Call 911 if you need urgent medical treatment or emergency. With this number you can call an ambulance, police or firefighters.
You can call 911 free from any payphone. In an emergency on the freeway or a side road, stay calm and if you have no cell phone, trying to locate the nearest emergency telephone (these will be located throughout the highway/freeway). The response to accidents on major roads is very rapid.
If you can, go to the nearest hospital emergency room they will treat you within a short time. Note that in emergency treatments are not free, check your local hospitals for more information.
Pharmacies
If you need urgent medication, you will find a list of pharmacies that are open 24 hours a day in the local newspaper or yellow pages. Or you can also go to any pharmacy, where they usually have a list at the door or window, to the nearest open pharmacy.
Medical
If you are to sick to attend a doctor consultation, you can check with your doctor by phone. Be aware that most U.S.A. doctors do home visits. In some cities there are special services as home visits (house call) that send a doctor to your house 24 hours a day.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Pharmacies - How To Get Medication In The U.S.A.
Americans take more pills than any people in other countries, and can find wide range of medicines in pharmacies, drugstores, hospitals and even supermarkets.
There are two types of drugs: with or without medical prescription. To buy prescription drugs, the patient should go to the pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor and the pharmacist will give you medicine that was written on the prescription.
The law on prescriptions is very strict, and many medicines that you buy in your country without problems such as antibiotics or codeine, a prescription will be needed in the United States to obtain these medicines.
Some painkillers such as paracetamol also known as acetaminophen, can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription. To purchase these types of medicines you will need to go to a pharmacy inside stores like Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Eckerd, Pulbix, Winn Dixie or CVS. There are also a pharmacy's in many supermarkets.
If you have health insurance, most of the cost of prescription drugs will be paid directly by your insurance company. You will pay a symbolic part of the drug, depending on whether brand or generic. With private insurance, you pay for medicine and send the receipt to the insurance company to reimburse you.
Please note that U.S. prescription drugs are often very expensive, and many insurance policies do not cover medicines for existing medical problems. Find out if your insurance company has its own pharmacy, typically insurance company pharmacy's have more affordable prices.
The opening hours of pharmacies are similar to other shops, 9am to 9pm, seven days a week. Usually at least one pharmacy is open 24 hours a day, you should use these pharmacy's if you need you medication/prescription urgently.
Continue:
In Case of Emergencies - Emergency Numbers, Hospitals and Pharmacies
There are two types of drugs: with or without medical prescription. To buy prescription drugs, the patient should go to the pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor and the pharmacist will give you medicine that was written on the prescription.
The law on prescriptions is very strict, and many medicines that you buy in your country without problems such as antibiotics or codeine, a prescription will be needed in the United States to obtain these medicines.
Some painkillers such as paracetamol also known as acetaminophen, can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription. To purchase these types of medicines you will need to go to a pharmacy inside stores like Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Eckerd, Pulbix, Winn Dixie or CVS. There are also a pharmacy's in many supermarkets.
If you have health insurance, most of the cost of prescription drugs will be paid directly by your insurance company. You will pay a symbolic part of the drug, depending on whether brand or generic. With private insurance, you pay for medicine and send the receipt to the insurance company to reimburse you.
Please note that U.S. prescription drugs are often very expensive, and many insurance policies do not cover medicines for existing medical problems. Find out if your insurance company has its own pharmacy, typically insurance company pharmacy's have more affordable prices.
The opening hours of pharmacies are similar to other shops, 9am to 9pm, seven days a week. Usually at least one pharmacy is open 24 hours a day, you should use these pharmacy's if you need you medication/prescription urgently.
Continue:
In Case of Emergencies - Emergency Numbers, Hospitals and Pharmacies
Monday, November 2, 2009
Health Insurance - How To Cover Your Medical Expenses In United States
Coming to the U.S., your priority should be to have health insurance. The drugs, hospitals and doctors are extremely expensive, so be sure to be covered in case of illness or emergency.
