(Exchanging Surgery for Drink Coupons: Nervously waiting to get sliced in a tiny/empty room in Hospital Italiano)

For the past week I've been in and out of hospitals and doctors offices around Buenos Aires. Nothing major, I just had a cyst on my upper back that had gotten infected and needed to be removed. Gross I know, but I'm all about full disclosure. 

The whole event has pretty much ruled out any good sleep for the past few days because i've gone right from class to the hospital(s) and then to work.  However, throughout the process I've asked a million questions about the Health Care System here in Argentina and have learned a lot about how it all works. 

This post isn't for everyone, but I figure if I can help save some people the headaches and hassle of what I've been through this past week then it's worth it. 

DISCLAIMER: It should be noted that that I DO NOT HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE. I had the STA Insurance plan when I first got here but that expired on January 1st and I didn't renew it.  

MY HEALTH CARE ADVENTURE:

First of all, I wanted to find an English speaking doctor and found a bunch on the US Embassy Doctor List "Medical Care in Argentina". I chose Dr. Raul Kelly under General Practice. His office was right in Recoleta next to the bar so it was very convenient. His "office" was in an apartment and was old and minimal. He had a Norman Rockwell painting on the wall which was comforting but then he had a giant wood carved bear lamp next to it that completely freaked me out. His English was perfect and it sounded like he had a lot of experience (although he was specialized Gastroenterologist). He said he was also the doctor for American pilots who came through Buenos Aires and spent a lot of time working in the states. Okay, so I'm thinking... background check: sufficient. 

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