I called Dr. Chen, a general practitioner who has seen me before. Apologetically, I explained my circumstances and asked what he suggested I do. Unhesitatingly, he told me to come to his office. He was waiting for me when I arrived 10 minutes later, examined me, prescribed an antibiotic, provided updated medical teaching re: the condition and treatment, then sent me on my way. He told me to never worry about calling if I needed something. He said he kept the office open until 9 pm every night, and if I had an urgent need past that time, to just ring the door bell outside the office or call him. I now have his cell phone number as well. The consult was $ 10. The pharmacy charged me $ 13.00 for the antibiotic, after providing a senior discount I never asked for.
Situation SOLVED in less than 30 minutes, for under the cost of a co-pay at Kaiser in the states.
