Needing prescriptions refilled (hormones are a GOOD thing and lower the divorce rate), I called a recommended doctor’s office and the doctor himself answered the phone and made the appointment. The office was small, with two separate rooms – one for waiting, one for examination. It brought back memories of the pediatrician’s office from my childhood, with his desk, piled with papers and memorabilia, being right next to the exam table.
Dr. Blettery, a GP, spoke English very well. Very relaxed in manner, he had on huarache-type sandals, black socks, and an open neckline – no lab coat, no doctor paraphenalia. No nurse. No receptionist. Not even a scale! He took my BP, wrote out my prescriptions, took my Visa, rang up the charge (about $28 dollars for the visit – that’s not deductible or co-pay, that’s the TOTAL charge), gave me my receipts, and sent me on my way. I’m told that is all completely de rigueur here in France!
(I’m also told that no ‘vanity gowns’ or curtains for disrobing are provided when exams are necessary. My friend Kay had a physical and just sat there, topless, while the doctor discussed her overall health. Same for the men – no modesty here!)
And – yep – many of them smoke.
Even with Tanner’s cardiologist group that is in a more-familiar medical building setting with a receptionist, the cardiologist himself comes to the waiting room to shake your hand and take you back to the exam room. He does all the prep for sonogram or EKG himself, and walks you back to the receptionist to pay.
IT’S JUST DIFFERENT.
Many people ask me, “How do you keep so calm?”
It’s pretty simple.
Stay flexible.
Have fun. 
and drink wine. For medicinal purposes, of course!
KISSES!
Mindy
You must be logged in to post a comment.