h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

You have to love the medical care system in the U.S. So much better than that awful socialized medical delivery system in which you wait for everything.

I have, unfortunately, contracted the same respiratory infection that a lot of my neighbors in this poor, urban area have. It's an opportunity to examine the medical system in my new environment. Unlike many, though, I actually have insurance and means - it's just that I choose not to highlight that when I call around.

So, what do I find. More than a hundred doctors to choose from, but none taking new patients. I can get into the clinics, but I have to wait three to four weeks. I mention that it may be turning into pneumonia, and they tell me, "Well, there's always the emergency room at the hospital."

As a test, at the end of each phone call, I have mentioned that I am a Presbyterian minister new to the area. Amazingly, every office and every clinic (no exaggeration) found an open appointment - many times that day - and became quite congenial. I just told them, "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't want any care that my parishioners can't get."

You have to love free enterprize medical care.