Nice to see an osteopath’s name plate in your picture. I’m an osteopath in the UK. European osteopaths are very different (mostly!!) from American osteopaths. It used to be illegal to practice osteopathy in France. French osteopaths practiced though and payed into an insurance that would defend them if they were prosecuted. It was very weird!!
I've been to an osteopath in Paris and I was talking to him once, saying that osteopathy wasn't very well-known in the U.S....and he said that it was originally developed and practiced in the States, which surprised me because I'd only heard of it there. (I think because health insurance doesn't cover it in America, it's not widely known?) I don't think it's covered in France either but there are a lot of osteopaths and the one I went to has been very helpful.
Yes 9osteolthy started in the 1880s in the USA. The osteopaths in the US are DOs rather than MDs but are equivalent in US law. Strangely the DOs rarely practice osteopathically and are mostly indistinguishable from MDs.
In Europe it varies from country to country. In the UK we are statute recognised and the title Osteopath is protected. We are AHPs in the UK - Allied Health Professionals.
I’m glad that you had good treatment from your osteopath.
I live in the Bay Area. A variation of the Adenovirus is rampant in these parts. Several family members, including myself contracted it. And, it does linger (3-4 weeks with varied symptoms). I suspect you picked up your bug in Italy; possibly from a SF tourist!
Great discussion on the French health system. It appears to defer to doctors rather than risk management folks. How refreshing!
Yes, and a friend traveling in Japan also picked up something similar. On France 3 television (here in France) a doctor said the symptoms are hard for 3 weeks, but linger for a total of 8 weeks.
Just an FYI that I'm just repeating when he said and if people aren't feeling good they should see a medical provider, which is what we did, to get as proper diagnosis.
Sooo grateful for this intro to French healthcare. I’m 75 and hope to come again to Paris this year. As you can well understand health is my number one priority. Past visits I have always starred a hospital on my map where they speak English and several physicians I can call upon for any care I need.
Knowing the system is indeed having peace of mind, while I am enjoying the glories of Paris
Thanks for this informative piece. I hope you both are feeling better. If not, take another Covid test. As other people have mentioned, it seems like you can be sick for a while now before you test positive.
David, I can attest to the excellent health system in France. Twice, my husband has been treated at an ER of a hospital in Bayeux, France. The care was wonderful and the bill was unbelievably low!!! On both occasions, it was something just around E150. We were so grateful. We’re planning to be at the 80th DDay Anniversary Celebrations in June. Carver is nearly a Centenarian. I’m praying you and Romain heal quickly. Marianne
It sounds like France's healthcare has issues, but still, it's better than the US - at least until Medicare, and then only if one chooses original Medicare, not one of the Advantage plans (and over 52% of eligible now have that instead). The Advantage plans are basically a continuation of insurance plans with all their problems.
I just deleted most of my comment, because I will not rant on your post. Despite the issues with the French system, it is still better than the U.S. Overall, the U.S. is above France on the Prosperity Index but in healthcare the U.S. ranks 69th out of 167 countries, while France ranks 20th. The costs and the lack of accessibility impact the U.S. ranking heavily. Insurance for malpractice impacts doctors heavily here. Doctors' time with patients is monitored, the doctors penalized through pay if they take too long with a patient.
I started ranting again. Thank you for this. I wondered how the French system had changed. Yes, problems, but still it sounds nicer than insurance companies here.
One of the differences that I see is that there is more focus on preventative care here in France. I had a few visitors recently who were around my age who'd never had a colonoscopy or a PSA test, which are both effective (and inexpensive) ways to detect future issues.
In France, you get a letter when you turn 50 that you get a colonoscopy, which no one wants to do, but you do it. (Although I've read recently in the NYT there is a blood test that's very inexpensive and effective at spotting potential colon issues, which hopefully will encourage people to get tested.)
