Health Care
The quality of health care in Baja Mexico, depending on where you are and what facility you go to, is just as good, if not better than the finest hopsitals and clinics in the United States. Many well known personalities come to Baja for specialized oncology care.
Millions of Americans are visiting Mexico for medical care and Baja is no exception, around half of the people who travel to Baja for medical care come from the U.S. and only in the city of Tijuana it accounts for 350,00 monthly visits, especially from California, and with some treatments costing anywhere from 50% to 80% less than what they cost in the U.S.
It’s no wonder why; because of this, insurance companies started offering HMO type health plans that cover medical care in Baja, such is the case of PacifiCare, Blue Shield of California with their Access Baja Plan and Health Net with Salud con Health Net. Some of the hospitals and clinics in Baja will accept most U.S. insurance (it is always recommended to call ahead and verify the will accept your provider), however, because the medical facilities or practices are established outside of the U.S., some of them will not be able to charge the insurance company directly, unless you contact your provider for written authorization, you will most likely have to cover the cost of the services and request a refund from the insurance provider; if the insurance company is not contacted for authorization you run the risk of not being partially or fully reimbursed. The best thing you can do is contact your insurance provider and ask for information about plans that cover medical care in Baja.
In my area, Ensenada, there are hospitals that rival any in the US. One in partiular, VELMAR, more info below, is cutting edge in terms of latest technology, state of the art equipment, cleanliness, and quality of care.
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MEXICO CITY — Mexican authorities have begun enforcing tougher rules designed to ensure that people have a doctor’s prescription to buy antibiotics.
It has long been common practice in Mexico for pharmacies to supply antibiotics to anyone who asks for them even though the law requires a prescription.
Officials announced in March that new procedures would be imposed to crack down on the practice as a way to address the growing problem of drug-resistant infections from overuse of antibiotics. The Health Department estimates half of Mexicans self-medicate without checking with a doctor.
Miguel Toscano, director of Mexico’s federal commission on product safety, announced the start of the crackdown Wednesday.
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It has been my experience that a typical specialty doctor office visit runs roughly around the $50-60 range. This is the highest range. Some, depending again where you go, or how many other doctors of this particular profession there are, charge less. I went to one of only about 2 endocronologists in Ensenada earlier this year. He charged me 600 pesos. That is roughly about $56. At one of my visits, i told him my funds were limited, that i didnt make alot of money, which is not stretching the truth. I could not afford 600 pesos – that i only had 400 pesos with me, and he accepted that without further ado. Doctors here are willing to negotiate, as they know many people are poor or as in the case with many retired Americans, on fixed incomes.
typical general dentist charges roughly $25 or less for an normal office visit. A tooth extraction costs about $20. When i had to see a periodontist for gum surgery, a root scaling/planing procedure, my total fee was about $300. This would have cost at least $1500 or more in the states. I often wonder when or if ever, doctors here will start charging the same as doctors in the US, they are certainly informed and up to date on this issue.
In Tijuana
Hospital Angeles
This is a recently constructed hospital with state of the art facilities offering cutting edge technologies in their treatment as well as diagnostics. Since 2004 it has offered treatment in the fields of cardiology, fertility treatment, pathology, neonatal, nuclear medicine, plastic surgery, neurology, oncology, psychology, among others and is equipped with cubicles for intensive care, laboratory, imaging and MRI technology as well as a blood bank, to name a few. Located in Av. Paseo de los Heroes in Zona Rio Tijuana, its just minutes from the border. For a look at other specialties and services as well as contact information and a look at their facilities you can visit their web page www.hospitalangelestijuana.com.mx/ingles/
In Ensenada
Hospital Velmar
Recently built, this hospital is equipped with the most modern technology in an effort to provide the best tools for the treatment and diagnosis; with an intensive therapy unit, oncology areas, blood bank, neurosurgery, cardiovascular unit and respiratory therapy among others. Treating ailments in the fields of allergies, pediatrics, dermatology, oncology, odontology and many more; Hospital Velmar is located in Arenas No. 151, Fracc. Playa Ensenada; close to the naval base. English speaking staff and administration. You can visit their web page at www.hospitalvelmar.com or give them a call at their local number (646) 173-4500.
Ensenada Scientific Breakthroughs
The city of Ensenada is home to the largest scientific community in Latin America, with ongoing research in various fields, it’s the home of some of the technologies that are and will be used world wide. One such research, in the field of oncology, specifically for the treatment of breast cancer, is the discovery of the effect of a toxin from a sea snail found in the Baja region. According to a recent report, the molecule which has an effect on the tumor has been identified and isolated, it has been tested in cellular cultures with promising results, test on infected mice are said to be starting soon.
