Colombia has the best healthcare system in America

miamimike says on Jul 18, 2007, 21:57:

It would be interesting to see the Amount of Money that Colombia spends on healthcare per citizen. I know last week in the Miami Herald(after moore's sicko came out) it was discussed indepth about how much Cuba spends per year on each citizen ($157) vs the USA which is around $6600 per citizen. Odd thing, for all the more money we spend, our life expectancy is only a few months longer then someone in Cuba who expends a pittance in comparison. We only rank 2 notches about cuba btw. Maybe someone will post the amount spent in Col per citizen and longevity also.

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

adrimm says on Jul 18, 2007, 22:01:

Public or Private?

- My aunt's cataract surgery keeps on being postponed by "the seguro" that covers her - she finally got fed up and decided to pay for it.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 18, 2007, 22:43:

that did it, im moving to number 8 Oman, or number 37 Cuba to get my health care.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 18, 2007, 23:55:

What's more, Cuba has a lower infant mortality rate and a longer average lifespan than the United States. http://www.michaelmoore.com/sicko/checkup/

Health care in the US is really incredibly messed up, I couldn't believe that US citizens allow this to happen.

Poor but snappy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 18, 2007, 23:55:

29 Morocco.... I think they jus give everyone another hit on the hashish bong, don't they???

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 18, 2007, 23:56:

goin_south says on Jul 18, 2007, 23:57:

Man, you must live in some wild circles, Peter. I bet one couldn't find anyone within three hundred miles of here, willing to travel to Colombia for medical... although I do understand the point.

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LA_MONA says on Jul 19, 2007, 00:24:

Peter it is the same here in the UK, people prefer to travel to Colombia to be seen to even I am going to get alot of check ups in Colombia while I am there as the care is 100% better

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 19, 2007, 00:25:

I do know that people living in Florida fly to Colombia for plastic surgery, but I have never met anyone that got on a plane and flew to Colombia for medical reasons when some of the best doctors and medical insturmentaions are right here in the USA.
I know I personally would never fly to Colombia for medical reasons especially if it were something serious like cancer or heart problems, theres nothing in Colombia that they dont have here.
As for the medical situation in the US, yea I'd have to agree its really a mess in some ways but very good in other ways. For example the insurance companies and pharmacy industry are out of control and take advatage of the people. However, our system moves much faster, for example there are people that will tell you even though Canada has free medicine the waiting time is outrageous, I have heard of people having to wait 4 months to get a damn cat scan. When I got cancer two years ago i didnt have to wait for anything, my cat scan, blood tests, pet scan, ultra sound, and all the other tests were completed with the results in the doctors hands in about 9 days. 2 weeks later i was scheduled for surgery. Had i been in some of these other countries with their so called free medical I'd still be waiting to get all my tests completed.
Im not sure if i agree with the way some countries run their so called free medical but at the same time I think the US needs to reorganize their system.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LA_MONA says on Jul 19, 2007, 00:38:

Scotty,
4 months to get a CAT scan, that is lightening fast over here on the "free" medical treatment, that's why people over here prefer to go to Colombia, over here the NHS messes up all the time, confusing patients identity, misdiagnosing serious illnesses...

I know they generally do a good job but when it comes to serious illnesses and you have no private insurance you would get nervous with the NHS, at least I would..

Colombia doesn't just offer plastic surgery, it is a good place to get diagnosis for illnesses but as for treating cancer etc, I cannot comment on that as I do not know...

I'm glad for you that you got all your scans and tests done so quickly...

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jul 19, 2007, 00:46:

Hey Scotty--first time for everything! You just met a person who got on a Plane and flew to Colombia for medical care even though I could have had it done in the US. It was extensive Dental Work and by going to Colombia for it, I saved over $10,000 but best of all, I received first class dental work AND my American Insurance Company(Mail Handlers) payed for 75% of it! Bought a Nice VW Turbo Diesel with the savings! LOL

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LA_MONA says on Jul 19, 2007, 00:47:

tan de buenas.......

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 19, 2007, 01:09:

I got scanned in the courtyard, in bogota hotel

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bickerss says on Jul 19, 2007, 01:10:

Colombia I can get great dental service the same day, or next day, and CHEAP. Australia it will cost me a fortune and I will be on a long waiting list - I guess it would cost even more in the states given how much my insurance premium goes up if I want coverage there.