I don't quite know how Medicare works but I remember when I lived in the U.S., my health insurance company didn't want to cover things my doctor wanted me to have done, which I thought was odd (because isn't your doctor the best person to know what's best for you?) but there's reluctance to change the system.
We have a lot of preventive health care in Australia too. Free Breastscreen, free health testing kits sent in the mail, many free immunisations all at various life stages.
Having had many things turned down and fought for (like learning how to walk again with one foot!), delaying necessary procedures and p.t. for months sometimes, I went with original Medicare. Pretty much any decision my doctor makes gets covered, wherever I want. It's not cheap but I haven't had to argue on daily phone calls for almost two years. I know doctors who've had to add a quarter more employees just to deal with insurance. It sounds like in France it's about people, not profit, as it should be.
I had to see an eye specialist at the ER in Nice for a vitreous detachment. My wait was minimal and although there were people waiting behind me, the doctor took time to explain things to me (I learned that l’œil est comme un œuf). The bill was under $100. When I contacted my home health insurance about reimbursement, they chuckled at the small amount and reminded me that the amount was less than the out of network copay.
I'm sorry you are not feeling well. I hope you are better soon. Just an FYI - in January when I had a fever I tested for COVID and it was negative... 3 days later when my symptoms had subsided (and not gone away totally) I tested positive... The newer versions of the virus seem to be slipping past the tests these days. Though probably not quite as much paperwork, I do have to fill in pages and pages of it when my mom (who has dementia) needs a procedure and these doctors have asked for information that I don't have or have access to. I had to go through her paperwork to find phone numbers and have doctors send me her paperwork. The amount of time it takes is at least a part time job... so I get it. I'm in the USA by the way. Out of curiosity, is there a going rate for housecalls or does everyone just charge whatever they charge? I think the whole world is struggling with the loss of specialized personnel like nurses, doctors, and more. We definitely are here. It's taking months and months to see doctors that, before COVID, we could get an appointment quickly with. We've resorted to going to Urgent Care centers because when we have taken my mom to the emergency room she's been there an average of 6 hours waiting to be seen. Of course, everyone else is doing the same thing and those centers are overwhelmed as well. It's a mess.
As far as I know, there is not a "going rate" for a housecall. Organizations like SOS Médecins are private so charge what they like (I think!) but they do keep costs in line because they are part of the French health care system too. But I can't say for certain.
I used one of those Urgent Care centers when I tore my knee in NY. The doctor was pretty timid and didn't really do anything, except recommend an MRI. It was $125 to see her. I waited until I got back to France for the MRI (since it wasn't urgent) because they are around €160 here and you get reimbursed for a portion of it by the health care system, and the mutuelle, if you have one. I looked at the cost of them in NY and I think they cost in the thousands (?)
I am certain they do cost thousands but I’ve not seen the paperwork on the actual price that they charge the insurance companies. In order to get a portion of that fee they charge a great deal and don’t often lower the cost if a person doesn’t have insurance.
This is really interesting David. It is very close to our Health Care System here in Australia which is encouraging as our population in comparison is quite small and here we are up there with the best. I’m wondering where all these doctors and nurses …. and bus drivers, ambo’s, etc … have gone after Covid the only shortage we don’t have is dentists which isn’t surprising given they charge the earth.
I’m sorry to hear that you are unwell I’m trying to haul myself back into society after a brush with Covid so I am commiserating with you both. 💐
I hope you and Romain get better soon. My dad has dementia and the quality of care he's receiving in Saint Martin is remarkable. I told my siblings even if we had expensive high-end insurance in the States, we would not received this level of health care. A psychiatrist came to visit my dad (and us) the day after my mother's funeral to speak with him. The nurses, doctors, and physical therapists have been wonderful. My dad gets to stay in his home, which is the norm in the Caribbean. I've heard the hospital is a bit disorganized and yes, there's a LOT of paperwork. My French is non existent so I really appreciate that many people on the island are bi-lingual. I'm very grateful for the French health care system.
