Granted, I'm new to the area. The country. The continent. I am unaccustomed to any medical system…read moreother than that of the USA. That said, wow!
I've had problems with my knee for decades now. Most recently a flare up three years ago that has really impacted my ability to walk freely... and I love to walk! My orthopedics doc in the States (2 weeks for an appointment) sent me to get an MRI (3 more weeks, $775 co-pay). Then some talk about old knees wearing out, a couple of rounds of cortisone 6 months apart, and a couple of rounds of Euflexxa, 3 shots each with an $80 co-pay each. That has been my "normal."
Now in Barcelona, I needed a new doc. I made an appointment online for an orthopedic doc THE SAME WEEK. He needed some baseline work, so he ordered X-rays and an MRI. They were scheduled for the NEXT DAY. As my Castilian is only fair and my Catalán virtually nonexistent, i needed help getting my insurance (DKV) to approve the MRI. No worries... the wonderful receptionist handled it! She made the call, and within two minutes I was all set.
When I first went to see the doc, I had to wait 12 whole minutes after my scheduled appointment. There was NO wait for the MRI or X-rays. Today I go back to see the doc. This place is wonderfully efficient, clean and professional. The staff is friendly and accommodating.
Oh, and the co-pay for everything? € 0,00. My DKV insurance covers it all, at a price of what my wife's low-end Medicare cost in the States.
Next month I'll check out their dental clinic!