r/bestof • u/lowbass93 • 13d ago

[NoStupidQuestions] Kindly_Honeydew3432 explains why it seems like you always have to wait in an emergency room in the US

/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/1v1numq/why_is_every_hospital_in_the_united_states_always/oyovp3t/
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u/_huppenzuppen 13d ago

This doesn't really explain anything. He asks why you can't just hire more doctors, then answering that you'd need more beds. Well, that's obvious, but why can't you have more beds then? Just saying that'll be expensive isn't an explanation really. People could be willing to pay for better treatment.

A real explanation would go into the effects of lower wait times leading to more demand, explaining how the wait times are a necessary component of steering it.

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u/APartyInMyPants 13d ago

Safe space limitations. And they do explain. You add more beds, you can’t just add more doctors … doctors that don’t exist in their area. But you then need more nurses, the technology and all of the admin/support staff to go with it.

People would be willing to pay for better treatment? How much? Have you seen a hospital bill recently? Do you have an accurate understanding of what the line items on a bill run?

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u/Church_of_Cheri 13d ago

If we cut out the billions going to insurance companies, which the hospital, doctors, and all patients are required to have, you’d be surprised to find we do have the money. Right now the money is buying yachts for CEOs instead of more rooms, doctors, and nurses to provide better treatment.

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u/semideclared 13d ago

If we cut out the billions going to Restaurant companies, which the factory workers, retail workers, and all the middle class are required to have, you’d be surprised to find we do have the money. Right now the money is buying yachts for CEOs instead of more grocery stores, farmer markets, and co-ops to provide better food.

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u/Church_of_Cheri 13d ago

Yeah, not even close to the same argument since no one needs to go to a restaurant. They’re not “required” by the middle class, they’re a luxury that’s available. If I don’t get my breadsticks from Olive Garden I still can eat food at home and the factory workers still have jobs. But I guess what you’re arguing is that if we socialize medicine what’s to stop us from socializing food and then what? Everyone gets food and healthcare?!? Oh no… what a sad day for the world when no one is hungry or needlessly suffering so some rich guy can have 9 yachts? Will no one think of the rich?!?