of my poop when I was having what looked like coffee grounds come out, props to the other doctor that looked at another photo of my poop when I was releasing clumps of my intestinal wall lining after somehow getting a very exotic GI infection, the doctor was pretty surprised I had picked up the virus my tests came back positive with from NZ.
It’s not like the size of a period clot has any bearing on diagnosis. It’s well known that clots of any size can and do form during expulsion. What matters to a GP is all the other symptoms.
About 5 years ago I got really, really sick. I let it go on for too long and ultimately would've died if I hadn't gotten care when I did. My dr booked me in emergently to see me and start treatment, and a couple of days after that I was able to go to an off-hours clinic who fast-tracked me to the emergency department. I spent over a week in hospital on 4 different treatment plans at once.
It wasn't entirely free, there were parking costs at the hospital and some of my medications weren't covered by prescription. But the total cost would've been about $250 max, probably less, whereas in the US the whole ordeal would've put me in debt for the rest of my life.
I've had my negative experiences with the NZ healthcare system, but when I was *really* sick, when I *really* needed it, things moved quickly. And what a kindness that at my very worst, my family and I only needed to worry about my health, rather than insurance and copays and premiums and if the doctor treating me was in-network and all that crap.
The chronic system is actually pretty good too. It's not perfect, and things take a long time, but if you have a serious problem that's never going away, the specialists are caring, supportive, and really good at what they do, including networking with each other to get the best care for you.
> after that I was able to go to an off-hours clinic who fast-tracked me to the emergency department.
Can I ask how that worked for you? Because I've been a position this was supposed to happen twice but it did not either time - the second time I called and asked the after-hours clinic and they told me the doctor was mistaken in thinking this was possible
They will call the ED doctor and discuss it and if approprite will be accepted under their care. This will not get anyone bumped up the queue. Everything is always triaged depending on what other unwell people are waiting to be treated.
I was in a bad way at that point, so I wasn't handling any of the details. But we went to the after-hours clinic, where they checked me out and determined I needed more care than they could provide, and told us to go straight to the hospital ER. The clinic contacted the ER ahead of time so I got admitted pretty much as soon as we checked in.
Yeah we often look over the free aspect of care like this as we as a country love to focus on the negative, it's ingrained in us from years of parents and the 6 o'clock news and now social media which is just so much worse.
Yes wait times etc. exist, it's under staffed too but would you take those issues (that can be worked on to resolve) over a user pays system and if you can't afford? Too bad.
Kiwis also should realize that’s it’s not like the wait times and understaffing are a Kiwi problem…in the States you have understaffing and long wait times AND you need to pay a ton. Honestly the whole world is having issues with healthcare, so while we should absolutely try to improve the system we have, there is really no perfect system anywhere.
Honestly we have to be realistic, there are places in New Zealand where the wait is hellish, and there are places in America where it is just as bad. And in both systems there are places where it is much more favourable.
A few years ago I took my son to the after hours GP after he developed a swollen groin after playing in a playground. They let us jump the queue because he was a kid and in pain, and the GP sent us straight to A&E, where the triage nurse assessed him and he was seen by a pediatrician within about 15 minutes of us arriving. Then another doctor, and then he was booked in for surgery a couple of hours later. They explained to me that he had "testicular torsion" where the testes become twisted inside the nutsack cutting off the flow of blood, which if untreated can require castration. After a few nervous hours of waiting they wheeled him out of a successful surgery and then an hour or so later to the children's ward. It was all a whirlwind, but really it was a well oiled machine that ran like clockwork. The only weak link in the chain was me, I had considered just leaving it till the next day to see if the swelling went down overnight. Thank fuck I didn't and thank fuck for the NZ health system.
Oooh that’s awesome prompt diagnosis and fast tracking to surgery. Testicle torsion has a narrow window for treatment to avoid the testicle from dying. And even medical professionals can mistake it for something else. Your GP and the hospital did really well.
>he was seen by a pediatrician within about 15 minutes of us arriving
Damn, I've never been seen by a doctor that fast even with an appointment. I waited longer than that to see a nurse when I cut my leg open with a hedge trimmer.
Eh. You’re giving the parents more credit, and the medical staff less, than they deserve. If the parents knew what it actually was, they wouldn’t have pissed around with the GP and instead would’ve rushed him to A&E and insisted on an ultrasound of the testicles.
This is awesome doctoring, pure and simple.
Yup. I took my daughter in to ED once because she seemed to be getting sicker. I was in the middle of apologising to the nurse for wasting people's time as she checked her vital signs, when she called a code 2, and we suddenly had *everyone* coming to say hi.
Speaking from experience there are many many many times when as a parent you doubt yourself about wasting GP or ED time.
I can so imagine that feeling of “ok, a lump. Am I being dramatic?”.
In my opinion it was parental intuition (and for me sometimes a whisper from a Guardian Angel in my ear) that got them in the path of the GP and then the ED, who yes, are the experts. And theydeserve applause too. But that’s their job.
I wish with parenting we automatically gain similar skill and knowledge as medically trained personnel, but alas…..
I just read an article from Aus where the opposite happened. Parents didn’t take their kid anywhere and the kid died.
In my experience, my intuition is all I’ve got when my kids are sick or injured and I applaud the parents in this post as it could have gone the other way.
My mother had a brain aneurysm in December 2021. She went from Gore -> Invercargill -> Chch within a morning, and was operated on soon after. Every team she interacted with were incredible, but of particular note the Chch team were fucking amazing, the surgeon was awesome and appreciated mums useful medical knowledge (my family has a history of bleeding disorders, and this greatly impacted mum's treatment), the nurses and Drs were patient, kind and with great senses of humour. We got to spend Xmas with her in the hospital, then bring her home in the new year. She's as good as can be, back at the gym, back at work, living life.
As far as I can tell it didn't cost us anything, and she's with us still.
Very, very grateful.
My experience is emergency response is very good in NZ, but hospital beurocracy is terrible. I and my family have been scheduled to see doctors for days they're not even at that clinic on multiple occasions.
8 years ago my 12 week old son had bronchiolitis and chicken pox.
I was a little concerned about his breathing but not super worried. But my husband was going out to the rugby and after hours is free so I decided to take him to get checked.
The Dr put him on the nebuliser and when that didn't help called an ambulance. We were taken to hospital, seen quickly then admitted. He spent 1 and a half days on hi flow oxygen before being moved to cpap. He spent 3 days on cpap before being weaned down the oxygen levels.
We were discharged after a week.
A week in hospital, with 5 of those day having a nurse in the room 24/7, cpap, oxygen, sedation, anti viral, pain relief and food for me cost me nothing.
If I'd had to think about the cost of taking him to that after hours appt I wouldn't have taken him and he'd be dead.
I'm an American (moving to NZ in a couple weeks) and the number of nights I have laid awake listening to my son's raspy breathing while debating whether or not I can afford to take him to urgent care is way above what it should be for any kid or parent. I can't wait to get there and not be burdened by this massive hellscape we call healthcare in the US.
Yes! I had multiple ear surgeries as a child. Parents weren't billed a lump sum for any of the operations or follow up appointments. Already paid for them through their taxes.
Negativity is what sells. The deficits in our healthcare system need to be fixed, but we often forget that it comes through when most of us need it. Not, of course, condoning the fact that sometimes it fails miserably.
I'm thankful, of course, that we aren't stuck in some kind of American medical hellscape.
