This is similar to how the Dutch system works. You normally go to your GP which will refer you to a specialist if required. The problem is that they always want to try a simple treatment first, without investigating thoroughly the causes of the illness. That means that you get sent home with paracetamol and only if you go the 2nd or 3rd time to the GP will you get sent to the specialist. My friend developed a type of auto-immune disease and because of the delays made by his GP his condition worsened a lot.
Since a lot of people have hypochondriac tendencies, this system has the advantage of reducing the amount of people that go to hospitals, which in turn reduces both infections in hospitals and the overall costs of the system. But for individuals, the chances of getting screwed are higher.
This bugs me a lot, as I don't seek medical attention unless I damn well need it. The GPs will just tell you to take it easy, eat some paracetamol and come back in 2-3 weeks if it's still an issue.
I understand the desire to not spend resources on hypochondriacs, but the last time I heard that from my doctor I ended up being admitted to the intensive care unit at the hospital the next day with meningitis. According to the doctors there, I could have died if I'd waited a bit longer.
Needless to say, I don't feel as confident in our healtcare system after that.
Yes, I've heard similar stories from various people. I guess you have to be very insistent and convincing to your GP when you feel ill, or else you risk delaying a proper diagnostic.
On the bright side, the Dutch hospitals have a great track record at low multi-resistant bacteria, which are more common in other countries. One of the reasons for this might be their stricter rules of admitting people in the hospitals.
Since a lot of people have hypochondriac tendencies, this system has the advantage of reducing the amount of people that go to hospitals, which in turn reduces both infections in hospitals and the overall costs of the system. But for individuals, the chances of getting screwed are higher.
edit: typo