After nine months of smutzing around Asia, we have decided to return to the US, in time to get house and kids settled before the new school year begins. But first, one more trip to Beijing.
Nothing like the Beijing subway to remind you you’re home.
My view when I wake up in the morning. Beijing.
Beijing suburbs, always in transition.
Store Window. Beijing.
Store window. Beijing.
Wall art. Beijing.
Wall art. Beijing.
I thought I would post a few pictures of the process one goes through when they visit the doctor in Beijing. It is so absurdly convenient when compared to the US, albeit with a few differences that might make a Westerner squirm.
Upon entering the hospital you are greeted by a row of cabinets, some of which house menacing equipment for riot control. An odd first impression.
Fire on the right, riots on the left. Hospital in Beijing.
A quick line to get registered where inform the triage nurse what kind of doctor you need to see. They assign you a case number and will even give you a little paper booklet that you can carry with you throughout our visit to have doctors record their findings.
Beijing Hospital. Step 1: Registration
Then, you watch a digital display on the wall that indicates your case number’s position in queue… and which doctor office to proceed to when ready. Each doctor office door has a display showing the doctor’s name, background and case currently being handled – so you know when you’re allowed to enter.
Beijing Hospital. Step 2: Wait for your doctor to be ready
The Chinese aren’t as concerned with privacy as the US. Other patients will likely walk in and queue in the doctor’s office and listen to your proceedings.
Beijing Hospital. Step 3: See your doctor.
After an interview with the doctor, s/he can order whatever tests or scans they like. Rather than getting a referral and having to leave the building you simply walk to the appropriate room in the building. X-rays, cat-scans, etc. Each have their room and a display showing the case number in progress. Rather than showing the doctor’s name and background, it shows a picture of the equipment in the room, even including the model number and highlighting the equipment’s abilities. Blood tests of course close by – just stick your hand through the window and they do the rest.
Beijing Hospital. Step 4: Blood test next room over
When you’re done getting whatever tests the doctor ordered, you simply return to the originating doctor’s queue and s/he reviews the results immediately. Medicine is ordered and you walk a few paces to the cashier and visit the dispensary on your way out.
Beijing Hospital. The bill.
$20 RMB for registration, including the doctor visit. $50 RMB for the blood test. $92.82 RMB for medicine. That’s $23 USD total without insurance, and we were in and out in about 1 hour total.
On a lighter note, this is what you get at the movies in Beijing.
At the movies in Beijing. Something has invaded my popcorn.
Kai and Heidi enjoying the park boats. Beijing.
2 Comments
So where are you going to end up in states? Happy to help in anyway I can. Got friend in Portland (old DST buddy) and in-laws in Bend. And, of course, if KC is your destination then we have room at Casa Maiale for as long as you need.
Keep us posted so we can come visit and catch up.
I trust Lilly is not sick.
We’re headed to Portland after all. Had considered New Hampshire for a while, and Bend ultimately didn’t pass our pro/con matrix. Job secured, now we will focus on finding a home that will settle the rest of the picture. Lily’s fine – was just a visit to get allergy medicine. Ask your friend for real estate agent referrals, we haven’t selected one yet. Will catch up soon.