Yes, a practice that disappeared in the United States more than fifty years ago is still alive and well in France. You simply dial up an agency called SOS Médécins, tell them who the patient is and what their problem is, and within an hour or so (depending on the time of day) a general practitioner will show up at your door ready to evaluate the patient. He (or she) will also write prescriptions for any medicines needed and it all costs just fifty-five Euros. This service is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and I LOVE it!
Is it any more expensive than going to a normal doctor? Because that sounds AWESOME!!!
ReplyDeleteIt isn't more expensive, which is awesome! And if you are covered under the French healthcare system, it is free. We pay up front and our insurance reimburses us for each visit.
ReplyDeleteActually, when it costs between 45 to 70 euros to use this service, going to a normal doctor costs only 23 euros.
ReplyDeleteIn Paris, though, if your doctor is not... I'll let you translate Aryan : conventionné (meaning affiliated directly to healthcare system "social security") you will pay much more, because (s)he's allowed to choose how much he'll make you pay. Otherwise, and that's why it's important to choose one's doctor wisely, he absolutely cannot tax you more than 23 euros.
Just one thing though : the service is called "SOS", and it's common curtesy to use it only in case of a real emergency, or if you are absolutely unable to drive or have someone (or an ambulance) drive you to your own doctor. First, because your regular doctor knows you best and 2nd because it is some community service, if you can do otherwise, do it.
I'll have to admit, parisians may not be keen on the etiquette ^_^