I shop at HEB in Houston so when I needed some minor medical attention- actually some topical something or other for a bad case of contact dermatitis – I decided to go to the conveniently located Rediclinic.

A couple of weeks ago, I developed a really bad – REALLY BAD – allergic reaction to that triple-antibiotic Neosporin on the back of my hand  to treat a scratch from one of minor demons that reside in our household. The resulting reaction to said Neosporin was severe- the treated area became unbearably itchy and broke out in tiny blisters.

In a moment of Itch-driven madness, I decided to put some Benadryl Anti-histamine Itch Relief Gel. After 2 days of use, the skin on the back of my hand swelled up and started itching so much I thought I was going to die.

I KNOW that I am not allergic to Triclosan. So I went to CVS and found  an Instant Relief First Aid Spray with triclosan and benzocaine.  It immediately tamed the itch, so I was willing to live with teh resulting dryness and peeling until I could get to some medical professional for a prescription.  (I can’t use hydrocortisone cream cause I react to that as well)

I went to the Rediclinic located at the HEB on Fountainview for a quick consult. This is just a simple case of  contact dermatitis- no medical genius required. I  was going to pay cash, no insurance. When I arrived, they asked for ID.

The conversation with the receptionist went thusly:

I said : I don’t have an ID. I don’t drive and I don’t intend to use any form of insurance. Why  do I need ID?

He said:  Without ID I can’t enter you in the system.

I said: I don’t drive . Why do you need an ID?

He said: We’ll accept a passport

I said: Excuse me? You want me to take the bus back to my house to get my passport? I have contact dermatitis.

He said: I need an ID

It’s not like I was asking for vicodin or morphine or looking to defraud my insurance company. But if I had ID and I wanted to get nicer eyelashes, they would have gladly sold me LATISSE^®.
I left.

I’ll continue to use the first aid spray- its actually helping.

HOWEVER I am appalled that i was refused medical treatment because of an ID. I can’t figure out if it was because they are setting up a database so they can sell my info to insurance companies or a result of the whole fascist reaction to illegal immigration . And honestly I don’t care.

I say

rediclinic you suck

You suck and I intend to say so every opportunity I get.

Personally, I am an HEB shopper but its good to know what prices are like at Kroger’s without actually going there.

Don’t miss the coupon section. If you buy a lot of brand names, its a place to start collecting coupons.

If you buy your groceries on Amazon, visit this webpage often. Updated monthly, you will find discount codes for the purchase of specific items and discounts of purchase totals.

2 lbs of peeled and deveined 41-50 uncooked shrimp @$8.99/lb    – (if you plan to freeze, ask for the still frozen as they are thawed for sale)

2 lbs of Tilapia (6 filets) @ $5.99/lb

3 lbs of Ground Sirloin @ $4.49/lb

2 Pork Tenderloins @ 3.99/lb      - (I split each in half  to freeze)

4 pints of strawberries @ 2  for $3

3 lbs of organic baby spinach

12 pre-fab personal cookie tart shells ( At $12 for the dozen, they were the single most expensive item on this list but it allows me to make mini desserts tarts on demand)

2 gorgeous mangoes @ 99 cents/ea

2 tomatillos

basil, rosemary, and sage

AND

The Salisbury Steak and Mashed Potatoes Family Pack from their prepared food counter. I wouldn’t normally buy prepared foods (especially since it cost $15)  but it’s my sister’s favorite. It easily has 4 servings, add a salad and dessert  and you have a family feast for 4.

This purchase covers most of our protein for the next month. Plus- I get foodie points which means Dollars Off coupons with purchase in the mail. I don’t think Walmart can beat these prices and they certainly can’t beat the quality.