In the past two days, the Working Gringos have had two medical experiences; one of them was comfortingly similar to experiences we have had in the States, and the other was a bit different. The first was a mammogram. You can probably imagine which one of us went for this procedure. The mammogram took place in a company that specializes in X-rays, CAT scans, ultrasounds, etc. The outfit occupies an old turn-of-the-century building with the de rigeur (around here) pasta tile floors. The small rooms that are traditional in these old houses and line the central corridor are perfect for a series of examining rooms. Inside the rooms, the interior decoration consists of modern imaging equipment mixed with fifty year old chairs and tables, the kind you would see in an old episode of Mayberry R.F.D. if Opie had to go to the doctor.Once inside the room for the mammogram, the procedures and efficiency were pretty much the same. Do this, stand here, lift that arm, wait. Thank you very much. Nothing new or different in that regard, comfortingly modern, all for $850 pesos (about $80 US) paid up front in cash.
A note about health insurance may be of interest here. We pay health insurance to a Mexican corporation called GNP. Our insurance has a high deductible ($3,000 US) and doesn’t cover anything preventative (thus the payment for the mammogram). That deductible is for the first $3,000 of any problem that we may have. If we are diagnosed with cancer, a hernia or a broken arm, we pay the first three thousand dollars. After that, GNP pays everything for that problem. Everything. And not only in Mexico. It pays everything anywhere in the world where we may choose to get treatment. For this service, we each pay about $2,200 US a year. So far, we haven’t needed this insurance and we hope we never do, but we could someday.
The other medical event happened last night. Arvi (in the blue shirt), the young 18-year old Yucateco who walks our dog URL every afternoon, came home after a particularly rambunctious paseo (walk) with a big gash on his foot. He had apparently run into one of the pieces of iron, which he called a hierro (the word for ‘iron’), that just sticks up out of the sidewalk or out of a lawn. His big toe was bleeding and he was in a bit of pain. We sat Arvi down and cleaned the toe, and then we discussed tetanus. He couldn’t remember the last time he had had a tetanus shot, so we all decided one was in order. We drove Arvi to one of the big farmacias (pharmacies) down by the central mercado. For $90 pesos, we bought 2 tetanus shots, a syringe, a big bag of cotton balls, a bottle of alcohol and another of hydrogen peroxide (the last two recommended by the pharmacist upon hearing what the problem was). Then we suggested we had to go to a doctor so Arvi could get his injection, but Arvi had another idea.
One of his friends, Javier, is a medic by training, but he is currently running his family’s chain of convenience and guayabera stores. Javier was behind the counter at the convenience store at 7:30 PM. Upon hearing the story and examining the contents of Arvi’s bag of purchases, Javier loaded up the syringe and brought Arvi into the back room. We waited in the front by the potato chips. A minute later, Arvi emerged with his grin intact and a reminder from Javier to come back in a month for his booster shot. Mucho gustos were exchanged, and we were off.
Another note is perhaps in order here. We Working Gringos got our tetanus boosters this year in our office. A very efficient young lady in a nurse’s uniform came by one day and knocked on our office door. She was paid by the IMSS, a Mexican government social services agency, and was going door to door administering tetanus shots to whomever agreed to get them. But, we explained, we are extranjeros (strangers, foreigners). “ Ni modo”, said she. This program is for everyone. So we dutifully accepted our free tetanus boosters and she went on to the next household.
Now, class, compare and contrast how this experience would have gone down in Central California where we moved from four years ago. Someone cuts their foot. The wound is not too bad so no emergency room services are required, thank goodness. But a tetanus shot is definitely in order. If we go to our regular doctor, we might have to wait a week or two for an appointment. Forgetting whether or not we should even wait that long, the doctor visit would probably cost about $25 (if we have insurance, and a lot more if we don’t, as Arvi doesn’t) and the shot would be extra. And getting to see someone would take a lot longer. On the other hand, perhaps the conditions are more sterile and the oversight and knowledge of the attending physician, once you get to him or her, will be more thorough. And needless to say, we have *never* had anyone come to our door in California and offer to give us a tetanus shot for free.
