Our normal, healthy family still has pediatricians, dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, dermatologists, and optometrists.
As I have been to so many appointments lately, I thought I'd blog about health care. I'll start with pediatricians.
The first time we moved to Germany in 2005, I had to call and make an appointment with a pediatrician for Ada's 6 month well check.
It took me 6 phone calls. Six. After hanging up for the 5th time, unable to answer whatever simple question the office asked me, I burst into tears in despair.
But called back and I did it. Appointment made. I was so proud of myself.
I remember that first appointment. Dr. Teufel was a perfectly nice man, but did not appear to like children particularly. We asked about giving Kate ibuprofen before her 6 month immunizations.
What for, he asked?
For pain or fever?
Pause....
I quickly realized that in Germany, doctors do not recommend ibuprofen for pain or fever on a regular basis. Dr. Teufel assured us that some pain or fever is good for children.
Deep breath. Ok.
Next question...where was our Impfpass or our Kinder-Untersuchungsheft?
Uh...
So here's the scoop.
I have learned that the Germans are quite a fastidious bunch. When a baby is born here, they receive 2 little booklets. They apparently aren't required by law, but most people have them. One is called the Impfpass. This is a book that contains all information about vaccinations. Dates, dosages, and even the lot information about the actual vaccine. The pediatrician's office had to transfer all our information from the US to this booklet. The second is the Kinder-Untersuchungsheft. This is a growth and development type booklet containing all pertinent information about well checks. The books are very important to the offices and patients are expected to have them every visit.
We keep the same information, but the Germans want those booklets. Stack of papers, not so helpful.
After those first few visits, we tried our pediatrician in town. By that time, I was more comfortable making appointments and we were in a stage of trying to do much of life locally in our little town. So we went with the local pediatrician.
I asked if he spoke English. He did, but wouldn't with me when he realized I could speak some German. He also was a perfectly adequate doctor, but also did not seem to be a warm and friendly pediatrician that I was seeking.
I went to a pediatrician a few towns away on the recommendation of a friend. I needed a well check for Kate and a sports physical, so it seemed a good time to try someone new.
Dr. Bruchhaus was a welcome change. He smiled at kids, shook their hands, and was so excited at the thought of looking up an English term he had forgotten.
I arrived with the form for the sports physical and was curious about Kate's development, as she hadn't had a checkup in a year or so.
He looked at me.
Is she healthy?
Um, yes. I think so.
That sounded good to him. He signed the paper and we were done.
Did I miss something?
But he was FRIENDLY. I so needed friendly and happy to speak English with me for medical issues.
By the time we had left Germany, we had a nice relationship with Dr. Bruchhaus. We returned to the US and to our old pediatrician, whom I really liked, and had few issues and few visits with pediatricians.
Back to Germany.
Ada has croup within a few months.
Back to Dr. Bruchhaus?
Dr. Bruchhaus has retired.
Ugh.
New doctor has taken over. Let's give it a go.
New doctor speaks beautiful English. New doctor's office has an appointment within a day.
New doctor does not say hello to children. New doctor highly discourages any medication but herbal salve for nose. And tea.
I take the prescription. I try the herbal route, which works well. I have my stash of ibuprofen for high fever if needed.
I begin search for new pediatrician. Find option about 10 minutes from our house and school.
Giant stuffed animals in reception area? Check.
Communicate with office staff in German? Mostly check.
We meet Herr Dr. Holder.
He greets each child with a handshake and a smile. Then says hello to me.
Sigh. Relief.
Dr. Holder is friendly. He takes time. He answers all my questions. He jokes with the kids.
His partner is just as super.
I shout a silent hooray. I am thrilled.
We need vaccinations. It's tick season.
I had forgotten that when kids get vaccinations here in Germany, there's a system.
- Check into the pediatrician's office.
- Pick up prescription for vaccination.
- Walk downstairs to apotheke (pharmacy) around the block.
- Forget I need cash.
- Walk to ATM several blocks away for cash grumbling that I forgot cash.
- Walk back to apotheke.
- Fill and pay for prescription.
- Return to pediatrician's office with vaccine in hand.
- Proceed with appointment.
I don't know why they do it this way. Now we have our banking set up to have a debit card with a microchip that is taken most local places. This is much more convenient than having to plan to take out cash for prescriptions.
So we have found our happy place with a pediatrician. I miss being able to communicate easily in my own language, but Dr. Holder's English is good and my German is improving.
Friendly pediatrician. Happy mom.