900 usd for lasik in colombia when I had it done , equiv of 4200 USD in Australia at that time. The only problem I can see with colombia is what legal recourse and compensation a person would have if something went wrong and how the insurance would work.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 19, 2007, 01:10:

tambien mucho, en aero puerto. Still glowing :) , at the hands of those Avianca Maidens. :)

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 19, 2007, 01:12:

the pbh crowd is really into medical procedures;
if you get scanned enough,
you'll also sooner or later get scammed.

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LA_MONA says on Jul 19, 2007, 01:12:

GS jajaj tan bobo

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 19, 2007, 01:18:

MM yea i have heard alot of people fly to Colombia for dental work, the part of the US i live in people go down to Mexico for dental work. There is a small town just 16 miles across the Mexican/American border that does nothing but dental, there has to be 40 or 50 dental offices and thousands of Americans drive there for dental work. They even have 10 or 15 huge trailor parks there and Americans go down there for a week at a time to get dental done then they stay there to heal.

I would probably go to Colombia or mexico for dental or minor medical, but for the big stuff I think i will stay right where I am at.

Mona thats what i have heard that places like England and Canada have long waiting lists for important medical tests and surgeries so I can understand why you go to Colombia, Colombia as in the US moves things along quickly.

Thats the big problem with free medical when its free people clog up the system with headaches and scratches every little thing that happens to them, the doctors and nurses get spread thin, they cant see everybody so a list and long line begins to form and the system clogs up..
many Canadians come to the US for tests because they get tired of waiting for the slow Canadian system to get them their tests.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LA_MONA says on Jul 19, 2007, 01:37:

Especially how your chances of survival are so much higher if caught in the nick of time, it's crucial to be able to recieve treatment at early stages of cancer like yourself, over here the nurses are underfunded, I seen one of my friends have a baby on the NHS, I was so horrified if I ever have a baby it will be on my private insurance!

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LA_MONA says on Jul 19, 2007, 01:37:

Especially how your chances of survival are so much higher if caught in the nick of time, it's crucial to be able to recieve treatment at early stages of cancer like yourself, over here the nurses are underfunded, I seen one of my friends have a baby on the NHS, I was so horrified if I ever have a baby it will be on my private insurance!

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 19, 2007, 01:41:

La Mono, how is it there for example do you have private and free medical and you can use one or both if you want? hows that work? I assume NHS is free medical system? Thats England you are talking about right?

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LA_MONA says on Jul 19, 2007, 01:46:

Yes here in the UK

If I go to the GP or hospital, I can decide if I want to use the free service or if I want to use my private, if I want to use the private I can either make an appointment with the private hospitals, practitioners etc or else my GP can refer me.....

Depending on which option you have on the private insurance you can only use up a certain amount of money each year, so in that case you choose when it is really important you have private care (for me all scans and diagnostic services) and when it is not, for example if I have an accident I would just go to the Accident and Emergency section of the local NHS hospital....

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 19, 2007, 02:03:

miamimike says on Jul 19, 2007, 02:39:

I wouldn't be apphrensive in the least to get Cancer treatment, cardiac surgery in Colombia only I would go a top ranked clinic such as Clinica(fundacion) de Sante Fe in Bogota, not some small town hospital. You want to go to a Hospital where they perform a lot of the surgery you are planning on-same here in the USA. The Specialists at Sante Fe have some pretty hefty resumes in the Medical World so you won't have lightweights experience or credential wise at a clinic such as this. I know poster Aztec had family memebrs who went there for Medical care and speak highly of the institution. That you have to do your due diligence in the USA as well in Colombia is paramount as we have Quack Docs inthe US also. I see it weekly here in Miami, unlicensed Docs, Clinically censored Docs who have had their hands slapped but don't tell the patients for what. In Miami currently, a Cardiac Surgeon, who has stage 1 alzheimers is still operating on patients-wuld you like a guy like him doing your Cardiac By-Pass?? So we have our share of problems here also. The USA has great care if you have the Best Insurance and/or are rich. The medical boards of each state have a tendency to cover up problems of fellow Docs like the Miami Surgeon who suffers memeory lapses,,,It also isn't as easy to sue a Doc in the USA as some people think for Botched surgery,,,

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LA_MONA says on Jul 19, 2007, 02:53:

I use this page for guidance on treatment in Colomibia

www.susmedicos.com

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 19, 2007, 02:57:

La Mona, oh thats how it works, that sounds like a good plan.

here in the states there are many insurance companies and different plans to choose from, unfortunetely most of them are very expensive especially if you are a self emplyed person.

