After a recent visit to “le médecin” in France I left wishing the US could take a hint from the French. The biggest difference is the informality in French medicine. As a result, doctor appointments are almost enjoyable.
The first striking difference in France is the medical facilities. They are comfortable, clean and tend to resemble classy living rooms when compared with the sterile, efficient US facilities. Doctors here often have small private offices that are shared with just one or two other doctors. You won’t necessarily find spotless ammonia scented hallways, overly lit waiting rooms and large-scale facilities in France. If you're used to expecting such conditions don't be put off by the French style.
In my case, the exterior of the doctor's office wasn't comforting; a dark, crumbling stairway welcomed me to my appointment. This ominous entryway immediately triggered warning signals in my American-trained brain, was this some kind of back-alley doctor I was subjecting myself to?
In contrast, the doctor’s office itself was so pleasant I almost forgot I had come to see a doctor. The room had wooden floors, high ceilings, crown molding and lots of natural light. It was both office and check-up room. Art books sat on a marble fireplace and a pink glass chandelier tinkled overhead. The only signs that this was indeed a medical building were a doctor’s table and a sink tucked behind a Japanese screen at the back of the room.
The second major difference in French medicine is the informal manner of the doctors. In France, the distinction between patient and doctor is less defined; they are not far away in a hospital but in the apartment next door and they seem to take interest in your life. French doctors laugh, joke, and ask you about your vacation. In contrast, American doctors are robotic and disinterested.
My new doctor answered phone calls and chatted away with me during my visit. She was thrilled to learn I am an English teacher. In fact, she was looking for someone to help her prepare for her upcoming trip to Australia. Could I meet with her for private lessons? I was shocked by the invitation to break the patient / doctor boundary, but agreed to call her later.
The check-up itself was similar to those in the US, but the payment and paperwork were much simpler. The French health insurance system, called “la Sécurité sociale,” reimburses most medical needs. Even I will benefit from this system and be mostly reimbursed. In order to do so I will simply take the form my doctor gave me and send it into “la Sécurité sociale.” There was no need for a piece of identity and no questions about insurance. This was too easy!
My visit cost me 40€ though similar check-ups usually cost only 28€. As I wrote a check directly to the doctor she conceded that she was expensive. Most doctors’ fees in France are controlled by the state, but some can obtain special licenses to work outside of these regulations. She cut 5€ off my bill and threw in a free medical prescription perhaps taking pity on the fact that I was unfamiliar with the French system.
Going to the doctor in France is cheap and easy, you get quality-care and the doctors are surprisingly friendly. For major medical emergencies and complicated procedures I might feel more secure in the austere American medical environment. The French experience leaves you with an appetite for less medical paperwork, lower fees and a doctor that takes a personal interest in patients. Going to the doctor becomes much less painful this way.
The first striking difference in France is the medical facilities. They are comfortable, clean and tend to resemble classy living rooms when compared with the sterile, efficient US facilities. Doctors here often have small private offices that are shared with just one or two other doctors. You won’t necessarily find spotless ammonia scented hallways, overly lit waiting rooms and large-scale facilities in France. If you're used to expecting such conditions don't be put off by the French style.
In my case, the exterior of the doctor's office wasn't comforting; a dark, crumbling stairway welcomed me to my appointment. This ominous entryway immediately triggered warning signals in my American-trained brain, was this some kind of back-alley doctor I was subjecting myself to?
In contrast, the doctor’s office itself was so pleasant I almost forgot I had come to see a doctor. The room had wooden floors, high ceilings, crown molding and lots of natural light. It was both office and check-up room. Art books sat on a marble fireplace and a pink glass chandelier tinkled overhead. The only signs that this was indeed a medical building were a doctor’s table and a sink tucked behind a Japanese screen at the back of the room.
The second major difference in French medicine is the informal manner of the doctors. In France, the distinction between patient and doctor is less defined; they are not far away in a hospital but in the apartment next door and they seem to take interest in your life. French doctors laugh, joke, and ask you about your vacation. In contrast, American doctors are robotic and disinterested.
My new doctor answered phone calls and chatted away with me during my visit. She was thrilled to learn I am an English teacher. In fact, she was looking for someone to help her prepare for her upcoming trip to Australia. Could I meet with her for private lessons? I was shocked by the invitation to break the patient / doctor boundary, but agreed to call her later.
The check-up itself was similar to those in the US, but the payment and paperwork were much simpler. The French health insurance system, called “la Sécurité sociale,” reimburses most medical needs. Even I will benefit from this system and be mostly reimbursed. In order to do so I will simply take the form my doctor gave me and send it into “la Sécurité sociale.” There was no need for a piece of identity and no questions about insurance. This was too easy!
My visit cost me 40€ though similar check-ups usually cost only 28€. As I wrote a check directly to the doctor she conceded that she was expensive. Most doctors’ fees in France are controlled by the state, but some can obtain special licenses to work outside of these regulations. She cut 5€ off my bill and threw in a free medical prescription perhaps taking pity on the fact that I was unfamiliar with the French system.
Going to the doctor in France is cheap and easy, you get quality-care and the doctors are surprisingly friendly. For major medical emergencies and complicated procedures I might feel more secure in the austere American medical environment. The French experience leaves you with an appetite for less medical paperwork, lower fees and a doctor that takes a personal interest in patients. Going to the doctor becomes much less painful this way.
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4 comments:
Hi Win...This blog reminds me of when I took you to see the pediatrician when you were young and we were living in Paris. His office was in his home...the waiting room was his living room, the exam room was just off the living room in what might have been a bedroom or study, and his wife was often in the kitchen cooking lunch or dinner. I loved the homey touch!
I think that it is one of the best rooms that I have ever seem , so I would like to have a similar one in my house, excellent pictures and the info is so nice !! thanks for sharing!22dd
I am not able to see this web site correctly on my telephone
Thanks mate... just dropped by. Will look for BIKE STN when we get to Seattle. Still in Buenos Airies.
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