I'm wondering if treatment of breast cancer in the U.S. differs from that of the U.K. Medpage Today has just published an article saying that 20% of breast cancer patients "skip" followup after 5 years. The comments are scathing.
If memory serves me correctly, I believe you have to join Medpage Today (no charge) to read their articles.
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
4 Replies
•
I was discharged after five years but the door was left open so that I could be fast tracked I need to see someone. I am not sure if it’s the same all over the UK.
It depends. If they have a "major medical" policy (covers doctor visits, including preventive) they may have a co-pay. If they are over 65, they are on our Government insurance for old folks, Medicare. Medicare picks up 80% of expenses, with patient responsible for the rest. Medicare also tells the doctor what a reasonable charge for their service is. The doctor is not allowed to charge the difference to the patient--only the 20% of whatever Medicare said the service is worth. Once you start getting serious illnesses, that 20% could bankrupt you, so most folks purchase a "Medigap" policy. Ironically, my husband and I each pay about $120 / month for our Medicare premium, and his gap policy from where he retired costs another $500 month and covers us both. That's right, 80% coverage for $240, and 20% coverage for $500. In all fairness, plain old Medicare does not cover prescriptions, but you can buy a separate policy that only covers Rx. There are different type of gap policies. Ours is a "Medicare Advantage" plan that covers doctor visits, lab work, procedures, operations, hospitalizations with no co-pay. Prescriptions are covered with a low co-pay--usually $5 for a 3-month supply, but it is a tiered system. I pay $23 for 3-months of my inhaler, on which the suggested retail price is over $100.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.