So where does this leave us? The jury is out. For routine daily medical problems, we think Mexico provides more than adequate care in an environment that is hassle-free and respects our ability to think for ourselves. Most medicine can be obtained without a prescription. Pharmacists are educated and knowledgeable and act as medical advisors for the people who come to them with minor complaints. Doctors in Mexico, in our experience so far, are well-educated (most of them with some time spent in the US), caring and knowledgeable. If we came down with a major disease or needed special surgery, however, we would probably elect to get treatment back in the US or Europe. (With our policy, we have a choice!).
And in the meantime, we now know where to go if we need someone to administer an injection. And we can even pick up a coke and bag of chips to make it all feel better afterwards.
Tetanus boosters needed by older folks
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I really enjoyed this piece; lots of food for thought here… though I’ll admit you had me on the edge of my seat with the convenience store syringe part of the story. I’ll be sharing this with friends, for sure, including some medical anthropology friends of mine.
After a recent experience with the medical system in Merida, I also want to weigh in on this lesson.
About two weeks ago while visiting Merida, I came down with an incredibly painful ear infection that I couldn’t control with the anti-biotics that I customarily take in such situation. (Yes, I am susceptible to ear infections.) The situation became particularly acute on a Saturday morning when the pain was almost unbearable.
I hopped in my rental car and drove to Clinica Merida on Saturday morning and was directed by the front desk to Consultorio #307 — the office of the on-duty ENT. I went to the office, signed in with the doctor’s receptionist and was seen less than a half hour later. The doctor was incredibly professional, equipped with (what appeared to me to be) the most modern equipment, and took the time to explain to me why the infection was so bad and what the proper course of treatment would be. As I left the office, prescritions in hand, I paid my 400 peso consultation fee.
The whole experience corrborated my feeling that the American medical system is broken. My experience in Merida was quick, efficient, effective, and inexpensive.
I had heard that you can buy into the Mexican govenmental healthcare system for around $300 a year, with everything covered. Is this true or do you need to go through a private company?
My wife and I are probably going to retire soon in Merida. I tied to find the GNP (Grupo Nacional Provincial?) website but could’t. Is there a website you know of where I can ask about health insurance coverage like you have?
Muchas gracias.
For any who are interested, the contact information for Grupo Nacional Provincial (GNP), the insurance company we use, is:
Mex Tel: 52 (995) 227-3999
Intl Tel: 1-800-807-5697
Web: http://www.gnp.com.mx
The local contact in Merida is:
Maricela Peon
Seijo y Peon Seguros y Finanzas
Calle 6 x 23 No. 193-A
Garcia Generés
TEL: 925-2230/925-2250
maricelapeon@prodigy.net.mx
Regarding the Mexican healthcare system, the best explanation I have found on that is here at Rolly Brooks’ website:
http://www.rollybrook.com/health.htm
Rolly lives in Durango and spells out exactly what is involved with signing up and what is covered with IMSS, the Mexican government’s healthcare system. He also gives links to other private insurers if you want to go shopping.
Another fun article! Could you post the name and whereabouts of the mammagram company? Much appreciated!
Hi Emily,
It is called Imagen Diagnostica and its on Calle 33 #492-B x 52 y 54. Where it really is is across from Wal Mart on the street that runs in front of the Hyatt. So if you were going down Call 60 toward the Hyatt, turn right after the Hyatt, cross Paseo Montejo and the Imagen office will be on your right *after* you pass WalMart. They have a few parking spaces right out in front. Phone number is 927-6866 and you can make an appt. over the phone. Buena suerte!!
Does anyone know about cosmetic surgery and a good dentist on Yucatan or do I have to go to larger city, like Guadalajara?
Jahnis
Jahnis,
We know there are great dentists here and we hear there are great plastic surgeons here too. No need to go to Guadalajara! In fact, we’ve just posted an article about Dentists in Merida.
I want to know if anyone has had any experience with plastic surgeons in Merida. I have heard many good things in general about the medical practice there, but would like to hear some first hand (or second hand) experience with plastic surgery.
