Quote:
Originally Posted by Guy Incognito
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.
Last edited by crazy canuck; 03-28-2021 at 03:13 PM.