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Since you have requested replies to the doctor who extols the U.K.'s health care but practices here, I feel obliged to answer ["Calling all doctors," Aug. 25].
I am a retired urologist who enjoyed his practice but who looks upon the many changes over the past 20 years with favor. There are many new diagnostic modalities and top-quality medications treating cancers that in the past were considered hopeless and inoperable. Surgical procedures are improving daily.
Now, how many of these originated in either the U.K. or, indeed, any European country?
Medical care is expensive, but no one is denied care. Is there a non-salvageable list, as there is in the U.K.?
Does the Health Service run out of money before the end of the year? Are the surgeons limited to a fixed number of procedures if more patients require them than are allowed?
Anecdotally, the U.K. and Canadian citizens we have met are all agreed that as long as you are not sick, government health care is fine; but if you are, then it is time to go to the U.S. Why do so many foreigners come here for their health care?
U.S. statistics regarding cancer survival are among the best in the world--because those patients are treated with those "expensive" medications and surgical procedures.
Of course, money can be saved with the "cost-effective bean counters." But do we really want that?
There are improvements that can be made much more simply than by redoing our entire health care system. If HR 3200 is really aimed at the uninsured--and I seriously doubt that--then why
The one issue about health care costs that is unmentionable is reining in our innumerable tort lawyers. This is the one thing about the U.K. national health system that is desirable.
We should export them. They are quick to say only 2 percent of malpractice suits come to trial. What's not mentioned are the many settlements to make the frivolous suit go away, since jury trials are enormously expensive and are notoriously undependable for justice, as jurors can be easily swayed. Many without merit, they drag on interminably and hang over the doctor's head like the proverbial sword.
There are simpler solutions to our non-crisis, but they are not discussed. It is either HR 3200 or nothing. There have been hundreds of Republican amendments presented, all of which have been voted down. I wonder why.
Americans do not want this kind of health care, as evidenced by the many polls. Will it be forced down our throats by the Democratic majority?
Leonard R. Bogaev, M.D.
Stafford
