Coffee and Russian Medical Care…

Yesterday Sveta and I spent the day at a Russian medical clinic. It is a clinic for the Russians who work in or worked in the space industry in this town we live in. (Article on Korolev) Since I am not a national of Russia, they allow me to pay for the services. This is a huge clinic and very busy. I was amazed at the place and it was very well run and organized. I learned a long time ago when in Rome, do as the Romans do

I was in to have a sonogram of my stomach and kidneys. I have some issues on recent blood tests that are showing elevated figures in several areas. It seems that my kidneys are passable, stomach is passable and everything else is passable. Except one thing that the Doctor caught. I have a big scary spot on my liver…

So before I get all excited about the consequences of a spot on my liver. I will wait until I see a specialist and see what she says. Yes, I will use a specialist from the same Russian clinic. They even have MRI if needed and all modern technology available…

The cost is what floors me. A Doctor visit costs me 600 rubles ($20). The Sonogram cost 1200 rubles ($40) and took over an hour to do. I will be able to get a MRI done for around $300 and less if CT scan is used. No, this is not copay or insurance type costs. This is everyday cost for someone not part of the system…

I still am amazed every time I go to the doctor in Russia. The doctors are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met. They always give the time needed to take care of you. I never wonder what just happened, because they talk to you like a human…

Taking care of my health has overshadowed writing three articles a day in Windows to Russia. I will have to balance with all that I am doing.

But I will also keep things updated and drinking my morning cup of coffee… 🙂

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