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bajateresa
Junior Nomad
Posts: 25
Registered: 11-16-2007
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Excellent medical treatment in La Paz!
We're making this posting about 1 year after symptoms began that led to a cancer diagnosis and surgery down here in Baja Sur. We want to tell the
tale, in some detail, to encourage gringos living here to feel confident in the intelligent and personal care that's available in La Paz.
Last fall, Gary, who is 62 and in overall good health, began to have problems. He couldn't sleep on his stomach or side without burping up some
bile-tasting stuff. He had to sleep on his back with head elevated. During the day, he felt great, had no problem eating or eliminating.
We traveled over to the mainland last winter, and while visiting friends in Zihuatanejo, Gary saw an English-speaking Mexican doctor who misdiagnosed
his problem as acid reflux and prescribed some meds that didn't help. In February, back near Mulege, where we live, our local doc at the time, Dr
Daniel Silva, thought it might be a hiatal hernia but recommended going to La Paz to see his colleague, Dra. Margarita Chiapa, for an endoscopy.
Off to La Paz, to the Centro de Especialidades Medicos, a private hospital, we went in late Feb for the endoscopy with the friendly and
English-speaking Dra Chiapa. Endoscopy #1 had to be aborted because there was a food mass in Gary's stomach. After Gary fasted a few days, Dra Chiapa
did Endoscopy #2, which was also unsuccessful because the food mass was still in there. So after more fasting plus several cans of Coca Cola (a
so-called "lavage" to "wash" the stomach), Endoscopy #3 revealed inflamed tissue in the stomach. Dra. Chiapa took several biopsies of the tissue, Gary
had some abdominal x-rays, and we returned home to Mulege to await results.
Dr Silva shared the difficult diagnosis with us a few days later: Cancer. We returned to La Paz to talk with Dra Chiapa and her English-speaking
colleague Dr. Napoleon Rodriguez, a surgical oncologist. The stomach tumor was large and blocking the opening to the colon. Dr. Napoleon said we had
not long to decide what to do -- go back to the U.S. for a gastrectomy, or have the surgery done there at CEM. "How long do i have to decide?" Gary
asked. "Less than a week," Dr. Napoleon advised. Gary had lost 20 pounds by this time and could not eat solid food. Waiting any longer than a week
would render him not a viable candidate for surgery.
That was a Monday. We told Dr. Napoleon we'd let him know by Wed if we wanted to have him perform the surgery. We returned to Mulege on Tuesday, and
on Wed we called him with the green light. He assembled his surgical team on Thursday as we drove back to La Paz and checked into CEM. The surgery was
done on Friday evening.
Dra. Chiapa had told Gary he was not a likely target for stomach cancer but that a partial gastrectomy he'd had in his 20s (the treatment for a
bacterial ulcer, at the time) had set him up for the development of this tumor. Dr. Napoleon said he had performed complete gastrectomies on people
who'd had partial gastrectomies before, but usually sooner than 40 years after the first surgery was done.
There was so much scar tissue from the first, partial gastrectomy that Dr. Napoleon spent 2-3 hours at the beginning of Gary's surgery just cutting
away that scar tissue. Dra. Chiapa was present for most of the surgery, wanting to follow the progress of her patient, and Dr. Olveras, the
anethesiologist who had worked Gary's 3 endoscopies, and who we liked very much as well, was part of Dr. Napoleon's team.
Gary spent 7 days in the hospital. Dr. Napoleon gave us his cell phone number and told us to call him any time, day or night, if there were problems.
The CEM nurses, who did not speak English, were attentive and gentle. (Note: Terri, Gary's wife, speaks some Spanish, and we got along fine.) Pain
management was exceptional. Terri slept on the sofa in the room, which was a welcome accommodation.
Dr. Napoleon visited Gary daily and also spoke with our U.S. insurance carrier to communicate the emergency nature of the surgery so that it would be
covered at 100%. He also arranged for us to leave the hospital with copies of all the chart notes that the insurance company required. (An aside: We
later had to have all the chart notes translated into English and submit them to Blue Shield with copies of all bills -- 77 pages in total. We
received full reimbursement. Dr. Napoleon's surgical team cost US$5K, and the weeklong hospital stay, including medications, another US$5K. What would
this have cost in the U.S.?????)
