Is there a doctor in the house?

There is a lot of discourse in the media and I don't really want to get political about healthcare. Truly. But I DID want to describe some recentish experiences with the healthcare system here. Which, incidentally, the Italians do complain about (we all love complaining at times, yes?).

1. In order to check James's growth, we had occasion to have his wrist x-rayed. Since we are privately insured and aren't enrolled in the healthcare system here, I was required to go to the administrative offices to prepay the cost of the procedure. Michael and I tried one morning when we were passing anyway, but we only had 20 minutes for the line...so I had to go back later that afternoon. I had managed to pay within 15 minutes (but was biting my nails because I was there right at closing time).

When I paid, they offered me the possibility of an appointment two days hence (elective procedure, remember). Since it was a morning appointment, though, I asked for a later date when we could go in the afternoon. So the payment also included the scheduling. And how much did it cost, you ask? Remember, this was to cover EVERYTHING...X-ray films, radiologist, machines, the guy to read the films...so I was expecting a couple hundred euro at least, right? Wrong. It was 15.60 euro, meaning about $18 depending on the exchange rate.

I received an automated call the week of the appointment to ask for confirmation that we would be there. When James and I arrived at the hospital (in Pantalla, about 15 minutes away by my car), we entered a quiet space that was clean and bright. We made our way to the radiology department (just up the escalators and down the hall about 20 meters), and checked in (which took 30 seconds). The radiologist called James back immediately, and we were back in the car within 5 minutes (not kidding...it's a small building, small parking lot). I have to go back to pick up the films, although I may have had the option of having them sent directly to the doctor. I was so gobsmacked by how quick it was that I didn't even think to ask.

2. I was feeling rotten and had had a bad cough for a few weeks. Wanting to check whether it was pneumonia, I called the doctor about 1:00 to see whether he could see me two days hence (I was really busy the following day). He immediately said that he'd see me that evening...would 6:30 pm work for me? Uh, yes.

I arrived (5 minutes by car in Cappuccini; technically walkable but I was feeling lazy, sick, and a little short on time) and walked directly into his private office. He spent 30 minutes on exam, a little time on drug allergies, and general history, etc. Diagnosis bronchitis and tracheitis, prescription written, 30 euro charge ($35) (remember, this will be reimbursed by insurance assuming I can be bothered to do the paperwork). He chose a mild antibiotic and instructed me to call him back if I wasn't better after the 6-day course.

He also gave me a sample of cough syrup....an 8-ounce bottle, based on the size of the box (I thought). I cracked up once I got home and opened it, only to find that half of it had been decanted at some point, presumably for a different patient's use.

I did call him back because I was still coughing (although it was a bit better) and he immediately by phone told me to extend the prescription. I called the pharmacy to see if they remembered what they'd given me (because of course I'd been tidy and thrown the box and prescription away)...yes, of course they did, and yes, Ashley could pick it up on my behalf.

And, yes, we are all in rude health!

Alexandra