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Are there any elective treatments that people don't have equal access to?
by stronglikedan 7y ago
Are there any elective treatments that people don't have equal access to?
- pmiller2 7y agoAlmost all of them, due to cost.
- stronglikedan 7y agoBut cost is not access. People save money for elective procedures/treatments all the time, regardless of their income level, indicating that they have the same level of access as anyone else.
- Pfhreak 7y agoCitation needed. Cost, under any non-pedantic definition, is absolutely part of access. Otherwise you could say, "everyone has access to a Bugatti Chiron." Or, "everyone has access to private jets for travel". Access implies ability to benefit from something, and if you absolutely cannot afford something, then you do not have access to it.
- Pfhreak 7y agoMany? Dental care, for example, definitely has unequal access. Implant replacement for a tooth is several thousands of dollars out of pocket. Wealthy folks can afford to get a tooth made and an implant added (and can afford the time off work for surgery recovery.) Less wealthy people might not be able to afford to replace a tooth (and need to just have the tooth pulled or live with the pain), or cannot take the time off to recover.
- stronglikedan 7y agoDental work isn't elective, as it can cause major problems if left untreated.
- Pfhreak 7y agoA dental implant is considered elective. In many cases you can pull the tooth and not replace it. Joint replacements are considered elective, as is plastic surgery (even reconstructive surgery following a burn or injury), and some cardiovascular surgeries.