06.15.08

Having a baby in Italy

Posted in health care at 9:52 am

We had already dipped our toes into the waters of the socialized medical system here in Italy. A couple of routine checkups, funny rashes on the kids, that kind of thing. Having baby #4 was a headlong dive in. Health insurance is the US is sky high, if you can even afford it. Those who hear that we pay about $600 per year to buy into the Italian system think that Italy must have found the solution. But I think you get what you pay for.

Overall, we had a great experience. The nurses were more than friendly, and seemed to be more available than I remember the nurses were with our other kids. The doctors were often in a rush when they made their daily rounds, which seemed about how I remember it in the US. But when there’s no bill coming at the end of your stay, there’s less of a rush to cram all of the treatments and all of the tests into a short time frame.

But that’s about where the similarities end. We were given a list of supplies we needed to bring with us to the hospital. I was surprised at what wasn’t included. You bring your own nightgown and robe. You were on your own to bring many of the supplies needed for personal care after the baby was born. You also bring clothes for the baby. Silverware wasn’t included - we found out you’re supposed to bring your own. And the meals were pretty scant. Breakfast was two slices of dry pre-packaged toast, and a hot drink made with barley and milk. And every room but one had at least one other person in it. The larger rooms had three women!

So on one hand, you have the US system. It’s expensive, but looks like a nice hotel compared to what we had just experienced. And you have the Italian system, which is good care but absolutely no frills.

If the US were to ever switch to something like that, I have a feeling that a lot of the frills would have to be cut. People would be more responsible to provide some of their own care. And I’m not sure that everyone is willing to make that sacrifice.

The issue of health care is a big one in the US right now. The system as it is can’t continue, but how do you fix it? When will the most powerful nation in the world start doing what it takes to take care of its citizens? Will people be willing to sacrifice the little amenities (like silverware!) to make things less costly for everyone?

12.13.07

BMs

Posted in culture, health care at 3:34 pm

I had to take Lance & Chloe to the doctor today. They both needed a certificato medico in order to be able to play the sports that they started three months ago (we’re a little behind). This was the first time for them to see this doctor, so I kind of wanted to see what she was like.

I’ve been amazed at how much an Italian doctor gets done with so little. There’s no receptionist. There’s no insurance/billing department. There are no nurses. It’s the doctor, by himself in his office, and a waiting room. People wait, and one by one (in the order of arrival) they go see the doctor.

The exam was quick and painless. Height, weight, say ahhh. But the doctor turned to me at one point and said very seriously, “Does he go poop every day?”

I promise I only giggled a little. But Italians take matters of health seriously, and so I responded in the affirmative. I don’t think an American doctor ever asked me about poop. I might bring it up if I had a problem, but only if I really had a problem. In general, I think Italians are way more open about health stuff. I’ve seen old ladies rebuke strangers for not putting on a hat when it’s cold. Jason has been scolded for not dressing warm enough because of his kidneys (how do you know if your kidneys are cold?). And opening a window on the bus is enough to get a person booted off. It’s actually written in the rules that you have to get permission from everyone around if you want to open a window - drafts make people sick.

And so I just have gotten used to people asking me about my personal health issues. And I tell doctors about the frequency of poops. And I sure don’t leave the house without a scarf - who knows what you might catch with your neck exposed.