A good thing about socialised systems (don't get me wrong, there are plenty of problems too) is that they often have more protocol homogeneity. What this helps with is that best practice gets codified and protocols written. Then a clear pathway is made for clinicians to follow, with a review system to allow for improvements. Fragmented systems with owner operators (usually sub specialists) can have other motives ($) and little to zero feedback on care quality. Large systems with set protocols helps reduce unneeded tests. Getting the money saved put back into other parts of the system however, can be.... Tricky.
As someone living under a "socialist" system, let me tell you : "practice" is codified, yes. Best practice is not, unless some politician's kid or granddad has the disease/condition in question.
Someone I know needed a root canal treatment, and I found out that ... it's not covered - at all - under the national system. Nor is it covered under normal insurance except for a small token amount (< $250 equivalent, and yes it will cost $2k+ here too). And there is no way to get it done quickly, which makes no sense. We're talking about a root canal here. Delaying it at the point where it hurts will make things worse FAST. WTF ?
Hmm.. That's bad. I live in a country with socialised healthcare, and there is some dental care. Most isnt covered, but if its an accident or an emergency (such as bad pain), it will get done. Imperfect, yes.
