So sometimes I am impressed with national healthcare, and other times I am not. Today I experienced one of the not-impressed moments. I needed to go to a Dr. to get a form signed/some sort of paper that certifies that I am in good health/mentally stable/not a drug addict/capable of travel, etc. in order to complete my application for renewing my program here. Fine. So this morning I call the first office on my list that is near to my house to see if I could get an appointment for this week yet. Sure, 6:30. Today? Yes, today. Okay, sweet. After hanging up I realized that he didn't even take my name... oh well, must have a pretty open schedule...? Odd.
Later, upon entering the office, I noticed another strange thing: no reception desk. Just a little waiting area. I called out a soft greeting to announce my presence and sat down to read my book. A few minutes later an elderly couple left a room and the Dr. ushered me in to his examining room/office. I sat down across the desk from him and told him what I needed, showing him a sample paper that I'd translated from the suggested form. "Okay," he says, pulling out a pad of letterhead paper, "Let's see your identification." (To write my name correctly on the paper.) "You don't have any diseases or anthing, right?" "No. Not that I know of." He nods and writes something out on the paper. "This bit about the traveling...is that necessary?" Well, I'm not sure, I don't think the wording is too important, as long as it says I'm a healthy individual..." He signs the paper, stamps it and hands it to me. His phone rings and he has a short conversation with a friend. I put the paper away and wait awkwardly for him to finish, trying not to listen-in on his conversation. "I think that's all I need, thank you very much." I say, wondering if he is going to charge me. "No problem, hasta luego."
Um, thats it? I just walk in, have him sign a paper for me without so much as taking my blood pressure and walk out again? I guess I was expecting a physical. But why would he need to do that? I'm clearly healthy and not addicted to drugs and have no diseases. Anyone could tell, just by looking at me! Right...? Whatever. Sure made it easy to get my paper taken care of. But note to self: in case of actual medical attention, find other doctor...
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hmmm. well I don't think this is any consolation but for my job I had to get physicals every year and have the Dr. fill out a paper that said that I was fine. Like you, The physical consisted in her asking me if I had any issues. Took my blood pressure and sent me out. They did that here too when I changed jobs. I think that at your age they'd have to do more than a physical to find something wrong with you, mainly if you feel fine. When you were little they had to do it because you might be too childish to realize something's wrong and your parents wouldn't trust you for your word and demand that the doc does his job. Some other Dr.might just be too honest to let it go. Now, if you decide to go get one for your own health they'll do the whole thing, knowing that it'll come out fine.
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