I sort of do something similar to what you do. i have iprivate nsurance because i am self employed and in order to keep the payments low i have a large deductable $5000. so anything under $5000 dollars i pay for and anything over $5000 they pay for.
but to fill that zero to $5000 gap i go to the US military veterans clinic and get almost everything under the $5000 for free or for a small fee. I get all my medications free, flu shots, xrays, and basic medical. so my situation isnt to bad.As for dental i joined an organization that gives discounts on dental work and it seems to be working out good also, here in the states they charge about $70 dollars for teeth cleaning, with my group plan i pay $34 out of pocket.
it could be better but my situation is satisfactory for now.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 19, 2007, 03:12:

Rubito, you are right the care in Canada is really bad and the care in the US is good but damn expensive, everything fron vaccines to open heart surgery all cost a fortune. I was taken to the hospital 4 miles from my house in an ambulance the total fee $875 dollars. basically they drove me 4 miles and stuck an IV in my arm for almost $900 dollars, spent close to a thousand bucks just to get to the hospital and from there the dollars just kept on going up.

Peter, Two of my trips to Colombia i got sick and the clinic i went to took very good care of me, they took me in quickly, very good service, fixed the problem and it costs very little. i got my medication right there in the clinic and was on my way out the door.

MM yep there are quacks here to, every evening when i turn on the tv news they are busting another quack doctor for one thing or another.
when i got cancer i searched out a really good team of doctors because i knew it would be a very serious surgery (8 hours in surgery, 4 days in ICU and 27 days in the hospital) im sure glad i found some good docs.

Im certain they have excellent docs in colombia but i have to be honest with you if i were in colombia and the doctor said you have cancer or you need open heart surgery i would be on a plane to the USA.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 19, 2007, 03:33:

Peter you know lots of colombians that live in the US and when they need something serious done with their health they leave the US and go to Colombia? hmmm..must be a financial reasons because some of the best medical technology in the world is here in the US.
many people from Europe and canada come to the US for their serious medical treatments.
I think i would have minor mediacal and ental done in Colombia if i were there when the problem occurred but i would not fly there for the sole purpose of serious medical treatment.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Jul 19, 2007, 04:54:

Scotty,
That's true too; many foreigners come to the USA for serious operations.
Colombia also have a large number of foreigners who visit Colombia for medical surgeries.
From the top of my head, I remember famous Argentinan soccer player Diego Maradona visited Cartagena to undergo a stomach surgery. Miss Universe 2005 from Canada Natalie Glebova also chose Colombia for dental work.

The life spam of a taste bud is ten days

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jul 19, 2007, 05:22:

Here in Miami, I cannot recall any top level Colombian Politicians, Business leaders or Movie Stars/Singers coming to Miami for Surgery/Treatment; if someone of Importance(colombian) arrives in Miami, be it someone like Uribe,Shakira ect they find themselves in the news, if they want to be or not.Not to say they don't come here, but if they do, its a top level secret and not too many secrets in the Miami latin Community. If they were to be treated for whatever reason, it wouldn't be a secret--LOL so for that reason,I believe the majority of Colombia's Wealthy remain in their own country for Medical Procedures. And they could afford treatment anywhere worldwide so it speaks well of Colombia's Medical system to see the Wealthy class seeking treatment in their own country. If the Upper class were looking for Medical care out of country, it would show a lack of confidence in their own medical system and a reason for Foreigners to be concerned,,,A Lot of Wealthy Haitians come to Miami for treatment so that says something about Haiti's Healthcare system, like not good,,,

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Timba says on Jul 19, 2007, 06:29:

Yes, the medical system is as good as you can afford as an individual.

As scotty said, the state systems are clogged with silly things like people with colds sitting in emergency.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lowell says on Jul 19, 2007, 06:44:

One of my doctors phoned my house 2 times after a visit to check on my progress. He's an ENT specialist and my office visit was only $35.00 USD and that included a follow-up visit. Very good treatment.

Here you keep your prescription after visiting the farmacia. If you keep track of what meds are used for different ailments, you can use the script again, saving the cost of a doctors visit.

