Good medicine

Wednesday, Feb. 13th, I woke up with a sore throat, a cough, and a headache. My first thought was, "Damn, Chinese restaurant chopsticks really aren't hygenic!" My second thought... "I think I need to see a doctor."

I'm in a foreign country with no knowledge of the medical system. Yikes!

It got worse. When I tried to say good morning to the doorman, an achy bellowy sound came out. I had officially lost my voice. The day before my birthday.

Well, the kind folks at my company recommended a doctor on the opposite side of the island, in Repulse Bay. The receptionist directed me brightly, "You can't miss it. We're in the big blue building with the hole in it." What?

Despite its horrible name, Repulse Bay is absolutely beautiful. And so is the building. But more importantly, the doctor experience was efficient!

3:05 Arrive at doctor office, 10 minutes early for my appointment

3:15 Doctor sees me, asks questions, consults books and websites to understand my unique medical history, and tells me to "say 'aaahhh'." No paper gown required.

3:22 I officially have tonsolitis (and I thought that was just for kids!).

3:23 Doctor predicts I will have my voice back in 48 hours from the start of my medication. I've never heard a projection like that. Isn't she worried about lawsuits if it takes 50 hours instead? Not in China.

3:25 I have antibiotics, instructions for at-home steam therapy, and an English-language receipt for the $1,000 I just paid. Thankfully, that's in Hong Kong dollars, not American.

This is one efficient system. Even if my American insurance company refuses to reimburse the claim, I don't mind the price. As they say, "Doctor: HK$800. Medicine: HK$200. Voice back to normal in time for weekend birthday celebrations: Priceless."