The Women's March and a visit to the hospital

January 21, 2017

The Woman's March

For the first time in my life I participated in a protest event - the Marcha das Mulheres - a sister event in Lisbon to the Women's March in Washington. Although the crowd was relatively small, the enthusiasm was high. The march was held outside the American Embassy, which is a bit isolated from the rest of Lisbon. Our taxi driver had a hard time finding it. Among our fellow marchers were a honeymooning couple from San Francisco, and two couples from the states who now live in Portugal. I was interviewed by a reporter but I don't remember who she represented. It was still fun and we were happy to have been a part of such an important event. Of course, we may not be admitted back into the country when we try to return home in April. ;-)

A particularly relevant sign at the Marcha das Mulheres

Being interviewed at the Marcha das Mulheres

January 23, 2017

Our trip to the hospital

John's cough has gotten worse so, on the advice of our cousins Manuella and Armenio, we went to the emergency room of Hospital Luz - a private hospital about a 20-minute taxi ride from the apartment. We walked in to a modern reception area where a very professionally-dressed associate directed us to the registration area.

We had been in touch with the international rep for our insurance and knew that we are not covered, but might be able to be reimbursed once we return home. So imagine our pleasant surprise when the cost of the ER visit was only $95. Our co-pay at home would have been $75.

From there we were seen by a nurse then, after a short wait, by a doctor. Dr. Diniz, who spoke perfect English, examined John and diagnosed a viral issue complicated by John's fibrosis. He prescribed an antibiotic as a precaution against the virus becoming bacterial, as well as two other meds to treat the raw throat and help reduce the phlem production. We were VERY impressed with the service and overall quality of the care.

As we were leaving we expressed our satisfaction to the woman who had met us at reception. She asked us to write our comments in the "book of compliments" that is reviewed by management. The following day we received an email thanking us for our comments.

From the hospital we walked to the huge Colombo Mall next door. After an excellent lunch in one of the food-court restaurants (it's hard to have a bad meal in Portugal), we found a pharmacy where the prescriptions were filled. Total cost was only $18, including a package of lozenges. We are really getting ripped off by health care in the States.