You Can Learn a lot about a Country's Healthcare on a Hunting Trip

Having spent 30 years working in the healthcare finance space, and longer pursuing my passion of hunting, I have had the opportunity to see a glimpse of what our healthcare is – and could become.

Here is a brief rundown of the healthcare systems I’ve observed in other countries, and the hunting one can find there:

Canada – A great place to hunt ducks, but not so much if you need a new hip.  The sixty-something clerk at the truck stop where we bunked was into her second year of waiting and was now using a cane.  The government-run system still hadn’t gotten to her yet.  In the restaurant, the waitress said her ten year old daughter loved to play hockey but her constant sore throats were causing her to cry herself to sleep.  She had been waiting nine months for a tonsillectomy but was hoping to hear something soon.

Australia – A night shoot for foxes and kangaroos (they are nuisance animals there) was cold and fun.  A stroll through Melbourne revealed the private hospital with a sign that read ‘no emergency room – go to the public hospital’.  The private hospital was an impressive modern facility with a very pleasant receptionist – the public facility next door with the window unit air conditioners, not so much.  If you had the means, it was clear where you went.

Africa – The most varied and magnificent terrain and animals you could imagine, certainly for a Kentucky boy.  A plains game hunt in the African style was the trip of a lifetime but revealed many stark contrasts.  Government-supported healthcare produced new facilities and jobs for some but funding either runs short or runs out.  Third world countries need a big infusion of expertise from other countries.  Guess that’s why all the outfitters suggest checking out medical evacuation insurance in case of an accident.

United States – My Dad just got his hip replaced and is doing well.  He’ll get a lot of bills from a variety of sources but has a new hip 45 days after his initial evaluation.  Does the US system have problems?  You bet it does.  Do humans make mistakes?  You know it.  We also ask people to pay for the services provided and attempt to collect from those with the ability to pay.  Do we have the best healthcare system in the world built upon Christian principles that value life?  Only if we keep fighting for it.

Don’t let your feelings on my hunting passion cloud your feelings on my healthcare views.  My professional hunter in Namibia reminded me that you have a critical five seconds to view the game in the scope, make a shoot-don’t shoot decision and pull the trigger.  Otherwise the opportunity is lost.  Our healthcare system may be in that critical five seconds.  Let’s not wait too long to make a decision.

Todd Cole has spent 30 years working in and around the healthcare industry and is currently a Director of Patient Accounting at TriHealth, a healthcare provider with two hospitals and numerous centers in Cincinnati, Ohio.  He is also President of the Kentucky Hunter Education Association.