Anyone know of a good shoulder specialist in Medellin, Pireira or Bogota?

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Chapin says on Jul 19, 2007, 06:56:

I had a few friends have plastic surgery done at both Clinica del Country and Clinica Santa Fe, both were really good hospitals.

No doubt that people go to Colombia because is less expensive. On the other hand for serious stuff the U.S. Hospitals are very good if you can afford it or have the insurance. I currently work for the third hospital on this list http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/honorroll.htm
The hospitals on that list get (rich) patients from all over the world.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LA_MONA says on Jul 19, 2007, 07:01:

Best plastic surgery I have seen done there on my friends is Clinica Corpus y Rostrum, por el doctor Carlo Enrique Triana en Cali, quedaron super mamasitas.

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LA_MONA says on Jul 19, 2007, 07:03:

Digo - Carlos Enrique Triana

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Colombiche says on Jul 19, 2007, 07:13:

I had some dental work done in Colombia this year. It was FAR superior to any dental work I have had done here in Canada, and I mean FAR superior and much much cheaper (like 20% of what it would have costed me up here).

I also know colombians up here that fly back home for laser eye surgery. Dr. Barraquer is a renowned eye surgeon.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

adrimm says on Jul 19, 2007, 07:39:

I guess that the study must compare care-when-provided?

My mom gets all her dental done n Colombia... and looking back has had some of my care done there - I had a in illness as a kid and was misdiagnosed here in Canada (we were in a small small community, quite isolated, not a huge selection of doctors), and she was suspicious so we went to Colombia where I was properly diagnosed. She brought the results back and wrangled an appointment with a specialist in the city who ended up agreeing with the Colombian diagnosis and managing treatment.

That said I don't think that you can compare the healthcare in small northern canadian communities to that in the major canadians centres.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

timeforachangeofscenery says on Jul 19, 2007, 07:48:

There was more to the WHO's article that you might finding interesting -

the following text is taken from : http://www.photius.com/rankings/who_world_health_ranks.html

Fairness of financial contribution: When WHO measured the fairness of financial contribution to health systems, countries lined up differently. The measurement is based on the fraction of a household’s capacity to spend (income minus food expenditure) that goes on health care (including tax payments, social insurance, private insurance and out of pocket payments). Colombia was the top-rated country in this category, followed by Luxembourg, Belgium, Djibouti, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, Norway, Japan and Finland.

Colombia achieved top rank because someone with a low income might pay the equivalent of one dollar per year for health care, while a high- income individual pays 7.6 dollars.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

BAQ says on Jul 19, 2007, 08:05:

IF YOU HAVE MONEY THE SYSTEM HERE IS DECENT. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE MONEY BEST MAKE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. AND I AM NOT KIDDING.

I know FIRST HAND after spending several weeks in the hospital here and watching people without insurance coverage literally thrown out the door by the securuty people after refusing to leave when refused service for no insurance.

YES, THERE IS A PUBLIC HOSPITAL, but it is so understaffed, under funded and lacks basic equipment, such as bed sheets for example, that people who use the PUBLIC HOSPITAL and have a serious condition usually die.

I know someof you are going to say, YES, but the law states the private hospitals MUST care for anyone who enters with s life threatening injury, and that is true, but it DOES NOT HAPPEN THAT WAY. I read in the paper on a weekly paper where some mother lost a child or a father a son ect when they were turned away from a private hospital and refered to the public clinic.

SO YES COLOMBIA IS OK IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE, IF NOT, PICK YOU CEMETARY PLOT.

Semper Fidelis !

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Jul 19, 2007, 09:39:

While I agree that health care in Colombia is very good overall, I think that you certainly have some better hospitals in the US and some forms of treatment that can't be found in Colombia.If someone in my family or I got cancer or needed heart surgery, I would probably prefer to be treated in the Houston Medical Center over a hospital in Colombia.

The main problem in Colombia seems to be the same as the US. The EPS insurances in Colombia can be a real pain. My wife has major delays waiting to see a specialist, and has often had the EPS deny a particular medicine prescribed by her doctor. In the US, the HMOs can be just as bad, but they seem to cover more medicines and treatments than the EPS in Colombia.

However, for most things, I would not hesitate to get treatment in Colombia. My parents have incredibly good insurance because of the union my dad was in before he retired. Even so, they always seek dental, optical and some medical treatment when they are in Colombia. I get my eye exams done there, although I buy contact lenses here with the Colombian prescription. I plan on getting some dental work done next time I go down.


