Whamogram

I went for a mammogram yesterday at a mobile unit in Newtonards. Every interaction with health care here is eye opening. Three examples.

1. I didn't fill out a single piece of paper. The receptionist asked to see my appointment letter and asked for my phone number. The radiographer checked my birthday and address. That was it.
2. I was in and out in 10 minutes. Part of that was spent discussing how I go about changing my address and doctor from Bangor to Belfast.
3. After I was shown into the x-ray room, the radiographer asked me to take my top off and leave it on the chair. She did the deed and then I put my top back on. What--you can have a mammogram without a pink robe that has to be washed and sterilized?
4. I'll get a letter in three years inviting me to my next appointment.

There were two people working in the van--the receptionist and the technician. And there won't be four or five people at the doctor's office and the insurance company processing my claim because there is no claim.

American health care is outrageously expensive because it is padded with stupid things that drive up the price and provide no benefit. My two cents. It's also dehumanizing. The technician and I had a good laugh and she handled me in a way that was more familiar than in the states, i.e. more hands on. I found it less clinical, more comforting, and less painful. The best part was in and out in 10 minutes. No waiting room. No loud TV sets. Back at my desk in no time.
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