Friday, December 12, 2014

Upfront charge

Bonjour!

So I told you my health condition, and I decided to see a doctor past three days. The first clinic that I went did not accept me as doctor's appointment was all full. Then, I tried to go to another clinic- it's a walk-in clinic i.e. No appointment, just go and wait 'till your turn is called.

I arrived around 11.30 am. I was so tired for the fact I had to wait so long approximately 4 hours. Then I just happened to know my number was 'skipped' when the patient number from 38 suddenly turned to 41 without numbers in between. I saw the staff and she said my name was called and I did not show up. Bengang ler, dah tau orang tak datang tu cari la, macam seats klinik tu satu baris je. Lepas tu panggil sekali je. Grrr. Ingat bayar $20 ke.

Wait, I won't skip the reason I felt so mad after the silly mistake. At the counter while the clinic staff got me registered, he first asked me to pay $200. Within 5 seconds, I nodded my head. I have been sick for a month. The feeling not-so-fit made me exhausted most of the times. So, I gave my YES to whatever cost I had to pay without thinking any further and did not expect to face such a lazy staff.

I did not want to go to my university's health center for two reasons. First, it was 11.30 am, and I bet no more appointment slot would be available at that moment. Second, the most recent visit was so disappointing- I waited for hours yet the doctor ended up with no prescription. He repeated several times "It's normal, it's normal". Duh, I did not come to see you to listen to such advice. He did give some advice but actually was referring to his child who had a similar case. I paid you for the visit, Mr. Doctor. Guess what, while we were still in the session, he easily told someone who knocked his door that our session would end in 2 minutes while actually I was not done with him, yet. Hmm..

(Aku pun boleh jadi doktor macam tu.. setakat pesakit yang datang mengadu dan beri respon 'itu biasa.. itu biasa...").

Back to the story.

When I managed to see the doctor, I did not even remember to ask him what my problem is. While I was entering the doctor room, he asked me, "Are you a doctor?". "No, I am not", spontaneously answered without asking him back. I know why people ask me such question simply because my father's name has an MD, an abbreviation that they understand reserved for Medical Doctor.

(Insha Allah the response will be a yes when I got my doctoral degree).

I could tell this doctor is about his 60s and looked so experienced, don't compare to my university doctor. Not even an inch close!

He prescribed me Nasonex. I used for two days so far, not sure if I get any better, but at least I have something to use. Forget about how much I could claim from my insurance company.

PS. I just submitted an abstract to Tunisia. Hope to get accepted because I cannot wait any longer for a long vacation.


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