(This picture is two days after the recent unpleasantness. Six stitches lurk under the bandage.)On the brighter side, I've found out that the prices here for healthcare and the services rendered can be amazing.
When they took me to the hospital, they cleaned me up, examined me, took x-rays, stitched me, gave me an antibiotic shot and wrote me a prescription. Out-of-pocket cost: $19. Cost of one day's pills (nine pills in all): $2.
Each of my follow-up visits: in and out in 15 minutes, checking the stitches, short consult, change the dressing, new prescription: $3.20.
I went to replace my glasses today; I picked out a titanium frame, which is very very thin and tough. The total cost in the States, even at Wal-Mart, would have exceeded $300. Here? Eighty-six bucks. I could have had them in ten minutes, but since I'm astigmatic, they had to order the lenses. At home, it would take a week. I'll pick them up tomorrow.
(Now, if you see the guy in the photo in your neighborhood, lock up your daughters, your sons, and your small animals... and hide the sharp objects.)
1 comment:
I finally read all the ould posts and am now caught up. I reallt enjoyed them. Reminds me of my time in the orient. I love your writing style - reminds me of a Dave Berry/Douglas Adams mix. Keep it up. Oh and why sould we lock up our small animals, you wouldn't eat them, and I didn't think it was that cold there yet...
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