[Optipitle]

I just watched the Michael Moore movie "Sicko" and I thought I'd ask the Americans here if it's an accurate portrayal of your health system? I know Michael has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to get his point across, so how far, if at all, has he stretched it this time?
And do any of you have any medical horror stories of your own?

[Charryith]

Is it worth watching, and downloadable or viewable somewhere?

It seems interesting, but I don't particularly want to pay any money just for the priveledge of Moore's ego and opinions.

[Mmzmptvk]

Well, I quite liked it, but I'm a fan of his movies anyway. As for being worth watching, I guess that's why I've posed the question. I would like to know how accurate it is, so I'm not recommending it to people and having them come back and say what a load of crap!

[DoctorQuquriramba]

Thread title drew me in like a magnet.

However I cannot contribute to topic.

[Xqjfxmfk]

Thread title drew me in like a magnet.

However I cannot contribute to topic.

[agrismhig]

Even if you've never seen it, if you're an American, I'd like your input. Not just the Americans, of course, but what I'm wondering basically is, is it true that if you don't have insurance or money, you will be refused medical treatment, even if that treatment will save your life? And even if you have insurance, you can be refused if they can find a loophole?(That's in a nutshell)

[illetrygrargo]

I have never been without medical insurance, so I can't speak from experience. I understand doctors are required to treat people who are in immediate danger. You don't show up at the hospital with a gunshot wound and get turned away at the door. For things like terminal cancer, it is probably different.

[Rithlilky]

Well, going on what I know, emergency rooms can never refuse you treatment. Actually, they write the visits / treatment off and you're only billed for the doctor's fee.

Recently, I had to have emergency surgery to have my gallbladder removed. However, I did have funds to work out a deal with the surgeon, anesthesiologist and hospital. But if I didn't, it was explained to me that they could refer me to a facility that does the surgery for free. I just wouldn't be the first person in line for it.

As far as terminal illness is concerned (cancer, AIDS, etc.,) I really don't know how that works.