Because I take my duties as a blogger seriously, I decided that no semester in Berlin would be complete without an inside look into the German healthcare system. I felt this was especially apt, given all the recent hullabaloo over Obama and Healthcare. As much as I am fully in favor of the idea of socialized health care providing every American with access to healthcare, there are a few things I wonder about – one thing in particular. Sure, there’s that whole question of expense and tax dollars but my concern? Waiting time. With everyone’s busy schedules, stresses, and egos, I can only imagine a waiting room turning into data to support Charles Darwin’s “Survival of the Fittest.” (House style.)
All I needed was a reason for my little experiment- and the forces that be were ready to provide not one but two:
1. my left knee
2. my right knee
Perfect. (It must be noted that my experiences took place in an Orthopedist’s office rather than an ER.)
Despite my earlier fears and cause for great hesitation, my waiting time was pretty negligible! (Although I am pretty sure a few of the older ladies had a few choice words to say to the receptionists) Even better the entire doctor visit costs about a fifth, without insurance coverage, of what it would have cost in the states. You would think at those prices the doctor would have been haggard, rushed, and impersonal but lucky for me that was not the case and when I returned a couple of weeks later for my check up, he had no problem recalling my case! Even the girls at the desk were very helpful when I was trying to fill out a medical question form. If she hadn’t caught my mistakes I would have been on file as “recovering from cancer and chemotherapy” and “pregnant”. (Hey, you try filling out a form in another language and see what you check off!)
My point is, I believe our friends on Capitol Hill could learn a thing or two…or three.
Now, I do have one question? Does the company that provides cast bandages have a desire to embarrass all of us poor injured souls? If not, would it be so hard for them to provide more understated colors, than say, bright red with bright yellow tape? I’d rather not have legs that stop traffic. (For the wrong reasons.) Or look like they belong in the circus.
Exhibit A:
