www.CostaRicaTicas.com

My friend needs a minor hernia operation and after getting a greatly reduced price from a Doc. due to future mother in law, he was going to get the operation done in the USA, but after getting the hospital charges estimate , the whole deal was going to run him over $10,000. So he has asked I look around for him in CR and MDE.

Has any have any suggestions for a doc or clinic where he can get a estimate. ?

Thanks in advance

Minor hernia at this point and elective surgery for now, near belly button, and full American Doctors report is available for review by doc prior to his arrival.

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My best friend was the clock on the wall, and he turned out not to be much of a friend in the end

If you are not committed to South America only then you should contact the hospitals in Bangkok , Thailand. They have an excellent hospital and really cheap rates.
Maybe brother Spanky or some other experts from the Thai section can give you more exact info. or do a google search for medical tourism in Thailand.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

Xman; I would recommend Dr. Jacobo Zafrani. Office is in Clinica Biblia. But he operates in CIMA And Hospital Metropolotano as well.

He repaired 2 for me at Cima. Both in groin area. Outpatient surgery cost was about $6000.00. Folllow uo no charge. He did a sweet job.

Good luck

tuanis

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not as good as I once was, but as good once as I ever was

Xman; What a moron I can be . Jacobo,s phone number is 8885-4894.

tuanis

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not as good as I once was, but as good once as I ever was

$10k in the US, $6k in CR, I would pay the extra $4k and get it done in the States. No brainer.

We are indoctrinated to think American docs are superior. Hernia repair is not nuero or cardio surgery. Still, not that big of a $ spread and $6k sounded high to me though CIMA is top notch, but maybe you've got a point.

To me, it boils down to the risk of infection, high in all hospitals worldwide, that would make me think: If I get infected and am hospitalized for an extended period, better off being near home.

6K.....?

CR Doc 200 per day max and can do two hernia operations a day easy....but let's just say only one a day.

couple of nurses, 100 bucks.

dude to knock you out...100 bucks

operation table for couple of hours....200 bucks max

hospital/clinic overhead plus profit 500 bucks max

how does this add up to 6K...?

seriously, how do they come up with 6K in CR.....I understand the 10K price back home as we have the most fubar medical delivery system in the entire history of mankind.

I guarantee you that the insurance companies like blue cross or hmo's do not pay that much...only uninsured patients that are in no position to negotiate reasonable prices.

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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)

There are several association discount plans under $75 per month that give you access to the Blue Care Network pricing. No pre existing conditions. You are right on the insurance company pricing. Remember that when you deliver large number of customers to any business you get better pricing.

Also remember that there are fully insured Federal Co Op plans that are reasonable and no pre existing. If you need help pm me and I will send you links.

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May the force be with you my CRT Jedi.

Thank you for the help guys. Did get a estimate for $1600 to $2000 at the Rosencran Clinic out by Pizza Hut. I had some medical work done there on my face and was happy. Those numbers kind of line up with Californicationdude wrote above

At the time they worked on my face I asked them if they could fix the phucked up repair of the original phucked up operation of my hernia, ( this is high up on the left side almost touching the rib.) But the doctors after looking told me there was nothing that could be done to improve the looks after the repair of the first surgery and it a waste of my money to even try. Gee this kind honesty from some body on commission is kind of rare.

so $2000 for operation, $700 for air, hotel $500 ( 7 days) 4 days parting before $1000, taxi/parking at airport $150, hotel at MSP $50 going Maybe the whole thing op and vacation for around 5 grand vs the $10,000 plus here--

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My best friend was the clock on the wall, and he turned out not to be much of a friend in the end

Spending time in CR before/after the work is done--PRICELESS!

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

having had a hernia operation in the past, I'm guessing there won't be much partying the week after.....not even diacort will help you there....ahahahahaha

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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)

had my done, drove my self home from Hospital 4 hours later and took my dog for long walk.. I know we are are different and react different, but the Doc's will agree , just be in shape before, and after don't lay around "waiting' to get better. Even just getting up and moving to the next room helps.

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My best friend was the clock on the wall, and he turned out not to be much of a friend in the end

Based on the location you give I would guess you are referring to Rosenstock Lieberman (http://www.cosmetic-cr.com/) who are cosmetic surgeons. They are highly recommended by many and have a good reputation. I know 2 chicas who had implants done there and they are very satisfied with not the only the results but the whole thing from start to finish. All that being said I do not think I would go to them for a hernia repair. A surgeon may be a surgeon but usually they specialize in one area and are more competent in that area then others.

Tuanis recommend Dr Zafrani and noted he pratices at Hospital Metropolitano as well as CIMA.

Hospital Metropolitano is a new operation and has been started by Doctors from CIMA who felt the prices CIMA charged were to high so they broke away. Laura Chinchilla had gall bladder surgery there last year. Interesting that the President of the country who certainty could choose any hospital chose them. I think if you check with Dr. Zafrani and specify using Metropolitano you will get a much better price then using CIMA.

If your friend is a veteran Metropolitano has a special program for U.S military veterans.

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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

I.D Just a side note. It was Dr. Zafrani who did Laura,s Gall Bladder operation !!

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not as good as I once was, but as good once as I ever was

This sentence should be in an all-caps-equivalent or maybe a sticky. And whoever suggested/implemented should get a big prize. Here's the Site: http://clinicametropolitana.co.cr/eng_planesMedicos.php << look at Basic, Full and Complete Plans.
A big shout-out to Brother Irish Drifter for this. This hospital (really, an in-and-out surgical center, by it's accreditation [strictly legit, BTW: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accreditat ... ealth_Care << emphasis on ambulatory]) seems an excellent alternative.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED