• explodicle@sh.itjust.works
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    8 hours ago

    In some countries they don’t even have the financial infrastructure to bill patients, so injured tourists get free health care. A big chunk of American medical bills is due to the cost of billing.

      • FrederikNJS@piefed.zip
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        3 hours ago

        The ones i know: Denmark, England, Sweden, Norway

        But I would imagine that most other countries with unified tax paid healthcare would be the same.

        • Rothe@piefed.social
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          1 hour ago

          In Denmark (and I would assume those other countries as well) it varies depending on the factors. If you are a foreigner but are living in Denmark, or if you are staying in Denmark for a job, then you can apply for the rights of free healthcare treatment, but if you are a tourist needing urgent care, and are not a citizen of the EU (or the Nordic countries), or under the age of 18, then you will be billed.

          So there definitely is a financial infrastructure to bill in Denmark, even though its own citizens never see it. Without knowing it precisely I would also assume that the bill would be very reasonable compared to a bill for the same treatment in the US.

      • BeMoreCareful@lemmy.world
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        5 hours ago

        I never went to surgery or anything, but I’ve been to a couple of Drs in Mexico and it’s basically just like paying the copay and just peacing out. Most of the time you can just ask the pharmacist and they prescribe whatever right there.

        You’re overestimating the American Healthcare system.