Is it useful only to US residents?

Use this forum to discuss the May 2021 Book of the month, "Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power" by Barbara Galutia Regis PA-C
Post Reply
jaym_tan
Posts: 492
Joined: 04 Nov 2020, 15:30
Currently Reading: The Date Farm
Bookshelf Size: 146
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jaym-tan.html
Latest Review: The Fox by M. N. J. Butler

Re: Is it useful only to US residents?

Post by jaym_tan »

The information provided in the book can be useful for other countries. While there are certain practices that are only applicable to the US, the importance of having the best healthcare provided is universal. An example of this is healthcare insurance.
User avatar
Gabrielle Sigaki
Posts: 1275
Joined: 19 May 2020, 10:08
Currently Reading: Business Basics BootCamp
Bookshelf Size: 279
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gabrielle-sigaki.html
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker

Post by Gabrielle Sigaki »

El_limitless wrote: 01 Jun 2021, 10:48 No, the book is not relevant to US residents alone. The book is helpful to everyone who intends to take their health seriously going forward and those that are or have a cancer patient to attend to, regardless of whatever part of the world they are in.
I think that this book has various aspects that could be useful to people from outside the US. For example, private insurance plans might be a good idea in countries where the government doesn't provide the necessary healthcare for the entire population. Still, there are some legal aspects that seemed to be pretty specific to the American situation.
User avatar
Gabrielle Sigaki
Posts: 1275
Joined: 19 May 2020, 10:08
Currently Reading: Business Basics BootCamp
Bookshelf Size: 279
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gabrielle-sigaki.html
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker

Post by Gabrielle Sigaki »

Lunastella wrote: 01 Jun 2021, 19:05
Sushan wrote: 31 May 2021, 23:52 The author is a US based doctor and her book is based on US healthcare system. Is this book only useful for US residents or is it applicable universally? What are the controversial or unusual points that you noticed comparatively to your own experience on your healthcare system?

For an example, in my country, each and every citizen is entitled for '100% free of charge' healthcare facilities. There are few lacking areas because everything has to be provided by the government. But there is no need to have a health insurance to get hospitalised or no need to go through a primary healthcare practitioner to reach a speciality. But if anyone wants, there are plenty of options in the private sector as well.
It's the same in my country. We have government healthcare (which is not exactly luxurious or fast) and private physicians and hospitals, which are way too expensive. I don't think the author realizes she writes not only from a US-centric perspective but a privileged one. Even in the US, people who live paycheck to paycheck can't afford a Health Savings Account.
In my country, we also have a similar situation where the government healthcare is helpful but it doesn't have everything the population need. Therefore, I think this book is still useful since a lot of people need insurance services like the author talks about in this book.
User avatar
Anna Bookowski
Posts: 271
Joined: 15 Feb 2020, 13:35
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 63
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-anna-bookowski.html
Latest Review: Just Die by E Alan Fleischauer

Post by Anna Bookowski »

In the Netherlands, where I live, everyone who works, needs to buy health insurance, which I personally find quite expensive. But also the level of specialistic health care is very high (outside the family doctors, which are notoriously known for advising paracetamol for everything that isn't a cancer). Meanwhile in Poland, where I originally come from, there's a free public health care, but it's quite on the low side, there's a mess, and if you get seriously sick, the drama begins. I don't wish anyone to get to Polish hospital, ever.
So I guess you can relate the knowledge from the book when you speak about general Western European medicine, which is more developed, but in case of so-called "developing" countries it might be less of use.
User avatar
Maddie Atkinson
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 403
Joined: 13 Nov 2020, 05:30
Favorite Author: Julia Chapman
Favorite Book: gender euphoria
Currently Reading: Mortal Monarchs
Bookshelf Size: 84
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-maddie-atkinson.html
Latest Review: A King Amongst Us by A.D. Lewis
fav_author_id: 84942

Post by Maddie Atkinson »

gabrielletiemi wrote: 02 Jun 2021, 12:44
Maddie Atkinson wrote: 01 Jun 2021, 07:24 I am sure that a lot can be applicable to outside of the USA as there are relevant things like, as you say, private healthcare and therefore the need for health insurance. However, I am also lucky to be from a country that has free healthcare (the UK), which means that a lot of what is said is not applicable to me, but I do understand what is be spoken about, so in a way it is useful to learn about the system in the US even if it not applicable to me.

