what's your experience of medical care in Taiwan, Vernon?
#27 | Posted by BetelG at 2010-03-12 11:21 PM | Reply | Flag:
Clinically, the quality is very good. But you see how they have to shift a lot of the burden back on the patient and the family -- because of the government reimbursement rates.
A lot of things are not covered, while others are strongly discouraged. For example, when my son was being born another couple there was having labor troubles. They wanted a C-section after 20 hours, but instead they gave her a massive dose of the drug that induces dilation. Painful but cheaper.
In the hospital there is no food service; the family is responsible for feeding the patient. There are no orderlies or aides; the family is responsible for turning the patient or helping them to the toilet.
I had to buy things like bed pads, pillows, pillow cases and diapers. Patients are kept in wards of six or eight; a private room costs about $100US per day.
The hospital's only MRI was at least 20 years old, with out-of-date software. The technician told me that the request for an upgrade has been denied the last four budget years. All technology is imported and so there's a huge incentive to keep old equipment.
Oh, and Taiwanese still pay monthly premiums, and face rather high co-payments. All drugs are imported so they cost the global rate -- about the same as the cost in the U.S. Many people therefore continue to rely on Chinese traditional medicine: herbs, joint manipulation, sticks and bones.
Stuff like vision and dental care are completely out-of-pocket, unless you buy a private, supplemental policy.
It works in this society, but I doubt you could copy it in the U.S.
I actually get a lot of stuff done in the Philippines. Like many poor countries, the Philippines has lousy care for most people, but damn-good American-quality care for those with cash.
