Russian Profile
Health Care Utilization

Victor and Vera agree that unless they are very sick, they do not go to the doctor. Victor says that he does not get sick often, and uses over-the-counter medication to ease symptoms when illness does strike. Vera says that she tries to cure herself with traditional remedies such as herbal teas and boiled milk with honey. She adds that most Russians will try home remedies before medications, because they fear that medications could have a negative effect on their livers.

Adding to Russians' inherent reluctance to visit the doctor are differences between the American health care system and the socialized health care to which they grew accustomed when living in the Soviet Union. One of the most striking differences is the cost of health care in the United States.

In the Soviet Union the government paid for all health care expenses, and health care is still primarily government subsidized in Russia today. The price tag on a visit to a specialist is surprising to most Americans, and especially to an immigrant who has never had to pay for health care before. Even for refugees who receive Medicaid, the system of managed care and referrals can be extremely confusing.

Another aspect of American health care that is new to Russian immigrants is the necessity of an appointment to see a health care provider. In the Soviet Union, people simply went to the closest clinic and waited until a physician could see them. Vera says that the first time many Russian refugees go to the medical center, they arrive without an appointment and do not understand why a doctor will not see them. It is difficult for the medical center staff to explain why appointments are important, particularly when most recent refugees do not speak English and interpreters are usually not present.