kinky people and health

Check on all of the above - except the mammograms - in the UK I am considered too young to be able to recieve unless I pay private - but that doesn't stop me from checking for breast problems manually and asking the doctor to do so as well.

Out of interest - medical insurence in the states pays for standard mammograms etc or does it depend on the health insurence you take out? Is it something that is pushed by your MD - as it is here in the U.K? Or is it just left depending on your level of insurence? And is there a age restriction?

First a disclaimer. This answer isn't in any way a comprehensive report on health insurance in the US. Coverages, and procedures of insurance companies, vary by State. I happen to be an employer who pays 100% for my employee's coverage, make family coverage available for an additional cost, and pay 100% family coverage for all management personal. I'm not unique.

Medical insurance in not mandated in the US. Some employers do not offer it, some offer it at a cost, some pay for it completely or in part for employees and their families. You can purchase it as an individual, however it is very expensive and if you have ever had any pre-diagnosed condition or decease it is cost prohibitive to get it. In other words if you are sick and need insurance coverage and don't work for a company that offers or provides access to an 'open enrollment' health program - you can't get it.

There are public clinics, and government funded low income programs available but they are generally poorly managed. Non-profit groups focused on children, woman, or associated with specific groups, such as veterans, also try to accommodate the growing group of the uninsured.

If you have insurance you have one of two major types; and an infinite variety of in between. The most common, and lowest priced is a HMO, a 'health management organization'. What that means is that you have one assigned Doctor who is the 'gate-keeper' for all other services. In other words, you go to him/her for your initial diagnosis and/or annual physical, and if he/she discover anything warranting additional attention, the Doctor refers you on to the specialist. In a PPO plan, if you see a bone sticking out of your leg, you don't have to first go to your gate-keeper doctor to confirm that you indeed have a broken leg and should see a Orthopedist, you can go to any Orthopedist listed in your insurance coverage book.

Nowadays there is always a "deductible" or co-pay for any medical service from prescriptions to office visits. Also, some prescriptions are not covered. For instance, if you get cancer from smoking the insurance will pay for your cancer treatment and/or chemo-therapy. However if you chose to use a certain prescription medication to quit smoking - it may not be covered.

Regarding the age issue. There is no standard, but 40 is usually the first time for a referral to a mammogram, 50 for the colonoscopy. Any family history of breast cancer or colon cancer moves up the 'approved' timetable.

We waited for 10 days for an opening for beth's mammogram and thought it intolerable. My colonoscopy could have been scheduled the next day - but that was intolerable for me. What would be the standard wait to get a mammogram and/or colonoscopy in the UK; with and without a symptom such as a breast lump or any rectal issue?