General Chat

Short story long...…

A few years ago both OH and myself went for a hearing test.

OH's showed a problem with her left ear. The Audiologist said that she should have a retest done in twelve months.

OH was never called back until suddenly last year she received a follow up phone call asking her to go for a further test.

This was duly done (further comment later) and the results warranted the Audiologist to refer the matter to OH's GP, who in turn referred to a ENT Specialist.

OH saw the Specialist last week who didn't think that there was anything to worry about, but just to make sure ordered an MRI scan.

When the Bunbury Clinic phoned her with the appointment date she was told that the cost would be just under $1,000.00, but that she'd get 'about $250.00' back from Medicare.

Needless to say, OH was not impressed and said so.

The response from the clinic was amazing 'Well, you can have it done at the Peel Health Campus, which does do bulk billing.

The Peel Health Campus is in a City called Mandurah, which is about 100 kms form us.

Duly went there yesterday, scan done and the results were sent to OH within an hour of us leaving the hospital.

Other than petrol, there was absolutely no cost to us :-0

Now to the weird part. When OH was contacted for the retest following the original one, she was advised that there was currently a waiting list of over six months for hearing tests here in Bunbury, but that she could go to their premises in Mandurah and be seen within the week.

No contest! :-D :-D

If you enquire surprising the savings you make. Expensive otherwise hope you are both okay Barbara :-)

So how many poor wotsits are waiting to cough up their $1,000 in perfect ignorance of the alternative?

Hope all the results are OK.

Sue x

Probably quite a few, Sue.

People just accept what they are told without question.

Many years ago after my pulmonary embolism, the specialist suggested that I start taking aspirin and wrote out a script.

Not knowing any better I took it into the Chemists and the staff were horrified.

If I had the script filled in it would have cost me $30.00 as it meant that I had to buy them at the PBS price.

The same aspirin were available over the counter for $2.00. If the staff hadn't told me I would never have queried it.

We think that everything is fine with OH, just a slight loss of hearing in one ear from her occupation. :-)

Oh I agree with the OTC meds (and vitamins) I buy my own Vit D as my controlled meds cost an arm and a leg.

Most GPs here have patients who insist on repeat scripts for paracetemol (which are dirt cheap). Of course in Wales all prescriptions are free of charge. They are also resistant to generic medication as 'branded drugs are better' lolol

Glad OH's hearing isn't a serious concern

x

Thanks, Sue :-)

All prescriptions are free of charge here in Scotland too.

We also have a system where pensioners can register with a pharmacist and get non-prescription things free if they are for a "medical" condition. It's surprising what qualifies - I picked up a bottle of calamine lotion once, fully intending to pay for it and was told I didn't have to! Toothpaste doesn't qualify but mouthwashes do. Plasters don't but germoline does. It's always worth asking.