“You should make a reservation first.”

Shawn Huang

This is a screenshot

Translation:  

Patient: “Can I change the appointment to 5 o'clock because it's raining outside?” “If it kept raining when it's 5 o'clock, I wouldn't show up either.” 

This article is inspired by a conversation between a dentist friend of mine and his patient. I know how it feels… 

When planning to dine at a fine restaurant, we typically make a reservation, and in many cases, the establishment requires a deposit to hold the table. Similarly, when we have a dental issue, we schedule an appointment with a dental clinic. However, making an appointment with a clinic in Taiwan has a different meaning: it means a patient can cancel it at any time, without penalty. Dental clinics in Taiwan operate more like a McDonald’s Drive-Thru, with people coming and going at their convenience, and the cost of avoiding soul-wrenching pain caused by tooth decay is, well, actually about the same as a Big Mac Combo. 

Dental clinics are not allowed to charge deposits in advance when patients make a reservation.

Thanks to the government, dental clinics are not allowed to charge deposits in advance when patients make a reservation. What’s more, people who have paid for the National Health Insurance have the privilege of receiving treatment at a price between 50 NTD and 200 NTD; even at the pricier clinics, the cost is only slightly more expensive than a Big Mac combo, which is around 160 NTD. So people often go “clinic shopping.” Clinic shopping is the norm. Patients jump from one clinic to another, just trying to figure out which dental clinic is the cheapest. What’s even funnier is that people can cancel the reservation for no reason and even without saying a basic “I’m sorry. I cannot show up today.” Yes, they can do that with ZERO cost, no penalty, no need to apologize, or even give any explanations; simply not showing up. Sometimes, doctors may never find out if patients are coming until it’s past their scheduled appointment time. 

“McDonald's!” says the Uber Easts delivery person at the door. I recall a few days ago when one of my patients didn’t show up; I ended up using that time slot to enjoy my Big Mac Comb alone. Undoubtedly, a Big Mac combo was the cure for my loneliness and melancholy. While slowly putting fries soaked in Ketchup in my mouth, I admired how punctual my Uber Eats guy was.  

Although people in Taiwan may seem unreasonable, ultra-demanding, extremely picky, and disrespectful, this nasty attitude of theirs might be one of the reasons that has helped push Taiwan’s medical level to where it is today. We can offer excellent quality and efficient treatment at the same time, especially at a humiliatingly lower price compared to other advanced economies! Taiwan No. 1! 

Shawn Huang is a dentist by profession who has discovered a sharp wit and a passion for satire. His writing humorously critiques serious medical policy issues and the often transactional nature of doctor-patient relationships in Taiwan. Follow him for clever, incisive pieces that blend professional insight with a comic twist.

---

September 6, 2024