Anyone done this, or know someone who has? There's a procedure I may be interested in, it's 9K here, and 1200 in Mexicali (5 hour drive).

It's not like LV healthcare is considered top-notch anyway. And my insurance is ACA garbage, so precisely zero of it would be covered.

Looking at this place in particular, if anyone has been, or has any knowledge of it:

https://www.123.clinic/en/clinics/me...ty-septoplasty

Mexico doesn't place especially high in healthcare, from the rankings I've seen (~50th in the world), but at this point I'm just inclined to believe everything I've heard about American exceptionalism is a crock of ****, so there's no reason I shouldn't save the 8K.

TLDR: The savings can be worth it, but you do have to do your homework.

THE LONG VERSION:

I don't have experience in Mexico, but I have in many other countries (mainly in Thailand).

First, the ranking of a certain country's medical care is nearly irrelevant. It is meant for policy makers and can be used to assess the care that an average citizen can expect in a given a country. As a medical tourist, you can have access to the best doctors and facilities in a certain country if you do it right.

Second, the doctor's experience/reputation and the the time he/she spends on your case is more relevant than a hospital's ranking or review.

Third, understand that Mexico or other countries are cheaper because they don't have liability. If your nose gets chopped off, then don't expect any financial compensation and you will not get more than an apology.

Other things:

1. Ideally the doctor performing the procedure should have some "reputation". For example, the Thai doctors I see are profs at top universities there OR are referred by someone who is. They often have US or European experience. They are also board certified.

Apparently, Mexico does have an ENT organization. So in your case the doctor should be board certified by the "Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in Mexico." His/her bio sholud be available online.

Google the doc's name. If he/she messed up, then there will likely be an online complaint about it.

Also, other doctors in the same hospital should have similar reputation. Not necessary, but it is a good sign.

If the doctor with the above attributes costs $2400 in your case, then don't go for someone who offers the procedure for $1200.

2. A surgical procedure should have at least an initial consultation, the procedure, and a follow up. Best to do the last step in the US. Might want to do the first step both in the US and Mexico.

Get a summary of your relevant medical history. Allergies to medications, irregular response to whatever procedure, or health issues, etc.

3. I don't know about ENT specialists, but ask the hospital in Mexico if they follow the guidelines outlined by the relevant US or European medical association. I found this after a quick google search:

https://www.entnet.org/content/about-us

Ask about as many details as possible during the initial consultation. Educate yourself about the procedure and ask questions during the initial consultation. Walk away if the doctor bullshits (this is unlikely to happen tho).

4. Get a note or statement from your own physician in the US. Make it clear to the doc in Mexico that he will do the follow up. A reputable and conscientious doctor will care about his/her work and what other doctor's think about it. They also know that this might lead to more business.

5. Go with a friend or relative. Not because your organs might be potentially harvested, but it is good to have someone around.

6. Let the hospital know in advance you will need an itemized bill. Almost every hospital catering to medical tourists has it's own hustle.

7. Best to find reviews from real persons instead of google, but I know that this is not always necessary or possible.

8. Many hospital's have some bad reviews because low quality admin or support staff. Don't let some bad reviews like this dissuade you.

9. I tried to contact 7-8 Mexican hospitals, but didn't have the best experience. They didn't respond or gave me a half-assed attempt. This was during the height of Covid tho so might be different now. I was told that it is better to call them on the phone and knowing Spanish is helpful (I don't know any). But you are 5 hours of drive away so it is definitely worth checking things out in person.

This is off the top of my head. I probably missed some stuff, but hope it helps.

Thanks for the response. I've been researching everything I can about the doctor, and it all seems positive so far. I may just drive down there to check it all out; can always ditch if anything feels sketchy with not much time lost.

Yeah, the best thing is just to go down there and see the place for yourself. Also, you might want to ask what percentage of people have suffered complications. Then, you'll know how often the doc has performed the procedure and other staff.

Obviously, read and learn all this:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-pro...t/pac-20384670

and ask questions about it.


Google reviews about the place you posted complain about wait times, staff, or being charged for unnecessary procedures. These things happen.

I have paid for procedures and consultations in Thailand, Sri Lanka, UAE, Hungary, India, and Japan. My experience based on the competence and knowledge of the doctors is overwhlemingly positive.

It is definitely a myth that North American doctors are better. Nurses and pharmacist ARE much better and so is admin staff (including medical record keeping), but even with that a person might not end up with better care in North America. Nowadays any English speaking doc can access the diagnostic guidelines or treatment procedures from the relevant North American/ Western European associations.

Of course, a person with unlimited funds will get best care in the world at Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins, Cedars-Sinai, etc. However, most people don't have access to those.

Wow, it was interesting to read, thanks!

Yea, I mean definitely do your research, but in general I'm a pretty big proponent of medical tourism. There's so much BS baked into the costs of US healthcare, and plenty of excellent, well trained doctors outside of the US. I've needed some routine procedures in the last few years, stuff like: endoscopy/colonoscopy, CT scan/ultrasound, dental implants etc, and I always do it abroad. Even checkups/bloodwork I'd much rather do while abroad than pay out of pocket in the US. I can't really comment on your specific procedure though. As CC stated, it seems like the biggest risk is if they really screw something up, there's usually very little recourse. I'm also in the same boat as you, shitty high deductible garbage insurance. Fun.

great stuff written by canuck

another thing t consider is that certain countries are not only cheaper but also specialize in this stuff

for example, if you want to get cosmetic surgery, doing so in south korea it will not only be much cheaper but the average surgeon has 10x the experience

also, all things being equal, i'd trust an asian hospital far more than somewhere else

thanks for sharing such important stuff related to medical.