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Eds Hudson Bookstore  Let the Americans Give Us First Aid
February 15, 2000 by Irwin Stelzer   February 13, 2000  In the
first of a new series on Britain's healthcare crisis, Irwin
Stelzer advises importing foreign expertise  I recently had
occasion to learn two things about the British healthcare
system. The care it provides is exceptionally good - and more
immediately available than in America. And to get it, you'd best
not be on the National Health Service.  The sudden onset of
double vision led me to need a doctor early one morning. A 6am
call got me an 8am appointment with the doctor covering for my
regular physician, and an appointment with a specialist at 10am.
First question: are you on the NHS? Answer: No. "Good. Please
take your credit card to the desk."  Eight hours later I emerged
from more medical machines and tests than I knew existed, to be
told that all the "nasty possibilities" had been eliminated, and
that the ailment was a min