I was bitten by a dog on Tuesday near Gympie; it tore a 2cm by 2cm by 4mm deep hole in my face above my upper lip.

Long story short: Gympie ER told me I had to see a plastic surgeon in Brisbane that day and to check into their ER. A late afternoon crisis bumped me back to the next day. The ER staff would not let me go to my friend's house for the day due to the risk of infection (they had a bag dripping antibiotics into me); they were also shooting pain killers into me.

The next morning (yesterday) they wheeled me into the operating room, I got briefed by the anesthesiologist and plastic surgeon, and then was put under general and local anesthesia (face). Two hours later I was awake; left four hours after that.

In sum:
2 ER visits
2 days in a hospital ER ward
general and local anesthesia
reconstructive surgery
various post op drugs (antibiotics and pain killers)

Guess what the total bill was US? $4,009!

That is unreal!! That would have been how much in the US? 30K? More?

Another super obvious thing is the lack of pretense by doctors. Every one of them introduced themselves like, "Hello, I am John Hall, a doctor in the ER ward." In the US, they use their title almost exclusively. In my opinion, it makes for a much better doctor-patient relationship than our system.

My US insurance covers the 80% past the first $1k, but even if it didn't, this is more like a traffic accident or a tree falling on your house than a financial sink hole.

Many people in the US love to say "socialized medicine" doesn't work, but I have to say I was impressed with my Australian health care experience.

One other thing: I love the complete price transparency. I knew exactly what everything would cost, to include the ER visits (they have five levels of service, each priced accordingly). I knew my surgery bill before I went in, and it didn't change.

Good to see things worked out so quickly....and don't worry, I'll sort out that chihuahua that got you

These comments are interesting in view of recent advice from my oncologist. As I am under treatment for cancer I cannot get insurance coverage for it . I was planning to go to a conference in San Diego and checked if he was happy for me attending. The answer was no . One patient of his received a bill of US $17,000 for an overnight stay and another a US $450,000 bill for 9 days for a chest infection.
Unfortunately the US is no longer a travel option for me , including a trip to SCI next year.
Mark

You’ll be able to spin a good yarn about fighting a croc in Arnhemland shortly!

I'm sorry you had to pay so much for that treatment, AnotherAZWriter. Things are getting out of hand here, possibly because of the cost of whizbang machines and medicines for the seriously ill.

But I do recall years ago (on AR?) a US member's alarm on needing an endoscopy, less at the danger threatening than the $2000 cost. As a silly yak, I have these things every year but, after the government and health insurers cough up, I'm happy to say they cost me no more than 250 South Pacific pesos, less than $200 in your money.

We used to have an even better system but one government, concerned for the welfare of private-health-fund CEOs, blew it away.

AnotherAZWriter:

Hello my friend. I hope you will be fine soon.
What the hell happened there?

Take care

Jiri

I hope to hell that the fkn dog was shot.

quote:

Originally posted by sambarman338:
I'm sorry you had to pay so much for that treatment, AnotherAZWriter. Things are getting out of hand here, possibly because of the cost of whizbang machines and medicines for the seriously ill.

But I do recall years ago (on AR?) a US member's alarm on needing an endoscopy, less at the danger threatening than the $2000 cost. As a silly yak, I have these things every year but, after the government and health insurers cough up, I'm happy to say they cost me no more than 250 South Pacific pesos, less than $200 in your money.

We used to have an even better system but one government, concerned for the welfare of private-health-fund CEOs, blew it away.

I am certainly not complaining; the price was extremely reasonable - anything less and it would be practically free, and why do I deserve that?

quote:

Originally posted by Jiri:
AnotherAZWriter:

Hello my friend. I hope you will be fine soon.
What the hell happened there?

Take care

Jiri

Got bit by a cattle dog.

Maybe you weren’t listening.
They kiss the sheep in Oz - not the dogs !
Glad you got good treatment at a reasonable price.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

I am certainly not complaining; the price was extremely reasonable - anything less and it would be practically free, and why do I deserve that?