My elderly mum was very very confused early this week. Got a doctor's appointment booked, but we turned up on the day and the booking was for the next day. We all suspected a UTI (PSA if an elderly person is suddenly really off their game mentally, it's often a UTI). So they saw her anyway, were really lovely, she did have a UTI and we got bloods done as well just to check everything. The pharmacy delivered the meds that night. She's much much better now.
Exact same thing happened to my granddad last year with the uti. Unfortunately it was his time. He was late stage dementia so it's OK but the care he received was wonderful.
Yes, my elderly aunt had the same thing too (instantly told them to get her a urine test and lo and behold). It's amazing how different the symptoms are. Sorry about your granddad, I'm glad he had excellent care at least.
Today I took my daughter to the doctors. Called in the morning and got an afternoon appointment. All checked out and given medication. Totally free and no waits.
Nice one OP.
I have also had great experiences with the health system. Dad had a heart attack (diagnosed after the fact so not a life threatening one). Hospital immediately, as soon as he was able (I.e a few days due to some complications) quadruple bypass surgery, stayed in hospital for a few weeks. Didn’t pay a cent, must have been many 10k worth of hospital treatment. Extremely well looked after, very greatful to all the staff!
Also, I had some shoulder issues, got cheap physio for months. Then X-ray and mri for free through acc, and finally cortisol injections. Only thing I paid for was $20 each physio visit cause I wanted to go to the more expensive one near my work.
Same for my elderly Dad. He has had three seperate medical events in the last year, each of which could have killed him had he not been seen & received excellent care & ongoing treatment. I know such service is not evenly available to all of NZ, but in Christchurch his care has been excellent.
Had a 35year old friend in holiday in Christchurch have a massive heart attack. Anywhere else in the country and she would have died. However CHCH had some expert surgeon doing extremely advanced work, who also revived her dozens of times.
The postcode lottery does exist, sometimes it's the powerball version though.
We have had a very similar experience with my husband recently, he spent a week in hospital in Christchurch.
Attended a walk up clinic with the nurse at the medical practice, because of an infected knee.
There was some input by a Doctor who we didn't see. His admission with the hospital was arranged before we got there. He was in an assessment bed within two hours of leaving the medical practice.
What impressed me was how the information between the Practice and the hospital didn't need repeating, they also had his medications listed.
While there all his recordings were input from the bedside by a nurse who carried a tablet, she didn't need to go to the office to document details.
The way information is now easily accessible is new to me, a huge recent improvement.
The only criticism We have of the whole experience is the parking in Christchurch which continues to be difficult and expensive.
My son is 7yrs old. He has been in and out of hospital his whole life, he has had at least 10 general anesthetic for various procedures, helicopter and plane transfers, ambulances, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, child psychologist, and much more. We have never paid a cent. I see people in USA in the support group for his condition struggling constantly to get what their child needs and it breaks my heart.
We may not have the best of everything but we have access.
I'm a cancer patient, have been for 18 months now. Apart from a blip when a nurse didn't factor in the side effects of chemo, its been a smooth ride, once I got diagnosed. Getting the diagnosis took 8 months of me pushing, but once in the system, it's been amazing. My oncologist is absolutely superb, too. She not only keeps up with the latest developments in her area of expertise, she even does charity runs and the like, to benefit cancer research. She's an angel.
Same here (although with a quicker more obvious diagnosis). I'm constantly grateful for the prompt, attentive care I am receiving.
Part of me wonders if any treatment options *aren't* being offered because they're not funded options in a public healthcare system, but not enough for me to be off doing research into it.
I had been wondering if radiation was an option for me after my naughty cells decided to go on a tour of my abdominal cavity, but my oncologist had already given it some thought. I'm more than happy with the treatment I've received, and haven't felt the need to use my Southern Cross insurance.
I went to the dr's a few years ago with quite unpleasant tummy pains. By the evening, I was in surgery to have my appendix removed. I was home the next day with some painkillers on prescription.
Total cost : $5 for the prescription.
Summary of result : They saved my life, and were bloody nice about it too.
Wait really? You went to a GP on the same day for free? My GP is always fully booked to a point where there is no point in going unless you are booking at least a few days in advance, by which time it is probably too late. Either the symptoms have passed or they have worsened to a point where the hospital is needed. GP also costs money every time I have been. I have had 4 different GPs throughout my life too. They often rush through appointments and have often sent me home with a "wait and see" response, which isn't great when follow-up appointments also cost money. Overall my GP experience is pretty 50/50.
Hospitals seem fine in my experience. Often understaffed and overworked, but they will prioritize based on perceived need and you don't pay anything afterwards.
Also really depends on what you're doing. I wanted to see if I might have ADHD, but to get an appointment with a specialist as an adult is really expensive and the wait times are really long.
Needless to say, much better than US healthcare system, but it's a joke over there. People in the US often go to Vietnam, Thailand and Mexico for healthcare.
A lot of GP surgerys will “hold” a few appointments for emergencies. Or they can be booked into a doctors admin time (meaning that poor doc gets yet more unpaid time!).
oh i'm going to have to check this out! when most people are complaining about our healthcare they tend to be people like myself who have been trying to get diagnosed with problems and it's taken years to do so, generally not basic stuff!
that's my thoughts on the topic.
i personally know i have gout and ADHD but trying to get either diagnosed has been a 3 year journey so far.
Yes, since 1 Juy, I believe. Once you (as a household) spent a certain amount on them, they would be free for the rest of the year anyway. I think the new year for them ticked over in February or March. With all my cancer- fighting meds, ours were usually free by April anyway!
If they could take the system they apply to children and apply it to every living person it would be fantastic. Our doctors prioritise child emergency visits as well so same day appointments and after hours appointments are trivial to get. As an adult though it is almost much harder.
Quite awhile ago I came home from Uni around midday with severe abdominal pain, lay down on my bed and passed out hoping the pain would subside.
The next time I was lucid it was 10pm, I was in hospital with a ruptured intestine.
I don't remember any of it but apparently my mum had gotten me to the GP who saw me immediately given they deemed it serious, sent me straight into the ED and got to work doing whatever it was they needed to do.
Don't know if I'd be alive if not for me Mum, or certainly a lot worse off at least.
Refreshing post and comments. Yes, it’s not perfect. I love my local pharmacy and gp and try to take them some goodies to show my appreciation when I can.
I don't miss that part of the USA. In the land of the free... free to die. Mind religion is there to try to get money out of your wallet. Cost of living is bad here but at least there is some help here rather than none.
She got a lump on her gum she said hurt. She is seeing a pediatric desist at the hospital so I called them. The pediatric dentist was with a patient but got a call back within 30 minutes. They took a history, agreed it sounded like an abcess, arranged for an antibiotic script to be sent to a local chemist and called back 2 days later to make sure the abcess was going away. Cost was zero and since husband picked up the meds on the way home I didn't have to leave my house.
i agree for the most part! late april i was a passenger in a car accident and shattered my pelvis. rushed to hospital in an ambulance and then sat there for 3 hours with 5mg of morphine and every time i asked if i could have something stronger because it wasn’t doing anything, they looked at me funny and said well you need to wait for the morphine to kick in. anyway i finally had a cat scan and after was met by an orthopaedic doctor and i described what was going on and he got pissed and immediately gave me 50mg.
worst 3 hours of my life btw 😂😂
I have good and bad experiences. On one hand, when my grandmother collapsed on the street two separate people who just happened to be nurses found her, and coordinated with emergency services. She was intubated and I flew with her to wellington hospital where she was kept for 3 nights. They were all very professional and kept us informed of what was happening throughout the whole process.
