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Is there a doctor in the house?
March 25th, 2010 by Angela
It really hadn't occurred to me that the every day things I took for granted in the UK would be an issue in NYC. Like, sorting my self out with a mobile phone (I'm still using Jenny's pay-as-you-go because I can't get a contract), opening bank accounts, finding a laundrette because so few people have washing machines, being two seasons behind on America's Next Top Model... important things like that.
Well, today I came across a new issue. Visiting the doctor. Oh dear God, it's traumatic. You don't just roll up to the surgery looking lame and hoping the nice lady will let you in to see the doctor here. Oh no, you have to have insurance (which I didn't have), you have to make an appointment to see a 'general practitioner' then you have to be referred to a specialist - and they have specialists for EVERYTHING - then you have to pay ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD for said specialist to sort you out.
I'll save you the long story but basically, I had have my ears syringed (I'm not gross, the doctor says I have tiny ear tubes and I need to not wear in the ear headphones anymore - who knew?)and it cost me $20 to see the first doctor and then THREE HUNDRED BLOODY DOLLARS for the nice man to shoot a load of water up my ears. There's really no wonder his office is on the Upper East Side by The Park, is there?
Rant aside, it's a beautiful day today, the boy is back from tour and now I can hear again, we're going to go and see this brilliant Danish band, Oh No Ono at Music Hall tonight. Can't wait. Mostly because I know he'll let me get pizza on the way home.
Mood: Broke and missing the NHS
Currently listening to: www.myspace.com/ohnoono
It really hadn't occurred to me that the every day things I took for granted in the UK would be an issue in NYC. Like, sorting my self out with a mobile phone (I'm still using Jenny's pay-as-you-go because I can't get a contract), opening bank accounts, finding a laundrette because so few people have washing machines, being two seasons behind on America's Next Top Model... important things like that.
Well, today I came across a new issue. Visiting the doctor. Oh dear God, it's traumatic. You don't just roll up to the surgery looking lame and hoping the nice lady will let you in to see the doctor here. Oh no, you have to have insurance (which I didn't have), you have to make an appointment to see a 'general practitioner' then you have to be referred to a specialist - and they have specialists for EVERYTHING - then you have to pay ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD for said specialist to sort you out.
I'll save you the long story but basically, I had have my ears syringed (I'm not gross, the doctor says I have tiny ear tubes and I need to not wear in the ear headphones anymore - who knew?)and it cost me $20 to see the first doctor and then THREE HUNDRED BLOODY DOLLARS for the nice man to shoot a load of water up my ears. There's really no wonder his office is on the Upper East Side by The Park, is there?
Rant aside, it's a beautiful day today, the boy is back from tour and now I can hear again, we're going to go and see this brilliant Danish band, Oh No Ono at Music Hall tonight. Can't wait. Mostly because I know he'll let me get pizza on the way home.
Mood: Broke and missing the NHS
Currently listening to: www.myspace.com/ohnoono
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Clear, informative, spmile. Could I send you some e-hugs?April 22nd, 2010 by Monique
I love New York and when i leave school i want to move out there but the doc situation doesnt sound good as im constantly ill and hurting my self. Hospital is my second home and really dont feel like spending all that money on a bloody doc!! (still think its amazing there though :D)March 31st, 2010 by Hannah
Count yourself lucky - I got admitted to a hospital when I was taken ill on holiday in Florida and after giving me 2 Cat Scans they then presented me with a bill for $10,000 - I kid you not! And not only that but the insurance took 2 months to pay me out! Lets hope times are changing for the better there now though.March 31st, 2010 by Janine
Didnt reslise the health care out there was that expensive. I really want to live in New York, i will have to remember that from now on....Hope your having fun!!March 27th, 2010 by Mya Aleia
THREE HUNDRED US DOLLARS??? Wow...i mean..WOW..really?March 25th, 2010 by Sara
Sounds fab, love that band!! :) The health care system in the US is rubbish - go NHS! ;)