I remember the orthopedic surgeon asking me, “How easy will it be for you to take a break from your life? Because I believe, you will need major knee surgery.” Little did we know that the one knee surgery was the first of three, which turned this ballet dancer into an expert on crutches. My five month knee recovery combined with the battle with my health care company, left me shaken. Being able to have the health care system work for me would have aided me in my recovery. I learned so much from that injury. In fact my life changed. (Click here to read about how Honey helped me recover).And then my Canadian Grandmother/Nana told me how easy her eye surgery went. I know not every health care story is like this one, but don't you wish they could be?
About 10 years ago, Nana had cataract surgery. Last week she went in for her annual eye check up and had her daughter go with her. The doctor took one look at my Nana's eye and asked her if her right eye was still a little blurry. Nana replied that it was, but at her age why take care of it?
The doctor told her that he could take care of her eye for you, immediately. Nana thought about it and she answered, "Sure, why not?"
And this is the part that amazed me…right then and there; the eye doctor asked my Nana and Aunt to come back into the office. Nana walked in, sat down and before she had time to get scared the doctor started to prepare the eye machines. Nana exclaimed wait, "I haven’t even taken off my coat?
And then he fixed her eye. No paperwork or waiting for an appointment.
Could this happen in America? On a same day appointment a doctor walks you into the back office and fixes your ailment immediately. This also reminds me of when I saw the movie Sicko by Michael Moore and felt challenged by the questions he asked about the America health care system.
Growing up as a Canadian, I never had to wonder if I could see a doctor or a dentist. I could walk right in. Am I weighing in on the American health care debate? Well yes, but don't you think our system and society could be easier? Would love to know your thoughts....
