Today, a family friend called me for help because she needed me to drive her from work to the emergency room. We walked in to the waiting room. The waiting room  was clean, quiet and empty. The friend was admitted within four minutes and deposited in a room on the emergency ward. A nurse came right in and really listened to my friend. As a result of listening, the nurse skimped the usual, standard exam and told us that since the doctor would be right in, there was no need for two exams. The tecknition came in and took an x-ray in minutes. Then the doctor came over and did a through job. The doctor was nice and understanding. The doctor called my friend’s personal doctor to confer. My friend’s personal doctor came right to the phone for a consultation, and then cleared his calendar to get her a quick appointment. My friend had a good diagnosis and received the right medicine for the condition. She felt better within minutes and was able to go home as soon as she felt better. The co-pay was $75. Everything in the process was perfect.

I know that the health system in America is ridiculous at times. But, I just wanted to tell this little story to illustrate the good care that some people have under the current system. I think the challenge is to improve the health care system without losing the good parts of the current system.