Surgery Postponed

The roller coaster that is Chinese health care continues.

As you know, I was preparing for surgery Tuesday. It turns out the doctor has rescheduled/moved me to sometime next week. I say 'sometime' because she hasn't told me when she will get me in.

The reason for the confusion? After meeting with my work's HR Dept. Wednesday, I was told that all medical procedures are covered by insurance as long as they are done at a publicly owned hospital. Private facilities are for rich Chinese and most expats. I went to one just to get a second opinion and had to pay out of pocket.

The surgeon there agreed that I should have the mass taken out and also told me that the pain is not related to my uterus but is instead a different issue. While I would like to stay with that facility because it is very 'Western' and up to standards I am accustomed to, I simply can't afford it.

Allow for a quick diversion: For all those against Obama's health care reform, I say screw you. Choosing health care based on what you can and can't pay for is demoralizing. I work hard, pay taxes and am a good public citizen. Should I not get the best care just because I am not rich? At least Obama is trying to make the system better and more accessible. The changes aren't perfect but at least they are something. When you are in a situation where your health is compromised, perhaps you will understand. Until then, do your homework, which should include more than just watching FOX news tell you what you want to hear, before you stage your ignorant protests . Diversion/rant now over.

I scheduled surgery at Peking Union Medical Hospital. It is one of the best in China and does have a special section for foreigners. All was a 'go' until work called me to tell me "Oops, our insurance actually doesn't cover your care or surgery." It does pay for visits in public hospitals but not to see specialists or have procedures done. WTF?! The incompetence at all levels is staggering. HR told me this at the last minute, so I had to cancel my surgery and figure out a way to pay for it. The hospital requires a deposit up front before they will even so much as look at you and there are not payment plans.

Now that I have figured out the funds, I spent the better part of the day trying to re-schedule the surgery. After 4 hours of continuous busy signals and phone transfers, I decided to haul my ass to the hospital to get in touch with someone, anyone.

There are no nurses for Dr. Yang and no one to schedule her appointments. She only has office hours on Friday and that is done on a first come, first serve basis which can involve hours of waiting- which I will not do again. After begging, I got someone to call her cell phone. As pissed as she is, she agreed to call me back either Tue. or Wed. to talk about rescheduling the surgery. Let's hope this happens as the waiting is killing me.

I will keep you all updated. I also want to thank you for your kind emails, texts and messages. This is a shitty situation and a shitty place to deal with it. However, it is better knowing that I have the support of my loved ones- so thank you all for not being shitty :)

-Gretchen