Matt and I were each required, as part of our residence permit applications, to join the national health plan -- at an annual premium of less than 200 euros. For that, we qualify for 100% reimbursement of doctor's visit costs and most prescriptions (like in the US, certain brand-name drugs aren't fully covered).
We have been completely amazed by the difference from the experiences we've had in the US. In the first place, it's easier to get an appointment: Matt called on a Wednesday to schedule his physical -- and got an appointment on Friday afternoon! And even more important, the visits simply feel less rushed and more patient-centered.
When I had an appointment, I was welcomed into a waiting room furnished with beautiful oriental rugs and velvet-covered furniture (and all the magazines were current!). The doctor called me into her office after less than ten minutes, but still apologized profusely for the "exceptionally long" wait. We went into her even-more-beautifully-decorated office, where she took my history and vital signs herself. After she had collected all the basic information, she took me into a small examining room and covered the table with an actual cloth sheet (instead of that roll of crinkly paper). The physical exam took less than five minutes, and we returned to the doctor's office to finish up the visit. The doctor herself made the necessary notes in my chart, answered all my questions, and then handed over the bill -- which came to less than 70 euros, including lab fees. As soon as I mail a copy of the receipt to the insurance company, I'll be reimbursed (within two weeks) by direct deposit into my bank account -- so much simpler than in the US.
Today, Matt and I attended a "baby party" for our friends Nick and Monica, whose first baby will be born next month. (Nick is my classmate both here and back home -- we were in the same 1L section. Monica, his wife, is finishing her dissertation here in Paris.) We all chipped in for a couple of small gifts (they're trying not to accumulate too much stuff, since it all has to be shipped home in a few months).
About 15 of my classmates were there, as well as a dog named Kiwi. As you might have heard, Paris is pretty dog-friendly: they're welcome in nearly all restaurants and most grocery stores. But they are never welcome in parks: Parisians are terrible about cleaning up after their animals (even after several years' strict enforcement of the 'poop-scoop' laws) and green space is at a premium. Violate the rule, and you can expect a quick ticket!We're looking forward to this holiday week, as we're gathering with a big group at Nick and Monica's house for a potluck Thanksgiving dinner (after we finish our regular day of classes, of course). We miss everyone, and hope you have a safe trip (if you're travelling) and a wonderful celebration.
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