I'm glad your father is getting great care in Saint Martin. I think in Paris it might be more challenging since it's a big city and the population is aging. When I had a doctor come a few years ago at 3am to make a house call, it was something like €40. Romain asked me how much that would be in the U.S., and I said, "Well, first...you'd have to sign up for a concierge health care service. And that would be $5,000 to $10,000 a year. Then..."
I don't know if they make housecalls in the States but a trip to the emergency room (which I didn't need) would have cost a fortune. I do miss the great bedside manner of doctor's in the U.S. (sometimes here doctors can be very stern) and it's nice when doctors are less-formal with you, as they are in the States.
Totally agree with your comment on U.S. emergency rooms costing a fortune. Years ago, I took my teen son to the ER for a small but very deep gash on his forehead. The on-call plastic surgeon closed the gash with about ten stitches. Her fee? A whopping $15,000 (you read that right - it's not a typo). This, by the way, was a separate fee from the ER hospital fee along with another fee for the attending ER doctor who came into the room for 15 seconds to tell us that a plastic surgeon needed to be called. When I called my insurance company (who actually paid the entire bill) they told me that when someone goes to the ER and a specialist is called, that doctor can bill whatever they'd like. It's like the Wild West of billing for an ER visit that requires a specialist.
Several years ago when we were living outside Boston, there was a blizzard forecast that Sunday. I suspected I had bronchitis and knew trying to see my internist in Brookline was not possible in the coming days. We went to a local CvS Minute Clinic where I saw a nurse practitioner who treated me and prescribed antibiotics. I finished, walked to the pharmacy counter to pick it up, went home and stayed safe for the duration.
Nice to see an osteopath’s name plate in your picture. I’m an osteopath in the UK. European osteopaths are very different (mostly!!) from American osteopaths. It used to be illegal to practice osteopathy in France. French osteopaths practiced though and payed into an insurance that would defend them if they were prosecuted. It was very weird!!
I hope you are getting well now.
I've been to an osteopath in Paris and I was talking to him once, saying that osteopathy wasn't very well-known in the U.S....and he said that it was originally developed and practiced in the States, which surprised me because I'd only heard of it there. (I think because health insurance doesn't cover it in America, it's not widely known?) I don't think it's covered in France either but there are a lot of osteopaths and the one I went to has been very helpful.
Yes 9osteolthy started in the 1880s in the USA. The osteopaths in the US are DOs rather than MDs but are equivalent in US law. Strangely the DOs rarely practice osteopathically and are mostly indistinguishable from MDs.
In Europe it varies from country to country. In the UK we are statute recognised and the title Osteopath is protected. We are AHPs in the UK - Allied Health Professionals.
I’m glad that you had good treatment from your osteopath.
I live in the Bay Area. A variation of the Adenovirus is rampant in these parts. Several family members, including myself contracted it. And, it does linger (3-4 weeks with varied symptoms). I suspect you picked up your bug in Italy; possibly from a SF tourist!
Great discussion on the French health system. It appears to defer to doctors rather than risk management folks. How refreshing!
Yes, and a friend traveling in Japan also picked up something similar. On France 3 television (here in France) a doctor said the symptoms are hard for 3 weeks, but linger for a total of 8 weeks.
Just an FYI that I'm just repeating when he said and if people aren't feeling good they should see a medical provider, which is what we did, to get as proper diagnosis.
Sooo grateful for this intro to French healthcare. I’m 75 and hope to come again to Paris this year. As you can well understand health is my number one priority. Past visits I have always starred a hospital on my map where they speak English and several physicians I can call upon for any care I need.
Knowing the system is indeed having peace of mind, while I am enjoying the glories of Paris
Thanks for this informative piece. I hope you both are feeling better. If not, take another Covid test. As other people have mentioned, it seems like you can be sick for a while now before you test positive.