Really enjoyed article. Free tetanus shot? Unbelievable..Not in this country..
W.G. : We are seriously contemplating moving to the Merida area, and have been house-hunting, and now am interested in ‘medical’ insurance costs for man and wife. Both are healthy for age, and a bit ‘overweight’(but working on it). Any information would be helpful..Thanx,
Bobby
We have just recently been referred to a gentleman in Georgia who sells worldwide healthcare plans for expats like us. We’re about to sign up with him because the plan he suggests is about half what our GNP plan here in Mexico is costing. We are only looking for catastrophic coverage, since normal medical services here are not expensive.
His name is Robert Worthington and he can be reached at rworth@aol.com .
Hi there @ yucatanliving.com
first of all: what a wonderful page full of insights into the daily life in Merdia and useful hints for those who decide or have decided to move to Merida. Thank you for that.
As we (my wife, my little 6-month-old daughter and I) are planning to move over to Merida there are two questions that came to mind when reading this (and other) articles: what about gynecologists and pediatrists - do you or other members and readers of here have any experiences in this area and would like to share them with us? Many thanks and keep the good work going!
Cheers,
Cato
I want to log in on the medical situation in the Yucatan, recently in March we went to Progresso to purchase a home in Chelem (we did) I had been walking and hurt my ankle very bad. My husband went to the nearest establishment in Chixchulub where we were walking, a very nice gentleman who is a mexican national and a engineer hopped into his pickup and drove to me and helped me to the private clinic in Progresso, in less than 30 min. I had saw the dr. had an xray and perscription. What Fantastic Service not like Canada Thanks Mr. Engineer for all your help. We can not say enough good things about the people and the place.
I can’t seem to find an audiologist in Merida via Internet research. Can anyone help?
Thanks!
We found an audiology department at Clinica de Merida (on Avenida Itzaes). They have technicians who will do an audio test which takes 30 minutes and costs $600 pesos (about $55 US). They will then send you to an audiologist, Dr. Luis Felipe Aguayo, to interpret the test and suggest or administer solutions for any hearing problem that they may have discovered.
The only catch is that the test involves both sounds and words. And the words are of course spoken in Spanish. So if you do not have a passing knowledge of Spanish, this may not work for you.
Clinica de Merida can be reached at 999-920-1948.
Thank you for your fast reply. I’ve been reading your articles; you guys are great!
De nada!
I am not from Merida. I am more familar with Ajijic ,near Guadalajara and I can say, from my friend’s experiences that there are many great cosmetic doctors in Ajijic. If you wanted to travel, there are some of the best doing plastic surgery in Guadalajara. Throughout the years I have seen lots of people come and go from Ajijic with new faces. Call the American Legion in Chapala or The Americian Society for the phone book and get the referrals. Also my girlfriend got a nurse to live in with her for 2 weeks, post surgery. Total cost? $5000 US for total lift including eyes, earlobes and lips. She looks great. But she looked great before.
Have been living in Cd del Carmen for 5 years-need plastic surgeon in Merida area for elective surgery-any suggestions for finding a reference? Houston would be my first choice, however, not convenient…would take me away too many times for exams, check-ups, etc. By the way-I adore Merida. Had minor eye sugery there and it went beautifully!
We know there are good plastic surgeons here, we just don’t know of any firsthand. We’ll see what we can find out.
I am trying to reach Steve Sugarman, he has a house downtown that rents out and I have an American family who wants to rent a house downtown for one month, can you or anyone help me reach him in order to help this family?
Muchas gracias!
Jose
We deal with a firm that represents a number of insurance companies that deal in International Medical Insurance. The guy to call there is named Mike and his email address is: Worldwide@mjrisk.com. That firm also distributes life and disability insurance to residents all over Mexico with no requirment to enter another country to buy the insurance. I am told they underwrite for expats and locals of many countries.
I live texas and want to know how easy would it be getting a job. I’m a x-ray tech. I also do mri and cat scan. My wife is a nurse. I speak spansh well and my wife is learning. we really would love to live in Progresso.please e-mail me back at peso_rhea@yahoo.com