Healthcare

Alright, confession time. I've been avoiding this post but since it's an aliyah, omg moment, it is important to be aware. This is not a negative post, rather, make sure to have your ducks in a row. Remember, as always, to take it easy. 

The healthcare system in Israel is yet to make sense to us. This past Friday, I learned the hard way (but that's ok) that chaydakim lo kayamim be shabbat (germs do not exist on the sabbath) and that while yes, it's amazing the majority of this country is Jewish, this makes gender of the Dr and observance level important to be aware of so that you are comfortable - - and it's not sexist or mean. It's important when taking care of body related issues that you, as the patient, feel at ease.

Let's get to it.

In Israel you have your Healthcare insurance companies such as Meuchedet, Kalalit and Maccabi. Citizens are given a magnetic card (in addition to the teudat zehut, which sooner, rather than later, memorize the number) and for olim, while they wait for it, you are given a temporary pass. For most issues you go to what is called a family doctor. Women's issues, you see a rofat nashim (they are not referred to as obgyn or gyns, as much as I could gather).

Do yourself a favor and if you have a medical issue, do not leave it for erev shabbat. Anyhow, I found myself in that position.

Calling the moked to find out which Dr would be available that day (and turns out, all appointments go through calling the moked and not the clinic (kupa) directly), I was set up to go to an area in Beit Shemesh called Cheftziba. This turned out to be a very religious area in town, men with peyis and long black garb. It was lucky I chose one of my more Israeli scarves, again, mostly for my own comfort.

The appointment was scheduled for 11:00. I was not seen till 11:50. In this down time, I tried to figure out if I could provide the test I wanted to do prior to seeing the Dr and was given mixed answers that tests like I wanted could not be done on that day. Busting out the "I just made aliyah card" made them slightly more attentive and patient since they realized I was clueless. Unlike the United States, where your PCP stays in the same office, in Israel the Drs rotate. From what I gathered, this part has to do in thanks to socialized medicine and the other so that they can make a decent salary. Each doctor has their own office with a computer, patient bed (the paper isn't torn office between visits, rather collected and rolled into the garbage by the side). A nurse doesn't call you in when it is your turn either. You sit outside the Drs office room in a waiting area, peering at other patients and finding out who is before you. When they exit, you barge into the Drs office and tell him you were his 11.

Anyhow.....

Since shabbat was nearing the pharmacy and clinic closed at 12. The nurse was on shpilkes and wanted to go home (don't blame her). Given the stress, I wasn't able to provide them with the test I needed. I left, confused, still in discomfort and shocked I wasn't given anything in the interim.

This is when connections are important. It is hard being sick in a foreign country. I am lucky to have a cousin and her spouse, both doctors. My year in Israel, they helped me out as well. Citizens here don't have annuals like in America. Preventative care is not really heard of. I texted my cousin and told her what was going on. She then contacted a family friend who prescribed me with an old fashioned script (Dr stamp) what I needed. He was super kind and took me to superpharm at 2 pm since at 3 pm before shabbat they close. There was an error on the dosage, and this too was lucky that he took me, as he came in, flashed his medical license card and while the pharmacist wasn't super pleased, holding a 4 month old and being on the verge of tears worked well.

Fast forward and it is now Tuesday. I was never called for the results of what I was able to provide or even a phone call asking how I feel (from this Dr - - my cousin checked in, she's fantastic). Calling the clinic twice this morning to the nurses line, there was no answer and no way to leave a message. I later discover from my Israeli neighbor that nurses have hours and next time I call to speak to the mazkira (receptionist). Now that it's Wednesday morning, I called again, spoke with someone and waiting for a call back, since the results should be in the computer. It has been over an hour and still nada. ** Update, they called me later in the day but couldn't give me results over the phone because I don't have a magnetic card or temporary card. So, back to square one. It is Thursday now, and I will go after work directly to the Kupa and get on my hands and knees (not really, but G-d forbid it have been a bigger issue, just imagine the complicated process). 

So much to learn and exactly the system in Israel I was hoping to avoid, or at least have time to be much better prepared.

I'm feeling just fine, but of course want answers and to get this piece settled.

Just something to keep in mind as something Olim will need to navigate. Language and all, when it comes to health, it's a different ball game here. Make sure to get recommendations from friends, follow through and advocate for yourself!