Some good looking health statistics. If you believe them

Ghettosmurf87 said :

Btw, the waiting list for knee reconstructions was 18months long way back in 2004, some 9 years, so it’s not like 2yrs is much of a change there.

I’ve had two of the buggers myself and while needing one is inconvenient, they are definitely elective as you can function pretty damn well without them unless you’re in the business of quick changes of direction.

If you want them quicker you either ensure you have private health cover or you scrimp & scrounge to save and pony up the $6000-7000 up front costs to get it done by a private surgeon and then go about getting some refunds through medicare and the insurance that most sports comps/events include as part of the rego fee.

You end up out of pocket about $2500-3500 and you get the surgery within “days” as you so desired.

What a Mickey indeed!

Knee reconstructions as elective are an interesting point. The one I mentioned in the post above was my second (now had both knees done). The problem with them being considered elective is that while you may function “pretty damn well” without getting a surgical fix, you can’t function anywhere near 100%. Depending on the injury, a knee without all of the ligaments is an accident waiting to happen (as I found out). In this country, you shouldn’t have to “pony up $6000-7000” to have surgery on a reasonably easy fix.
Besides, the current state of private surgeons in Canberra (after the recent bust up of the Orthopaedics group) means that it can be difficult to get in to see a private surgeon without the backing of a private health fund.

Regardless of whether you think knee surgery is elective or not, a waiting list of 18-24 months is appaling. It is something that while not life-threatening, it has a huge impact on the way of life.

Mickeyau said :

85% of statistics are actually made up!

Which ever way you measure it, elective surgery should be measured in days, not in months or years! Our health system is an absolute joke.

On what planet should “elective” surgery be available in DAYS? You want it done with no out of pocket expenses through a public hospital, you wait patiently for your turn while the hospitable goes about caring for those who actually NEED the care immediately and get fit in where you can.

Btw, the waiting list for knee reconstructions was 18months long way back in 2004, some 9 years, so it’s not like 2yrs is much of a change there.

I’ve had two of the buggers myself and while needing one is inconvenient, they are definitely elective as you can function pretty damn well without them unless you’re in the business of quick changes of direction.

If you want them quicker you either ensure you have private health cover or you scrimp & scrounge to save and pony up the $6000-7000 up front costs to get it done by a private surgeon and then go about getting some refunds through medicare and the insurance that most sports comps/events include as part of the rego fee.

You end up out of pocket about $2500-3500 and you get the surgery within “days” as you so desired.

What a Mickey indeed!

85% of statistics are actually made up!

Which ever way you measure it, elective surgery should be measured in days, not in months or years! Our health system is an absolute joke.

** Disclaimer: These statistics should be taken with 2cc sodium chloride.

Well as long as the Chief Minister is happy…
I recently busted my knee, and after waiting close to two months for what was essentially a triage meeting with a doctor, I was told the waiting period for a knee reconstruction (considered elective) is close to two years. But as long as they are happy with these waiting times, I guess it’s all good.

Oh yea of little faith JB..