Peace,
CG

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 19, 2007, 09:45:

BAQ is not exaggerating.

I've had GREAT experiences with the Colombian medical system and would rely on it for anything short of brain surgery. My doctors in Colombia are in many ways better than the US docs because they're not afraid of litigation and also just take a lot more time with each patient. So they probably misdiagnose a lot less things because they're actually being thoughtful.

But it's important to remember that most of us here are RICH by any normal Colombian standard. I can walk into Clinica Santa Fe, drop down a credit card and get awesome care, but the desplazado family standing out on the street corner just isn't going to get that same welcome. Colombia's care is awesome for those of us who can pay cash for it. It's quite good for those fortunate enough to have private insurance, and it's pretty meager or non-existent for the huge percentage living in poverty.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

msaucey says on Jul 19, 2007, 10:18:

Okay... I think I need to throw in my 2 bits.... The U.S. health system sucks in general... And I'm not actually referring to the medical treatment, it's the process of getting medical treatment.... Yes, you can walk into any hospital and get treatment, they can't refuse... But, you will get a nice bill in the mail.... There are over 48 Million people that live in the states that do not have any form of health insurance... If something hurts, they deal with the pain however they can...

My father had health insurance through his work, he had a stroke in October of 2004 and we rushed him to the doctor... They looked him over, took a few x-rays, and put him in a room without being monitored... Mind you that when he had his stroke he was on the 6 week waiting list for by-pass surgery, the stroke took place at week 5.... So, there he was 10 feet away from the nurses station, and he has a 2nd stroke in the hospital... Unfortunately, this 2nd stroke was much more severe and affected areas of his brain that would never be returned... He was then transferred to ICU... Anyway, make a long story short... ICU for 10 days, shipped off to a nursing home, to recover for another 4 weeks.... Death at the nursing home... He was in no condition to be at a nursing home... Anyway, I spoke with the cardiologist, neurologist, attending physician... My father would be alive today, if they would have done with by-pass surgery immediately.. Unfortunately, KAISER PERMANENTE SUCKS!!!

So, after my father passed away, my mother lost her health benefits, because she wasn't working but was on his insurance.... She's not old enough or disabled enough to get the U.S. version of free medical.... She does use a non-profit program for some of her healthcare, but she recently called because her knees are hurting and swelling, and the earliest appointment is mid-August... She'd already been to some specialist who just kept giving her pills and were not addressing the issue, and just charging her $150 per visiton... Needless, to say, I couldn't stand it any longer... So, last week, I got a referral from a friend, drove her down to Mexico.... The doctor saw her immediately, gave her and injection with some medication to relieve the swellness, and by the time we crossed back into the U.S., the swelling had subsided and the pain had diminished.. We have to go back for a few further tests, but at least she's no longer in pain....

Here's a nice article about the pain that it is to get some form of treatment...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19207050/

As for this hospital, I was actually taken to this hospital after a car wreck, and the ER did a poor job on my stitches on my face and my arm had to be re-cast at my regular dr's office... So, my scar will never properly heal, unless I go to a plactic surgeon...

BUT, I also know that if you have something Major like Cancer or AIDS, the U.S. is a great place to be treated....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

msaucey says on Jul 19, 2007, 10:24:

One of my friends has AIDS, has had it for over 20 years... She suffered a severed stroke and they had to do a treacheotomy (I don't remember the spelling) for him to breathe properly.... He looked like he was literally on his death bed, but he was at a much more reputable hospital and had more care because of the AIDS factor.... He was in the hospital for 6 months and is currently back at home and doing well, he has to walk around with an Oxygen tank, but other then that, he's walking and living his life again.... St. Vincent's is a great hospital here in L.A....

I'm planning on getting my Lasik Surgery in Colombia.... I definately need that.... Okay, that's all for my 2 bits... okay, maybe more then enough...

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

sweet160 says on Jul 19, 2007, 10:36:

I dont know how they measure these things but I seems odd to me that Belgium's healthcare is lower than that from Holland.

Because many Dutch come to Belgium to get serious stuff done, Cancer treatment for example... and I heard in Holland ther are long waiting lists....

I saw sicko too, its a good movie but i think the reality in it was a little distorted.

