Going to the doctor

We use the clinic at SHAPE for our basic health care, but for specialists we have to see host nation doctors. Given my family and personal history, there are a few screenings I need to get regularly. It turns out that many, many Belgians go to the hospital to see the doctor. That doesn't mean they use the emergency room; doctors actually have their offices in and practice out of the hospital. My new doctors are located at Ambroise Pare (pronounced by most non-Belgians as "Ambrose") in Mons. We had been warned about the check-in system but it was still a little bit of a shock: you have to take a number, just like at the MVA in Maryland. But wait: there are two numbering systems. One is for people who have an appointment, and the other is for people who need an appointment. You wait for your number to be called, and you check in at the appropriate guichet, which apparently also functions as the cashier (we haven't received any bills yet, so that's another cultural experience yet to happen). After you check in, you proceed to your doctor's office, which is along any one of a number of long hallways. The waiting area for some doctors is a row of chairs in the hallway; in others, it's a regular waiting room. You put your paperwork in the plastic box outside the doctor's office and wait to be called. The office serves as both an office and examining room. And no need to make an appointment for some tests or treatment - it's all considered part of the "consultation" and gets done right there.

There are, however, doctors who practice out of offices or their homes. The local newspapers - weekly except during the summer, when they get published every two weeks - publish a list of all the doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and veterinarians on call each weekend for each commune. These are always local doctors. For instance, in our area the doctor on call could be located in Hautrage, Pommereul, Baudour, or Sirault (and probably several other villages).

We may have more to report once we start getting bills for my medical visits...