Well, we've had our first (of many, I'm sure) experiences with the medical system here. Without going into too much detail, Olivia needed to see a Dr. and I had absolutely no idea how to do it. We have Cigna International Health Insurance because no one was really sure if we were able to get onto the Swedish Heathcare and/or if we would be covered while travelling to other countries outside of Sweden. Although, I'm really second guessing our decision to have this. The kids get 100% free coverage here!! Including dental. We're basically paying $700/month for just Johnny and I. With how infrequently we see a Dr., we would have been better off paying out of pocket, if it was even necessary. Oh well, next year we can change it.
Anyway, obviously most of you all know how it works in the States...if you need a Dr., you find one you like that's in your plan, make an appointment and go. Here you have to know what clinic you're registered to, make an appointment, and wait. Not much different, except you don't get to pick the Dr they assign you to. You can switch should you not like the one you're with though.
I wasn't sure which clinic we had to go to. They did send paperwork, but it was all in Swedish so I had no idea what it was talking about. Luckily, the morning I decided that Olivia really needed to get in I was meeting a friend and she so graciously called the hospital, gave them Olivia's personal number (which is your birthday + 4 digits...super easy to remember!) and they told her which clinic I had to call. I called and the whole automated "press 1" thing is in Swedish, so thankfully again, Freddi helped get me where I needed to be. They called me back 5 hours later (in fairness, I've waited that long or longer to be called back in the States too) and scheduled Olivia for the following morning.
The morning all this happened was the first time that I felt that homesick pang. I just wanted to call the Dr. and get in and it's REALLY frustrating when you don't A) know what to do and B) know the language. I also find it annoying that we have this super expensive healthcare plan yet we don't have our cards and they were no help as to what we needed to do to get our kids to see a Dr. I was thankful to spend the rest of the day with Freddi while she showed us around and we were able to chat and just keep my mind off of being sad/frustrated.
This morning was Olivia's appointment and the Dr. was very nice. Everything is fine with Olivia. I think she has some sensory issues and this was just another run in with those. The Dr. gave me some directions as to how to get Jack in to see an endocrinologist and any other specialist we need to see. So I will soon have more experience with all of that.
I needed to go to the Apotek (pharmacy) for me this morning as well which is just a store in the mall. Their pharmacies are not always connected to their grocery stores, only one is that I know of. Which I find to be odd. Or, I guess just different, not odd. And I'm always surprised what is an over the counter medication here and what is not. It isn't always the same as in the states.
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