Get a doctor’s appointment in 30 minutes or less

March 19th 2007

There are a lot of things to complain about in France but health care isn’t one of them. In fact, I had no idea just how bad the American system has become until I moved here. Two seemingly unrelated and separate incidents will convey the point.

My wife & I had finished a house visit Saturday morning and we were walking down the main street in our small town which is just outside of Paris. We were heading towards another agency when we passed the doctor’s office. “I forgot to make an appointment with the doctor” I said. It wasn’t urgent, but I did want to see her that day. I could have waited another week if need be. “I’ve got my phone, call her” my wife said. So I called, “Hi, would it be possible to get an appointment today?” It was 11:30 and I figured, if it were even possible, that I’d have to come back later in the afternoon. “12:00?” the doctor replied. “Perfect!” I said. So we walked to the agency and then on the way back I went to see the doctor. I did have to wait 15 minutes but I didn’t mind. At 12:30 I was leaving the doctor’s office and crossing the street to go to the pharmacy. No one in line! Yeah! I got my prescription and was home in time for lunch with the in-laws.

Ok, now today it’s Monday and I’ve long forgotten about my miraculous appointment with 30 minutes notice. However, the daycare called my wife to say our daughter was sick (again!) with fever. My wife called the pediatrician and got an appointment for 6:15pm. She arrived right on time and so was the doctor. No wait! After the appointment, she walks next door (I’m not exaggerating, it really is next door but that shouldn’t be a big surprise because there are pharmacies everywhere here) to the pharmacy and gets the prescription.

I must say France has this health care system worked out really well. The only problem? The government is losing money. I’ll be writing more on this topic as it’s a very serious issue for the French. And if you’re in the US, dealing with 1-2 week waits for doctor’s appointments and then 1-2 hour waits in the waiting room, I feel for you.

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