Diplomate, Board Certification of Emergency Medicine
Chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine Ma'ayenei Hayeshua
Hospital
Occasionally you need a test not available at your local
branch. X-rays may have you sent to some radiology suite. You
pay the taxi and you get the films, but a radiologist may
only read them much later in the week. Need a CT, ultrasound
or stress test? Again, the Kupot still make deals with
private places -- they however aren't excited about taking
patients from the Kupot, as they are paid globally anyhow.
Consequently, the wait for a test can be weeks to a month.
A person with a suspicious mass may have to suffer weeks of
indecision until results are known. Also, because of cutbacks
in the health budget, surgery for things such as broken hips
may take several days until an operating room is
available.
How do you beat the system? If you have money, going
privately assures you of the best doctors and faster
services. Expect to pay a minimum of 400 shekel. Many
religious doctors give discounts to avreichim. Don't
be embarrassed, ask.
The next best thing is American insurance, especially Blue
Cross/Blue Shield. Your doctor must however fulfill the
billing requirements by assuring good charting.
The next suggestion sounds silly, but it works. If there is a
doctor in your neighborhood, try barter. I give free medical
care to anyone who will be available for me if I need help
with a broken appliance or household repair.
Banding together helps. Rabbinical pressure has resulted in
excellent generalists in the city of Kiryat Sefer, as well as
physicians who understand the community. Threatening to leave
the Kupah is taken seriously, but you must be willing to back
up your word. It can be a tedious process.
Supplemental independent insurance is cheap, and covers all
operations here and abroad, including travel and
rehabilitation expenses. Hospital costs, consultations and
anesthesia are also covered.
Supplemental Kupah insurance is worth a lot less. Often it
has no insurance backing (independent companies are often
backed up by Lloyd's of London) and the small print indicates
they never cover things fully. They can be difficult to deal
with.
Try to have an open referral to the emergency department to
cover that expense, and avoid ambulances. If you arrive at a
hospital without an agreement with your Kupah, they will
holler, but they must pay by law. Keep close contact with
askonim such as Ezra L'Marpe.
Home visits by doctors from non-Kupah organizations are
usually worthless endeavors. Beware of nonspecialist Arab and
Russian doctors. Even Israeli doctors -- generally well
trained -- can be poor if they left Israel to receive
training in places like Italy or Hungary.
Lastly, a doctor who thinks he knows everything generally
knows nothing. Do not forget that in all matters of health,
Hashem is still running the show. Leaving a kid four hours in
an emergency department to get sutured in a place with a
television and improperly dressed patrons when the same
service can be done just as well in a religious hospital is a
crime!
Don't give up the fight. As Israelis say -- this is what we
have. If you have any questions -- you know what I always say
-- write me in care of the Yated.
A message from Glaxo, sponsor of this column. Cold
sores hurt, but Zovirax cream can help. This wonderful
medication is now available without medical prescription. It
is worthwhile.
