First, as I called to book my weekly foot massage appointment, the receptionist recognised me. Then again, it’s a local chain and I see very few ang mo women in there getting a foot massage.
Next, as I was cooking dinner, the gas ran out. The gas here is in a canister, not piped into the house. There was a sticker on the cabinet door that promised 15 minute delivery. Sure enough, I had a new gas cannister all hooked up and working 15 minutes later.
Most of my friends will tell you that I am one of the most un-patriotic Americans they have ever met. I’ve never held the belief that the US does things in the best way. This week marks my two year anniversary of moving overseas. If you count my time in Ireland and Japan, I’ve been gone for 2.7 years of the last 3 years. During that time, I’ve spent significant time living in 3 countries. In that time I’ve seen a lot of things that the US government could do much better. Today, I was reminded of one of the things that the US does now do so very well. Protect my privacy as a patient. And while there are plenty of problems with the insurance business, it really does have some tremendous advantages.
Ex-pats in Singapore do not have health insurance. Most Singaporeans don’t have health insurance, they pay into a plan that then helps them cover their medical expenses. At my work, I get $1000 a year to cover my medical expenses. I just have to turn in my receipts. The problem is that there are many exclusions as to what can be reimbursed and they get to see all my medical information.
Four weeks ago I had my annual female exam. It was my first appointment with a new doctor. I chose a private doctor that practices within walking distance of my apartment. As part of the exam he performed an ultrasound to check my uterus. Ultrasounds for pregnancy are not covered. I am not sure if they are covered as a diagnostic exam. I will soon find out. This afternoon, my doctor’s office called me to say that they received a call from my work to find out what the ultrasound was for. The doctor was calling me to see if they had permission to tell my office what it was for, or if I wanted to be the one to tell work. As it was diagnostic, I didn’t mind too much for the doctor’s office to be the one to explain the reason for the ultrasound. I do however miss that in the US employers don’t know anything about my medical exams. I do miss that privacy. If I miss a day of work, I have to bring in a medical certificate that says exactly what was wrong with me.
While I do miss the cheap co-pays that come with US insurance, I have been amazed at the relatively low cost of medical procedures in Singapore. Even when choosing private doctors. I can also rave about the efficiency of Singapore medicine. I tried to schedule my first appointment online, the doctor responded to me personally; at 11pm the same night I created the request. He’s personally answered subsequent emails. I’ve never waited more than 5 minutes past an appointment time. All lab results have been returned in 3 days or less. I found out that I am the picture of female health, and I did it in an unbelievably quick and efficient manner.