Health care in U.S. vs U.K.

I walk eight minutes from my house to the doctor's office. My appointment is at 9 a.m. I arrive a few minutes early--this is my first time at this practice and I figure there will forms to fill out. There are no forms. I see the doctor at 9 a.m. We talk about my problem--I think I have an allergy because every now and then my lips get swollen and chapped. He gives me a prescription for some kind of balm and makes an appointment with a dermatologist. It could be an iron deficiency. I'm out of the doctor's office at 9:13 a.m. I go next door to the chemist and get the lip balm. I leave the chemist at 9:17 a.m. and go to the tea shop for scones and tea.

No money has changed hands--the prescription and care are free. No forms were filled out. There was nothing dehumanising or aggravating about the experience. I won't be getting any bills or statements in the mail. I love this place.
5-1