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My first experience using the emergency service here in Australia happened on mother’s day. Coming back from playing tennis I was the driver of our scooter (I am learning) and the OH was the passenger. Anyway long story short, I was taken away by the ambulance service and brought to the local hospital. I asked to be taken to one of the two hospitals that I am at least for work. I have private insurance as we do not qualify for the public health care system. While I was being transported in the ambulance all I could think about is the cost. The ambulance attendant kept asking me where I wanted to go as I had the option to attend a GP surgery which I would have had to pay out of pocket. As I am not used to a private health care system I was so confused and stressed during the ride to the hospital. I ended up crying all the way there as I didn’t know what to say. I just felt the pressure to make a decision, in the end; I asked to be sent to a public hospital as I figured the rest will work out. Arriving at the hospital, which I have visited before for work, I was greeted by a triage nurse who advised me wait where the “walk-in” emergencies wait. I guess this was because I was not dying and I was able to walk and had no other visible injuries other than my gash to my ankle. Three hours later (we were told the wait would be that long) I was stitched up and out of there. I asked the triage nurse if I needed to pay something but she advised me that I would receive a bill in the mail. Six days have passed and I am slowly getting back on my feet. I have not been at work all week, how bored am I? Very...lol. Overall I would rate my experience good better than my ER experience in Italy...lol. I will keep you all posted once the bill arrives.

Cheerios
E&R