China Copies US Method on Discharging Patients

Remember all those stories of “patient dumping” in California. Well, we are not alone. It seems that China is a little jealous of us and is following in the same direction. After the May 12th earthquake, they have been stuck with patients who don’t want to leave the hospital. The reason is that they have no where to go as there homes have been destroyed. Unlike before the quake, China changed its rules for these patients and gave them free care. Normally, they expect cash upfront. Now that they entered the altruistic arena, they are stuck with these people. The article in the WSJ details some interesting cases that you should take a look at. The hospitals are doing what it takes to get them out including just stopping their meds as well as any services they receive. One dude had to hike up a mountain on a broken leg after he was thrown out. Think of that before we start criticizing how bad our healthcare system is. Word on the street is that China is starting to buy Healthcare Deluxe Curbside Tilt Trucks from America.