Glad you liked it. I'm going to North America twice next year. This thread has made me extra wary.

Make sure you have insurance mate.

It is so nice that the AZ Dude got the good treatment and at a fair price … Good on everyone involved there.

I am not sure what the charges for an 'alien' here in Alberta, Canada would be for a similar accident or sudden illness. ??

If God, forbid, I was injured or became horribly ill … it would not cost me a cent being a Canadian. My lady had throat cancer about five or six years ago and had to go up to Calgary for the specialized treatment that saved her life and cured her. With all that to worry about we did not have to also worry about catastrophic medical bills. Just her getting better.


When we do travel on these hunts to Africa or Australia or South America we do have travel insurance, of course.


And do our best to stay away from angry dogs.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by sambarman338:
I'm sorry you had to pay so much for that treatment, AnotherAZWriter. Things are getting out of hand here, possibly because of the cost of whizbang machines and medicines for the seriously ill.

But I do recall years ago (on AR?) a US member's alarm on needing an endoscopy, less at the danger threatening than the $2000 cost. As a silly yak, I have these things every year but, after the government and health insurers cough up, I'm happy to say they cost me no more than 250 South Pacific pesos, less than $200 in your money.

We used to have an even better system but one government, concerned for the welfare of private-health-fund CEOs, blew it away.

I am certainly not complaining; the price was extremely reasonable - anything less and it would be practically free, and why do I deserve that?

If you were treated in public ER and have insurance they will welcome you with open arms. Thats how they pay the gap of normal uninsured people using the public hospitals.

quote:

Originally posted by sambarman338:
I'm sorry you had to pay so much for that treatment, AnotherAZWriter. Things are getting out of hand here, possibly because of the cost of whizbang machines and medicines for the seriously ill.

But I do recall years ago (on AR?) a US member's alarm on needing an endoscopy, less at the danger threatening than the $2000 cost. As a silly yak, I have these things every year but, after the government and health insurers cough up, I'm happy to say they cost me no more than 250 South Pacific pesos, less than $200 in your money.

We used to have an even better system but one government, concerned for the welfare of private-health-fund CEOs, blew it away.

If it's like Canada, you pay because you're not a resident, he still got off cheap.

Grizz

I would of killed the dog but you are too nice John. At least you took out some frustration on some buff. Good you stuck it out most would packed it up after that. Hope you heal up I would definitely use a croc wrestling story if I was you

Oh at Mataranka homestead just went to thermal pools now in bar good times the cruiser journey has been great but not quite as fun as end to ending buff with the 458. I have one for ya John

quote:

Originally posted by gunslinger55:
Oh at Mataranka homestead just went to thermal pools now in bar good times the cruiser journey has been great but not quite as fun as end to ending buff with the 458. I have one for ya John

Yes, you were hammering those buffalo with that .458 Lott, very impressive. I was stunned how much lead they could soak up vs a Cape buffalo.

I also enjoyed the laughs I had with your son. Have a good trip home...still hot in PHX.

quote:

If it's like Canada, you pay because you're not a resident, he still got off cheap

About 10 years ago I ended up in a Canadian ER because of an allergies reaction.

Ambulance ride, ER visit some tests. Paid with my visa card. 750 dollars turn it into my insurance they paid like 700.00 of it.

I definitely got confidence in that rifle with the 500 TSX and woodleigh hydro solids. And in all the excitement I never heard or felt the gun go off. Interesting. I was trying to remember what the deal was with the wounded lost bull ordeal I think I shot it looking at you then turned to me and put one in the chest as we picked up a woodleigh in its rump. Any how that was the highlight glad it all turned out ok that was a bit exciting

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by gunslinger55:
Oh at Mataranka homestead just went to thermal pools now in bar good times the cruiser journey has been great but not quite as fun as end to ending buff with the 458. I have one for ya John

Yes, you were hammering those buffalo with that .458 Lott, very impressive. I was stunned how much lead they could soak up vs a Cape buffalo.

I also enjoyed the laughs I had with your son. Have a good trip home...still hot in PHX.