Thursday, March 10, 2011

Doctor me Happy


So I have fallen into the Brazilian way of the doctor. Oh how the Brazilians I know love to go see them!

I mean look at me, I broke my baby toe. Given it hurt like a bitch slap to the foot, but still, it's just my baby toe! But no, like a good girl I went to the orthopedic and had it x-rayed and taped. The doctor told me I had to come back and get it taped professionally.  How often? Once a week for 4 to 6 weeks!

I find that a little surprising. I mean, it's been a while since I've used the American medical system but my old doctor would never have given me such care! Hell, I hardly got that much attention when I had a kidney infection.

Still, while it's good to be taken care of, it can also go overboard.  And you know what, I have. My poor boys are so comfortable with their pediatrician that they run into to say hello when we arrive at the office.  The routine of getting checked is so known that the doc might as well be cuddling with them on my couch, that's how big of a deal it is to them.

Stuffy nose for 2 weeks, go to the doctor. Sore muscle, go to the doctor. Cough cough, x-ray and go to the doctor.  Stub your toe because you are a damn ass, go to the doctor.

I'm starting to think that we're going a bit overboard down here.

That being said, my boys are lucky. Their pediatrician is mellow enough that he almost never orders any tests at all and goes it the old school way. Wait and see. Hell, I usually wait at least 3 days, if not 5, with a high fever before even taking them in.  FYI, in our pediatrician's office, it's only high after 102. Even then, that's not that high.

Compare that to my doctor. I went in with one funny level on a blood test and an irregular cycle and I had to do 2 ultrasounds and numerous blood tests. Numerous.  I'm glad she's thorough but sometimes I wonder if it's a bit too much. One of these days I may get cancer. Sure, it could happen. But at the rate she's going, it's going to be because of x-rays and ultrasounds!

I know I could choose another doctor for myself but my irrational maternal fear of dying and leaving my kids behind nips that in the butt. Where's my anal insurance coverage making sure I don't get the care I could potentially need without knowing it? Oh wait, I'm in Brazil. My insurance company actually takes care of me.

Then again, this is all coming from a Mother and wife who's dealt with fever seizures, stitches, pneumonia, ear infections, skin infections, foreskin/penis infections, staph infections, and a spontaneous pneumothorax. I guess anyone would fall into the "cautious" zone after that.

Which way do you go with your medical care? And does your insurance let you be as cautious as you would like? 

8 comments:

  1. Lucky girl! I have been known to go head to head with doctors who refuse care/tests for my children. Case in point: the backwoods doctor who didn't believe me when I told her my kids had pinworms. She actually insisted that I needed to "catch" one and bring it into her as proof before she treated them. Ever try to catch a pinworm? SO not happening.

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  2. No co-pay, no deductable, no gate keeper. We go in for what ails us and we get medical attention.

    Imagine that!

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  3. Catch a pinworm?! My doc totally takes my word for everything! Oh the power! ;)

    Amen Jim! No co-pay. I see my doctor and not a nurse. Go figure.

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  4. We have deductibles, co-pays and can only go to a specialist after seeing and co-paying for our general practitioner :(
    It sucks, but the good news is that Massachusetts has UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE, created by a Republican Mitt Romney.
    But when Obama tried to create something similar to the entire country, the retarded toothless religious right bastards were against it and called Obama care.
    In Massachusetts, if you don't have money or a job, the state pays your Blue Cross Blue Shield premiums for you, including all the deductibles and co-pays for doctor visits and medicine.
    On the other hand, in Massachusetts, if you have money and a job you are required to keep health insurance, forced by law, just like you are required to have insurance for your car.
    Yes, Massachusetts really fells like the 1st world.
    :)

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  5. Here in Brazil my insurance company pays out 100% of everything to see anyone anywhere. I chose not to go even when I broke my wrist and baby toe this past year.
    My insurance in the US was 100% covered with no deductible when I used certain providers which included specialists and routine care.

    I am just not a go to the doctor kind of person in general whether it is payed for or not!!

    Sara

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