Health insurance is mandatory for all foreign students in the U.S., so you can not begin to study if you do not.
Note that, with few exceptions, the U.S. has no free or subsidized health care, so you will probably need private insurance. Insurance policies are very expensive, so it is usually better to increase your health insurance from your country to cover you during your stay in America. Note that without this increase, it is likely that insurance will not cover your country's astronomical medical costs in the U.S., as these are almost certainly higher than those of your country.
If you need to get American insurance, there are many choices, so study them well before you decide. Internet is a good place to compare. Your age, medical history and the state where you live will influence the amount you will pay.
If you're working, your company may offer to pay part of your insurance. In many cases this is a good option for the employee. Some companies will give you a choice of several insurance companies, talk to your colleagues to see what is the best in your area. The insurance will cover you and your family while you're working for the company.
Insurance Documentation
When traveling to the United States you must always carry the insurance papers/card, if not sometimes they will force you to pay a deposit when you come to the doctor or hospital, as no one is going to treat you because the risk of non-payment.
Continue:
Pharmacies - How To Get Medication In The U.S.A.
Health insurance is mandatory for all foreign students in the U.S., so you can not begin to study if you do not.
Note that, with few exceptions, the U.S. has no free or subsidized health care, so you will probably need private insurance. Insurance policies are very expensive, so it is usually better to increase your health insurance from your country to cover you during your stay in America. Note that without this increase, it is likely that insurance will not cover your country's astronomical medical costs in the U.S., as these are almost certainly higher than those of your country.
If you need to get American insurance, there are many choices, so study them well before you decide. Internet is a good place to compare. Your age, medical history and the state where you live will influence the amount you will pay.
If you're working, your company may offer to pay part of your insurance. In many cases this is a good option for the employee. Some companies will give you a choice of several insurance companies, talk to your colleagues to see what is the best in your area. The insurance will cover you and your family while you're working for the company.
Insurance Documentation
When traveling to the United States you must always carry the insurance papers/card, if not sometimes they will force you to pay a deposit when you come to the doctor or hospital, as no one is going to treat you because the risk of non-payment.
Continue:
Pharmacies - How To Get Medication In The U.S.A.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Doctors & Dentists - Appointments, Visits and Insurance
In the U.S.A. there are many types of doctors, from general medical practitioners to specialists such as cardiologists and dermatologists. In the United States, most people have a family doctor who sends them to a specialist or hospital if necessary.
Note that in big cities most doctors have one or two specialties (including general practitioners), the most common are internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics and gynecology. The best doctor depends on your age, your family and your medical history. Most Americans go to an internist or family physician for routine things. The general practice doctor is becoming less common, family physicians are better trained. If you're staying a while in the U.S., we recommend that you look for a doctor as soon as possible instead of waiting to get sick.
It is better to make an appointment before going to the doctor. If this is your first time, you'll likely need to fill out a form with your name, address, social security numbers and information about your health insurance. Unless you really need urgent treatment, it is best NOT to go to the emergency room (ER) to see a doctor. You should only use the emergency department for emergencies, as they tend to be really expensive.
If you are treated by a doctor, but it is an emergency, you will probably have to pay first bill and then reclaim the amount to the insurance company. It is important to keep all reports and receipts for medical services. Contact your insurance company for more information.
If you live in a big city, you will have more chances of finding a doctor who speaks your native/countries language. For the list of doctors look in the yellow pages or call your insurance company. You can also contact your embassy or consulate to which you provide a list of doctors who speak your language.
Dentists
In the United States, dentists, as well as general practitioners and other specialists, often have private practice and can be very expensive. As dental care in the U.S. is very expensive, many foreigners make their dental examinations during there visits to their country.
Many large hospitals, especially those associated with universities, have dental clinics that are open to the public and are generally much less expensive than private ones. Usually insurance covers only emergency dental treatment, so check the rates before going to the dentist. Since it is likely that treatment is cheaper in your country, get a full review before coming to the United States America.