David, I can attest to the excellent health system in France. Twice, my husband has been treated at an ER of a hospital in Bayeux, France. The care was wonderful and the bill was unbelievably low!!! On both occasions, it was something just around E150. We were so grateful. We’re planning to be at the 80th DDay Anniversary Celebrations in June. Carver is nearly a Centenarian. I’m praying you and Romain heal quickly. Marianne
It sounds like France's healthcare has issues, but still, it's better than the US - at least until Medicare, and then only if one chooses original Medicare, not one of the Advantage plans (and over 52% of eligible now have that instead). The Advantage plans are basically a continuation of insurance plans with all their problems.
I just deleted most of my comment, because I will not rant on your post. Despite the issues with the French system, it is still better than the U.S. Overall, the U.S. is above France on the Prosperity Index but in healthcare the U.S. ranks 69th out of 167 countries, while France ranks 20th. The costs and the lack of accessibility impact the U.S. ranking heavily. Insurance for malpractice impacts doctors heavily here. Doctors' time with patients is monitored, the doctors penalized through pay if they take too long with a patient.
I started ranting again. Thank you for this. I wondered how the French system had changed. Yes, problems, but still it sounds nicer than insurance companies here.
One of the differences that I see is that there is more focus on preventative care here in France. I had a few visitors recently who were around my age who'd never had a colonoscopy or a PSA test, which are both effective (and inexpensive) ways to detect future issues.
In France, you get a letter when you turn 50 that you get a colonoscopy, which no one wants to do, but you do it. (Although I've read recently in the NYT there is a blood test that's very inexpensive and effective at spotting potential colon issues, which hopefully will encourage people to get tested.)
I don't quite know how Medicare works but I remember when I lived in the U.S., my health insurance company didn't want to cover things my doctor wanted me to have done, which I thought was odd (because isn't your doctor the best person to know what's best for you?) but there's reluctance to change the system.
We have a lot of preventive health care in Australia too. Free Breastscreen, free health testing kits sent in the mail, many free immunisations all at various life stages.
Having had many things turned down and fought for (like learning how to walk again with one foot!), delaying necessary procedures and p.t. for months sometimes, I went with original Medicare. Pretty much any decision my doctor makes gets covered, wherever I want. It's not cheap but I haven't had to argue on daily phone calls for almost two years. I know doctors who've had to add a quarter more employees just to deal with insurance. It sounds like in France it's about people, not profit, as it should be.
David, your post on the French health care system is so informative and valuable. Thank you. Please feel better soon!
I had to see an eye specialist at the ER in Nice for a vitreous detachment. My wait was minimal and although there were people waiting behind me, the doctor took time to explain things to me (I learned that l’œil est comme un œuf). The bill was under $100. When I contacted my home health insurance about reimbursement, they chuckled at the small amount and reminded me that the amount was less than the out of network copay.
Having recently experienced the Spanish healthcare system as a tourist, I can't speak highly enough of it.
I'm sorry you are not feeling well. I hope you are better soon. Just an FYI - in January when I had a fever I tested for COVID and it was negative... 3 days later when my symptoms had subsided (and not gone away totally) I tested positive... The newer versions of the virus seem to be slipping past the tests these days. Though probably not quite as much paperwork, I do have to fill in pages and pages of it when my mom (who has dementia) needs a procedure and these doctors have asked for information that I don't have or have access to. I had to go through her paperwork to find phone numbers and have doctors send me her paperwork. The amount of time it takes is at least a part time job... so I get it. I'm in the USA by the way. Out of curiosity, is there a going rate for housecalls or does everyone just charge whatever they charge? I think the whole world is struggling with the loss of specialized personnel like nurses, doctors, and more. We definitely are here. It's taking months and months to see doctors that, before COVID, we could get an appointment quickly with. We've resorted to going to Urgent Care centers because when we have taken my mom to the emergency room she's been there an average of 6 hours waiting to be seen. Of course, everyone else is doing the same thing and those centers are overwhelmed as well. It's a mess.
