Posts tagged Mexico City
The Reality of Healthcare in Mexico
Nov 1st
One of the biggest concerns for you and your family upon deciding to move to another country is its system of healthcare. If you plan on moving to Mexico, the healthcare system in the country is excellent and amongst the best in the region.
Mexico was originally known as the United Mexican States. It shares a border with the United States and is composed of thirty one republican federation states with its capital as Mexico City. Since the capital city is steadily on the increase with tourism as one of the most favored tourist destinations in the world. The country lies on a coastal area and has the best beach locales in the world, making it a true tourist hub in this part of the world.
One aspect that the country is also noted for is the system of healthcare in Mexico. The country’s system is a combination of both public and private programs. While the country spends nearly 7% of its Gross Domestic Product on health care, health insurance is available only to about 40% of the population.
As for those who are moving to the country, healthcare in Mexico is excellent. The medical practitioners in the country have been trained in the United States. For mid-sized and large cities in Mexico, there is often a large hospital in the vicinity. The costs though are lower compared to the United States but nearly the same quality. This goes the same for medicines in Mexico, as they are fifty percent lower compared to the United States.
Another aspect of healthcare in Mexico is the comfort it provides not just for the patients but for families and visitors as well. These facilities have first class restaurants and other amenities. These have become come-ons for many North Americans for simple procedures such as dental work and other minor surgeries. Medications are also cheaper compared to the ones in Canada and the United States. Aside from well-trained doctors and medical practitioners, these specialists also make house calls.
There are some risks though with the system of healthcare in Mexico. Pesticide use has become one of the major health concerns in the country. Another significant factor is the cultural aspect of analyzing health concerns in the population. The AIDS epidemic is also a major concern in the country and is one of the major causes for mortality in the country.
The system of healthcare in Mexico differs from hospital to hospital, physician to physician or the severity of the one’s conditions. The conditions though are always on the upswing with improvements always instituted. The hospitals are well equipped and well stocked with the best medical practitioners and the most modern medical technologies. Also, health care rates are reasonable compared to the many other countries in the world. And everything is easily within reach. As described in the Expat Forum, “the health care of Mexico has continuously made a name of its own as one of the very few countries that provide relatively affordable health care rates.”
Plastic Surgery on Mexico
Nov 1st
Who in their right mind would go to Mexico for plastic surgery? After all, isn’t it a third world country?
Mexico is not exactly a first world country, but, at least in its metropolitan areas, it is far from a third world country.
It is also home to a fine medical school at the University of Guadalajara, where a lot of American students receive their medical degrees. Guadalajara is also the location of the prestigious Institute of Reconstructive Surgery which has been educating physicians from around the world in the latest surgical techniques for over 35 years.
Guadalajara alone has more than 75 certified plastic surgeons and most of the hospital facilities are first rate. Another benefit is the culture of care you will find in Mexico. Unlike most US doctors who seem to be in an eternal rush to get their patients out of their offices, in Mexico doctors spend time listening to their patients’ needs and responding to their concerns.
Most of the doctors in Mexico speak at least a little English. Many of them have taken graduate courses or have done their internships and/or residencies in the States. Some are Board Certified by US licensing agencies.
In addition to Guadalajara, there are many fine plastic surgeons in Mexico City and the northern city of Monterrey. There are also many clinics along the Texas, Arizona and California borders, but there you are taking a bigger chance that the care will not be first rate. If you are considering a border clinic, take extra care in checking out the physicians and the facilities.
The cost of a face lift in Guadalajara is about $2500 US. A full suite of services including lifting the eyelids and forehead will run about $6000. These include your hospital or clinic stays.
Even Botox injections are substantially cheaper.
There are services such as Airlift, Inc., which is owned by a nurse, which arrange everything for you, from your flight down, your accommodations while in the county and the doctor, nursing and hospital fees.
In many cases, you can arrange to recuperate in a pleasant facility with round the clock nursing care. By the time most of the swelling and bruising are under control, you will be ready to return home with your new look.
There is a downside however. One of the reasons US care is so expensive is malpractice lawsuits. One of the reasons that Mexican procedures are so cheap is that malpractice is not recognized in Mexico. So, if something does go wrong, you will have no recourse.
However, thousands of Americans, Canadian and even residents of South America flock to Mexico every year for face lifts and other cosmetic procedures. I have been living part time in Mexico for over nine years and have many friends who have had successful surgeries.
Check out the credentials of any physician you are considering carefully, Try to get references. If possible visit one of these cities beforehand so that you can become familiar with the facilities available and you can meet with some of the plastic surgeons.
There is a large ex-patriot community in and around these cities. You can always find help and references by visiting with some of these residents, who are among the biggest consumers of this type of care.
If you have a little sense of adventure and wish to save thousands of dollars on cosmetic surgery, Mexico might be the place for you.
For more information on plastic surgery, visit http://www.ageless-beauty.com/ antiaging-cosmetic-procedures.html