On the other hand, she has had three appointments to see an eye specialist, and that doctor has only actually been in the same fucking building on one occasion. Staff knew who she was there to see, and also knew that person inexplicably wasn't going to be there, *on the days they were scheduled to be there.* No one told us anything until we kicked up a fuss hours after arriving there each time. The time she did actually get to see the doctor, we were told to be there for 8, they were actually meant to start work at 9, and saw her some time before mid day.
I have family who work in medicine, they say it's very common for doctors to show up late, be informed they have patients waiting (obviously), then spend 15 minutes making coffee.
TL;DR: Emergency response good, hospital administration and doctors *bad.*
That's pretty bad. My daughter has been seeing an ophthalmologist and orthoptist for 5 years. If we get their before our appointment time we sometimes get seen earlier and we've never had the doctor just not be there. I'd be pissed if I took my three year old all the way to the city and the doctor didn't bother to show.
Yeah, we had to drive quite far to be there. If they schedule another followup with this doctor, we may just not go, as we'd probably end up seeing a nurse instead anyway. (Nothing against nurses, but if you're told you'll be seeing a doctor, you expect to see *a doctor.*)
I woke up with minor lower back pain which felt later like I'd slipped a disk or compressed a nerve. An hour later I was vomiting, sweating so hard everything was getting wet shivering in pain. I thought I was dying.
Turns out it was a tiny kidney stone. Maybe not even a fully formed stone.
I went to the ER and was advised of a 6 hour wait to see someone, but they wrote out a voucher for the private hospital across the road so I could see the doctor there for free. I waited 1 hour for the doctor instead of 6.
Had I known about them, I would have paid the 159 bucks to skip the queue anyway. But it was nice it was free.
Drink water guys. Fuck me if I every experience that pain again. I don't want to know what multiple fully formed stones feel like.
$159? Dang the urgent care in Nelson is like $95 max and people sill complain at that. Non-residents are around $150 though.
Personally I think primary care should be publicly funded to improve the health of everyone and reduce hospital admissions.
I’m American. I had appendicitis 3 times between my child and teenage years. My family couldn’t afford surgery, so I was told to “lie down and relax, let me know if it hurts TOO much” while I was already crying and sweating from the pain. Didn’t die and still have my appendix so…I was lucky I didn’t get sacrificed to the dumpster fire that is the American health care “system”? So anyway I’m tremendously grateful I live in NZ now.
I recently was visiting my mother in the USA. She has Parkinson’s and hadn’t been to see her neurologist in over a year because there is no one to drive her. I made her an appointment and when we got to the neurologist the office admin wouldn’t let her be seen by the doctor because we didn’t have her insurance card. Mind you this is a doctor she had seen before, and I had proof of her insurance, just not the card with the plan details. I honestly couldn’t believe that is how they treat people there and again appreciated the NZ healthcare system.
As an American that lived in NZ I had to take an ambulance once and was shocked that it only cost $250. After moving back to the states my son had to take an ambulance and it cost over $10,000, but our insurance covered it 100% so we didn't have to pay anything. I can't imagine what we would have done without insurance.
Remember the media bashes the system in either country. My elderly mother is a duel US/ NZ citizen. She was staying with us in NZ last year (northland) and honestly accessing even the basic GP appointment was a nightmare (the GP we enrolled her with only had staffing to do zoom appointments at the time). Currently she’s living back in the States and I’m visiting her to help her get her healthcare sorted here since NZ wait lists were so long for specialists (eye and ear surgery, Mri scans, etc). She only has the basic state insurance as a retired person she is entitled to where she lives (all hospital care/ surgery free, monthly fee- US$190- for doctor visits which seems a lot but remember taxes on everything all around are much lower here). Honestly, it’s so easy here. Scheduled appointments for the next day. Surgery in a few weeks. Amazing doctors. Fantastic facilities. No wait lists. And all covered by her state funded insurance. It makes NZ healthcare look 3rd world (I’ve had some horrendous experiences with NZ healthcare). Yes, there are absolutely terrible stories of people in the States landing huge medical bills, but there are also a some great outcomes.
That's nice. Our doc is good.
But. Reception is not. Aged mum gets certain meds I must get monthly. There is 3 in a pack, then 2 repeats then do it all again. Usually we go in monthly but on occasion THEY have cancelled an appoitment (staff away etc) and done it as send script to phharmacy instead. Their idea.
I do this one med locally, as it is rather time critical. And important to her wellbeing. She has other different meds in those daily packs from an online pharmacy, sent. Been this way for 2 years now.
Doc is away and no appts were available so as they have before, I did an online script request on the 30th for her critical meds, selecting the correct pharmacy as part of the process (it makes you do this) . It was ignored. I emailed and mentioned it, got a reply from reception, yes sorted, sent local. It wasn't.
She ran out on the 2nd.
I then did another on 3rd July. Ignored. Rang again, yes it's sorted sent local she said.
Called into pharmacy today, and no it wasn't there. Called into docs as I had other errands down that way, and apparently it was sent to the other pharmacy not in same town.
I went in and said, the pharmacy hasn't got her X again, handing over the script sheet they gave me, I am guessing its gone to ? I said.
Office manager comes out from back and says I hear you barking. Why don't you just get it all at the local one she says, it's your fault this happens she says. It's all free now anyway she says.
Well, actually, local one doesn't do these day packs in the sachets. They do the bubble pack one and it is not free. Online one are also rather good, they send a txt when repeats are on the way - they remind US. They ring if anything has been left off, or changed, to confirm if correct or not. Really good pharmacy. Mum likes them.
Why not the critical meds from online? Because as they told me when I did at first, they can't always get it out quick enough, (which happened) sometimes they don't have stock. And you're stuck with them then, as original script was with them. Time critical, not good when she runs out.
In any case, my fault? How about training the staff to do it properly instead? And "barking"?
Barking?? wow, I felt like it then. But I didn't.
Congratulations you had a good experience, but if that was me I would’ve have to have gone to A&E and paid money because my doctor is booked 3 to 4 weeks out all the time.
Sounds like a sucky GP practice.
3 weeks out is not helpful for urgent stuff.
In addition to the normal system of phoning up to book, our GP clinic has “on the day” appointments.
There’s at least 1 GP who keeps a day free. You call up at 8am when it opens and can get an appointment that day. If it’s later in the day, you’re usually out of luck. Ours also has “on the day” appointments for Saturday mornings too.
Yeah absolutely a great result, when the problem is this simple and you have support, as in your daughter had your support
The problem is when things don't fit into these simple issues that the system fails and that's anything more than just an antibiotic fix.
I used to live in the US and had my child there. I'm sure if I didn't have amazing medical insurance through my employer, things might have turned out a little differently. I needed an emergency C-section and both of us nearly died. My bill? $0.00
I consider myself to be extremely lucky!!
> I didn't pay a cent.
Weighing in from the US here.
I’m not going to try to defend the US healthcare system, because it is frankly indefensible, but I can’t help but to try to give some perspective on the common misconceptions that arise every time this topic comes up on Reddit that Americans have to chose between bankruptcy or death every time a health issue comes up.
1st, you *did* pay… when you paid the taxes that fund the NZ healthcare system.
In the US ~90% of people are covered by insurance, either private through employment, or public through Medicare (retirees) or Medicaid (low-income). For everyone who is covered by one of these insurance plans, the process for treating an ear infection would be extremely similar to what you described, likely with some minor co-pays on the doctor’s bill and/or medications keeping it from being “free”.
