Brian Visits Le Médecin

                    

There is in this village of Pont de L'Arn a husband and wife team of doctors, both General Practitioners. She also provides acupuncture when traditional pain treatments fail. I chose to visit as a severe test of my French and for a consultation on the continuing contusion on my nose, which was showing no signs of healing. I went to their office with no appointment (rendevous) and after about a 10 minute wait he came and escorted me to his examination room. The Doctor is a very laid back guy who was operating the entire office by himself – no nurse, no receptionist and he even answers the phone.  He completed a biopsy of the contusion and stored it in a small container sealed in a medical envelope that he then handed to me to mail to the lab. Being the impatient fellow I am, we drove the 20 miles to the lab the same day. Results expected in two days. All things considered a pleasant experience.

Good news on the follow up visit – nothing to worry about, apply the prescription cream as directed and see what happens.

One morning a week later around 8:30, while I was walking the dog, a motorcyclist raced up the hill, parked his bike, took off his helmet and crossed the street to see me. “Bonjour!” It was the Doctor taking a few minutes to give a cursory look at my nose. 

Costs                                 Euro                        Dollars

Doctor’s visits              46.00                          65.00

Lab work                       35.00                          49.00

Prescription                    2.00                            3.00

                                       €83.00                     $115.00

Peace of mind: Priceless!

Une autre visite

Feeling it was time for our flu shots I took my chances and visited the Doctor's office once again. This time it was Mme. Médecine. She said she did not have any vaccine yet but said try the pharmacie. Yes, they had some. I handed over €12.50 and received two packages containing the vaccine and the needles. I took them back to the house where I explained to Jo what they were. Her face paled as she asked in disbelief  "We have to give each other the shots!?"  I answered  Oui!  It is easy.
However, we returned to the doctor's office the next morning and he administered the shots, checked Jo's BP and lungs and declared her healthy. Total cost  €23.00!  What a deal.
From the office we set out for our new 'home' in Poitou Charentes.
                                
                                 ......to be continued.