I had abit of a problem and needed antibiotics but it was night time and in a foreign country – so I called the front desk of the hotel we were staying and he told me that a doctor will come calling. Well, there was a kncok at the door and three German paramedics plus the front desk guy came in. I was so glad Dave had just come back from work a few minutes before.
I ended up taking a ride in the ambulance to the nearest hospital, had a urine test, and saw a doctor. I said to Dave, brace yourself for the bill but when the bill came, we were so stunned – $84 for all those services! For the locals here it would be cheaper still as their medical insurance would pick up some of the cost. The doctor gave us a prescription and with the navigator in our rental car, we were able to find a pharmacy that was opened at 1 am. And the cost for antibiotics and another packet of meds – about $40!
So we ask ourselves what is wrong with the medical system in the US that so many people are without medical insurance. The ambulance ride in Dresden was free to the patient. My daughter told me that when she broke her ankle roller skating, it cost $500 for the paramedic to cut her shoe laces! And any tests be it urine or bloodwork the cost in the US would be about $300 to $400 but I think I paid 5.60 euros (it was all included in the $80 I paid.)
I’m glad you’re on the mend!! How long will you two crazy kids be in Germany?
Oh, and I told Brian your story and he said one word…”lawsuits!”