My doctor's office, seen from my balcony
Got to check out the European health care system first-hand yesterday. Went to a physician (next-door, by the way — could have walked in; they don’t require appointments; can go to ANY physician I choose), who sent me to the University hospital for some tests. Must say I’m impressed with the efficiency, convenience, and /complete/ lack of cost. (Turns out Julian and I are covered under Austrian health care because he’s a guest professor at the University.)
The hospital did blood work, urinalysis, and ultrasound. First-class equipment, nice people taking care of me. (They all spoke English, of course.)
My wait at the hospital was about an hour, but that’s because I didn’t recognize their pronunciation of my name the first time they called me. I’ve decided I kind of like “Dee-ah-nay,” though.
Diagnosis: Gastritis, which makes sense. (I seem to have a recurring problem with it.) IV drugs, and a prescription, and come back (anytime — just walk in, day or night) if the pain returns. Everything free, except the prescription, which was €5.10. However, that €5.10 is the quarterly cost for that medication; refills within the quarter will be free.
Conclusion: Gastritis stinks. The European health care system rocks.
