On the Danish Medical System
Today I had a first hand experience with the Danish medical system- as a patient. And considering everything, I think it went really well. Especially since I don't speak Danish. It started off by calling a doctor listed in the Student Handbook... of course the message was in Danish. I stopped by the Front Desk to seek help. They were able to call a doctor, however, this doctors office refused to treat me since I didn't live in the area. It was suggested that I get a hold of my host mother to find out her doctor.
So, I sent my host mother a txt message, for which she replied with her doctor's name. I looked him up, and gave him a call. Unfortunately, he did not have any appointments. So, I tried a few other offices, only to get messages in which I didn't understand. Finally, I decided to call my host family doctor back. Luckily they had an appointment later in the afternoon with another member of the practice. I jumped on the train, navigated the streets, and found the office. Then proceeded to spend a good couple of minutes trying to figure out how to get into the building. The receptionist was amazing kind and graceful. And the doctor was amazing.
While I can't generalize about all GPs in Denmark, I really like how this office was set up. They were running on time, and my entire visit was with the doctor. Her office and the exam room were the same room. She spoke fantastic English, was kind and compassionate, listened, examined, and made a diagnosis. She even told me directions to the Apotek to get my meds filled. The pharmacy was busy, but I got my script filled in 10 minutes. Every thing is pre-packaged. Also, ALL of the scripts are standard. Meaning every doctor uses the same script form. The pharmacy technician I spoke with knew English, and again was kind and helpful.
I did all of this in about an hour, and was able to make it back to DIS and my afternoon class. I've made it home for the day and will be heading to bed shortly to take a nap. In addition to my minor aliment, I also have a cold.
There were points in the day when all I wanted to do was crawl in the corner and cry. But in all of this, I am thankful for the many things that did happen in my day.
I received TWO letters from my wonderful girlfriend AND found the best cookies (actually biscuits) in the world called Hit. Which are described on the package as: biscuits with a delightful chocolate flavoured filling. Plus I found lots of tissues for 5 kr! 5 kr!
And also, as I look back at the events of the day, it is nice to realize that no matter what situation I find myself in, I have the capacity to take care of myself, and the ability to create and use a support network.
On that note, I'm signing off from Copenhagen,
Anna
So, I sent my host mother a txt message, for which she replied with her doctor's name. I looked him up, and gave him a call. Unfortunately, he did not have any appointments. So, I tried a few other offices, only to get messages in which I didn't understand. Finally, I decided to call my host family doctor back. Luckily they had an appointment later in the afternoon with another member of the practice. I jumped on the train, navigated the streets, and found the office. Then proceeded to spend a good couple of minutes trying to figure out how to get into the building. The receptionist was amazing kind and graceful. And the doctor was amazing.
While I can't generalize about all GPs in Denmark, I really like how this office was set up. They were running on time, and my entire visit was with the doctor. Her office and the exam room were the same room. She spoke fantastic English, was kind and compassionate, listened, examined, and made a diagnosis. She even told me directions to the Apotek to get my meds filled. The pharmacy was busy, but I got my script filled in 10 minutes. Every thing is pre-packaged. Also, ALL of the scripts are standard. Meaning every doctor uses the same script form. The pharmacy technician I spoke with knew English, and again was kind and helpful.
I did all of this in about an hour, and was able to make it back to DIS and my afternoon class. I've made it home for the day and will be heading to bed shortly to take a nap. In addition to my minor aliment, I also have a cold.
There were points in the day when all I wanted to do was crawl in the corner and cry. But in all of this, I am thankful for the many things that did happen in my day.
I received TWO letters from my wonderful girlfriend AND found the best cookies (actually biscuits) in the world called Hit. Which are described on the package as: biscuits with a delightful chocolate flavoured filling. Plus I found lots of tissues for 5 kr! 5 kr!
And also, as I look back at the events of the day, it is nice to realize that no matter what situation I find myself in, I have the capacity to take care of myself, and the ability to create and use a support network.
On that note, I'm signing off from Copenhagen,
Anna
posted by ACG at 9/18/2006 11:37:00 AM
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