Panel 1 isn’t quite fair. Based on the experiences I’ve heard from various people trying to get tested for COVID-19 and my own experience, it varies greatly depending on where you are. If you’re in a hot spot like NY or CA, you’re going to have a lot of problems getting tested. The test kits are just in too short supply. Even with a screening process, the supply of tests run out before people who are cleared to take get the test can get to a test site. Others have had problems getting tested in states that aren’t hot spots, but either the state doesn’t have its excrement together, or the local/regional health system can’t obtain tests. I’m lucky enough to live in a state that has a low number (for now) of COVID-19 cases and the local health system is owned by a large medical institution that developed its own test. I was able to take the test within an hour of calling into the screening hotline. My (negative) test results were available the next day.
Here’s a solution from a company the MIT’s "The Engine " incubator helped to start. There are probably more on the west coast the Y-Combinator is helping.
" …
March 18, 2020
The 2-year-old Cambridge, Massachusetts startup is based out of The Engine at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and had been working on developing technology for rapid diagnosis of diseases such as dengue and zika. Now, of course, E25Bio is turning its attention to creating early and accessible tests to diagnose the novel and rapidly-spreading coronavirus, which has caused a global pandemic.
Its goal is to be able to distribute more rapid, accurate and affordable detectors for coronavirus that can be distributed at scale across geographies. The startup plans to begin testing on human samples next week. The tests should be available for sale – at a cost of less than $30 – by late April depending on the regulatory timeline, according to a company spokesperson.
Until the USA becomes a civilized country I’ll be thankful I get my and my family’s healthcare from a company owned by Catholics. They let some compassion slip in. Plus, I’ve got a crush on a few of the nurses.
WHO ranks the US at around #37 for quality of healthcare. We are absolutely #1 on most expensive, however – at least 50% higher cost than #2, and unlike #2 we don’t even cover everyone in the country. And we cover fewer now, thanks to job loss and #45’s refusal to reopen the Obamacare enrollment during a healthcare crisis.
There are actually two types of test that are essential, a molecular test for the virus itself to detect active infection (usually a form of RT-PCR) and an antibody test to detect the population of those with acquired immunity (which may be larger than we know due to the apparent large % of asymptomatic carriers of the virus). The companies that have the expertise are all working on designing and producing such tests, but the production time lag is unavoidable due to the absolute necessity to be sure these are reliable tests.
Actually, we have one of the better mortality rates in the western world. Much better than most of Europe. Better than Switzerland, arguably with the best healthcare system in the world.
And, since we haven’t tested in depth but are calling any suspicious death a Covid event, the true numbers are even better.
At 75 I am on medicare. I have a medicare advantage plan which is a private company contracted with medicare. No problems with medical coverage.As a retired person, I am on fixed income. Same $ coming in every month. A decided advantage at present.Working young people are supporting the elderly. Why would any older person bash any age group.By the way, since we have fewer young workers available, perhaps we should encourage young immigrants and ensure that all native born children receive an excellent education.Medicare for all doesn’t preclude private insurance companies, but does regulate them. They can lose their contract. Medicare needs the ability to negotiate drug prices. I wonder how many high priced drugs were developed by universities? How much research was paid for by tax payers or donations? The actual pills are made in India and China. Did you know that big pharma pays companies to NOT produce generic drugs?Lastly, a shout out to California and especially the San Francisco Bay area for showing great leadership in fighting the virus.
Concretionist about 4 years ago
A little over the top. Very VERY unfortunately, not a lot over the top.
PS: Seriously careful self isolation is shown to work pretty darn well.
Strawberry Hellcat: Gair I gall, ffon I’r anghall about 4 years ago
Panel two. Millennials aren’t Gen Z. Millennials are now old enough to have careers and young children to raise. Yes, they should take precedence.
braindead Premium Member about 4 years ago
“Anyone who wants a test can get a test.”
sevaar777 about 4 years ago
American Healthcare so good that people are just dying for it.
