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Re:Universal Health Coverage Could Save $1T and 114,000 Live... by FireBeyond on Monday August 17, 2026 @12:15PM (#49333436)
Hah, even with "platinum" healthcare in the US, urology referral, 4 months. "You should start PT immediately" after a car accident, "we can see you in 5 months".

"Oh, your septum is deviated ~90% on the right. Surgery? No, first you need to go on these nasal sprays for a few months so we can decide they didn't reshape the cartilage in your nose before your insurance will decide whether they want to "allow"[1] surgery."

[1] Insurers will always say, and have won in court, saying "We don't allow or deny anyone any care they need. We are just saying we won't pay for it."

Re:Universal Health Coverage Could Save $1T and 114,000 Live... by jayess on Monday August 17, 2026 @12:18PM (#49333489)
I got my urology referral last week and had an appointment this morning...
Re:Universal Health Coverage Could Save $1T and 114,000 Live... by missedthecue on Monday August 17, 2026 @02:27PM (#49335494)
This was my experience too. GP referred me to a gastroenterologist and the appointment they offered was so soon it was almost inconvenient.
Re:Universal Health Coverage Could Save $1T and 114,000 Live... by otterley on Monday August 17, 2026 @12:31PM (#49333742)
Lucky you. Maybe they had a last-minute cancellation, or you live in an area in which supply of urologists exceeds demand.
Re:Universal Health Coverage Could Save $1T and 114,000 Live... by FireBeyond on Monday August 17, 2026 @03:29PM (#49336374)
Yeah, I think we have a lack in our area. Years ago when I had a kidney stone, the L3 Trauma Center hospital a few minutes from me had to load me up on dilaudid and ship me from their ER across town via ambulance.
Re:Universal Health Coverage Could Save $1T and 114,000 Live... by ses1984 on Tuesday August 18, 2026 @11:25AM (#49347084)
It depends on your region, insurance company, and plan.