We returned to the U.S. after Gary recovered from surgery, and at Dr. Napoleon's recommendation, Gary underwent several rounds of chemotherapy this
summer there. It's standard post-cancer-surgery treatment, and it was delivered in the typical U.S. impersonal and expensive way: Gary's out-of-pocket
expenses from the chemo under our high-deductible, "catastrophic" plan with Blue Shield totaled close to US$40K. The good news: A CT scan in August
shows that Gary is cancer-free.
We write this because many gringos are not aware that there is such excellent and caring treatment available right here in Baja Sur. We hope ours is a
common story -- that we received the correct diagnosis for our emergency and the perfect surgery and aftercare, incredibly quickly and efficiently. If
any health emergencies should befall us in the future, we'll return to CEM.
Meanwhile, Terri's going to have her first colonoscopy with Dra. Chiapa next month. Have you been putting off having a colonoscopy like Terri has? If
so, schedule yours now with Dra. Chiapa! Her office number is: 124-04-00.
Best regards,
Terri & Gary Myers
Posada Concepcion
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Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6741
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
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Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences with us. I saved it to my med file for future reference for myself and other.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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Juanita
Junior Nomad
Posts: 96
Registered: 8-31-2006
Location: San Ignacio, Baja California Sur
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This subject interests me enormously. I, too, have saved the information because La Paz is certainly where I would rather go for medical care. Yes,
I have been putting off a colonoscopy, because the lead-up is too complicated for my brief yearly vacation in California. I will enjoy being in La
Paz for that.
Along these same lines, I have had root canal work with a very fine dentist in La Paz. His office was so much more peaceful than that of my old
dentist in California and his equipment at least as modern, possibly more so. He made everything seem easy, was reasonable in cost, and I have had a
year of good service from the tooth. He is Dr. Talamantes, the son of another Dr. Talamantes in the same office. 612-122-7343. His office is on
Reforma, between Serdan y Guillermo Prieto. There is a miniature lighthouse in front on the sidewalk.
Who would have thought that, with all the joys and benefits of living down here, medical care would also be available? Thank you so much for your
post, Bajateresa.
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Dianamo
Nomad
Posts: 182
Registered: 12-27-2005
Location: SF Bay Area, CA when not in El Cardonal
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Mood: ...still in Baja
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Thank you for sharing
your personal information. What would the chemo have cost in LaPaz? Did your insurance fully reimburse the $10K total from the surgery and hospital
stay?
My husband has only catastrophic coverage, and the potential out-of-pocket expense concerns me.
Minds are like parachutes...they only function when open!
\"The price of apathy is to be ruled by evil men.\" - Plato
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3587
Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
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It would be very benificial to find out the cost of the colonoscopy when you do go in to have that done.
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bajateresa
Junior Nomad
Posts: 25
Registered: 11-16-2007
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we don't know what Gary's chemo would have cost in La Paz -- every chemo is different re number and type of drugs in the "c-cktail," how many cycles,
etc. I can tell you that we saw the U.S. chemo center's bills to the insurance company, and the charge for EACH round for Gary's chemo was $20K. The
chemo was covered, but many attendant expenses were not: for ex, our ins plan allows 6 doctor office visits per year and puts a $2500 cap on blood
work and diagnostic x-rays, and Gary blew thru those limits the first month we were back int he U.S.
More impactful was the fact that our "catastrophic" plan does not cover outpatient scans. Cancer treatment is all about scans, and they're all done on
an outpatient basis. in total, Gary had one PET scan and 3 CT scans at about $5K each. One important note: all scanning equipment is not created
equal, and if you can afford it, going to a medical center with a state-of-the-art scanner may be worth it. We had one scan at a small, regional
hospital that missed critical info; we are contesting that charge.
last response to a question above: Blue Shield Worldwide reimbursed us 100% of the La Paz surgery and hospitalization costs because the situation did
qualify as an emergency.
hope this further info is helpful.
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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Mood: Sling time!
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http://www.medtogo.com
i happen to know these folks. they run a legitimate service. Dr. Page personally prescreens and qualifies every Dr. and hospital they refer to in
Mexico.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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JESSE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3370
Registered: 11-5-2002
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A group of some of the best doctors in Tijuana who work at Angeles Hospital and in theor own clinics is building a modern Hospital with all the latest
equipment here in La Paz. It will be at least 1 or more years before they are finish, but some of the names in that group are among the best in
Mexico. They are fed up with the violence up there so their loss is our gain.
