Money Talks
That is what you need when time and health are the issues.
Having my right arm a little numb with pins and needles for several days and not to mention a little swollen (yes it's the arm that swells not only hand), finally a GP refered me to do X-Ray and found out there is a degenerative disc suspected in the upper part of my spine. Sounds scary huh? yeap.. i am scared too. 'Ageing' at such a young age.
It may contribute to the shoulder pain and the arm which currently is having a throbbing pain once in a while if I do a prolong typing.
To cut it short, the GP advised me to visit Orthopedic surgeon for a thorough check-up, which mean CT-scan or MRI might be in the pipeline. Told me to go polyclinic to get the referral so as the fee will be cheaper since he can't advise how long this will drag.
Went to polyclinic today and I must say I am quite impressed with Toa Payoh Polyclinic.
I have heard that we will need to queue hours in polyclinic. Apparently it took me 1 hour to register, attended by the GP, got the referral to public hospital and paid the consultation fee ($12.80). Very fast, right? And it's very efficient and systematic.
Go take the queue number, wait until the queue number is shown on the board and do the registration. From here we will be given the consultation room number which is on the 2nd floor. Wait till our number is flashed, do the consultation and wait outside to get the referral letter. Afterwhich proceed downstairs to get queue number to collect medicine, else proceed directly to pay the consultation fee. Smooth as that.
What I am trying to say is.. yes.. when we are refered to public hospital the fee will be cheaper, but look what I have here. My earliest appointment will be 8-jan-2008 and only God knows when should a CT-scan is needed. let's say another month for CT-scan and another month for follow up consultation after the result is out. It will take me to March to find out what really happen.
Could you wait till then?
I face the computer everyday. My job involves typing vigorously.
I think I can still wait if it's only the shoulder pain, but not when the right arm is involved.
So I went back to the GP and asked him to refer me to the earliest specialist as possible (it cost me another $18 for a referral letter and phone call).
I got a slot for 27-Nov-07.
Money talks?
Materialistic world?
I would say, reality talks.
My advise is remember to get insurance!