First, just to get it out of the way, yes I am glad that some type of Health care reform passed and yes overall I am a supporter of President Obama (although I vehemently disagree with him on the lack of force and direction of many policies that do not go anywhere near far enough to effect real change).
So my wife and I are in Europe for a month (business and a little pleasure)and while in Paris this morning had an occasion to experience the French Medical system (last year my wife had the pleasure).
Without getting into the gory details or TMI, in the 6 weeks leading up to this trip I have been chasing a kidney stone. I have visited my doctor in the states 4-5 times having x-rays and other tests to track the stone and determine the best course of action, which to date has been to wait it out. As the saying goes "This to shall pass", hopefully.
Anyway, over the last few days it has been acting up and since I do not go home for about 3 weeks I figured it might be a good idea to get an x ray just to see where the little sucker is and if waiting it out is still the best course of action.
I went to a little clinic next door to the hotel, how convenient and walked in without an appointment. I waited about 15 minutes and then had an x-ray which proved inconclusive (it has been illusive to my doctor at home as well)so they also did an ultrasound.
The doctor then spent about 10 minutes explaining (a little English a little French) what he found and the best course of action. He concurred with my doctor at home and I was pleased to know that I did not need to go for surgery at the moment.
So here is my huge complaint and why our system sucks and will bankrupt our nation:
Services rendered in France:
- Pelvic x-ray
- Renal Ultra Sound
- Physician consult
Total Cost - $240USD (I paid out of pocket without insurance)
To put this in perspective the exact same treatment in the US with the same equipment and quality of care would have been between $2,500 - $3,000. Can someone please explain WHY?????????????????