General Practitioner, Doctor, Physician

The medical services and the urgencies

In the United States, the patient is responsible for 100 % of all his medical expenses if he does not have medical coverage. Healthcare is expensive with a doctors visit costing about $100.

In case of hospitalisation, it will be necessary for you to supply a proof of coverage or solvency.

It is recommended to have always on you an insurance card and and your blood group type, and to inquire on the quality of the emergency service of the closest hospital. In case of emergency, call the police at 911. In case of extreme urgency, call 910 to contact the local EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE.

The choice of the doctors and the hospitals

The " Physician referral services " give the names of the doctors and the specialists based on geographic nearness, rather than on criteria of professional skill. Check with various medical associations before chooing your doctor (ask the doctor for his accredidation)

American doctors do not do home visits ( they sometimes give advices by telephone). In case of hospitalisation, they recommend you go to the hospital to which they are affiliated. They do tend to prescribe too many tests or x-rays even if it is not necessary as there is a fear of lawsuits.

The addresses of the hospitals of SAN FRANCISCO

The only public hospital in San Francisco is the SF General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, Hospital : (415) 821-8200 Emergency : (415) 206-8111

Important: mutual aid " Info line " informs you (1.800.339.6993) and directs you 24 hours / 24.