Healthcare Mexican Style
09 December 2012 | La Paz, Baja Mexico
Ellen
Just a short blog on a recent experience with Mexican healthcare.
About 2 months ago my right thumb started hurting and the last joint in the thumb seems to get stuck and it clicks to straiten it and it hurts when I do. So when we got to La Paz, I decided to have it looked at. A doctor was recommended and off I went to see him.
First of all the office was ultra modern - nothing 3rd world here. Once in the office, he checked out my thumb and asked various questions. He thought that I should have xrays to see what might be going on as well as a blood test. In the meantime for the pain he offered to give me a cortisone shot. I took that option and I have to say it was incredibly painful to have a needle stuck into the bottom of your thumb. After the shot, while waiting for the pain to subside I mentioned I was going to walk back to La Costa restaurant to meet Ian and that there was a party for the cruisers going on. He offered to drive me as he was going right by there. When we got to the restaurant he assured me that a glass of wine would not hurt me and might even be beneficial (my kind of doctor!). Cost of consult and shots 500 pesos or $38.50 canadian dollars.
When I went to the 2 clinics the next day to get the test and xray done I was also pleasantly surprised. The blood test cost 140 pesos or $10.75 canadian dollars AND I could pick up the results in 3 hours! Next off to the x-ray clinic. Once again I had professional and quick service. Within 15 minutes of walking through the door, I had my x-ray results in hand. Cost 500 pesos or $38.50 Canadian dollars.
So far it's cost me $87.75 dollars. Granted my problem is not solved but it's happening both quickly and not too expensively. I will see the doctor later in the week and see what the next step is. All in all it's been a positive experience and I think reasonable cost wise too.
I'm not sure how it compares to the typical Mexican's medical experience but I was going to a Mexican doctor, Mexican walk in clinics and I was the only gringo around so I assume this is the same treatment they receive. I know they have a form of health insurance here but I don't know what all is covered in it and how much they might have to pay for the same services that I received. But I have to give it a (can't resist) two thumbs up so far!