"We'll get you fixed up"

That's what the navy blue clad (male) nurse said to my dad and several other patients at the emergency room examining beds this afternoon. I had to take my dad to the ER because he had a terrible rash that was spreading around his neck, legs, arms, and even his scalp and, today, his foot!

We suspect it was poison ivy or oak because precisely one week ago he spent a few hours weeding a flower bed at our church (it looked terrible and since I was cleaning the church that week -- my only source of income lately, and only once a month :-( I asked him to help) and the rash started (small and not as itchy) on Sunday. I feel bad because I asked him to weed, but there was no way of knowing these 2 things: (1) that there was some poison plant there and (2) that he was allergic to it. I helped and the boys did too and none of us got rashes. I had no idea that only some people were allergic to poison ivy! I thought anyone would have a reaction, is that really so? (that's what the ER doctor told me).

In any case, I wanted to take my dad to a family doctor (or even to a dermatologist -- that's what one would do in Brazil, go straight to the specialist, no problem -- it's not like that here, but more on this in future posts) and not to the E.R. but none of the providers that I called would accepted his travel health insurance! I called the claims department at the health insurance and the lady said that the providers should be able to take it and that probably hospitals would. I only decided that this was the only way after one doctor's office receptionist told me to go to the E.R. and that they would accept the insurance. I called the hospital and the E.R. and, sure enough, they said they'd take it. Phew! I guess small practices cannot afford to deal with certain insurance companies...

I didn't want to go to the E.R. because I've heard horror stories of endless waiting, etc, although my two experiences were back in 2003 with one year old Kelvin (who was wheezing) and they weren't bad. This latest "adventure" was truly excellent! We were only there for around two hours and they were very nice and helpful. Better yet, they took his insurance information and didn't ask anything! I can't write more because I need to go get my dad his prescription medications right now (I think he'll have to pay for those in full :-( ).

Now, if only this country's healthcare system could get fixed up too!