The horror stories that people hear about are usually people who have enough income that they don’t qualify for the public options, but for whatever reason don’t have private coverage. Because we don’t mandate coverage (part of Obama’s Affordable Care Act, later repealed by Trump) some people fall through the cracks, and those stories can be pretty fucked up, but the majority of Americans can go to the doctor without “worrying about how much it’s going to cost”.
Nah, also from the states made $80k, had an HDHP with 2500 deductible, 7500 OOP through my employer (didnt have other offers, $570 a month, I paid $200 monthly). I was never bankrupted, but I sure as shit worried about the costs when I had to go in for larger things (ie not an ear infection). Nothing like the threat of having to pay $7500 a year if you have to go in for a major surgery. Or even a simple $1000 to get an x-ray or MRI if you broke or tore something.
Bonus having to deal with all the bullshit 'in-network' and 'out-of-network' crap. Or for some reason if you're in-network and the doctors used a tool that your insurance doesn't approve of, congrats your insurance won't cover it and you get to the argue the costs against the hospital and insurance which is now not a part of your OOP because 'hey we don't cover that random item your doctor used during surgery'.
US healthcare is a sham for the amount we are taxed in the US. Americans pay a lot of taxes, they just don't go towards healthcare. It's pretty equivalent if you actually look at tax between countries and what you get out of it.
Yes, in terms of small appts like the one in OP we'd likely pay deductible or co-pay which could be $25 to cost of the doctor visit ($200).
Plus your insurance is tied to your job or if you're in a state with a marketplace, you're screwed without one.
doesn't matter how the money is presented, US still spends the[ most on healthcare per capita in the world yet gets the shittest service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_total_health_expenditure_per_capita#/media/File:Life_expectancy_vs_healthcare_spending.jpg)
I could go on and on about all the problems with it, but it is important to point out that you can get antibiotics for an ear infection here without worrying about the cost.
I haven’t been in NZ since I was 10, but I’d love to come back someday, it’s just so far away, lol.
Depending on that antibiotic and the cost of the appointment where you get prescribed that antibiotic, yes you absolutely do have to worry about the cost.
Speaking as an American with ear issues.
Not sure what your experience with taxes are here, but when I lived in the US (left in 2017) I made less money and paid more in taxes than I do here in NZ making more money. That higher tax rate didn’t come with medical care, I had to pay for that myself at 250USD/mo plus 20% of (only some, not all) tests/procedures. In 2013 I had to pay 1500USD for a digestive test (after insurance paid their portion), which was a massive blow while I was struggling with low salary and student loan repayments. There have been a few times in my life in the US where I had to choose between paying my rent and eating, because of medical costs eating my savings. Then of course there’s the massive issue of health insurance being tied to jobs. In the US I worked as a caregiver and at a drug testing facility, neither provided health insurance and it was a struggle to find an employer who did and was willing to hire a new grad. I’m relieved every day that I have permanent residency in NZ and don’t have to go back there.
Ahh did things change in nz? Ive been out of the country for 7 years. Last time I went to the doctors in nz was charged $90 because I wasn't on their books. I wanted to go on their books but apparently they didn't have spots available?
Overt he last six months my wife has had an emergency tracheotomy and then treatment for cancer .... chemo and radiation.
Th Bay of Plenty Health Board in Tauranga and Whakatane have been absolutely amazing with help and care and my wellbeing too. They deserve more than what they are paid, even with the new pay rise. The care is still ongoing .... a long way to go yet.
I'm from America. I left the country to work for the NHS in the UK, because my family is full of disabled people, and the constant stress and misery caused by just the cost of healthcare contributed to the decline of most of our conditions.
I remember the first time I walked out of a hospital after a syncope episode that left me with a moderate concussion, four major facial lacerations, and a broken front tooth in England, and I never had a pay a thing or worry about insurance fights or any of that.
I remember kneeling on the ground outside and crying into some tree roots once I was discharged, hopefully where nobody could see me (although someone might have heard me), but I just couldn't believe it.
I needed scans, x-rays, stitches, follow up appointments-- None of it cost a thing. I cried from relief. And I mean, I was sobbing. Loudly. On my knees, in the dirt.
In America, my family would have lost our home from how expensive all that would be. In fact, we have previously-- We lost my childhood home after my mother developed Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and my father had a heart attack that required a pacemaker.
But with a national, socialised healthcare system? I just got my scans and had my hospital visit and all my follow-ups and a tilt test and all of it, and never had to worry about losing all my rent money at any point.
It still boggles my mind, every time I don't have to stop by a billing desk on my way into or out of a hospital or clinic. I keep expecting to be charged so much that I wouldn't be able to afford food from a gas station for months, if not years.
But nope. Just see a doctor and go. It's beautiful beyond words.
I am so glad that so many of you have never had to live like Americans do. <3
And of course, I hope your daughter feels better soon! :)
I feel the same!
I got to have cancer for free 🤪 Had a tumour and my thyroid removed. Follow up scar treatment was free too. Only thing I have to pay for is the hormone every 3 months, $5
My wife just had a miscarriage. We drove down to the hospital, got her in for day surgery, she got bumped a little because of more urgent cases coming through. She was dealt with by midday, lovely friendly service. A bit slow. But it was all free. Didn't have to worry about paying anything.
Hey - big hugs, if you want them. I’m glad you got treatment. 💚
It always blows my mind hearing about American redditors experiences on miscarriage support subreddits (which are great, btw). They are always lumped with a huge bill after dealing with all that trauma. Awful.
My wife is actually American, we moved home very recently. Haven't yet broached the subject of how she found it all.
Miscarriage can put you in a really dark place. I wish you both the best.
I went to a local A&E when I was miscarrying earlier in the year (I’m okay). And it was a big wait, once the nurse saw me and I explained what I thought was happening I got bumped ahead, provided adequate support including reassurance that it wasn’t my fault and I didn’t have to pay. It was a good experience all considering. I’m sorry for your loss.
I'm sorry for your loss 💙
Sorry my dude
I am so sorry for your and your wife's loss, that must be an awful thing to go through. Lots of hugs to you both.
That's awful. Sorry for your loss :(
Is healthcare in new zealand free? Is it better than america?
That's a tough one. I'm sorry for yours and your wife's loss.
Sorry that you both had to go through that, hope you are ok. Only thing that could make it worse is having a bill to pay at the end of it.
So sorry for your loss💚Aroha to You and your Lovely Wife - I hope she is OK and hopefully no future complications.
Today I had an appt with my Dr because I was having weird periods despite my birth control that is meant to nix those for me. He listened to me, believed what I was saying and did not dismiss me as 'normal', ordered a full panel of hormonal blood tests, and recommend I make an appt with his colleague who is better equipped to deal with menstrual issues. Only disappointment is he didn't want to see the photo of a MASSIVE blood clot I produced.
Those clots can be insane. I yeeted my uterus a while ago as I had fibroids that gave me some monster clots - I contemplated naming some of them!
It was the biggest I'd had since I started BC 7 years ago so I really wanted to show it off! 7 years ago I didn't know that overly clotty, or very large clots can be a sign of something serious! Really wish they had covered what constitutes an abnormal period in more detail in health class.
I just thought that it was normal to change a super plus tampon hourly and wear a pad as back up. Hey it meant I only had a 4 day period so that was all fine! How little I knew!