Jason Allen about 4 years ago
Panel 1 isn’t quite fair. Based on the experiences I’ve heard from various people trying to get tested for COVID-19 and my own experience, it varies greatly depending on where you are. If you’re in a hot spot like NY or CA, you’re going to have a lot of problems getting tested. The test kits are just in too short supply. Even with a screening process, the supply of tests run out before people who are cleared to take get the test can get to a test site. Others have had problems getting tested in states that aren’t hot spots, but either the state doesn’t have its excrement together, or the local/regional health system can’t obtain tests. I’m lucky enough to live in a state that has a low number (for now) of COVID-19 cases and the local health system is owned by a large medical institution that developed its own test. I was able to take the test within an hour of calling into the screening hotline. My (negative) test results were available the next day.
superposition about 4 years ago
Here’s a solution from a company the MIT’s "The Engine " incubator helped to start. There are probably more on the west coast the Y-Combinator is helping.
" …
March 18, 2020
The 2-year-old Cambridge, Massachusetts startup is based out of The Engine at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and had been working on developing technology for rapid diagnosis of diseases such as dengue and zika. Now, of course, E25Bio is turning its attention to creating early and accessible tests to diagnose the novel and rapidly-spreading coronavirus, which has caused a global pandemic.
Its goal is to be able to distribute more rapid, accurate and affordable detectors for coronavirus that can be distributed at scale across geographies. The startup plans to begin testing on human samples next week. The tests should be available for sale – at a cost of less than $30 – by late April depending on the regulatory timeline, according to a company spokesperson.
…"
https://news.crunchbase.com/news/e25bio-raises-2m-from-khosla-ventures-to-create-rapid-covid-19-diagnostic-test/
Alberta Oil Premium Member about 4 years ago
Americans health care system can be summed up by what is written on their penny.. “In God we Trust”.
Packratjohn Premium Member about 4 years ago
I wonder how much the funeral home is making; the one that owns the mass grave…
mattro65 about 4 years ago
Until the USA becomes a civilized country I’ll be thankful I get my and my family’s healthcare from a company owned by Catholics. They let some compassion slip in. Plus, I’ve got a crush on a few of the nurses.
Radish the wordsmith about 4 years ago
We pay the most for healthcare and get the least, thanks capitalism!
If you’re homeless, or poor go to the emergency ward or something.
Republicans don’t care at all.
Motivemagus about 4 years ago
WHO ranks the US at around #37 for quality of healthcare. We are absolutely #1 on most expensive, however – at least 50% higher cost than #2, and unlike #2 we don’t even cover everyone in the country. And we cover fewer now, thanks to job loss and #45’s refusal to reopen the Obamacare enrollment during a healthcare crisis.
dirtmusic about 4 years ago
You get what you vote for I’m afraid.
martens about 4 years ago
There are actually two types of test that are essential, a molecular test for the virus itself to detect active infection (usually a form of RT-PCR) and an antibody test to detect the population of those with acquired immunity (which may be larger than we know due to the apparent large % of asymptomatic carriers of the virus). The companies that have the expertise are all working on designing and producing such tests, but the production time lag is unavoidable due to the absolute necessity to be sure these are reliable tests.
Radish the wordsmith about 4 years ago
Hospitals say feds are seizing masks and other coronavirus supplies without a word
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-04-07/hospitals-washington-seize-coronavirus-supplies?
Andylit Premium Member about 4 years ago
Actually, we have one of the better mortality rates in the western world. Much better than most of Europe. Better than Switzerland, arguably with the best healthcare system in the world.
And, since we haven’t tested in depth but are calling any suspicious death a Covid event, the true numbers are even better.
https://bnonews.com/index.php/2020/04/the-latest-coronavirus-cases/
theherb95 about 4 years ago
At 75 I am on medicare. I have a medicare advantage plan which is a private company contracted with medicare. No problems with medical coverage.As a retired person, I am on fixed income. Same $ coming in every month. A decided advantage at present.Working young people are supporting the elderly. Why would any older person bash any age group.By the way, since we have fewer young workers available, perhaps we should encourage young immigrants and ensure that all native born children receive an excellent education.Medicare for all doesn’t preclude private insurance companies, but does regulate them. They can lose their contract. Medicare needs the ability to negotiate drug prices. I wonder how many high priced drugs were developed by universities? How much research was paid for by tax payers or donations? The actual pills are made in India and China. Did you know that big pharma pays companies to NOT produce generic drugs?Lastly, a shout out to California and especially the San Francisco Bay area for showing great leadership in fighting the virus.