USA and Taiwan Health Care

Just read a few articles on USA health care and things are sounding pretty bleak. The price of health care in the USA is crazy high and due to it a very large percent of people have no health care. This is horrible.

Here in Taiwan health care is pretty simple, but the problem is most Americans probably would not like it. From my view point Americans have become burdened by the service they receive.

In quick and dirty terms:
1) Everyone has a national health card. You can go see a doctor anytime.
2) Prices to see a doctor can cost you US$3 to $10 a visit. People see the price high here, but in the USA people would love to see these numbers. Price depends on where you go. The bigger the hospital the more expensive. The idea is this: go to the local doctors for minor problems and go to the bigger hospitals that have specialized doctors for "real" problems.
3) No appointment is really necessary. However, you can make them. This is the problem I think most Americans would have with this system. Let me explain....

• You line up (or take a number) at a check-in counter. You tell the cashier the type of doctor or the problem you are having. They give you a number and paperwork and tell you what waiting room to go to. Now this is done very quickly (no longer than 1 minute with check-in once you talk to the person).
• You go to the waiting room and wait for your number to be displayed or called. You normally see different doctors each time. If you want the same doctor you will need to talk the doctor and find out his schedule and try to work out an appointment. However, this can be difficult at times.
• Once your number is called you go into the doctor’s room. In the room you have a Nurse/secretary who takes your paperwork and National ID card to key you in the system.
• While this is going on just a few feet away (like 1 to 2 feet away) the doctor is talking or examining the person ahead of you. Yes, you can hear and see everything. Once the person is done it is your turn to take the seat by the doctor and the next person is called in. --- I believe people in the USA would be upset by the lack of privacy.
• Once done with the doctor he will give you your paperwork back that may include getting medication.
• Take the paperwork and ID to the cashier counter and pay for the visit and medicine. Let me tell you the medicine is CHEAP. A few US dollars and you have a pharmacy in your hands.
• Go to the pharmacy and wait for your number to be called and off you go. -- Go home---
• The thing is this procedure is for everyone. Does not matter who you are. Now don't get me wrong there are private doctors as well for people that want to pay more, but that percentage of people is very low. I'd venture a guess of only 2-5% of the population.

So there you go. A good alternative to the USA high costs. But I think the citizens of the US would not like the easiness and coldness of this type of system. It is not warm and fuzzy. It is more -you are sick -here is your problem- and here is your medicine (factory turn out style).