I need some help...
 

I'm writing an essay for my social science course, and I need some information from someone in the US about how the healthcare system works. I think I'm right in saying that in America you don't need to have a referral from a general practitioner in order to get an appointment with (say) a gynaecologist or oncologist, unlike the UK where you see your GP first and they refer you.

Is this right? Can anyone point me in the direction of a reputable website that explains this clearly that I might reference without being laughed off the course?

Thanking you in advance!

Claire...you're hurting my feelings...lol...

I don't think there is such a website...we have now "free for all" system. Every insurance company has it's own policies and set ups...so every year employers sit down and wade through thousands of them to figure out what is going on...and then employees sit down and try to figure out what the hell is their policy is now...

All your referrals and non-referrals depend on your policy. Generally speaking, almost all policies are written that you don't need any referral to go to the gynecologist but whether you need referral to the oncologist depends on your policy...currently I have a policy where I can go anywhere I want to go...except I might pay more for a visit, etc...Dan's policy is written that he is covered ONLY for well visits to the general practitioner...when he is sick he must pay (makes a lot of sense, eh? But this is where medical coverage is going now...I might have the same one comes August)...

Please write to me or arrange talking MSN/Skype if you need more info - I am a benefits administrator too...:lmao:

BTW...Dan just came over and I've told him about your thread...that you're looking for a website explaining American Health system...he is still laughing...lol...

Lol... I couldn't find one either, hence why I asked for the help!!

I've sent you one to quote - we (Dan) are still looking...but if you want to understand a system in general and want me to explain quickly and then use official sources as quotes, I am here...

For now that is...lol...still walking around in my nightgown...

there's an image:D

Do an essay on the irish health service...it'll be like the never ending story:shock:

Image that nobody should see any longer...

Isn't Irish healthcare very similar to British???

imagine worse

Now imagine current US healthcare and you will feel better...

We shall call you Wee Willie Winkie from now on :))

Wikipedia is normally a good source (not always accurate mind) of information.

Pud :twisted:

Thanks Pud, but since it's Wikipedia, I can't quote it... not if I want any credibility, anyway...

Did you look at the sites I've sent you? Dan said the last one should be useful...those are all legitimate without predjudice...

I wouldn't quote wikipedia for anything, but I'd use the References and External Links at the bottom of the page as a credible source of information.

Pud :twisted: