Well I doubt you weren't in the Recovery Room awhile, Liam. They didn't let me out, even if I couldn't seem to sleep, which they were keen for me to do. But no I don't think that it's insurance this time. If it were an insurance thing, then Canada would not have same day surgery centers.
I think it lowers hospital costs. So I think that is one motivation. Hospital costs in the US are really spiraling up (though lowering a bit lately). The US probably is a bit more technologically driven and they can have small scale--high quality set ups like little ORs. But they can cut down on frills like rooms! It's all cordoned off by a bunch of curtains. You get very good care, but it is very efficient with maybe 3-4 nurses that really don't have to go room to room. They also don't need to worry about patient amenities-- like TV or meals.
I also think it's safer. Hospitals are dangerous places with all the infections. With an area like the mastoid, so easily infected, I suppose they wanted Jack out asap! And staying in bed is not necessarily good for you either. With nothing particularly to do with you after you wake up from anesthesia, there's no particular reason for you to stay there. You don't need any particular care after surgery really either. The wound care is non-existent (right after surgery) and you don't need any high end pain medications like pumps, etc. I agree 2-4 days sounds like over kill too, overnight seems like something more on the understandable range.
I'd guess that in Europe and Australia they have figured out some way of lowering costs some other way.
I was just as happy to be out actually.
BTW, top surgery is different but in most surgery US insurance companies usually pay most of the costs of boarding you. Usually you will get a bill from individuals-- like specialists who see you. I haven't been hospitalized since I was in my 30s, so not sure if this is still true. Top surgery is considered elective and/or the insurance companies discrimination against trans people.
--Jay
