A freebie you might not want to get...

**Joan.of.the.Arch** · 06-18-2007, 01:50 PM

I don't see how they can offer any consolation "prize" for a 30+ minute ER wait. What is the average wait time in a USA ER? Must be at least an hour. The only time I ever went to ER, it was because I was sick in an unfamiliar city and could not find a private office that would see me. 104 F fever, a red throat that was shedding skin, not able to swallow water, weak and barely able to walk into the ER. Granted I was at the public hospital known for treating gunshot wounds and other trauma, but I had a 7 hour wait, most of which was spent on the floor propping myself to an incline on a baseboard heater, trying not to use any muscles.

Two friends had to go to a walk-in clinic that is supposed to be an alternative to ER. Again, publicly run. They had to get cursory physical exams, TB tests, and immunization checks for an application to make an adjustment in their Visa status. It took all day and one of them had to return today to complete the process. He has been there since 7:30 am and had to call his wife to bring him something to eat at 4:00 pm because he is still there waiting for his TB test to be read. He sure could have used that consolation hamburger or pizza delivered right to the clinic. He could not see his own doctor for this stuff, either. Had to go to one of the clinics assigned by immigration.

**b4freedom** · 06-19-2007, 07:40 PM

What I hate the most about ER's:

The DR's don't take any insurance and bill you seperately then the hospital.

Can you imagine taking your car to the shop and getting two bills, one from the shop owner and one from the mechanic? Go at 3am and they bill a few extra hundred.

Next time, I'll lie about my identity.

A freebie you might not want to get...