The Belgian Years: My First Belgian Hospital Experience -- Chapter Six: The Bill

Monday, May 01, 2006

A CAT scan, 2 xrays and an emergency room visit = €27.31.
Hello, socialized medicine!

Di Mackey said...: Another awed 'wow' from from Kiwi who doesn't say 'wow'.

But storyline ... what happened at the hospital?; 2:43 PM
Anonymous said...: After a year with Belgian's medical system:

1) I've never filled out a form. Any form!
2) I've never waited even 24 hours to see my general doctor.
3) I was able to see a cardiologist for a checkup within 48 hours of requesting one. She spent an hour with me and ran all the tests personally on the same day I saw her. No nurses.
4) I have never waited more than 10 minutes in a waiting room.
5) 19 euros is the standard payment for a doctor's visit.

The doctors are all so happy and relaxed. I wish all my friends who work in medicine could have that experience.; 10:29 AM
Di Mackey said...: My Belgian laughed when I read your bill aloud.

We tried to guess what it might cost in the U.S ... I assured him he was way off.; 10:50 PM
Anonymous said...: Wow! That's amazing!!

So... I'm wondering what are the plastic surgeons like?? hmmm... :); 12:05 AM
Cindy Lane said...: I was going to call my sister and brother-in-law, both of whom are doctors in Florida, and sing the praises of socialized medicine. But, I knew if I did, they would blame rising medical costs in the US on trial lawyers!

I broke my ankle last year (another shoe incident) and the doctor's bill to READ the xrays was more than 100 times the amount of my entire Belgian bill!

I am now on the look out for plastic surgeons ...; 9:51 AM

The Belgian Years