My buddy was in an accident in Oregon in October, got various bone-cracks (hip, vertebra, etc).
He is now in Baja Sur (Santiago) and suffering.
Is there any English-speaking orthopedic doctor in Cabo or La Paz that you all can recommend?
Man, he doesn´t want to drive back to the states for treatment this winter, but he may have to.
Naturally, he doesn´t use the internet and doesn´t speak hardly any Spanish, so I´m trying to help out.
Thank you in advance, Nomads!
JohnVCaboRon - 1-28-2008 at 12:15 PM
Give a call to Ameri-Med in Cabo San Lucas. They may be able to help you.
CaboRonCaboMagic - 1-28-2008 at 04:42 PM
Vandy - I wanted to caution that AmeriMed is very very very expensive. If your friend has US Medical Insurance they may reimburse but med bill/s will
have to be paid first. Is your friend just "visiting" or is he able to go to the IMSS hospital - Spanish speaking only but perhaps someone can
accompany him to translate .. I will ask around for any other suggestions. Sorry your friend is in pain .. LoriCaboMagic - 1-28-2008 at 04:45 PM
How to Apply for I.M.S.S.
IMSS insurance is available to all foreigners residing in Mexico, with exclusions or limitations based on pre-existing illness as detailed below. For
some reason, however, the insurance can only be applied for during certain times of the year: January, July, August, and most of February. You pay the
inexpensive annual fee (approximately US$250 per year) in one lump sum at the time of application.
The application process may be daunting, so expect bureaucratic delays. If things go smoothly, you have lost nothing. To avoid any potential hassles,
we recommend that you ask for an agent who will complete the legwork for you for about US$50–75.
Once approved, applicants are assigned a primary care physician who must certify the health of the individual via general examination. Your
appointment also enters you into the IMSS database, which will enable you to receive care if you become ill in another part of the country. You will
also be required to fill out a health questionnaire disclosing any pre-existing conditions. Your coverage will activate six to nine months after
approval, but once accepted you will be covered for life, as long as you continue with your yearly premiums
To apply you will need:
Two photocopies of your current passport and immigration documentation
Copies of either your FM-T, FM-2 or FM-3 (tourist/expatriate visas)
Duplicate copies of your marriage license (if applicable)
Two copies of a most recent utility or telephone bill in your name or a renter’s lease agreement in your name
Three passport-type photographs
Exclusion Criteria and Insurance Limitations
As a foreigner applying for IMSS, you may not receive treatment for pre-existing illness for the term of your coverage. These exclusions do not
include treatment for any other illness that is acquired during your stay in Mexico.
Pre-existing illness is defined as:
Malignant tumors (cancer)
Chronic degenerative disease such as that which is seen with long-standing diabetes, liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc.), kidney disease (renal
failure or renal insufficiency), heart disease (previous heart attack, arrhythmia, or valvular disease), lung disease (chronic bronchitis, emphysema,
etc.), neurologic disease (multiple), cerebrovascular disease (stroke or TIA), peripheral vascular disease, and many others.
Drug or alcohol dependency
Psychiatric illness
HIV positive status or history of AIDS
History of traumatic or muscular injury that continues to require treatmentbackninedan - 1-28-2008 at 04:57 PM
My wife and I applied for IMSS here in Loreto and it was obvious from the start that they had no intention of letting us get it. They went thru the
steps and said things would be sent to La Paz for processing and to come back in a month. We did so and they said no and would not explain why.
Perhaps it would be worthwhile to try again?CaboRon - 1-28-2008 at 05:54 PM
CaboMagic,
Did you mean to say that they will never cover my Type 2 Diabetes ? Is the length of the term the rest of my life ?
If that's the case, then what's the use ?
CAboRonMICK - 1-28-2008 at 06:17 PM
A couple of years ago my Dad fell and broke his wrist. I took him to the hospital in La Paz. It is a teaching hospital and we were lucky enough that
the Professor in charge of Orthopetics was there. He operated on his wrist and put on a cast. When my dad got home he went to his doctor and was told
that he could not have set it any better. You might have him go there and ack for a professor. By the way the cost was 250.00 US. for all.
Good luck MickCaboMagic - 1-28-2008 at 06:44 PM
CaboRon the info is a copy and paste. I offer neither opinion nor interpretation.
backninedan - as ever in Mexico, who and where and when you ask can bring a diametrically opposed answer to the same question.
Mick - good stuff there ..
Best wishes - LGosoflojo - 1-29-2008 at 07:48 AM
In Cabo find Dr Alfonso Najar, I dont think he is an Orthopedic but he can recomend one. BTW stay away from the IMSS hospital in Cabo at all costs.
Way to many horror stories.mike odell - 1-29-2008 at 07:56 AM
Vandy,
You might want to call Dr. German Valenzuela at
624 1421170 or cell 044 624 147035.
He is an orthopedic surgeon, and did a major lower
back surgery on me a year ago. Am very happy to
recomend him highly. His office is in San Jose.
I was operated on at the Catholic hospital in San Jose,
small,wonderful care, and spotlessly clean, an the
whole thing was very affordable.mike odell - 1-29-2008 at 07:58 AM
Vandy,
I forgot to mention, Dr Vanezuela speaks excellent English,
and is US board certified.CaboMagic - 1-29-2008 at 09:09 AM
Vandy - given the excellent personal recommendations given by Mick Osoflojo and Mike I respectfully remove the IMSS suggestion .. however I stand firm
to steer clear of the AmeriMed facility. All the best, Lori GarciaCaboRon - 1-29-2008 at 09:18 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by CaboMagic
Vandy - given the excellent personal recommendations given by Mick Osoflojo and Mike I respectfully remove the IMSS suggestion .. however I stand firm
to steer clear of the AmeriMed facility. All the best, Lori Garcia
Just because it's expensive in your view is no reason to dis' AmeriMed, it is a really good medical practice. They do excellent work there.
CaboRon
[Edited on 1-29-2008 by CaboRon]CaboMagic - 1-29-2008 at 09:41 AM
CaboRon - this will be my final reply to you on this subject. You have that opinion to which you are entitled.
I consider USD $5,000 charged by AMERI-MED in August 07 to a client excessive when all that was involved was an IV and 24 hour observation until his
symptoms subsided.
