Swiss Doctors

So far, I think I love the Swiss health system. I think I'm going to be irritated with doctors when we move back. The kids and I all had to go to the doctor this week as we've been sick for nearly a month and coughing like maniacs (so bad that Jason even kicked me to the couch one night before an important meeting at work). I called on Monday morning and was able to get Lainey in the same day and appointments for Aidan and me on Tuesday. We walked in to each appointment without a wait. No hoardes of germy kids sicker than my own. I didn't have to fill out loads of paperwork, prove I had referrals, or be screened by nurses before meeting the doctor. The doctors themselves met us in the waiting room!

The pediatrician and my GP were very thorough, asking lots of questions and listening to my comments. They even did tests (breathing capacity and blood) right in their own offices! I didn't have to shlep to a lab or anything! And, best of all, they give you the medication right then and there. No traipsing to a pharmacy with sick kids, waiting for the pharmacist to check your insurance and spend an hour counting out 20 pills. Just "here's what you need and here's how much and when to take it". I didn't even have to deal with waiting to check-out and co-pays, they just send you a bill later which you then send to the insurance company. I was in and out of each appointment, drugs in hand, flu shots had by all in 30 minutes flat!

That in itself made me feel better! I just hope that when I do get the bills, I don't have a heart attack seeing as I have no clue what medical care costs here. (But it is socialized medicine, so it shouldn't be too bad.) Hopefully, the kids and I will be better soon. Jason's lucky he's got to work so much and not be around us sickos!