The cost of a torn meniscus in Turkey

 

If you read my most recent blog you know I tore my meniscus in December and found myself at a Turkish hospital on Christmas Day, December 25.  A Saturday.  I am much better, using a cane instead of a crutch.  I am feeling more confident, too.  Last night I ventured to the metro with my friend, Suzanne, and went to Taksim Square to eat at a Nepalese restaurant. Great to be in Taksim Square again!  I credit my recovery to the doctors and physical therapists who helped me at the Turkish hospital. 

The day I stumbled in to the emergency room, I was not sure what was wrong.  I could not pinpoint the pain.  Having had a blood clot before, I feared this was what I was experiencing.  I asked to see a vascular doctor.  I was put in a wheelchair and a vascular surgeon was my first stop. A blood clot was ruled out.  I was then taken to the orthopedic department.  Dr. Nazan Canbulat examined me and knew the pain was coming from my knee.  She ordered an MRI, gave me a shot for pain, and took me to the rehabilitation room.  A physical therapist, Ayla Ucak, took over giving me a 30 minute ice treatment, a knee compression stocking, crutches, and a lesson on how to use them. Then, I was wheeled to the MRI facility.  After the MRI, I was given an appointment to return Monday for results and further evaluation. 

FACTS: 

1)       I was at the hospital approximately 4 hours.  I was examined by 2 specialist doctors, had a shot, a physical therapy treatment and an MRI.   

2)      Cost 3,183 Turkish Lire = $235 American dollars

3)      I filled out NO insurance forms!  In fact, no forms at all!

When I arrived at the ER.  I was asked for my Turkish id card.  That’s it.  In fact, the only paper handed me during the entire hospital visit, was a post-it note at the desk of each department with the amount I would be expected to pay once seen by the doctor.

Any American who reads this will immediately say.  “Oh, but how good were these doctors?”  They were professional, knowledgeable, efficient and kind.  Most of all, effective!  I am 100% better.  And I am compelled to mention, ALL the doctors spoke English.

In 2012 Turkey passed Law No. 5510, a universal health insurance system.  This law provides “all insured and uninsured individuals who live in our country with a comprehensive, fair and equitable access to healthcare services, regardless of their economic status…” I am grateful Turkey has Universal Health Care!

The rest of December, and until my semester break January 22, I had 5 physical therapy sessions and two visits an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Okan Soyhan, for surgical evaluation and 2 medicated shots to the knee, and two additional evaluations from Dr. Nazan.  Additional cost 6700 Turkish lire = $495

Total cost to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate my torn meniscus - $730

Food for thought.  Universal care still means you must pay something,  but you are not paying an insurance company. The government manages it, cutting out the "fat in the middle."  How often do patients have to fight insurance companies to pay over a technicality?  I filled out not ONE piece of paper at the hospital and was not mailed a mountain of paper afterward! No surprises. Just good, quality healthcare.  You do not trust your government in America to manage such a system?  Isn't that a shame. 

One last fact I withheld… I went to a private hospital. The cost would have been lower had I gone to a public hospital!