I think that it is controversial that Americans have to pay for even the most basic rights how human health, especially because it makes it so much less accessible for those who cannot afford it. The healthcare system should not be a business, capitalising from it is not right. That is what I see as the most controversial thing, especially comparing it to the healthcare system we have here in the UK.
It's really sad that in the US people have to pay for healthcare like this, some people with chronic diseases end up with huge debts because of medication. The author shows in this book some tips about having an insurance plan that might be helpful to those people, but it is still pretty sad that people should pay for such things indeed.
I agree, it's bad with mental health too. If meds were affordable (they can be hundreds of dollars per prescription) in the USA there would probably be lower suicide rates. Insulin is another one too. The man who discovered and then made injectable insulin made it to cost $1. It can cost over a thousand just for one months supply. People would live so much longer and manage both type 1 and 2 diabetes if they could afford to. Its free in the UK. Quality of life should be the bare minimum for human rights.
"I decided a while ago not to deny myself the simpler pleasures of existence" - Augustus Waters (The Fault in Our Stars)
User avatar
Gabrielle Sigaki
Posts: 1275
Joined: 19 May 2020, 10:08
Currently Reading: Business Basics BootCamp
Bookshelf Size: 279
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gabrielle-sigaki.html
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker

Post by Gabrielle Sigaki »

Thokchom Alice wrote: 02 Jun 2021, 00:04 I think it's useful not only to US residents but, all around the world. The health care system may vary from country to country but the motive behind this book may be applied to many places.
Indeed, the healthcare system is very different in some countries, but there are some principles that are common among all of them that we can see. It's a great book since the author also approaches those common points too.
User avatar
Gabrielle Sigaki
Posts: 1275
Joined: 19 May 2020, 10:08
Currently Reading: Business Basics BootCamp
Bookshelf Size: 279
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gabrielle-sigaki.html
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker

Post by Gabrielle Sigaki »

Mys_Trea wrote: 02 Jun 2021, 01:05 This book doesn't seem to be only relevant to US citizens, which I appreciate. Selecting the right primary care doctor for one's family, for example, is very brave important, and such issues are addressed. There is also free healthcare in my country, but even so, it is best to have access to health insurance if one is able to afford it.
Even when the government healthcare is good enough, it's important to have a backup plan at least, and the insurances provide that kind of service, I think that because of that too this book is relevant for people that aren't from the US too.
User avatar
Gabrielle Sigaki
Posts: 1275
Joined: 19 May 2020, 10:08
Currently Reading: Business Basics BootCamp
Bookshelf Size: 279
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gabrielle-sigaki.html
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker

Post by Gabrielle Sigaki »

REIGNING20 wrote: 02 Jun 2021, 01:13 This book is equally useful to everyone because it reminds them of the areas in theur countries that could be lacking and thus compare it with the systems put in place in the United States.
I understand what you are talking about. Even though some countries have government healthcare, it isn't always great and it's common to see the lack of some important medications. For example, where I live, there are some medications that we can't find within the government healthcare, but if you have some kinds of insurance, you can receive at least discounts, and I think that the author also approaches that aspect of bringing general advice, but applying it to the US in this case.
User avatar
Gabrielle Sigaki
Posts: 1275
Joined: 19 May 2020, 10:08
Currently Reading: Business Basics BootCamp
Bookshelf Size: 279
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gabrielle-sigaki.html
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker

Post by Gabrielle Sigaki »

Worm Reader wrote: 02 Jun 2021, 10:58 Mostly, I believe it is more relevant for US residents because it represents not only the specific medical system, but also other aspects related to it, such as medical insurance options and care providers. This things can also exist in other states but in different fonts
It's true that the US has some specific aspects in the healthcare system, for example, people have to pay for ambulances. However, I think that the author approaches the theme in a broader manner, which possibilities multiple interpretations and possibilities different applications too according to each country's situation.
User avatar
María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 5206
Joined: 27 Apr 2018, 16:22
Favorite Author: Kristin Hannah
Favorite Book: The Nightingale
Currently Reading: Killing Shore
Bookshelf Size: 2389
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mar-a-andrea-fern-ndez-sep-lveda.html
Latest Review: You Say Goodbye by Keith Steinbaum
fav_author_id: 5604

Post by María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda »

gabrielletiemi wrote: 02 Jun 2021, 12:48
Lunastella wrote: 01 Jun 2021, 19:05
Sushan wrote: 31 May 2021, 23:52 The author is a US based doctor and her book is based on US healthcare system. Is this book only useful for US residents or is it applicable universally? What are the controversial or unusual points that you noticed comparatively to your own experience on your healthcare system?

