Dear US-type-people, a query

[innocent_lex]

This might seem odd, but I want to get this right. Here in the repubic of olyparalympic-land we have our own doctors (GPs). When we need to get tested for pretty much anything beyond blood tests, we have to make an appointment with a hospital and get it done there. So if I needed an xray I'd have to get it done at a hospital. Is that the same for

Comments

[iamrosalita]

Depends on the doctor. My PCP's (primary care physician, same as your GP, I expect) group has an x-ray department in the same building as the office, so I only have to go upstairs to get an x-ray. Specialists like orthopedists would have a machine in the office. Other doctors would send you to a hospital or imaging center. Likewise for anything more serious than an x-ray, like an MRI. Hope that helps.

[innocent_lex]

That does help, thanks. Is your PCP an average-size place? Small town? Medium? Huge city? If my character is in a small town with small town doctor, would that make a difference?

[readerjane]

I think a small-town doctor would be more likely to send his patients to a hospital to get x-rays. Our doctor's office has an X-ray machine on premises, but for any more advanced imaging (CT scan, MRI) we still have to go to either a hospital or a facility that specializes in imaging

[innocent_lex]

Thanks. It sounds like US doctors have a bit more equipment than we do, which is a helpful thing to know. I think we have the same kinds of restrictions on talking about medical situations with families, which can be a bit weird at the GP. But in the hospital discussions are generally fairly open with family members.

[iamrosalita]

I live in a medium size city. I agree with readerjane. I've never lived in a small town, but I doubt many of the doctor's offices would have x-ray machines. You'd probably get sent to a hospital. And if the town is really small, the hospital could be miles away.

[innocent_lex]

The miles are a big difference as well. We don't have that many miles here, but if a hospital is 50 miles away it can still feel like forever.