As the US government shuts down for lack of foresight (couldn't see that coming, could you?) , the Peru economy continues to get stronger. Paying for one's health care is very much within reach of most average people, and not because medical missionaries are providing all of the care! Today, yours truly needed some lab work done. At my favorite lab the desk clerk asked, ,"Have you had lab work done here before?," ,"I don't think so. I've sent a lot of patients here, however.," She looked at my doctor's order and said, ,"You're Dr. George! We get lots of your patients! Some of them don't speak any Spanish and I have to use what little English I know to communicate.," ,"Sorry about that,," I say, averting my eyes, ,"I really like your lab and how you send me the results by email. Very handy.," She put all the lab orders into the computer and told me, ,"Please take a seat and the tech will call you.," ,"Do I need to pay first?," ,"No. It's on the house in appreciation for all of the patients you send us!," ,"Wow. Thanks!," my first kick-back! I think to myself.
Later today, Mia needed her foot Xrayed. I doubted she had anything, but after 10 days of a sore 5th metatarsal base, I was starting to worry about a Jones Fracture or stress fracture. We got the normal Xray in about 10 minutes after walking into the room. How much? $7. Mia didn't believe me when I told her how much it would cost in the US.
My lab was all fine btw.