Michael M. lets us believe that healthcare is for free in some countries, but I think that point is not entirely accurate...

" its a dog eat dog world, and I will eat your dog! "

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 19, 2007, 14:09:

jarhead says on Jul 19, 2007, 14:22:

I had my eyes operated on, while on Christmas vacation to Bogota about 3 years ago, at La Clinica Barraquel, probably one of the premiere eye centers in the world, it cost me a 10th of what they were charging me at the best places in the U.S....the service was "tops"......

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 19, 2007, 15:01:

Peter, nothing is free.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tomtom33 says on Jul 19, 2007, 15:06:

Earth to Peter - nothing is free. Ask Desi about all the "free" stuff in Sweden.

I have all my dental work done in Colombia. And I have had laser surgery for a detached retina in Colombia. But I was advised to go to the US when the laser surgery failed. I did. I would have future medical care in Colombia. However, for anything tricky (including cataract surgery), I will head for the US if possible.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

elk says on Jul 19, 2007, 15:40:

Most doctors here in Colombia speak better English than doctors working the U.S. Veterans hospitals. I had eye problems recently here in Medellin and the medical care was excellent and I didn't sell my home to pay the doctors fee.....

I have free medical care at the U.S. veterans hospitals in the U.S., but personally I would rather pay the full rate here in Colombia for quality medical care.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 19, 2007, 15:50:

elk at first i thought you were going to say colombian doctors speak better english than US doctors, but then i saw that you said the VA, thanks for clarifying that.

I am a veteran of the US Navy and I have also been to the VA hospitals and clinics. I would and do use the VA for such things as flu shots, medications and xrays. However, I agree with you, I would never use the VA for anything serious such as cancer or heart. You are right they are incompetent. Something else you and other vets may not know the VA hospitals are used as training centers for new nurses and doctors. thats right the people right out of school and also foriegners coming to the US in the medical field are sent to VA hospital for their internships.
After a couple of trips to the VA hospital i decided, this place will never see me again .

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

snake says on Jul 19, 2007, 16:10:

break an arm or a leg and anywhere for rx is fine but anything beyond basic treatment the u.s. wins hands down. the u.s. has the smartest md's and the most sophisticated array of equipment procedural modalities.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

raulinho says on Jul 19, 2007, 16:19:

La Mona are you talking about Medellin /Cali maybe? definitely not Bogota I went to a private clinic with a friend of a friend (Colombian) where they failed to diagnose her appendicitis . The doctors were clueless and rude.I work in U.K. healthsystem and I know it and Spanish well as I worked in both as doctor but the Bogota one is definitely worse than either Spanish or UK.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tomtom33 says on Jul 19, 2007, 16:25:

The VA in Madison, WI, is connected physically to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics. Both are training centers for physicians. My cardiologist practices at both. Since my heart attack and surgery in 1994 and surgery in 1995, he has helped me back to reasonable cardiac health. My mother was a WAVE in WWII. I have taken her to the Madison VA hospital several times. And I have been treated there myself. In Madison, I would have no problem using the VA hospital.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 19, 2007, 16:51:

You guys give me the medical weebeegeebies.
Let me remind you of the observational studies done over the years and (to my knowledge) during the 70's and 80's, there were several times and countries where the MEDICAL DOCTORS WENT ON STRIKE and in every instance.... THE MORTALITY RATES DECREASED.

If you really learn and know how to tend to your health, ... you won't have to worry so much about this issue. I've been to a medical doctor 5 times in the last 25 years, and 3 of those were for insurance physicals. Barring accidental injuries....most of us were dealt a fairly similar genetic deck of cards. Learn how to play 'em well. And, then you can DELETE THIS WHOLE DAMN COLUMN.

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Jul 19, 2007, 20:42:

Hey, I don't know where all of you Canadians got your healthcare treatment... I received some here for serious stuff, and with excellent and quick results, I found it really really professional and well-done. Same goes for my brother.

La Mona I am sorry to read about your bad experience with NHS. My aunt just got diagnosed with cancer and a day later had all the scans done saw the cancer specialist and the next week was seeing all the specialists who were analyzing the results of the scan. Very very good treatment. They are treating her immediately and she will be fine (touch wood), and I'd take the NHS over what we have here in Canada.

I can't speak about Colombia, but Ecuador has at least 1 decent hospital, damn expensive though.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 19, 2007, 20:56:

goin_ south has anyone ever told you that you look just like a duck?

