Well, we could really use some prayer. Ross suddenly got really sick yesterday and the doctor told us today that it looks like he has bronchitis and a flu. Obviously we want him to get well very soon, so pray for that. Also, please pray that Colton and I DO NOT get sick! Mark and Connie (Ross' parents) arrive on Friday and we all want to be well to enjoy their visit. Also, I have so much to do before then, I need my health!
Anyway, going to the doctor was an interesting experience again - just so different than in the States. This doctor is British and caters to ex-pats, study-abroad students, and tourists who want an English speaking doctor. We learned of him last night through some friends and I e-mailed him, since it was almost midnight, to schedule an appointment for today. This morning at 9am I received a text message from the doctor himself asking if we could come in at 10:20am. I called to confirm and he answered the phone himself (I think it was his cell) and gave me directions. Yup, the doctor did this all himself! His office was very small, in a very old building. We walked in and there was no receptionist, just a clip board with a sign saying to fill out the information on the sheet and wait. When the doctor called us back, we went into his office - a large room with a desk and a small, partitioned off area with an examination table. He told Ross to sit on the table and did normal sick visit things. After the exam we all moved to his desk area and sat down. He told us what he thought Ross was facing and which medications he would recommend. As he was writing the prescription (which they do on, basically, note paper with their name on it - no signature needed) his phone rang. It was a girl looking for his office. She told him she was in front of the H&M and he said, "Wait right there, I'll hang out the window to see if I can see you." He proceeded to get up, open the 5th floor window, hang halfway out of it, and peer out toward H&M. "Do you see a silver car driving toward you?" he asked. She answered and he then said, "Ah yes, I think I see you. Are you wearing a white scarf and a white jumper? Just walk forward one more block and we are on your right..." Really??? He answered the phone himself??? He peered out the window, found this girl, and gave her directions....himself??? Yup, he did. Anyway, after paying right then and there (a requirement - no billing from that office!) he sent us down to the pharmacy next door, we picked up everything he prescribed, and headed home.
I just could never imagine having an experience like that in the States. I mean what doctor doesn't have a huge staff of receptionists, nurses, accounting people, etc? What doctor would ever text you to set an appointment? What doctor hangs out of windows to give some lost college girl directions? He was a great guy, very kind and seemingly good at his job, but the whole experience was strange.
Not only that, but we are learning that getting medical care here is expensive! You see, if you want to go with the public healthcare system you have to apply to get into the system. That process usually takes a year or more. Then, once you are in, it can still take months to get an appointment when you need one! Therefore, everyone - including Italians - who can afford it sees private doctors. The difference? Instead of the state or an insurance company covering the costs it's all up to you....or in this case, to us. You have to pay in full at the time of the appointment and if you are prescribed any medications or treatments you have to pay in full for those, too, as soon as you get them. As Ross has had trouble with bad pain in one of his legs recently we have spent A LOT of money on doctor visits, therapies, drugs, etc since our arrival. I gotta say, I miss my insurance coverage!
Anyway, thought I would share what, to me, is an interesting difference in a routine activity when living in Italy v. the U.S.A.. Also, please do remember to pray for health for Ross, Colton, and myself. Thanks!
