Going to the Belize Doctor...

Our family has always been fortunate to be covered by medical insurance.  As I grew up in the U.S. I was mentally conditioned to gain and have medical insurance.  In my family, getting a good job, meant a job with medical benefits.   So when we moved to Belize, we terminated our $900 a month premium for U.S. medical insurance.  Mentally, it was the hardest thing to give up.  How could I live without medical insurance?

Dr. Sanchez's office

Well, it had to happen at some point... I needed to see a medical doctor.  This was a fear of mine as I was also mentally conditioned that the best medical care was only found in the U.S.  I recently experienced a minor auto accident.  I knew I had whiplash, but the headaches weren't going away.  Also, I had recently experienced a high fever and stomach problems which I self treated with my "medical bag-o-tricks" I brought from the States.  I'm not a doctor, I only have the knowledge of my past sicknesses and what my body responds best to.  This stomach thing wasn't going totally away after 7 days. So with constant headaches and intestinal problems, I knew I had to find a doctor.

Dr. Jose Sanchez

Here in Belize, you don't make an appointment for a doctors visit.  You just go and wait your turn.  When I heard this, I was picturing my many past experiences at the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles with never ending lines.  I've also had many past experiences waiting hours for a doctor to see me when I had an "appointment".   So you can imagine the thought of just going to the doctors office and waiting until it is your turn did not sit well with me. After a few recommendations from friends, I chose to see Dr. Jose Sanchez.

Dr. Sanchez' exam room

Upon entering the door at Dr. Sanchez's office, I was greeted by the receptionist and Dr. Sanchez.  He shook my hand, and we walked right back into his office/exam room.  NO waiting!  No long lines!  Dr. Sanchez took time to learn about me and genuinely listened to me.  He examined my neck, and stated I have a pulled neck muscle and it will take a bit longer for it to heal.  But just out of precaution, he would like to order some x-rays.   For my intestinal issues, I was honest that told him I started a broad-based antibiotic 5 days prior.  If I was in the States, a typical doctor would be upset with me and question where did I get the antibiotics.  But this wasn't the case.  He actually told me I did the right thing and he was glad I started the antibiotics; stating the one I used was the one he would have chosen! He felt I may have a case of E-coli.  He wanted to monitor the bacteria so he ordered some lab tests.  After a 25 minute visit, my bill for Dr. Sanchez services was $20 U.S.   I walked across the street to the lab, where I obtained the tests for $7.50 U.S., the results were ready in a hour, during which I ran some errands.  After picking up the test results, I visited Dr. Sanchez for a second time, (this time my wait was 5 minutes), and he asked me to continue the antibiotics for a few more days and then retake the lab test.

To get the x-ray Dr. Sanchez made me an appointment at a lab in Belmopan (25 miles away) for the next day.  In Belmopan the whole process took 40 minutes and I walked out with films and the x-ray results.  Total radiologist bill...$27.50 U.S.

Lab Across the street from Doc.

For the next few days, Dr. Sanchez had me re-take some labs to monitor the bacteria progress.   After 15 days, I got a clean bill of health.  I saw Dr. Sanchez four times, for which he only charged me for the first visit $20 US. I never waited longer than 10 minutes to see the doctor.  I received 3 lab tests totaling $22.50 US, and a cervical x-ray for $27.50 US.  Comparing these costs to when we were covered by medical insurance, my co-pays were equal or more than what I was charged here in Belize.  In addition, no insurance hassles or approvals or waiting weeks to get an appointment.  It was a no hassle experience.  I actually have to say my Belize heath care experience has been more enjoyable here than back in the US!  

Although there are some medications you must get a prescription for,  I can easily obtain over the counter all my ongoing medicines prescribed in the U.S. My medicines, which would cost me $75 co-pay in the States, totals $7.50 US a month in Belize.  Interesting.

A big sigh of relief and no more worries about seeing a doctor outside of the States.  Actually, I'll be more apt to visit a doctor here in Belize, knowing all the hassles and waiting associated with US healthcare are not here.