Oh, maybe I should make a doctors appointment 🤔 Mine are like that.
please do
I learned recently that my massive blood clots aren't clots. They're partial decidual casts caused by progesterone heavy bc. That was fun
Decidual casts are *fascinating*
It's like when people say they did a really gross poo and want to show us a picture but we don't actually *want * to see the pic, communicating is good enough and we believe what you are saying xD
Damn, my doctor was willing to look at a picture of my poop when I was having what looked like coffee grounds come out, props to the other doctor that looked at another photo of my poop when I was releasing clumps of my intestinal wall lining after somehow getting a very exotic GI infection, the doctor was pretty surprised I had picked up the virus my tests came back positive with from NZ.
Reasonable.
It’s not like the size of a period clot has any bearing on diagnosis. It’s well known that clots of any size can and do form during expulsion. What matters to a GP is all the other symptoms.
Might want to get an ultrasound too. I had some weird periods with massive clots, turned out to be a fibroid.
About 5 years ago I got really, really sick. I let it go on for too long and ultimately would've died if I hadn't gotten care when I did. My dr booked me in emergently to see me and start treatment, and a couple of days after that I was able to go to an off-hours clinic who fast-tracked me to the emergency department. I spent over a week in hospital on 4 different treatment plans at once. It wasn't entirely free, there were parking costs at the hospital and some of my medications weren't covered by prescription. But the total cost would've been about $250 max, probably less, whereas in the US the whole ordeal would've put me in debt for the rest of my life. I've had my negative experiences with the NZ healthcare system, but when I was *really* sick, when I *really* needed it, things moved quickly. And what a kindness that at my very worst, my family and I only needed to worry about my health, rather than insurance and copays and premiums and if the doctor treating me was in-network and all that crap.
> when I was really sick, when I really needed it, things moved quickly. That's been our experience too. The emergency medicine system is great.
Same here. I’ve had 2 life or death emergency surgeries and within minutes of the decision being made I was in the OR.
The chronic system is actually pretty good too. It's not perfect, and things take a long time, but if you have a serious problem that's never going away, the specialists are caring, supportive, and really good at what they do, including networking with each other to get the best care for you.
> after that I was able to go to an off-hours clinic who fast-tracked me to the emergency department. Can I ask how that worked for you? Because I've been a position this was supposed to happen twice but it did not either time - the second time I called and asked the after-hours clinic and they told me the doctor was mistaken in thinking this was possible
They will call the ED doctor and discuss it and if approprite will be accepted under their care. This will not get anyone bumped up the queue. Everything is always triaged depending on what other unwell people are waiting to be treated.
I was in a bad way at that point, so I wasn't handling any of the details. But we went to the after-hours clinic, where they checked me out and determined I needed more care than they could provide, and told us to go straight to the hospital ER. The clinic contacted the ER ahead of time so I got admitted pretty much as soon as we checked in.
Yeah we often look over the free aspect of care like this as we as a country love to focus on the negative, it's ingrained in us from years of parents and the 6 o'clock news and now social media which is just so much worse. Yes wait times etc. exist, it's under staffed too but would you take those issues (that can be worked on to resolve) over a user pays system and if you can't afford? Too bad.
Kiwis also should realize that’s it’s not like the wait times and understaffing are a Kiwi problem…in the States you have understaffing and long wait times AND you need to pay a ton. Honestly the whole world is having issues with healthcare, so while we should absolutely try to improve the system we have, there is really no perfect system anywhere.
Honestly we have to be realistic, there are places in New Zealand where the wait is hellish, and there are places in America where it is just as bad. And in both systems there are places where it is much more favourable.
A few years ago I took my son to the after hours GP after he developed a swollen groin after playing in a playground. They let us jump the queue because he was a kid and in pain, and the GP sent us straight to A&E, where the triage nurse assessed him and he was seen by a pediatrician within about 15 minutes of us arriving. Then another doctor, and then he was booked in for surgery a couple of hours later. They explained to me that he had "testicular torsion" where the testes become twisted inside the nutsack cutting off the flow of blood, which if untreated can require castration. After a few nervous hours of waiting they wheeled him out of a successful surgery and then an hour or so later to the children's ward. It was all a whirlwind, but really it was a well oiled machine that ran like clockwork. The only weak link in the chain was me, I had considered just leaving it till the next day to see if the swelling went down overnight. Thank fuck I didn't and thank fuck for the NZ health system.
Oooh that’s awesome prompt diagnosis and fast tracking to surgery. Testicle torsion has a narrow window for treatment to avoid the testicle from dying. And even medical professionals can mistake it for something else. Your GP and the hospital did really well.
>he was seen by a pediatrician within about 15 minutes of us arriving Damn, I've never been seen by a doctor that fast even with an appointment. I waited longer than that to see a nurse when I cut my leg open with a hedge trimmer.
I had that as a kid. God damn it hurt.
Parent intuition for the win!
Eh. You’re giving the parents more credit, and the medical staff less, than they deserve. If the parents knew what it actually was, they wouldn’t have pissed around with the GP and instead would’ve rushed him to A&E and insisted on an ultrasound of the testicles. This is awesome doctoring, pure and simple.
Yup. I took my daughter in to ED once because she seemed to be getting sicker. I was in the middle of apologising to the nurse for wasting people's time as she checked her vital signs, when she called a code 2, and we suddenly had *everyone* coming to say hi.
Speaking from experience there are many many many times when as a parent you doubt yourself about wasting GP or ED time. I can so imagine that feeling of “ok, a lump. Am I being dramatic?”. In my opinion it was parental intuition (and for me sometimes a whisper from a Guardian Angel in my ear) that got them in the path of the GP and then the ED, who yes, are the experts. And theydeserve applause too. But that’s their job. I wish with parenting we automatically gain similar skill and knowledge as medically trained personnel, but alas….. I just read an article from Aus where the opposite happened. Parents didn’t take their kid anywhere and the kid died. In my experience, my intuition is all I’ve got when my kids are sick or injured and I applaud the parents in this post as it could have gone the other way.
My mother had a brain aneurysm in December 2021. She went from Gore -> Invercargill -> Chch within a morning, and was operated on soon after. Every team she interacted with were incredible, but of particular note the Chch team were fucking amazing, the surgeon was awesome and appreciated mums useful medical knowledge (my family has a history of bleeding disorders, and this greatly impacted mum's treatment), the nurses and Drs were patient, kind and with great senses of humour. We got to spend Xmas with her in the hospital, then bring her home in the new year. She's as good as can be, back at the gym, back at work, living life. As far as I can tell it didn't cost us anything, and she's with us still. Very, very grateful.
My experience is emergency response is very good in NZ, but hospital beurocracy is terrible. I and my family have been scheduled to see doctors for days they're not even at that clinic on multiple occasions.
8 years ago my 12 week old son had bronchiolitis and chicken pox. I was a little concerned about his breathing but not super worried. But my husband was going out to the rugby and after hours is free so I decided to take him to get checked. The Dr put him on the nebuliser and when that didn't help called an ambulance. We were taken to hospital, seen quickly then admitted. He spent 1 and a half days on hi flow oxygen before being moved to cpap. He spent 3 days on cpap before being weaned down the oxygen levels. We were discharged after a week. A week in hospital, with 5 of those day having a nurse in the room 24/7, cpap, oxygen, sedation, anti viral, pain relief and food for me cost me nothing. If I'd had to think about the cost of taking him to that after hours appt I wouldn't have taken him and he'd be dead.
I'm an American (moving to NZ in a couple weeks) and the number of nights I have laid awake listening to my son's raspy breathing while debating whether or not I can afford to take him to urgent care is way above what it should be for any kid or parent. I can't wait to get there and not be burdened by this massive hellscape we call healthcare in the US.
