Neurologic & Orthopedic Hospital Blog — Drs. Cerullo & Sheinkop, Chicago

Medical Care in the United States

I just returned from a two week vacation in the Caribbean; a small island called Anguilla. We have been visiting for 20 years and have seen tremendous change in the infrastructure including power, phone, sewers, cable and roads. The medical system, however, remains quite antiquated. While there, an older friend visited. During our time together, he slipped on a wet tile and fell. No big deal normally, but he is taking blood thinners (Coumadin and aspirin) for his heart. Even a relatively trivial injury in that circumstance can have serious consequences including a blood clot (hematoma) of the brain. Luckily, nothing developed, but the event got me thinking how fortunate we are in the

U.S. to have a system, which, while not perfect, allows immediate access to medical care at least on an emergent basis throughout the country.
 There are many faults in our system to be sure. But even the uninsured cannot be denied emergency medical care and, more importantly, there are facilities with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities even in the most desolate and isolated areas. In addition, there are transportation modalities to evacuate those who can’t be served locally to other larger institutions. I don’t think there are many other countries with the same systems in place. Now cost? That’s a different matter.

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