Going to the Doctor

This past week I’ve had a nasty sore throat. So I went to the hospital on two separate occasions to have it checked out and to get some antibiotics. The process of seeing doctors in Korea (other than a few language barriers) is unbelievably easy!

I walk in, a nurse at the front desk takes my name and phone number, then I sit. Two minutes later (even though I have no appointment), I get the okay to enter the doctor’s office. I walk in his room where he sits at a desk in front of a computer. He asks my symptoms and types the info into the computer. Then he looks in my throat and tells me I have tonsillitis - my tonsils are very inflamed from bacteria. Then he asks if I’m allergic to any medicines and types the recommended prescriptions into the computer. He tells me if after three days I’m not better to come back. Then I go back to the waiting room and the nurse gives me a print out of all the prescriptions I need. Then I go to the pharmacy, which is in the same building, and get the prescriptions in a manner of minutes.

The doctor’s appointment cost 3,500 Won (like $3).

The prescriptions are organized in little packets, so I just open one packet after every meal and take the pills. The medications cost 4,000 Won - there’s a pain medication, two anti-inflammatory pills, and an antibiotic.

It’s just amazing how quick, easy, and cheap health care is here. I love it.

In similar health news… I’m still getting accupuncture and chuna (chiropractic adjustment) every week. For someone who was always terrified of needles, I actually really like accupuncture. It really relaxes my muscles. I would recommend it!