Table 5 Financial and related healthcare system barriers

Financial

Do you have health insurance that covers doctor’s visit?

I was able to see a doctor regularly until about 10 years ago when I still worked in a large corporation. I had health insurance then. But now, with the insurance cost rising so high, I am not able to afford it. I am 62 years old now, and I will get my Medicare in three years.

I had Obamacare until a year ago. The insurance cost keeps rising, and the high copay and deductible payments even with insurance is way too much to afford. So I do not have any health insurance. Fortunately, I don’t feel sick, and I hope my HBV doesn’t cause any serious problem. I know I need to have a checkup soon, though

Financial problems are definitely the greatest issue when it comes to seeing a doctor or going to a hospital

Healthcare system barriers

Have you had any issues with doctors or hospitals you experienced in the United States?

I have been to two doctors in the past several years in the United States. I was not impressed with their level of knowledge and care on CHB. I am not sure how familiar the doctors in the United States are with HBV disease.

I think hospital and staff in the United States are not familiar with CHB. I also heard that the national health policy to screen HBV in Asians was only recently instituted.

Hospitals in Korea have different systems [than those in the US] that make it easier to seek out care. For example, Korea hardly takes appointments and even when they do, you don’t have to wait long.

I went to see an American doctor, who was not familiar with the treatment options for CHB. He referred me to another doctor at a university hospital, but it would take two months to see him, so I ended up not going.

As a non-native, it’s difficult to find doctors. Korean community centers and media are the only means for me to find doctors.