a patriot confronts the specter of socialized health care
Pinky xray
Originally uploaded by raveliteFelicia is a short middle-aged auburn-haired woman stationing one of the two appointment stations at the entrance. There is a (quien es el ultimo)-style Spanish queue of about 12. The line wraps and curves at 9AM, but we're standing, and things don't take long.
I ask two things. To sign up for a health card, and I'd to see a doctor for my finger if possible. "We should sign you up first. Papers?" I show her my student residents' card, certificate of residence, and a receipt from social security. After some work with the computer she asks me if it is an urgency. I tell her about the accident. She asks me if I would like a doctor that can speak more English, but in the moment I decline. Let's see how this goes. Elevator to the third floor, a ten minute sit-down and someone calls my name.
Dra. Gonzales, "Tell me." My story of stopping the ball with open hands and goalie and subsequent dis- and relocation on-field by my soccer mates. "It was Monday two days ago?" No, last week (shameful). She makes a comment to Dra. Marti and tells me it's capsulitis. Capsulitis? She replies, an inflammation of the joint. They stabilize the finger with tape and a brace to remain the next 10 days; I am prescribed ibuprofen to counteract the inflammation and told to schedule an x-ray. At the front desk they tell me to come back the next day at 1330 (before lunch). I make it back to the Train Station by 1030 which is teaching time.
Earlier this week I didn't know if I'd have coverage. Two separate officials responsible for advising me told me no. Spent the week worrying. But two close friends told me yes... and where to go. After some research I was able to confirm for myself. The health administration for our state, CatSalut offers coverage to all legal residents. As I work and pay my taxes and generally try to be an ok dude, I feel OK about this. When my doubts are at last cleared, I start to feel a little more welcomed by this society; to look out for a foreigner as one of their own (in at least this aspect) seems strangely civil.
This morning I show up on time to Radiology. It goes quickly and Dr. Oliver checks out the x-ray for a few seconds and says everything is fine. They even let me keep it, it will go on my wall as a strange representational art print and reminder.