Assisted Living
Serena Senior Care and INCARE offer assisted living services to seniors, mostly American retirees who decided to relocate to the Baja cost. INCARE is focuses mostly on in home care, recovery and assistance, while Serena Senior Care also has medical care with doctor’s visits, nursing assistance and their medical network, property care housekeeping, repair and remodeling as well as property management. Serena Senior Care recently launched its membership card with which you can get discounts on their medical and property care services on top of preferential access and discounts with their affiliate network.
In Rosarito
Clinica el Rosario de Santa Lucia
Located in downtown Rosarito between the Fire Department and the Red Cross this hospital/clinic has been treating patients for 25 years, they provide attention in areas like general and plastic surgery, urology, cardiology, pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics plus internal medicine. Their local contact number for any questions you may have is (661) 612-0440, or send e-mail to info@rosariodesantalucia.com.
Hospital Bonanova
One of the newest and largest hospitals in Rosarito, Hospital Bonanova is also located in downtown Rosarito in Oceana Plaza, a few blocks north of Hotel Festival Plaza and Rosarito Beach Hotel, their services are primarily in the fields of plastic, reconstructive and bariatric surgery, like gastric bypass, as well as dental care such as root canal, crowns, dentures, bonding, whitening among other services. For any questions regarding services and other medical specialties you can call their local number (661) 612-5157.
Sanoviv Medical Institute
A medical facility built next to the ocean that feels more like a spa than a hospital, it focuses on the treatments of mind body and soul. Treating arthritis, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia as well as providing dental treatments among others; Sanoviv brings together internationally trained physicians in the fields of psychology, nutrition and fitness with state of the art technology in order to provide you with the best diagnostic and treatment programs for your individual needs. For a virtual tour of their facilities, as well as more information on Sanovir Medical Institute, you can go to www.sanoviv.com or call their toll free numbers U.S. 800-726-6848, Mexico 1-800-725-83-10. See seperate page to the right>> on Sanoviv.
ROSARITO MEDICAL SERVICES
As the city continues to grow so do the services it provides; along with the private practices and private hospitals that are located throughout Rosarito there are also the public hospitals and heath centers where you can get the attention you need in your language. The Red Cross does coordinate with Ambulances in San Diego in case a transfer across the border is needed.
Red Cross Organization – It has almost 600 members, all of whom speak english, and are extremely active in supporting the Hospital and ambulance services in the Rosarito Beach community. The Red Cross membership fee is $15.00 which helps with the everyday function. In addition to that they have several fund raising events through out the year such as the annual fashion show, gala ball, a ranch event and many more. Its primary source of income is the thrift shop, which welcomes donations of items such as toys, clothes, books and kitchen items. Any donations of medical supplies such as linens, diapers, medicines, etc. go directly to the hospital.
For monetary donations you can check their website www.cruzrojarosarito.org and click ‘Procuración de Fondos’, where it will tell you how to make your donation. Most important, the donations made to Rosarito Red Cross, STAY IN ROSARITO, helping to provide needed emergency services to Mexicans and Americans. You can also find information on volunteering and courses available.
BORDER PASSES for Medical Tourists by Flavio Olivieri
People who cross the border to get medical treatment can now return to San Diego more quickly thru a new lane created just for them. Doctors and medical clinics can now provide their patients with special border crossing coupons which allows them into a shortcut to the border crossing, shortening their wait to 20 minutes at the most. The coupons are purchased for a mere $2 each from the citys Econimic Development Council.
HERE IS A PERSONAL TESTAMONIAL FROM A NEIGHBOR OF MINE ON MEXICOS MILITARY HOSPITALS:
I also can attest to the quality of care at the Military Hospital. A few years ago I fell and broke my shoulder in 3 places. I had a similar experience to Heather’s, that is, I went to the ER at the Military Hospital, and was attended to promptly and professionally. I was fortunate in that the ortho surgeon (at that time Dr. Lugo) was on the premises so he was called, evaluated the fractures and prescribed treatment (which did not require surgery, thankfully). I saw him regularly for the next 3 months until I was totally healed and at no time was the care I received less than excellent. In fact, I believe (at least from the stories I hear from my friends in the states), I received better care than I would have in the U.S. Actually I’ve lived in Mexico for 14 ½ years, have not seen a U.S. doctor in all that time, and all the doctors I’ve seen here (in Baja and Jalisco) have been excellent.
Dianne (from PuntaBanda)
