Alright, now that I'm no longer on the French government's dime (and technically no longer considered a dependent of my parents), I'm back on my own health coverage.
That means that yesterday I finally had my appointment at Kaiser in Walnut Creek. I've always had a PPO, so this was the first time I got to view the inner-workings of a very, very large HMO hospital. And let me tell you, the fact that I was able to figure out some of this crap in French astounds me.
Though many people are skeptical of Kaiser for its long-term negligence with terminal and elderly patients, I'm really pleased with my minor dealings with them thus far. Heck, on my plan vaccinations are free, visits are about $20, and I think x-rays are free too.
Furthermore, after being accepted to Kaiser, I was able to scroll through eight pages of doctors to find someone of my gender, who shares similar interests, is closer to my age range than my parents' and a doctor who is familiar with issues I have in my family (i.e., cardiac concerns). I picked my doctor and then met with her yesterday.
Not only did she give me a (VERY CHEAP) refill on my current prescription, but she also administered blood tests to check up on my heart vitals and sent me out to a nutritionist so we could help curb my triglycerides and cholesterol -- which have been historically high in my family.
After wandering the maze that is this hospital, I found the laboratory in the basement where I proceeded to draw a number and wait in line until it was called. Upon being called, all I had to do was show photo ID, my member card and voilà, instant blood-drawing. Much, much easier than anything I had to do in France and I didn't even need to bring a book with me, because the lines weren't very long at all!
When it was all said and done, I paid around $60 for a new prescription, doctor's visit, and eight lab blood tests.
But the best part is when I checked my personal Kaiser web profile last night, my blood test results came back only about six hours after the test! AND EVEN THOUGH I GAINED A BILLION POUNDS WHILE LIVING IN FRANCE, MY CHOLESTEROL IS ON THE LOWER END OF THE SPECTRUM!!!
Wow, I'm not excited about that or anything.
So for now -- I'm shocked to say this -- it's American (dental/health) bureaucracy 1, French (dental/health) bureaucracy -3. I figured it wouldn't be too long before we got something right in comparison to European societies.
Now if only Kaiser dealt with major issues this thoroughly...
That means that yesterday I finally had my appointment at Kaiser in Walnut Creek. I've always had a PPO, so this was the first time I got to view the inner-workings of a very, very large HMO hospital. And let me tell you, the fact that I was able to figure out some of this crap in French astounds me.
Though many people are skeptical of Kaiser for its long-term negligence with terminal and elderly patients, I'm really pleased with my minor dealings with them thus far. Heck, on my plan vaccinations are free, visits are about $20, and I think x-rays are free too.
Furthermore, after being accepted to Kaiser, I was able to scroll through eight pages of doctors to find someone of my gender, who shares similar interests, is closer to my age range than my parents' and a doctor who is familiar with issues I have in my family (i.e., cardiac concerns). I picked my doctor and then met with her yesterday.
Not only did she give me a (VERY CHEAP) refill on my current prescription, but she also administered blood tests to check up on my heart vitals and sent me out to a nutritionist so we could help curb my triglycerides and cholesterol -- which have been historically high in my family.
After wandering the maze that is this hospital, I found the laboratory in the basement where I proceeded to draw a number and wait in line until it was called. Upon being called, all I had to do was show photo ID, my member card and voilà, instant blood-drawing. Much, much easier than anything I had to do in France and I didn't even need to bring a book with me, because the lines weren't very long at all!
When it was all said and done, I paid around $60 for a new prescription, doctor's visit, and eight lab blood tests.
But the best part is when I checked my personal Kaiser web profile last night, my blood test results came back only about six hours after the test! AND EVEN THOUGH I GAINED A BILLION POUNDS WHILE LIVING IN FRANCE, MY CHOLESTEROL IS ON THE LOWER END OF THE SPECTRUM!!!
Wow, I'm not excited about that or anything.
So for now -- I'm shocked to say this -- it's American (dental/health) bureaucracy 1, French (dental/health) bureaucracy -3. I figured it wouldn't be too long before we got something right in comparison to European societies.
Now if only Kaiser dealt with major issues this thoroughly...
2 comments:
kaiser rocks :)
I guess since in France it's less expensive, you put up with more hassle. Glad life in the states is going so well!
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