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Costa Rica: A New Destination For Medical Care
By Melissa Francis, MSNBC.com

Imagine a place where you receive the best care in the world from some of the best doctors in the world, while having access to some of the latest medical technology. It’s a short plane ride from the U.S. and it’s about half the cost.

Look no further than Costa Rica. Here, doctors limit themselves to the number of patients they can handle at one time, making the patient feel special.

“I have all sorts of American physicians visiting us and seeing patients getting care here. . .the patients enjoy it and that’s what they want,” said Dr. Eduardo Huertas, a neurosurgeon at CIMA hospital here.

Doctors in Costa Rica perform many of the same procedures that are done in the United States, everything from back surgery to face-lifts. Insurance companies with international coverage will honor many of the surgeries, making it even more appealing for those ready to go under the knife.

"Between 75 to 85 percent of my patients are American - either retired or coming here looking for the same quality with better price," said Dr. Huertas.

Cheaper, yes. But is it safe?

"Working in a hospital such as this one, we have all the same standards as you have in the United States," said Huertas.

It is those standards, along with highly educated and trained surgeons, that are drawing thousands of patients a year to Costa Rica – many of whom come for plastic surgery.

"People who come from the U.S. generally come for facial surgery -- eyes, lips, face-lift," says Huertas, "Mostly people come for a couple of procedures, it is very rare to see someone come for just one procedure."

It isn’t just the quality of care attracting patients. Not looking forward to surgery? Imagine planning your recovery in paradise… whether its by the beach, or pool.

New hospitals are popping up next to some of the biggest resorts in Costa Rica, giving patients some of the best recovery rooms the world has to offer. Those recovering are often asked to stay at least 15 days, so doctors can be sure that the body has fully healed.

Doctor’s orders . . .

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Tend to agree with some of this. Last February my Nica friend showed up at my hotel with her 3 year old bebe, Dayana. The poor girl had been ill for several days with diarrhea, upset stomach, etc., possibly, I surmised from drinking polluted water. Her mother said she had taken the girl to the public clinic where they gave her some medicine, which had little effect. We hailed a cab and took Dayana to Clinica Biblica, a private clinic. I was quite impressed......the place seemed to be up to U.S. standards. I held Dayana as we patiently waited our turn. About one hour and 80 U.S. dollars later we all left the clinic. I was very happy the next day when my Nica friend informed me that little Dayana was much better and eating once again.

While at this clinic, I inquired as to the availability of medical care for this gringo, should the need ever arise. A very polite, English speaking young man informed me that yes, indeed I could get medical care at the clinic and my Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan in the U.S. would cover an overnight stay if ever needed. This was good to know.

Zebra

I've had the same wonderful experience at CIMA hospital. They also accept Blue Cross for overnight stays. I'm not sure what the staus will be when I am eligible for Medicare however.

I had an emergency visit to Biblica when I cracked ribs on an ATV tour. They did Xrays, IVs and a prescription in under an hour. The total cost was $600. They even offered an MRI. I declined and went back to my hotel in a lot of pain, but was fine.

When I got back to the states, my ex-novia, who is hispanic, screamed about not having a followup in chicago. I finally caved into her bitching. Went to Northwest Memorial in Chicago. Got the same exact treatment. It took 6 hours and cost $4,000. They also offerred an MRI, which probably would have doubled the cost!!!

I also noticed that they do a great job with bolt-on tetes in CR . Not that I like 'em, but they always turn out decent looking.

My other ex-novia in Chicago got bolt-ons. It was a hack-job. The scarring around her belly button was sickening. The nipples were off-center. And, they went too large, so she had stretch marks all over her arms. Needless to say - dumped her shortly thereafter. There were many reasons.... insecurity, etc. But, I seriously couldn't even get naked with her anymore. I felt like I was sleeping with Mrs. Frankenstein.

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http://TipsCostaRica.com for pratical advice on living in Costa Rica.
In order to write about life, first you must live it! - E. Hemingway.

They just can't leave good enough alone......can they? A strip club I go to in the U.S. finally got a cute, petite young lady who looked like she just graduated from high school and this was her first ever job. She turned out to be the only reason I was going to this particular club. A real fresh girl....small, natural breasts, no tattoos, no piercings. Last week I walked into the club and while standing in the lobby, this particular girl showed up for her shift wearing her street clothes. I thought something looked different about her ......sure enough, when she got on stage to dance, there it was .........bolt-ons with barbells through the nipples. What a turn-off!

Zebra

are hospitals/clinics like Biblica and CIMA private?

are they part of the CR public health system or just for people with private insurance/cash?

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

Both Biblica and CIMA are private for profit hospitals. You need insurance or cash but the costs are much less than in the US.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

When I took a fall about a year ago, Vegas Bob took me to CIMA and I was more than impressed with the service and care. Including pharmacy costs, xrays and treatment, it cost about $180.00 and I was in and out in an hour.
LVSteve

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Just an old horney, fat gambler.