Goodbye Hospital.

Today I settled the score with the hospital. 

Ha…. no I didn’t get revenge or anything of the sort.  I just stood up for myself.

I guess it started about a week ago.  Last Monday when I was supposed to go in for my “real” appointment, I just thought –what the hell for?  I felt wonderful, but what I didn’t feel like doing was paying them any more money for no service.

I talked it over with my Singapore friend Devi (Who read my blog, and asked me about it the next day…. I didn’t realize she kept that close of tabs on my blog – so shout out to you Devi! :) The wonderful girl offered to go with me to the appointment so I wouldn’t have to do it alone.  But we talked it over a little bit, and decided that it wouldn’t be worth the worry.  So on her suggestion I called to have the appointment canceled. (Devi thought they might throw in hidden charges if I just didn’t show up rather than cancel. Smart girl.)

*First phone call: I asked if they spoke English. (I heard many voices in the background, so I figured one of the younger ones did…. English is very common here). I received a grunt reply and they said no English, and hung up the phone harshly.  I didn’t believe them for a second. It was one of the few times so far that somebody supposedly wasn't able to communicate in at least a little English. 

*Second phone call (60 seconds later): It went down pretty much the same way, except I tried explaining that I had an appointment clear up until I heard the click.

Feeling more frustrated than liberated, I messaged my Czech friend Anna and asked if she would call and cancel the appointment for me.  I don’t think I can harbor any more positive feelings toward that young woman.  Honestly, I think she would do anything for me if I needed it.  She took care of it, and I went to classes.

*One week later: I went back today after classes to pay the final balance.  (Side note: I took the buses instead of a taxi today to try and save money.  I am soo not familiar with their bus system, so I got lost about 4 times. It took an hour to get to the hospital when Google Maps told me it would take 26 minutes.)

A final 457 koruna later, and I was able to wipe my hands of hospital bills here.  (I should get everything reimbursed by insurance when I get back to the states.) The lady was sweet, and thanked me multiple times for coming in to pay.  I think they were worried about how to track me down for payment, as they knew I would be leaving in a few weeks.

I beamed the entire ride back, and even bought myself an ice cream cone for a symbolic pat on the back.  It's the little victories that make life so good.

Best,

Cass