Continue:
Health Insurance - How To Cover Your Medical Expenses In United States
Note that in big cities most doctors have one or two specialties (including general practitioners), the most common are internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics and gynecology. The best doctor depends on your age, your family and your medical history. Most Americans go to an internist or family physician for routine things. The general practice doctor is becoming less common, family physicians are better trained. If you're staying a while in the U.S., we recommend that you look for a doctor as soon as possible instead of waiting to get sick.
It is better to make an appointment before going to the doctor. If this is your first time, you'll likely need to fill out a form with your name, address, social security numbers and information about your health insurance. Unless you really need urgent treatment, it is best NOT to go to the emergency room (ER) to see a doctor. You should only use the emergency department for emergencies, as they tend to be really expensive.
If you are treated by a doctor, but it is an emergency, you will probably have to pay first bill and then reclaim the amount to the insurance company. It is important to keep all reports and receipts for medical services. Contact your insurance company for more information.
If you live in a big city, you will have more chances of finding a doctor who speaks your native/countries language. For the list of doctors look in the yellow pages or call your insurance company. You can also contact your embassy or consulate to which you provide a list of doctors who speak your language.
Dentists
In the United States, dentists, as well as general practitioners and other specialists, often have private practice and can be very expensive. As dental care in the U.S. is very expensive, many foreigners make their dental examinations during there visits to their country.
Many large hospitals, especially those associated with universities, have dental clinics that are open to the public and are generally much less expensive than private ones. Usually insurance covers only emergency dental treatment, so check the rates before going to the dentist. Since it is likely that treatment is cheaper in your country, get a full review before coming to the United States America.
Continue:
Health Insurance - How To Cover Your Medical Expenses In United States
Monday, October 26, 2009
Introduction - The American Health Care System
The American health system is very proficient and advanced, but also very expensive. The American health care system is enormous, being able to find clinics and hospitals everywhere, even in the most remotest areas of the country.
The hospitals have high-tech equipment more advanced than most countries, and doctors and surgeons are highly trained and motivated.
Unfortunately, this great quality comes with astronomical prices. Know that the costs of health care providers (doctors, hospital stays and even medicines) are the most expensive in the world and account for 15% of American GDP. Given the increasingly large proportion of older people and technology costs, this percentage is likely to increase further in the future.
Although health care is probably the best in the world for the rich, its high cost and limited government intervention implies that it is weak or even nonexistent for the poor and unemployed. Some 15% of the U.S. population is uninsured, and publicly funded programs, Medicare and Medicaid only cover people over 65 years, the disabled and the very poor.
Note that the treatment "free" does not exist in America, even in public hospitals. All health care, including emergencies, must be paid, either personally or through insurance. In many hospitals in the cities usually have a urgent care clinic that deals with serious and less expensive than a normal hospital or clinic, but you will still have to pay.
Therefore, to come to the United States of America, it is vitally important to have health insurance, or a serious illness could cause a financial disaster. In some cases you may prove that you're covered by your current insurance (but it is important to check this first). Visit our health insurance section for more information.
Continue:
Doctors & Dentists - Appointments, Visits and Insurance
The hospitals have high-tech equipment more advanced than most countries, and doctors and surgeons are highly trained and motivated.
Unfortunately, this great quality comes with astronomical prices. Know that the costs of health care providers (doctors, hospital stays and even medicines) are the most expensive in the world and account for 15% of American GDP. Given the increasingly large proportion of older people and technology costs, this percentage is likely to increase further in the future.
Although health care is probably the best in the world for the rich, its high cost and limited government intervention implies that it is weak or even nonexistent for the poor and unemployed. Some 15% of the U.S. population is uninsured, and publicly funded programs, Medicare and Medicaid only cover people over 65 years, the disabled and the very poor.