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Skeet/Loreto
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4709
Registered: 9-2-2003
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I strongly support the Medicals in La Paz as well as those in Constitution,
I would not hesitate a minute to go to the Soldiers/Sailors Hospital in La Paz nor any of the General Hospitals across Mexico.
Skeet
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Dave
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6005
Registered: 11-5-2002
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Don't know if this helps but
| Quote: | Originally posted by Pescador
It would be very benificial to find out the cost of the colonoscopy when you do go in to have that done. |
I just paid $450 in TJ with general anaesthetic.
Video included. 
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Dave
Video included. |
Nothin' like home movies on a rainy afternoon.
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lingililingili
Nomad
Posts: 449
Registered: 2-24-2008
Location: La Paz, Bahia Asuncion
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We were quoted $3,000 pesos for a colonoscopy in La Paz
•Life is just one damned thing after another
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arrowhead
Banned
Posts: 912
Registered: 5-5-2009
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajateresa
Gary saw an English-speaking Mexican doctor who misdiagnosed his problem as acid reflux and prescribed some meds that didn't help. In February, back
near Mulege, where we live, our local doc at the time, Dr Daniel Silva, thought it might be a hiatal hernia but recommended going to La Paz to see his
colleague, Dra. Margarita Chiapa, for an endoscopy. |
I dunno. Maybe I'm being too picky, but I would not describe two misdiagnoses of your husband's problem before finding the correct diagnosis as
"excellent medical treatment".
1 for 3?
Glad he is OK.
No soy por ni contra apatía.
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Dave
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6005
Registered: 11-5-2002
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To boldly go......
| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by Dave
Video included. |
Nothin' like home movies on a rainy afternoon. |
There wasn't a soundtrack so I added the theme from Star Trek.
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bajalinda
Senior Nomad
Posts: 551
Registered: 6-7-2008
Location: Pacific Coast, BCS
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Bajateresa - thank you so much for your report.
Am I right in thinking that CEM (Centro de Especialidades Medicos) is the hospital that is also known as "the purple hospital" in La Paz? I also had
a major surgery there a few years ago and was very pleased with the doctors, the nurses, and the treatment I received.
We know people in La Paz who swear by CEM and others who swear by Salvatierra Hospital - I went with CEM and I have no regrets. I think you just have
to do due diligence and research your doctor here or in the US.
As for the mis-diagnosis....the way I read your report, there was 1 mis-diagnosis from the doc in Zihuatanejo. The doc in Mulege wasn't sure, so sent
you to a specialist. Same thing could probably happen north of the border too.
In any case, glad to hear that Gary is cancer-free.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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.333 is a batting average that will get you into the AllStar game. Seriously, I truly believe that posters such as bajateresa do a great service to
those of us who may fall ill while in Mexico. My personal experience includes knowing a medical professor who teaches at the university in
Guadalajara. As an aside, his wife is a legislator in Guerrero. Point being that from my perspective, Mexican healthcare offers world class care.
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arrowhead
Banned
Posts: 912
Registered: 5-5-2009
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Mexican healthcare offers world class care. |
Yep, if you have a big fat wallet it does. Look how it works for the 93% of Mexicans who don't.
http://rosaritoenlanoticia.blogspot.com/2009/10/dejaron-mori...
I'd translate the article, but it is just too sad. This happened today. An innocent girl shot by a stray bullet lay on the ground and bled to death
while an ambulance took over one hour to collect her. This was in Rosarito.
No soy por ni contra apatía.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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Yeah, yeah, yeah. And like there's no hole in the coverage in other countries? No government or culture has an iron clad lock on doing things right in
in the real world.
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BajaBruno
Super Nomad
Posts: 1035
Registered: 9-6-2006
Location: Back in CA
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Mood: Happy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajateresa
Dr. Napoleon's surgical team cost US$5K, and the weeklong hospital stay, including medications, another US$5K. What would this have cost in the
U.S.?????) |
Well, I don't know, but my cervical spine surgery a few months ago, with three days in the hospital (UCSF Med Cntr), was $83,000. It's safe to say
that cancer surgery would have been a lot more than $10,000.
Christopher Bruno, Elk Grove, CA.
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oladulce
Super Nomad
Posts: 1625
Registered: 5-30-2005
Location: bcs
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Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience. I'm glad to hear your husband is doing well and is happy with the care he received.
I was filling out the application for our retirement medical insurance today as a matter of fact, and will take a closer look at the coverages after
reading about your out of pocket costs for care in the US.
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