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Which is kind of funny: all medical problems are life threatening. The only differentiator is how long it'll take them to kill you.

0xffff2 7y ago
That's patently not true. Acne is a medical problem faced by a substantial portion of the population at one time or another. In all but the rarest of cases it is not life threatening.
- nexuist 7y ago
  From the acne Wikipedia page: "There is good evidence to support the idea that acne and associated scarring negatively affect a person's psychological state, worsen mood, lower self-esteem, and are associated with a higher risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal thoughts."[1] While Acne probably won't kill you, it certainly won't make you happier and could contribute to suicide if left untreated. We are lucky that acne meds are cheap, but there is nothing stopping those companies from shooting up their prices tomorrow. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne#Prognosis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne#Prognosis
  - unishark 7y ago
    In that case depression is the life-threatening ailment, not the acne. Just like pneumonia is the reason you go to the ER, not a common cold on the off-chance it might later become pneumonia. Also by the way, the requirement to provide care to any walk-in patient only applies to ER's, and only until they have stabilized the patient.
JohnFen 7y ago
Well, the requirement is more specific: the hospital must treat you if you are in immediate danger of dying. They only have to treat to enough to stabilize you, though, then their legal responsibility is complete.
- ianai 7y ago
  I agree with the OP in a stronger spirit. It’s in society’s own best interest to ensure a basic level of quality of life to its members. There are many illnesses out there which can severely, negatively affect a persons life but otherwise aren’t always treated because of mitigating factors. Sleep apnea is a good example. Many can get by without treatment, but eventually complications from it or side effects of it can lead to chronic fatigue/reduced productivity at work, and even lead to death. Back pain can do similar. It’s not life threatening but can lead to reduced work productivity which could contribute to being terminated.
  - JohnFen 7y ago
    Yes, I agree as well. I was just describing how things are, not how they should be.

0xffff2 7y ago

That's patently not true. Acne is a medical problem faced by a substantial portion of the population at one time or another. In all but the rarest of cases it is not life threatening.

nexuist 7y ago
From the acne Wikipedia page: "There is good evidence to support the idea that acne and associated scarring negatively affect a person's psychological state, worsen mood, lower self-esteem, and are associated with a higher risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal thoughts."[1] While Acne probably won't kill you, it certainly won't make you happier and could contribute to suicide if left untreated. We are lucky that acne meds are cheap, but there is nothing stopping those companies from shooting up their prices tomorrow. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne#Prognosis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne#Prognosis
- unishark 7y ago
  In that case depression is the life-threatening ailment, not the acne. Just like pneumonia is the reason you go to the ER, not a common cold on the off-chance it might later become pneumonia. Also by the way, the requirement to provide care to any walk-in patient only applies to ER's, and only until they have stabilized the patient.

JohnFen 7y ago

Well, the requirement is more specific: the hospital must treat you if you are in immediate danger of dying. They only have to treat to enough to stabilize you, though, then their legal responsibility is complete.

ianai 7y ago
I agree with the OP in a stronger spirit. It’s in society’s own best interest to ensure a basic level of quality of life to its members. There are many illnesses out there which can severely, negatively affect a persons life but otherwise aren’t always treated because of mitigating factors. Sleep apnea is a good example. Many can get by without treatment, but eventually complications from it or side effects of it can lead to chronic fatigue/reduced productivity at work, and even lead to death. Back pain can do similar. It’s not life threatening but can lead to reduced work productivity which could contribute to being terminated.
- JohnFen 7y ago
  Yes, I agree as well. I was just describing how things are, not how they should be.