As far as I know, there is not a "going rate" for a housecall. Organizations like SOS Médecins are private so charge what they like (I think!) but they do keep costs in line because they are part of the French health care system too. But I can't say for certain.
I used one of those Urgent Care centers when I tore my knee in NY. The doctor was pretty timid and didn't really do anything, except recommend an MRI. It was $125 to see her. I waited until I got back to France for the MRI (since it wasn't urgent) because they are around €160 here and you get reimbursed for a portion of it by the health care system, and the mutuelle, if you have one. I looked at the cost of them in NY and I think they cost in the thousands (?)
I am certain they do cost thousands but I’ve not seen the paperwork on the actual price that they charge the insurance companies. In order to get a portion of that fee they charge a great deal and don’t often lower the cost if a person doesn’t have insurance.
This is really interesting David. It is very close to our Health Care System here in Australia which is encouraging as our population in comparison is quite small and here we are up there with the best. I’m wondering where all these doctors and nurses …. and bus drivers, ambo’s, etc … have gone after Covid the only shortage we don’t have is dentists which isn’t surprising given they charge the earth.
I’m sorry to hear that you are unwell I’m trying to haul myself back into society after a brush with Covid so I am commiserating with you both. 💐
Hope you feel better. Your article gives one of the best explanations of the French Health System that I have ever seen! Truly masterful!
How you can write about these intricacies and complexities while under the weather is remarkable. It is all fascinating to read.Thank you.
Please, you two, get well soon. I’d bring you homemade chicken soup if I could…
I hope you and Romain get better soon. My dad has dementia and the quality of care he's receiving in Saint Martin is remarkable. I told my siblings even if we had expensive high-end insurance in the States, we would not received this level of health care. A psychiatrist came to visit my dad (and us) the day after my mother's funeral to speak with him. The nurses, doctors, and physical therapists have been wonderful. My dad gets to stay in his home, which is the norm in the Caribbean. I've heard the hospital is a bit disorganized and yes, there's a LOT of paperwork. My French is non existent so I really appreciate that many people on the island are bi-lingual. I'm very grateful for the French health care system.
I'm glad your father is getting great care in Saint Martin. I think in Paris it might be more challenging since it's a big city and the population is aging. When I had a doctor come a few years ago at 3am to make a house call, it was something like €40. Romain asked me how much that would be in the U.S., and I said, "Well, first...you'd have to sign up for a concierge health care service. And that would be $5,000 to $10,000 a year. Then..."
I don't know if they make housecalls in the States but a trip to the emergency room (which I didn't need) would have cost a fortune. I do miss the great bedside manner of doctor's in the U.S. (sometimes here doctors can be very stern) and it's nice when doctors are less-formal with you, as they are in the States.
Totally agree with your comment on U.S. emergency rooms costing a fortune. Years ago, I took my teen son to the ER for a small but very deep gash on his forehead. The on-call plastic surgeon closed the gash with about ten stitches. Her fee? A whopping $15,000 (you read that right - it's not a typo). This, by the way, was a separate fee from the ER hospital fee along with another fee for the attending ER doctor who came into the room for 15 seconds to tell us that a plastic surgeon needed to be called. When I called my insurance company (who actually paid the entire bill) they told me that when someone goes to the ER and a specialist is called, that doctor can bill whatever they'd like. It's like the Wild West of billing for an ER visit that requires a specialist.
I am so sorry that you and Romain are both ill. Hopefully, the chicken soup will help. Get better soon ❤️
Several years ago when we were living outside Boston, there was a blizzard forecast that Sunday. I suspected I had bronchitis and knew trying to see my internist in Brookline was not possible in the coming days. We went to a local CvS Minute Clinic where I saw a nurse practitioner who treated me and prescribed antibiotics. I finished, walked to the pharmacy counter to pick it up, went home and stayed safe for the duration.