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 19, 2007, 21:53:

I wonder when people talk about free medical care, of course we know nothing id free so i wonder who pays for that so called free medical care? The answer is all those cirizens that think its free, they are the ones paying for it through taxes, all kinds of very high taxes, gas taxes, buying a car taxes, income taxes, retail taxes, and all kinds of other taxes.

Norway was mentioned earlier. Did you know that the price of a car in Norway is almost doubled because of taxes on that car and that is because of the so called free medical taxes.
I have not been to Norway for many years now but i have heard that gas is up around $9.00 a gallon and most of that is taxes to pay for the health system.
Peaple in the US are creaming about high gas prices and gas is only about $2.90 a gallon here right now.

So i guess nothing is really free is it, you get free medical but you pay dearly in taxes.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jul 19, 2007, 22:55:

A Hint on the VA System--try using one that is connected to a teaching Hospital such as in Durham North Carolina. The VA there is connected to Duke University and the quality of ZMedical Care is greatly improved and of a higher class then a VA in a smaller town. Personally I have used 6 different VAs in the US in the last 30 years and really have no complaints about the care I received. For all the Taxpayers Dollars expended on Healthcare in the US, we are greatly shortchanged as the Large Insurance Companies do not add ONE RED CENT of value to the outcome of your healthcare,,,

For the faults M. Moore may have, with his movie "Sicko" he exposed and brought to light many of the shortcomings of Medical Care in the US. Maybe some much needed change will result in the future. He did us a favor though some will disagree with that only because of his political leanings, not because he did not tell the truth about US based Medical care; He did.

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jul 19, 2007, 23:02:

manINred says on Thursday July 19th, 2007 20:42:

Hey, I don't know where all of you Canadians got your healthcare treatment... I received some here for serious stuff, and with excellent and quick results, I found it really really professional and well-done. Same goes for my brother.

manlnred-I cannor understand these comments either on the Canadian system either, the US has an agreement that Canadian Seamen can use the US Seaman's Hospitals and vice versa for US merchant seaman using the Canadian Clinics. I recall shipmates who at one time or another used the Canadian System and were well treated without complications later.I suspect any people parrot the criticism of the Canadian system without ever actually experiencing an actual medical trip to a canadian hospital,,,

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jul 19, 2007, 23:09:

A Peruvian Woman(undocumented) I know here in Miami suffered a Heart Attack and wound up at a Kendall Hospital in intensive care for 10 days. She had no insurance and Upon her discharge, she was handed a Bill of $45,000 USD--she pays a couple hundred dollars monthly towards the Bill and will be her life as long as she lives here in the USA. If you are sick in Miami and go to Jackson our large public health hospital and have NO insurance, you may, if you are lucky, be admitted for a Max of 3 days and then Booted out with a couple bottles of Pills. Thats it! No lenghty free stay! Hasta La Vista Amigo!

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 19, 2007, 23:54:

Rubito, did you say cars suck? you might be the only man in the world that thinks cars suck. I thought every man in the world loved cars, women and beer? Just out of curiousity what is your mode of transportation?

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 20, 2007, 00:18:

MM, well I have been dealing with the US VA sytem for many years and like i said earlier I have been very happy with the VA minor medical treatment such as vaccines, x-rays, medications and other simple medical treatments. However my experience and the experience of many Vets i have talked with is that when you get into the very serious life or death situations the VA is not the best place to be. Now if you have no other choice than to go with the VA which is the case with some people then fine but if you have insurance or some way to cover your medical bills then its best to go somewhere else.

If you may recall it was just a few months ago that the news was plastered with information about VA hospital problems, the care was terrible and the conditions deplorable. Our brave troops returning from Iraq were not getting the care they deserved.

When I was diagnoised with a very deadly cancer 2 years ago, being a vet i went to the local VA hospital which is one of the biggest in the US. The way I was treated was unforgivable, my friends and family begged me not to have my surgery done at the VA and i finally took their advice and went elsewhere.

heres some examples why i went elsewhere:
Everytime i went into the VA hospital for cancer tests they screwed everything up. I found out later that the reason most of the people giving me the tests didnt seem to know what they were doing was because they didnt know what they were doing, and thats because they were all training, practicing on me, i had a very dangerous form of caner and every day that passed was important and these guys were using me to practice what they learned in school.

