[21twelve]

“The only people who unquestionably benefit from general screening programmes are private doctors and health insurance companies.”

I imagine these bothersome annual physicals put a huge burden on the UK’s healthcare system. PLUS - having to treat all the folks that turn up sick.

I read a report from some committee in London. The doctors were outraged that it took almost a year to get an appointment to take a hearing EXAM in the smaller, far-flung counties. They argued that it should be closer to the 6-week wait they have in London.

For a frikkin’ hearing EXAM!

Reminds me though. I’m a three years late for my annual exam. But I really was thinking earlier today to call tomorrow to set one up. Might be my last chance to get in within the week before Obamacare really kicks in.

[Vendome]

I see my doctor 4 times a year and let him direct what I need and I request those things I’m worried about.

Wait and No are evil, vile words right there with late.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

If I gave my doctors free rein they would use me to milk medicare for every penny possible. Last trip to the pulmonary specialist he started pushing me to have a full day of tests and scans. I asked him what he could do if he found something we don't know about now. He thought for a second and said "nothing".

I know I'm on borrowed time, can't do a thing about it, I will be damned if I'm going to spend all my time being poked, prodded and tested. I don't make myself miserable sweating it, not about to start now.

[Safetgiver]

I go when something is broken, piercing my body or I’m sick. Other than that criteria, that’s it.

[Rodamala]

If you want to stay healthy, stay away from the doctor.

[Carry_Okie]

All I know is that my HMO uses a completely useless (and frankly somewhat counterproductive) set of tests for diagnostic purposes. It is as if they have figured out that it is better for their patients to die quickly undiagnosed than to have to treat a potential disease.

Heart disease is cheaper than cancer. Upon occasion, I go out and purchase my own tests from a third party.

[EBH]

Their findings were twofold: the health checks they studied did not reduce morbidity – the risk of illness – and they also had no effect on the risk of death

So you have them now saying that early detection and prevention are a failure?

[Sooth2222]

"Some of them picked up cases of high blood pressure and raised cholesterol levels."

Without regular screening, how will anyone know that they have high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels? Wait until they have a stroke or a heart attack?

In the US we just need to wait a few years for the health care system to collapse under the weight of Obamacare's "free stuff" before they throw in the towel, too!

[G Larry]

The death panels approve of delayed checkups.

Disapproving tests, ensures no diagnosis or treatment.

Great way to save money!

[pabianice]

This was written by The White House, wasn’t it?