Why Mexico?

[notsochubbybritneyspears 4]

I think I am going to leave this board - there was no need to be nasty in that last message

and no they weren't targeted because they were law enforcement - don't even throw that in there.

You take that risk - have fun.

There is a whole lot of nice people on this board, but I am allowed to have an opinion............

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,281]

Good afternoon all,

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[snowfie9 6]

To answer the title question "Why Mexico", it's a phenomenon known as "Medical tourism" and it's not confined to just Mexico. Healthcare is cheaper and still high quality in many countries. Entire industries have sprung up to capitalize on how expensive it is to do just about anything (medical and dental) in the United States.

Mexico is one such country. I've also heard of people going to India for expensive surgeries and dental care. The United States has the best healthcare in the world, but ONLY for people who can afford it. Until that changes, other countries like Mexico are more than willing to offer an affordable alternative.

I imagine if the US ever completely ceased its trade embargo to Cuba, it would probably also become a center for Medical Tourism.

As for safety, Many places in Mexico, especially places like Tijuana that are heavily driven by outside tourism, are just as safe as any other city in the US. Drug cartels have no interest in screwing up your vacation.

I personally don't feel comfortable having surgery anywhere I'd have to FLY to/from but that's just me. I'd certainly have no problem going to Tijuana for a regular vacation.

[wannalise 15]

The great thing is that we all have the opportunity to do homework, and then do what is right for us. I have had friends that had the surgery in the states and outside, we all feel great about our choices, but ulitimately had to do homework and find what we were most comfortable with.

I went because I was pleased with my surgeons reputation, and stats. I also had to consider the financial aspect, I was scheduled to have surgery with a great surgeon here, but was unable to spend that money. That brought risk with it, I understood those risks and FOR ME it was worth it, but that is something that only you can decide for you. These forums can be informative, but remember we are just a bunch of folks chatting. Ultimately it is your responsibility to do the homework and find the best alternatives for you.

Anna

[Gregorio Punderschmidt 2]

Without getting into any good parts/bad parts of Mexico argument, I guess you really only have to ask yourself one question if you are thinking about going to a third world country for medical care. If your dog was sick, would you want him treated by a Mexican veterinarian? Don't panic, I'm just asking.

Tom

[snowfie9 6]

Without getting into any good parts/bad parts of Mexico argument, I guess you really only have to ask yourself one question if you are thinking about going to a third world country for medical care. If your dog was sick, would you want him treated by a Mexican veterinarian? Don't panic, I'm just asking.

Tom

Oh for Goodness sake, Mexico is NOT a third world country.

[notsochubbybritneyspears 4]

interesting instead of editing my post, just delete it

[TStew 25]

I'm from Detroit and I don't think you would want to walk around the worst part. I once worked in a bad part of the city and got pulled over because the officer thought I was lost and he actually gave me an escort to work! lol

With that said, I've lived in San Diego for ten years and I've been to TJ many times for shopping and I've driven down the coast to Ensenada and Rosarito and I've never had any sort of negative experience. It was always daylight and I was never alone.

I don't know if I would have felt comfortable having surgery in TJ because I did not do any research on the doctors or hospitals there. I did have surgery in Mexicali and felt completely safe and I went alone. The hospital was clean and the doctor was very experienced. I paid $8750 and was picked up and dropped off at my front door. I'm not going to say that some things didn't make me a bit uncomfortable but to be fair, I've had two surgeries in San Diego in the past year (Scripps La Jolla) and there were also some things there that made me uncomfortable.

I am sorry you can not compare the crime of the United States to Mexico. I work in the law enforcement field and the murder rates in Mexico border cities are through the roof. I would rather walk around in the worst part of Detroit before going to a border town. I would personally take a loan out then go to a border town.

[Disney 20]

sorry you got held up at gun point, but that is not a true statement. Two ICE agents were driving and were ambused, one killed. That was a cartel.

I am not trying to come off bitchy, I just happen to know a little bit about what is going on down there. Just want everyone to be safe, that is all.

I just got back from Mexicali after having my surgery March 9th with Dr. Aceves, and all I can say is this:

I have NEVER had nurses be so efficient and friendly in the States.

I have NEVER had not one but TWO Dr's be so caring and attentive and sincerely concerned for my well-being in the States.

I have NEVER been in a hospital that was so immaculate and CONSTANTLY being cleaned in the States.

I have NEVER felt more at ease and attended to in any hospital in the States.

Now, you can say 'well, you've never been here, or you've never been there then'. I can only speak from my own experience. I have had kind dr's before, but these went above and beyond and unless you have been there, you cannot speak of any experience there. So all the bad-mouthing about Mexican Dr's is complete heresay unless you had surgery there yourself.

And for the above comment, "down there" is a pretty big place. Try not to generalize. And I was safe.

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

Without getting into any good parts/bad parts of Mexico argument, I guess you really only have to ask yourself one question if you are thinking about going to a third world country for medical care. If your dog was sick, would you want him treated by a Mexican veterinarian? Don't panic, I'm just asking.

Tom

Definitely!

Mexico has a huge Medical Tourism industry. Tons of Mexican physicians and surgeons whose aim is to primarily serve North Americans train in the US and return to Mexico to rake in the cash. For every questionable surgeon in Mexico, I've got you an RN or a doc in the US, Canada, or Australia who have killed patients, purposely maimed them, or otherwise caused terrible problems (like that pathologist in Ontario). But because they are "us" and not "them," we don't make sweeping xenophobic generalizations about North American healthcare providers.

[meggiep 57]

Without getting into any good parts/bad parts of Mexico argument, I guess you really only have to ask yourself one question if you are thinking about going to a third world country for medical care. If your dog was sick, would you want him treated by a Mexican veterinarian? Don't panic, I'm just asking.

Tom

Absolutely. It is American arrogance (not you, I mean a general arrogance

in this country) to assume that the skill of the doctors and quality of care in Mexico is lesser than in the US. I will tell you why the difference in cost- MALPRACTICE. We are sue crazy in this country. I am enmeshed in a web of delaying pre tests here right now and half of it is based on legal protection. Other countries do not have the enormous costs predicated on avoiding a lawsuit. I think it is a sad state of affairs.

I have good insurance and $100 co pay total but if delays keep happening and more tests keep being required I may end up in Mexico yet and would not question the quality of care for a second.