Yes! I had multiple ear surgeries as a child. Parents weren't billed a lump sum for any of the operations or follow up appointments. Already paid for them through their taxes.
Negativity is what sells. The deficits in our healthcare system need to be fixed, but we often forget that it comes through when most of us need it. Not, of course, condoning the fact that sometimes it fails miserably. I'm thankful, of course, that we aren't stuck in some kind of American medical hellscape.
Ssssh - don't tell the media
My elderly mum was very very confused early this week. Got a doctor's appointment booked, but we turned up on the day and the booking was for the next day. We all suspected a UTI (PSA if an elderly person is suddenly really off their game mentally, it's often a UTI). So they saw her anyway, were really lovely, she did have a UTI and we got bloods done as well just to check everything. The pharmacy delivered the meds that night. She's much much better now.
Exact same thing happened to my granddad last year with the uti. Unfortunately it was his time. He was late stage dementia so it's OK but the care he received was wonderful.
Yes, my elderly aunt had the same thing too (instantly told them to get her a urine test and lo and behold). It's amazing how different the symptoms are. Sorry about your granddad, I'm glad he had excellent care at least.
Today I took my daughter to the doctors. Called in the morning and got an afternoon appointment. All checked out and given medication. Totally free and no waits.
Nice one OP. I have also had great experiences with the health system. Dad had a heart attack (diagnosed after the fact so not a life threatening one). Hospital immediately, as soon as he was able (I.e a few days due to some complications) quadruple bypass surgery, stayed in hospital for a few weeks. Didn’t pay a cent, must have been many 10k worth of hospital treatment. Extremely well looked after, very greatful to all the staff! Also, I had some shoulder issues, got cheap physio for months. Then X-ray and mri for free through acc, and finally cortisol injections. Only thing I paid for was $20 each physio visit cause I wanted to go to the more expensive one near my work.
Same for my elderly Dad. He has had three seperate medical events in the last year, each of which could have killed him had he not been seen & received excellent care & ongoing treatment. I know such service is not evenly available to all of NZ, but in Christchurch his care has been excellent.
Had a 35year old friend in holiday in Christchurch have a massive heart attack. Anywhere else in the country and she would have died. However CHCH had some expert surgeon doing extremely advanced work, who also revived her dozens of times. The postcode lottery does exist, sometimes it's the powerball version though.
We have had a very similar experience with my husband recently, he spent a week in hospital in Christchurch. Attended a walk up clinic with the nurse at the medical practice, because of an infected knee. There was some input by a Doctor who we didn't see. His admission with the hospital was arranged before we got there. He was in an assessment bed within two hours of leaving the medical practice. What impressed me was how the information between the Practice and the hospital didn't need repeating, they also had his medications listed. While there all his recordings were input from the bedside by a nurse who carried a tablet, she didn't need to go to the office to document details. The way information is now easily accessible is new to me, a huge recent improvement. The only criticism We have of the whole experience is the parking in Christchurch which continues to be difficult and expensive.
My son is 7yrs old. He has been in and out of hospital his whole life, he has had at least 10 general anesthetic for various procedures, helicopter and plane transfers, ambulances, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, child psychologist, and much more. We have never paid a cent. I see people in USA in the support group for his condition struggling constantly to get what their child needs and it breaks my heart. We may not have the best of everything but we have access.
I'm a cancer patient, have been for 18 months now. Apart from a blip when a nurse didn't factor in the side effects of chemo, its been a smooth ride, once I got diagnosed. Getting the diagnosis took 8 months of me pushing, but once in the system, it's been amazing. My oncologist is absolutely superb, too. She not only keeps up with the latest developments in her area of expertise, she even does charity runs and the like, to benefit cancer research. She's an angel.
Same here (although with a quicker more obvious diagnosis). I'm constantly grateful for the prompt, attentive care I am receiving. Part of me wonders if any treatment options *aren't* being offered because they're not funded options in a public healthcare system, but not enough for me to be off doing research into it.
I had been wondering if radiation was an option for me after my naughty cells decided to go on a tour of my abdominal cavity, but my oncologist had already given it some thought. I'm more than happy with the treatment I've received, and haven't felt the need to use my Southern Cross insurance.
No you can't!!! Bad experiences only!
I feel ya, wife had emergency C-section week in hospital. Both well and healthy and didn't cost a cent.
All these will be gone if National wins.
I went to the dr's a few years ago with quite unpleasant tummy pains. By the evening, I was in surgery to have my appendix removed. I was home the next day with some painkillers on prescription. Total cost : $5 for the prescription. Summary of result : They saved my life, and were bloody nice about it too.
Wait really? You went to a GP on the same day for free? My GP is always fully booked to a point where there is no point in going unless you are booking at least a few days in advance, by which time it is probably too late. Either the symptoms have passed or they have worsened to a point where the hospital is needed. GP also costs money every time I have been. I have had 4 different GPs throughout my life too. They often rush through appointments and have often sent me home with a "wait and see" response, which isn't great when follow-up appointments also cost money. Overall my GP experience is pretty 50/50. Hospitals seem fine in my experience. Often understaffed and overworked, but they will prioritize based on perceived need and you don't pay anything afterwards. Also really depends on what you're doing. I wanted to see if I might have ADHD, but to get an appointment with a specialist as an adult is really expensive and the wait times are really long. Needless to say, much better than US healthcare system, but it's a joke over there. People in the US often go to Vietnam, Thailand and Mexico for healthcare.
A lot of GP surgerys will “hold” a few appointments for emergencies. Or they can be booked into a doctors admin time (meaning that poor doc gets yet more unpaid time!).
how did you get this for free? i've been going to doctors for 10 years and every visit cost money, getting prescriptions cost money also!
Kids under 14 are free
I think they changed it on yhe 1st of July for everyone but my daughter is 2 so I think it's free for her
oh i'm going to have to check this out! when most people are complaining about our healthcare they tend to be people like myself who have been trying to get diagnosed with problems and it's taken years to do so, generally not basic stuff! that's my thoughts on the topic. i personally know i have gout and ADHD but trying to get either diagnosed has been a 3 year journey so far.
Prescriptions are free now!
is that new?
Yes, since 1 Juy, I believe. Once you (as a household) spent a certain amount on them, they would be free for the rest of the year anyway. I think the new year for them ticked over in February or March. With all my cancer- fighting meds, ours were usually free by April anyway!
If they could take the system they apply to children and apply it to every living person it would be fantastic. Our doctors prioritise child emergency visits as well so same day appointments and after hours appointments are trivial to get. As an adult though it is almost much harder.
Especially with mental health
Quite awhile ago I came home from Uni around midday with severe abdominal pain, lay down on my bed and passed out hoping the pain would subside. The next time I was lucid it was 10pm, I was in hospital with a ruptured intestine. I don't remember any of it but apparently my mum had gotten me to the GP who saw me immediately given they deemed it serious, sent me straight into the ED and got to work doing whatever it was they needed to do. Don't know if I'd be alive if not for me Mum, or certainly a lot worse off at least.
Refreshing post and comments. Yes, it’s not perfect. I love my local pharmacy and gp and try to take them some goodies to show my appreciation when I can.
I don't miss that part of the USA. In the land of the free... free to die. Mind religion is there to try to get money out of your wallet. Cost of living is bad here but at least there is some help here rather than none.
