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- I had a scary ER experience that made me stress for months. I now fly to Portugal once a year for routine check-ups. (businessinsider.com)
Memphis Transplant Praises City But Seeks Healthcare Abroad After Troubling ER Visit
A Portuguese scientist now calling Memphis home has shared a jarring experience with the US healthcare system that has led her to seek medical care exclusively in her home country.
Sara Resende moved to Memphis in 2023 to pursue a career in scientific writing after completing her Ph.D. While she enjoys the city’s vibrant culture and career opportunities, a recent health scare left her with a deeply negative impression of the American medical system.
After experiencing persistent abdominal pain, Resende visited her local doctor and was subsequently directed to the ER. During her five-day stay, initial tests revealed a 3.5-inch mass, leading to her admission to the oncology unit for further examination and a biopsy. Resende recounts feeling uneasy when a doctor suggested the mass was likely cancerous before the biopsy results were even available.
The experience was further compounded by the staggering $1,600 bill she received for the tests. While the biopsy ultimately revealed the mass was benign, Resende’s anxieties lingered.
Seeking a second opinion, she returned to Portugal, where consultations with multiple specialists at a private hospital confirmed the initial diagnosis. Astonishingly, the cost for these consultations and follow-up exams in Portugal totaled a mere $380.
Resende now opts to fly back to Portugal annually for all her medical needs, citing the peace of mind she receives from the significantly lower costs and the familiarity of the Portuguese healthcare system. She emphasizes that despite this healthcare challenge, she remains committed to living in Memphis, where she appreciates the career opportunities and welcoming community. Resende plans to continue balancing her life between the two countries, enjoying the best of both worlds while prioritizing her health and financial well-being.