While rummaging through my Palm’s old files I found this post from my last bought with unemployment. So I’m sharing it with you all; considering I’m once again uninsured. I hate being uninsured. Damn it.
I get to the Columbia School of Dentistry and wait to be called, so they can fill my cavity; I have registered previously, was told it would be a while. So I went to do some waiting in a coffee shop across from the school. It’s been two hours now. The doctors have been at lunch and they’ve finally returned from their break most everyone has a sandwich, soup and some soda.
In a previous life I was a hospitality manager, so I noticed how carefully portioned every sandwich was. Its solid business practice after all. I would estimate a meal to be about 400 some calories. The future healthcare providers of the nation are eating rationed food. I've found two articles in the New Yorker of interest to my case. Apparently one of the measurements to a prosperous society is height. I am constantly surrounded by short people; the future dentists of America are really short. Another article has mentioned the price and business of healthcare, the simple fact that, the mix of insurance and hospital costs; is putting doctors at odds with their much needed profession. Such as the co-pay really poor people can’t afford directly goes to the bottom line and often goes to keeping the place in business. The second point made, is that poor people who can’t afford insurance and don’t have jobs that provide affordable insurance. Let their conditions go untreated until it becomes unavoidable, they're then wheeled into the emergency room with chronic conditions. Still unable to afford their hospital stay, apparently some hospitals in California have closed due to the poverty in the area. We must also remember that over 50% of bankruptcies have been cause by uninsured Americans who need vital operations yet can’t pay.
So I'm quite interested to know why we devote such basic necessities such as food and healthcare to the bottom line.
My cavity saga began five months before I sat in the waiting room at the Columbia School of Dentistry when I had a job and insurance. I called my normal dentist. I wouldn't say I went to a dentist – that I had a personal relationship with. I sort of found myself in a dental mill. So when I called them up with a different health plan; which they didn't take – I couldn't see them. I was called the day before my appointment and informed that I couldn't see the dentist unless I paid cash. Again this is good business practice. Unfortunately their fees: for basic X-rays and to fill a cavity, were beyond my means; $150 for an exam and $350 - $500 to fill each cavity. I knew just by feel (aching teeth) that I had more then one.
Now I find myself being happy; to be plied by an aspiring student. I actually considered doing a pledge drive on my Blog to raise money for my cavity. I decided on the School route instead. Finally I’m called and strapped into the chair by a very curious student – anxious to discover the inner secrets of my mouth. I again wonder about why our society leaves such basic necessities, such as food and healthcare to the bottom line.
As I sit and get poked, and get evaluated - I don't have a decaying tooth, or need an extraction. I'm referred to comprehensive care. As she informs me; she spouts off a few more medical terms that I can't understand. I'm told to make another appointment.
Apparently I'm not in enough pain for immediate attention.
Day two, as I wait. I overhear a young couple talking; debating the cost of a root canal verses an extraction. Whether they have enough money to keep the tooth or not. This time the wait is shorter, they finally get to look at my teeth and find the cause of my pain, it's the failing of an old filling, exposing an old cavity and an exposed nerve. I also find that my tongue is unique, that I have a geographic tongue. Hurra.
Day two is done and I’m again told that I need to make an appointment this time in three weeks; to get everything checked out and all the old fillings looked at, along with a much needed cleaning.
My dentist adventures go on and last a two month span. My total spent is under three hundred. Yet the care I receive is marginal at best, causing much time and pain. So much for my bottom line and being truly cared for as a patient in need of attention.
Disclaimer: I’m not criticizing the Columbia School of Dentistry only pointing out the fact that I needed them because I was and now am again; one of many uninsured Americans. I hope never too need to make a decision like the young couple in the waiting room.
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