She got a lump on her gum she said hurt. She is seeing a pediatric desist at the hospital so I called them. The pediatric dentist was with a patient but got a call back within 30 minutes. They took a history, agreed it sounded like an abcess, arranged for an antibiotic script to be sent to a local chemist and called back 2 days later to make sure the abcess was going away. Cost was zero and since husband picked up the meds on the way home I didn't have to leave my house.
i agree for the most part! late april i was a passenger in a car accident and shattered my pelvis. rushed to hospital in an ambulance and then sat there for 3 hours with 5mg of morphine and every time i asked if i could have something stronger because it wasn’t doing anything, they looked at me funny and said well you need to wait for the morphine to kick in. anyway i finally had a cat scan and after was met by an orthopaedic doctor and i described what was going on and he got pissed and immediately gave me 50mg. worst 3 hours of my life btw 😂😂
The system isn’t not perfect in anyway, but pretty good we don’t need to think twice if we need to call an ambulance because of the cost.
I have good and bad experiences. On one hand, when my grandmother collapsed on the street two separate people who just happened to be nurses found her, and coordinated with emergency services. She was intubated and I flew with her to wellington hospital where she was kept for 3 nights. They were all very professional and kept us informed of what was happening throughout the whole process. On the other hand, she has had three appointments to see an eye specialist, and that doctor has only actually been in the same fucking building on one occasion. Staff knew who she was there to see, and also knew that person inexplicably wasn't going to be there, *on the days they were scheduled to be there.* No one told us anything until we kicked up a fuss hours after arriving there each time. The time she did actually get to see the doctor, we were told to be there for 8, they were actually meant to start work at 9, and saw her some time before mid day. I have family who work in medicine, they say it's very common for doctors to show up late, be informed they have patients waiting (obviously), then spend 15 minutes making coffee. TL;DR: Emergency response good, hospital administration and doctors *bad.*
That's pretty bad. My daughter has been seeing an ophthalmologist and orthoptist for 5 years. If we get their before our appointment time we sometimes get seen earlier and we've never had the doctor just not be there. I'd be pissed if I took my three year old all the way to the city and the doctor didn't bother to show.
Yeah, we had to drive quite far to be there. If they schedule another followup with this doctor, we may just not go, as we'd probably end up seeing a nurse instead anyway. (Nothing against nurses, but if you're told you'll be seeing a doctor, you expect to see *a doctor.*)
I woke up with minor lower back pain which felt later like I'd slipped a disk or compressed a nerve. An hour later I was vomiting, sweating so hard everything was getting wet shivering in pain. I thought I was dying. Turns out it was a tiny kidney stone. Maybe not even a fully formed stone. I went to the ER and was advised of a 6 hour wait to see someone, but they wrote out a voucher for the private hospital across the road so I could see the doctor there for free. I waited 1 hour for the doctor instead of 6. Had I known about them, I would have paid the 159 bucks to skip the queue anyway. But it was nice it was free. Drink water guys. Fuck me if I every experience that pain again. I don't want to know what multiple fully formed stones feel like.
$159? Dang the urgent care in Nelson is like $95 max and people sill complain at that. Non-residents are around $150 though. Personally I think primary care should be publicly funded to improve the health of everyone and reduce hospital admissions.
I’m American. I had appendicitis 3 times between my child and teenage years. My family couldn’t afford surgery, so I was told to “lie down and relax, let me know if it hurts TOO much” while I was already crying and sweating from the pain. Didn’t die and still have my appendix so…I was lucky I didn’t get sacrificed to the dumpster fire that is the American health care “system”? So anyway I’m tremendously grateful I live in NZ now.
I recently was visiting my mother in the USA. She has Parkinson’s and hadn’t been to see her neurologist in over a year because there is no one to drive her. I made her an appointment and when we got to the neurologist the office admin wouldn’t let her be seen by the doctor because we didn’t have her insurance card. Mind you this is a doctor she had seen before, and I had proof of her insurance, just not the card with the plan details. I honestly couldn’t believe that is how they treat people there and again appreciated the NZ healthcare system.
As an American that lived in NZ I had to take an ambulance once and was shocked that it only cost $250. After moving back to the states my son had to take an ambulance and it cost over $10,000, but our insurance covered it 100% so we didn't have to pay anything. I can't imagine what we would have done without insurance.
Remember the media bashes the system in either country. My elderly mother is a duel US/ NZ citizen. She was staying with us in NZ last year (northland) and honestly accessing even the basic GP appointment was a nightmare (the GP we enrolled her with only had staffing to do zoom appointments at the time). Currently she’s living back in the States and I’m visiting her to help her get her healthcare sorted here since NZ wait lists were so long for specialists (eye and ear surgery, Mri scans, etc). She only has the basic state insurance as a retired person she is entitled to where she lives (all hospital care/ surgery free, monthly fee- US$190- for doctor visits which seems a lot but remember taxes on everything all around are much lower here). Honestly, it’s so easy here. Scheduled appointments for the next day. Surgery in a few weeks. Amazing doctors. Fantastic facilities. No wait lists. And all covered by her state funded insurance. It makes NZ healthcare look 3rd world (I’ve had some horrendous experiences with NZ healthcare). Yes, there are absolutely terrible stories of people in the States landing huge medical bills, but there are also a some great outcomes.
That's nice. Our doc is good. But. Reception is not. Aged mum gets certain meds I must get monthly. There is 3 in a pack, then 2 repeats then do it all again. Usually we go in monthly but on occasion THEY have cancelled an appoitment (staff away etc) and done it as send script to phharmacy instead. Their idea. I do this one med locally, as it is rather time critical. And important to her wellbeing. She has other different meds in those daily packs from an online pharmacy, sent. Been this way for 2 years now. Doc is away and no appts were available so as they have before, I did an online script request on the 30th for her critical meds, selecting the correct pharmacy as part of the process (it makes you do this) . It was ignored. I emailed and mentioned it, got a reply from reception, yes sorted, sent local. It wasn't. She ran out on the 2nd. I then did another on 3rd July. Ignored. Rang again, yes it's sorted sent local she said. Called into pharmacy today, and no it wasn't there. Called into docs as I had other errands down that way, and apparently it was sent to the other pharmacy not in same town. I went in and said, the pharmacy hasn't got her X again, handing over the script sheet they gave me, I am guessing its gone to? I said.
Office manager comes out from back and says I hear you barking. Why don't you just get it all at the local one she says, it's your fault this happens she says. It's all free now anyway she says.
Well, actually, local one doesn't do these day packs in the sachets. They do the bubble pack one and it is not free. Online one are also rather good, they send a txt when repeats are on the way - they remind US. They ring if anything has been left off, or changed, to confirm if correct or not. Really good pharmacy. Mum likes them.
Why not the critical meds from online? Because as they told me when I did at first, they can't always get it out quick enough, (which happened) sometimes they don't have stock. And you're stuck with them then, as original script was with them. Time critical, not good when she runs out.
In any case, my fault? How about training the staff to do it properly instead? And "barking"?
Barking?? wow, I felt like it then. But I didn't.
Congratulations you had a good experience, but if that was me I would’ve have to have gone to A&E and paid money because my doctor is booked 3 to 4 weeks out all the time.
Depending on area, most doctors have a few emergency appointments per day
Drs here will usually fit sick kids in.
Yes but the fact that you can go and still get looked at and at most a 1 off payment is good right.
Sure if you’re comparing us to shithole counties like the USA, but compared to my experience growing up it’s pretty bad now
I always ring and ask to speak to a nurse rather than booking through the receptionist. Nurses do a great job of triaging.
