The Good Thing... Military Hospitals

by Eliza Ferree | More from this Blogger

13 Jan 2007 08:35 PM

I must say that sometimes being in the military really pays off. I mean what other type of job is going to allow you to have children without having to foot some large hospital bill. Plus, when something goes wrong or you need to take a trip to ER you can do it without worrying about if you have the money.

I tend to know my children are getting sick right before any REAL symptoms occur, which normally means having to go back a week later and telling the doctor once again. Ouch, I can only imagine how expensive this could get outside the military.

I once had to ride in a bus... an ambulance for those not familiar with the term. I was pregnant with my second child and I thought I was only having routine morning sickness. I would later find out my blood sugar level had dropped way below normal and would need immediate attention. Of course I try denied needing a bus let alone any type of first aid, they finally convinced me it wouldn't cost anything. Yes, I'll admit, I'm one that worries about money especially when it seems just like a routine pregnancy.

I'm working on my fourth pregnancy now and am relieved to know that when I have an issue I can go at any time to the hospital. But it isn't just because I don't have to foot a large bill, it's the fact that my husband can take the time off if needed. See, we have a 3 year old daughter and as I've mentioned before, childcare isn't always available. Last week I had to take the glucose test, I failed it the first time around which meant within three days I'd have to take a 3 hour glucose test. First, this is a horrible drink that I really hate to take and when I do I feel really ill all day. Thankfully my husband was allowed to take the time off, even though it was short notice. Granted, I was worried about having to miss the test but I was reassured that he would be able to take the hours off.

When it comes time to have the baby, I'll be placed in my own room. These rooms aren't small either, they have a huge shower area, rest area and enough chairs to have the entire family seated. Not that mine will all be sitting in the room with me as I give birth buth I'm sure I'll have a lot of company afterwards. The baby will have his own space in the room as well, making everyone feel at home. The great thing about this... the only cost is a couple of dollars a night for the meals.

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Learn more about Eliza Ferree

Eliza Ferree is a military wife and mother to three children and currently pregnant with #4. Growing up as a "Military Brat" and marrying into the Marine Corps she's known no other life.

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Libby Pelham (12880) 13 Jan 2007 08:21 PM

I was married for almost five years before I used a military hospital, but the one at Lejeune is really not what I expected - in a good way! We don't have problems seeing the doctor, talking to a nurse when I am freaking out about something stupid, etc. The only problem is I just found out our doctor got deployed :-(

Julie Gentry (5915) 13 Jan 2007 08:42 PM

The military benefits are definitely wonderful. Count yourself blessed that your hospital is good, though. Oakland was not good, and we were all in a ward with a woman who was so exhausted that she couldn't hear her baby crying all night long (I understand the thought, but requiring the baby to be with mom the first night when mom is exhausted doesn't always work well). In Yokosuka, you're pretty much just a number. We drove 2.5 hours to Yokota instead. They were FANTASTIC! It was like a first-class hotel; they were incredibly attentive and we were pretty pampered. Sounds like yours is similar.

It's like everywhere else -- you have to be aware and seek out the best care. But I love that we don't pay extra for it.

Katie-Anne Gustafsson (604) 16 Jan 2007 02:09 AM

Looking from the outside in, the US healthcare system is something that should be advertised bolding on all immigration leaflets - I'm sure it would send some people back home again! LOL

The room sounds great Eliza. Does hubby get to stay overnight too - supposing you have someone else to take care of the kids?

Katie-Anne