For an example, in my country, each and every citizen is entitled for '100% free of charge' healthcare facilities. There are few lacking areas because everything has to be provided by the government. But there is no need to have a health insurance to get hospitalised or no need to go through a primary healthcare practitioner to reach a speciality. But if anyone wants, there are plenty of options in the private sector as well.
It's the same in my country. We have government healthcare (which is not exactly luxurious or fast) and private physicians and hospitals, which are way too expensive. I don't think the author realizes she writes not only from a US-centric perspective but a privileged one. Even in the US, people who live paycheck to paycheck can't afford a Health Savings Account.
In my country, we also have a similar situation where the government healthcare is helpful but it doesn't have everything the population need. Therefore, I think this book is still useful since a lot of people need insurance services like the author talks about in this book.
I get that. What I meant that paying for insurance is something most people from my country can't afford. You don't get insurance just for having a job here. I don't even have insurance.
User avatar
Suzer6440 xyz
Posts: 1078
Joined: 02 Jun 2019, 21:33
Favorite Book: Pearl River Mansion
Currently Reading: Five Total Strangers
Bookshelf Size: 201
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-suzer6440-xyz.html
Latest Review: The Maestro Monologue by Rob White

Post by Suzer6440 xyz »

Personally, insurance rubs me the wrong way. The paperwork seems insane sometimes. But I don’t think it’s strictly a U S thing. Unless insurance shifts dramatically, I feel that This book can provide readers information universally .
User avatar
Kavita Shah
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 3116
Joined: 12 Dec 2020, 12:30
Favorite Book: Spellbound - The Workings of Drugtech
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 188
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kavita-shah.html
Latest Review: Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas

Post by Kavita Shah »

It is useful for the US residents. Why? Because many countries may or may not have healthcare like US does. Then there is the factor of how many do have medical insurance. In my country there isn't proper healthcare system and insurance isn't as good as the US.
Jennifer Aldo
Posts: 274
Joined: 23 Oct 2020, 10:45
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 54
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jennifer-aldo.html
Latest Review: War Tower by Joseph Leo DeCelle

Post by Jennifer Aldo »

Is it useful to only US residents, no. Is it useful to all countries of the world, no. In as much as the information was mostly for US residents, the healthcare system of some countries are similar and could learn from the book. But some other countries do not even have a heathcare system remotely like the US. So, I do not think the book is for everyone.
Hogwarts03
Posts: 151
Joined: 12 Apr 2021, 12:23
Currently Reading: Shatter Me
Bookshelf Size: 32
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-hogwarts03.html
Latest Review: Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer

Post by Hogwarts03 »

I believe that the book as a whole, with the message it intends to pass, is not only for US residents. Specific points, like always making sure of insurance no matter where you're from, are quite relevant. Where I am from, healthcare is not free. I think that happens to be the major point.
But there are points that relate only to the US, especially considering it's level of development, being a high income country.
User avatar
Hiruni Hansika
Posts: 175
Joined: 23 Apr 2021, 04:45
Currently Reading: The Midnight Library
Bookshelf Size: 117
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-hiruni-hansika.html
Latest Review: Cynthia and Dan by Dorothy May Mercer

Post by Hiruni Hansika »

Sushan wrote: 31 May 2021, 23:52 The author is a US based doctor and her book is based on US healthcare system. Is this book only useful for US residents or is it applicable universally? What are the controversial or unusual points that you noticed comparatively to your own experience on your healthcare system?

For an example, in my country, each and every citizen is entitled for '100% free of charge' healthcare facilities. There are few lacking areas because everything has to be provided by the government. But there is no need to have a health insurance to get hospitalised or no need to go through a primary healthcare practitioner to reach a speciality. But if anyone wants, there are plenty of options in the private sector as well.

It is the same in our country. Not only healthcare is free of charge but also medical education too. By the way I don't think this book is just for US citizens as we all can learn from her love for the patients.
Post Reply

Return to “Discuss "Surviving the Business of Healthcare by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C”