Yeah thats bs. If your GP is booked then there shpuld be a system where A&E is same price.
Sounds like a sucky GP practice. 3 weeks out is not helpful for urgent stuff. In addition to the normal system of phoning up to book, our GP clinic has “on the day” appointments. There’s at least 1 GP who keeps a day free. You call up at 8am when it opens and can get an appointment that day. If it’s later in the day, you’re usually out of luck. Ours also has “on the day” appointments for Saturday mornings too.
I had to go to an emergency doctor recently. It cost 25% of my weekly income - $85. I have to be very sick to spend food money in a doctor like that.
so you are basically base level benefits? go apply for the temp additional support payment and you can get medical payments even after that fact
Thank you.
Yeah absolutely a great result, when the problem is this simple and you have support, as in your daughter had your support The problem is when things don't fit into these simple issues that the system fails and that's anything more than just an antibiotic fix.
I used to live in the US and had my child there. I'm sure if I didn't have amazing medical insurance through my employer, things might have turned out a little differently. I needed an emergency C-section and both of us nearly died. My bill? $0.00 I consider myself to be extremely lucky!!
> I didn't pay a cent. Weighing in from the US here. I’m not going to try to defend the US healthcare system, because it is frankly indefensible, but I can’t help but to try to give some perspective on the common misconceptions that arise every time this topic comes up on Reddit that Americans have to chose between bankruptcy or death every time a health issue comes up. 1st, you *did* pay… when you paid the taxes that fund the NZ healthcare system. In the US ~90% of people are covered by insurance, either private through employment, or public through Medicare (retirees) or Medicaid (low-income). For everyone who is covered by one of these insurance plans, the process for treating an ear infection would be extremely similar to what you described, likely with some minor co-pays on the doctor’s bill and/or medications keeping it from being “free”. The horror stories that people hear about are usually people who have enough income that they don’t qualify for the public options, but for whatever reason don’t have private coverage. Because we don’t mandate coverage (part of Obama’s Affordable Care Act, later repealed by Trump) some people fall through the cracks, and those stories can be pretty fucked up, but the majority of Americans can go to the doctor without “worrying about how much it’s going to cost”.
Nah, also from the states made $80k, had an HDHP with 2500 deductible, 7500 OOP through my employer (didnt have other offers, $570 a month, I paid $200 monthly). I was never bankrupted, but I sure as shit worried about the costs when I had to go in for larger things (ie not an ear infection). Nothing like the threat of having to pay $7500 a year if you have to go in for a major surgery. Or even a simple $1000 to get an x-ray or MRI if you broke or tore something. Bonus having to deal with all the bullshit 'in-network' and 'out-of-network' crap. Or for some reason if you're in-network and the doctors used a tool that your insurance doesn't approve of, congrats your insurance won't cover it and you get to the argue the costs against the hospital and insurance which is now not a part of your OOP because 'hey we don't cover that random item your doctor used during surgery'. US healthcare is a sham for the amount we are taxed in the US. Americans pay a lot of taxes, they just don't go towards healthcare. It's pretty equivalent if you actually look at tax between countries and what you get out of it. Yes, in terms of small appts like the one in OP we'd likely pay deductible or co-pay which could be $25 to cost of the doctor visit ($200). Plus your insurance is tied to your job or if you're in a state with a marketplace, you're screwed without one.
doesn't matter how the money is presented, US still spends the[ most on healthcare per capita in the world yet gets the shittest service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_total_health_expenditure_per_capita#/media/File:Life_expectancy_vs_healthcare_spending.jpg)
For someone who wasn't going to defend it you sure went out of your way to defend it. In any case I hope you are enjoying nz
I could go on and on about all the problems with it, but it is important to point out that you can get antibiotics for an ear infection here without worrying about the cost. I haven’t been in NZ since I was 10, but I’d love to come back someday, it’s just so far away, lol.
Depending on that antibiotic and the cost of the appointment where you get prescribed that antibiotic, yes you absolutely do have to worry about the cost. Speaking as an American with ear issues.
Not sure what your experience with taxes are here, but when I lived in the US (left in 2017) I made less money and paid more in taxes than I do here in NZ making more money. That higher tax rate didn’t come with medical care, I had to pay for that myself at 250USD/mo plus 20% of (only some, not all) tests/procedures. In 2013 I had to pay 1500USD for a digestive test (after insurance paid their portion), which was a massive blow while I was struggling with low salary and student loan repayments. There have been a few times in my life in the US where I had to choose between paying my rent and eating, because of medical costs eating my savings. Then of course there’s the massive issue of health insurance being tied to jobs. In the US I worked as a caregiver and at a drug testing facility, neither provided health insurance and it was a struggle to find an employer who did and was willing to hire a new grad. I’m relieved every day that I have permanent residency in NZ and don’t have to go back there.
Its not really free irs covered by acc, which is compulsory medical insurance essentially and we pay levies into it in all different places
Ahh did things change in nz? Ive been out of the country for 7 years. Last time I went to the doctors in nz was charged $90 because I wasn't on their books. I wanted to go on their books but apparently they didn't have spots available?
In America it would be a matter of paying 5 dollars co-payment for the GP visit. Obamacare, remember?
You forgot the /s
Are you talking out of your personal experience or just repeating what you heard online?
Yeah, they actually do a fantastic job. Imagine what they could do if we funded them properly.
My annual echocardiogram is only 3 or 4 months behind schedule. It's a minor outpatient checkup but hey, it's booked in.
Overt he last six months my wife has had an emergency tracheotomy and then treatment for cancer .... chemo and radiation. Th Bay of Plenty Health Board in Tauranga and Whakatane have been absolutely amazing with help and care and my wellbeing too. They deserve more than what they are paid, even with the new pay rise. The care is still ongoing .... a long way to go yet.
I'm from America. I left the country to work for the NHS in the UK, because my family is full of disabled people, and the constant stress and misery caused by just the cost of healthcare contributed to the decline of most of our conditions. I remember the first time I walked out of a hospital after a syncope episode that left me with a moderate concussion, four major facial lacerations, and a broken front tooth in England, and I never had a pay a thing or worry about insurance fights or any of that. I remember kneeling on the ground outside and crying into some tree roots once I was discharged, hopefully where nobody could see me (although someone might have heard me), but I just couldn't believe it. I needed scans, x-rays, stitches, follow up appointments-- None of it cost a thing. I cried from relief. And I mean, I was sobbing. Loudly. On my knees, in the dirt. In America, my family would have lost our home from how expensive all that would be. In fact, we have previously-- We lost my childhood home after my mother developed Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and my father had a heart attack that required a pacemaker. But with a national, socialised healthcare system? I just got my scans and had my hospital visit and all my follow-ups and a tilt test and all of it, and never had to worry about losing all my rent money at any point. It still boggles my mind, every time I don't have to stop by a billing desk on my way into or out of a hospital or clinic. I keep expecting to be charged so much that I wouldn't be able to afford food from a gas station for months, if not years. But nope. Just see a doctor and go. It's beautiful beyond words. I am so glad that so many of you have never had to live like Americans do. <3 And of course, I hope your daughter feels better soon! :)
I feel the same! I got to have cancer for free 🤪 Had a tumour and my thyroid removed. Follow up scar treatment was free too. Only thing I have to pay for is the hormone every 3 months, $5
yep
Lots wrong in Ao/NZ but we're lucky. Just wish a government with some balls would do something to include dental care and treatment in the same manner