So sorry Jet.
What??? Nine hours for an ambulance? OMG
How is she now?
OMG.
The "American Association of Retired Persons" Bulletin has as its latest cover story "Where have all the doctors gone?"
https://www.aarp.org/publications/bulletins/aarp-bulletin-january-february-2025 The article describes a worrying scenario.
Apparently, the non-profit Kaiser Healthcare System
www.kp.org does not have to squeeze sick people and their own physicians to satisfy monetary demands by the company's shareholders. In my experience, Kaiser Physicians are plentiful, they are satisfied with their working conditions, and I am satisfied with the system, having been uninterrupted a member since 1970.
Over the years, management asked me repeatedly to evaluate physicians who treated me. It takes only a few minutes to switch to a different PCP, and I can communicate with physicians not only in person, but also by telephone, video conferencing, texting, and email that I am using frequently. Physicians are obligated to respond within two days. And no paperwork. Everything is handled internally within the system. The facilities are modern, pleasant, and decorated with plenty of works of art. If I am not mistaken, Kaiser Permanente originated during WWII at the Kaiser Steel Mills in SoCal, taking care of their employees.
Just one example: The 1 1/2 inch splinter in my hand got infected, but I didn't take it seriously. When yesterday morning I started having problems with my hand, I went at 2:00 PM to Kaiser's Urgent Care without an appointment. Only a few people were waiting. Early in the afternoon is perhaps the best time to go. Well, from seeing the physician, getting an X-Ray, and Amoxicillin 875 MG from their pharmacy, and being dismissed, I was in-and-out in 1 1/2 hours. Not bad. After taking only 2 Amoxicillin, my wrist doesn’t hurt anymore.
Complaints on SF about the English National Health System reminds me of my cousin in Germany who is a children’s doctor. On our last visit, he assured me that, in order to make any money, he can spend only ten minutes with each patient. Governments seems to be just as stingy spending money for their citizens health as are for-profif healthcare companies. The American healthcare system is a mixed bag. Maybe I am just lucky to be with Kaiser Permanente. Yes, you can always find something to complain about, but basically I am quite satisfied.