finding an english-speaking doctor in provo: a touring drummer's guide

so here's the thing about provo: it's not exactly new york city when it comes to medical options, but if you're a touring drummer like me, you learn to make do with what's available. i landed in provo last month with a nasty cough that sounded like i was playing a snare with a broken spring, and suddenly finding a doctor who spoke english became my top priority.

first off, provo is home to utah valley hospital, which has decent reviews on yelp but prepare yourself for wait times that feel longer than a drum solo at a phish concert. the average rent here is around $1,400 for a one-bedroom, which is wild considering you can get a taco for $1.50 at the taco truck on center street. safety-wise, provo consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in america, which is great until you realize everyone knows your business before you do.

now, about those doctors. i tried utah valley primary care first because it was closest to my airbnb. the receptionist spoke perfect english, but the doctor had this thick accent that made me wonder if i'd accidentally walked into a telenovela audition. after three attempts at explaining my cough, i just mimed drumming and pointed at my throat. somehow, that worked.

a local barista at jive coffee shop told me about mountain view family medicine - "they're legit," she said while pouring my third americano of the day. she was right. dr. chen there actually listened when i explained that my cough was probably from sleeping in a van for three weeks straight. the visit cost me $120 without insurance, which hurt less than my throat but still stung like a bad review.

here's what nobody tells you about provo healthcare: many doctors here serve the large international student population from byu, so english proficiency varies wildly. i heard from a fellow musician at velour live music gallery that some people just show up at urgent care and hope for the best. not exactly a strategy i'd recommend unless you enjoy medical roulette.

the weather during my visit was that perfect utah mix of sunny days and freezing nights - like the climate couldn't decide if it wanted to be your friend or stab you in the back. and speaking of stabbing, salt lake city is just an hour north if provo's medical scene doesn't cut it for you.

pro tips from someone who's been there:
- call ahead and specifically ask "does the doctor speak fluent english?" don't be shy about it
- bring a friend who can translate if possible - my drummer buddy saved me from a misdiagnosis
- check if your insurance covers telehealth options, which might be easier than navigating provo's healthcare maze
- the macey's pharmacy on center street has pharmacists who speak multiple languages and will actually spend time with you

i also discovered that many doctors in provo are young residents from the natural talent school of healthcare, which means they're enthusiastic but sometimes lack the bedside manner of more experienced docs. one guy at intermountain healthcare literally checked his watch three times during our seven-minute consultation.

look, provo isn't perfect for medical care, but it's not the healthcare apocalypse either. you just need to know where to look and be prepared for some awkward conversations. and hey, if all else fails, there's always the option of just drinking more emergen-c and hoping your immune system remembers how to function after weeks of gas station food and highway rest stops.

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