Note that the treatment "free" does not exist in America, even in public hospitals. All health care, including emergencies, must be paid, either personally or through insurance. In many hospitals in the cities usually have a urgent care clinic that deals with serious and less expensive than a normal hospital or clinic, but you will still have to pay.
Therefore, to come to the United States of America, it is vitally important to have health insurance, or a serious illness could cause a financial disaster. In some cases you may prove that you're covered by your current insurance (but it is important to check this first). Visit our health insurance section for more information.
Continue:
Doctors & Dentists - Appointments, Visits and Insurance
Your Health In The United States of America
We recommend that you make sure you have sufficient health coverage when coming to the U.S.. This section provides information on the American health care system, doctors, hospitals and medical treatments. Things may not work in America as in your country, you better get informed in case you get sick.
Continue:
Continue:
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Utility Bills - Water, Electricity, Gas and Trash
It is likely that when you move to the U.S. that will have to take care of things at home that you never before had to consider before. Here is a list of tips and tricks to help.
Utilities such as gas, water and electricity often provide by private companies, the city council or the federal government. In many cases, these services are mentioned in your rental contract. Depending on your credit history, you may be asked for a deposit that can range from $ 50 to $ 300.
Water: Water is billed based on usage and is charged with the rent. In general the U.S. tap water is drinkable. A series of filtration systems to purify and improve the flavor.
Electricity and Gas: Each tenant must request this service to local electricity companies and / or gas. The owner, building manager or the lanlord can tell you who is responsible for supplying gas and electricity and where to apply. Compared with other countries, electricity tariffs in the U.S. are quite reasonable.
Electricity: Electricity is 110 volts, with a frequency of 60 Hz. Depending on the country you come, you may need adapters or transformers. You can find these easily in stores like Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, in the supermarket, and even in pharmacies.
Recycling
Many American states are becoming more environmentally friendly (especially California) and people tend to separate the garbage. In buildings often have different containers, and paper and glass containers are usually collected separately. The containers typically have a symbol indicating which can be recycled. The food and organic waste are collected separately for compost.
Chemicals: All rubbish containing poisons or chemicals (like refrigerators, paint, batteries, etc..) You must take these to special waste management centers, you can not dump these items in normal trash bins.
Big things: Old furniture and major appliances can be collected by waste management companies, which often charge for it, or you can bring yourself to a landfill.
Clothing: Clothing and old shoes can be donated easily. There are many organizations that receive and specialty stores selling clothing and accessories used. You can find their address in the yellow pages or online.
Utilities such as gas, water and electricity often provide by private companies, the city council or the federal government. In many cases, these services are mentioned in your rental contract. Depending on your credit history, you may be asked for a deposit that can range from $ 50 to $ 300.
Water: Water is billed based on usage and is charged with the rent. In general the U.S. tap water is drinkable. A series of filtration systems to purify and improve the flavor.
Electricity and Gas: Each tenant must request this service to local electricity companies and / or gas. The owner, building manager or the lanlord can tell you who is responsible for supplying gas and electricity and where to apply. Compared with other countries, electricity tariffs in the U.S. are quite reasonable.
Electricity: Electricity is 110 volts, with a frequency of 60 Hz. Depending on the country you come, you may need adapters or transformers. You can find these easily in stores like Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, in the supermarket, and even in pharmacies.
Recycling
Many American states are becoming more environmentally friendly (especially California) and people tend to separate the garbage. In buildings often have different containers, and paper and glass containers are usually collected separately. The containers typically have a symbol indicating which can be recycled. The food and organic waste are collected separately for compost.
Chemicals: All rubbish containing poisons or chemicals (like refrigerators, paint, batteries, etc..) You must take these to special waste management centers, you can not dump these items in normal trash bins.
Big things: Old furniture and major appliances can be collected by waste management companies, which often charge for it, or you can bring yourself to a landfill.
Clothing: Clothing and old shoes can be donated easily. There are many organizations that receive and specialty stores selling clothing and accessories used. You can find their address in the yellow pages or online.