American Hospitals The Way They Should Be... In Istanbul

After weeks of this rash and another "women's health issue," I decided to visit a hospital in Istanbul to get things checked out. Granted, I had heard horror stories of people dying in Emergency rooms as they wait, so I was very skeptical of the quality of health care that I would get. I opted for a private hospital, praying that they would speak enough English for me to explain my problems. A few phone calls later and I had an appointment at the American Hastane (Hospital) in Nisantase in Istanbul. (And yes, Koc has a hand in this too...)

My taxi was dwarfed by some of the Bentleys and black Mercedes in the entrance. Going in, there was a beautiful marble reception area. I felt like I was in a chic 5 star hotel, not a hospital. There were sleek chairs and one of those cow sculptures decorated like a doctor. My fears of hospitals (not just in Turkey) were eased. 

9:30 appointment in Dermatology, second floor.  I felt like I was checking in to a flight--the receptionists all wore ties and vests, not medical gear. They were just for the administrative and payment side of things. I sat down, seeing the well dressed demographic around me--this hospital was not for the average Turk, clearly. 

At 9:25, the doctor was ready to see me. Like clockwork. No waiting. The Dermatologist was thorough. He checked out my rash, he offered to do a biopsy. He took photos. He encouraged a follow up in two weeks after he prescribed me something. He sat down at his desk with me and talked to me about all of the possibilities. After, we went to "check out" and I paid, 175 TL or $114 dollars for the visit--which my insurance will reimburse me for back in the states. To be honest, I never had such straightforward, efficient care. 

Next, 10:30 in the Women's health center. I walk down the hall, passing a grand piano, more beautiful marble floors, and more lounges. The women's health center is bustling with kids, doctors, and women. I am early, but the doctor offers to see me early, so I pull my nose out of my Ayn Rand book and go into his office. He is wearing a Lacoste polo and pants. His office is just a nice consulting room. He takes me in, asks me how I am. We chat about my history, my mom's history, anything like that. He is surprised to find out that no one ever explained some of the genetic testing and treatments to prevent breast cancer--I did not know about them. My gynecologist never talked to me about these things and never did breast exams on me even! He took me to an examination room, where a nurse helped me dress and undress. He came in (no lab coat) did what he needed to. We went back to his office and he prescribed some testing that I needed done. It was less than a half an hour, but in such a short time, I had learned so much and never had such a good experience with a women's health doctor in my life. 

I wish he was my gynecologist... 

Now, I know this is a private hospital, but for specialists I spent less than $210 for TWO visits. I am amazed at the thorough treatment. Each doctor gave me his cell phone number to call him if anything should come up. They really were helpful and I could not believe I was in Istanbul to be honest. I know the US offers some of the best health care in the world... but after having some really bitchy gynecologists and nurses in my day, sometimes this "hotel hospital" world really is a dream come true. Sadly, I know most Turks cannot afford this health care, but at least in my situation--I wish there was a place like this in the states for the comparatively lower prices...

After, I treated myself to a crepe (seeing as how, though I was not traumatized by a hospital experience, I was still nervous). I walked around the neighborhood and came back to sink into my bed. Its far too hot and work is a continent away....