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| My view from the Transmilenio. |
So today, I traveled on the Transmilenio alone AND I went to the denist...alone. I felt so adventurous because the teachers in my van were so impressed that I was taking the Transmilenio alone and going to Quirigua (far, far away). Really it was not that big of a deal but the weather was perfect and it was mid-afternoon so I was happy. Also, now that I've identified some of my frustration as part of my stage 2 culture shock, I'm really trying to accept my new home with all its surprises and differences... on my way home, however, I decided that the healthcare system - especially for dental care - is just not something that I will ever get used to. No. Way.
Two weeks ago, I made an emergency appointment to visit the dentist because I was convinced I had cavities. After 2 or 3 minutes of poking around, she told me she could find nothing wrong with my teeth. She did sign off, however, on x-rays (which I still have not gotten because I have to go to another location and then return to the dentist for her to look at the x-rays....and then of course if I have cavities I have to make another appointment and return to the dentist. No thanks.
The dentist also suggested I get my semi-annual cleaning, so today I returned this time on my own to get my teeth cleaned. When I got to the dentist I had to wait about 45 minutes (even though I had an appointment). The problem was the building lost water for awhile...awesome. When they called my name, I signed a consent form and then sat in the chair. The dentist poked around my mouth again, sprayed some water, had me spit every 15 seconds because they don't have that convenient sucky tool, and then she asked me if I brought my toothbrush and floss. I did because I brushed my teeth at school before leaving for the dentist...but what?!?! She then proceeded to instruct me on how to brush my teeth using my toothbrush and toothpaste to sort of clean my teeth. So weird. Yes, I'm judging, I know. Anyway, that was it. An hour to the dentist and an hour back to my house for a lesson on how to use my toothbrush.
I'm wondering if my complete astonishment with this system is evidence of my privilege in the U.S. I've always had health insurance and a good job (or parents with good jobs) to cover a large chunk of the expense. But what is the health care like for folks without insurance? Or work? I know there are clinics - many of my students used them in Houston. Do they also receive this absurdly low level of service?! Yes my dentist visit was free, but now I'm wondering what I could get if I was willing to pay $25 (the typical co-pay for a visit to the doctor in the U.S.). In six months, I plan to explore these other options - even if that means paying a little extra...or maybe even a lot extra. If anyone knows more about the health care system in the U.S., please share. I've become very curious...
Ha, your posts are funny, even when you don't intend it.
ReplyDeleteDentists are luxuries in the U.S. for people without insurance and luxuries in developing countries for sure. Of course, people go when they have to, but some people don't go at all, much less every 6 months.
Your first visit to the clinic reminded me of visiting a clinic that takes people without insurance in the States. Most people without it get their primary care through emergency care doctors, sad to say.
It sounds like you let go of the idea of getting an X-ray, but perhaps you'll pick it back up especially since you're willing to pay a little more and get service to which you're more accustomed, like those in the US you've had.