One guy couldnt draw my blood he kept poking me, by the fourth poke i told him to get the fok away from me or i was gonna stick that needle up his azz.

One doctor wanted to check and see if my cancer had spread to my liver because the cat scan had shown something on my liver, he sent me to the ultra sound room for of course a ultra sound which is simple, non painful and quick.

I get to the ultra sound room and the jackass in there starts to stick this 5 inch gigantic needle into my liver. i said "whoa dude what the hell are you doing with that thing"?, i told him i was sent here for a ultra sound test not a fokin gigantic needle. he argued with me and insisted on sticking that damn thing into my back. I insisted he call my doctor.
my doctor asked him what the hell was he doing that he only requested a ultra sound.

after i left the ultra sound i called the VA and told them they were fired, i told them i wouldnt go to a VA hospital if it was the only hospital in town. i requested they send me my medical records and x-ray, then i went out and found a real hoapital.

oh by the way they finally sent all my medical records and x-rays 4 WEEKS AFTER I HAD MY CANCER SURGERY.

VA...no way!

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 20, 2007, 00:48:

what is your mode of transportation?

eLECTRIC POWER SCOOTER?

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 20, 2007, 01:01:

thank you Rubito.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LA_MONA says on Jul 20, 2007, 01:12:

GS-
go back to bed ;-)))))

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Jul 20, 2007, 02:06:

MiamiMike,

Remember the turbo diesel goes to me when you get tired of it. I am going to run it on used chicharrone grease!

T

"cook some rice!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jul 20, 2007, 02:37:

MiamiMike,

Remember the turbo diesel goes to me when you get tired of it. I am going to run it on used chicharrone grease!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Make me an offer, may sell soon,,,still gets 37/52 mpg..

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 20, 2007, 02:51:

52mpg..really, interesting. nice

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lowell says on Jul 20, 2007, 09:36:

I'm with Rubito. I haven't driven now for over 2 years and I love it. Much less stress, don't have to pay constant attention, can enjoy the ride, no insurance, don't have to adapt to the driving style of Colombia, don't have a parking problem.... I still walk a lot.

My motorcycle of 11 months only has about 800K. I tried using a bike. However, I was traveling at the same speed and faster than the cars. I wasn't being seen (or was ignored) and I found it to be more dangerous than using a motorcycle. The basic taxi fare here is 2700 pesos (gets you most any where in my town) and to me that's real fair.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 20, 2007, 09:41:

You better get up off that bike seat; (stand up only) bikers have a higher incidence of prostate cancer than non-bikers... male, that is ;)

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 20, 2007, 15:35:

goin_south is right, male bike riders have been know to have all kinds of related health problems such as prostate cancer, and other related groin area problems. Not to mention the fact that you must constantly be a defensive rider , even a bump in the road can wipe you out and a Bogota taxi driver can put you in the hospital.
happy bike riding!

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 20, 2007, 15:37:

yep, your right scotty; I hope they're wearin helmets. Some people can't really stand to bear the world with any more brain damage...jej

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 20, 2007, 17:36:

helmet, elbow and knee pads, and some fantastic insurance.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 20, 2007, 18:34:

3-wheeeeelers... with side-carts... por las colombianitas

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 20, 2007, 20:52:

I knew this girl in Cali rode her bike everywhere, one day someone in a car hit her she went flying through the air, broke some bones, ended up in emergency room. they never even saw the driver he just kept on going and was never found.
Bikes are fun to ride once in awhile but for your daily transportation...good luck!

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 21, 2007, 00:09:

""""I often purposely plan my routes the wrong way down one-way streets here just for visibility reasons :P""""

U R totally, f*qn wildman.
EL TOUR DE MANZANA GRANDE! jej

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 21, 2007, 00:11:

and, yes.... I have been to both, and I would much prefer riding in Bogota, if I was so bent.
A spinning bike's about it, for me;
A lame Duck, for sure, can't afford any more...BRAIN DAMAGE ;)

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 21, 2007, 01:02:

the duck man is right Rubito you are either a wildman or a little on the loco side. I wish you luck riding your bike anywhere, NY or Bogota or where ever. If you see a red blur zip right by you thats me in my new car, dont bother to yell at me because i wont hear you anyway the CD will be cranked up on high volume playing Led Zepplins "Communication Breakdown".

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Jul 21, 2007, 01:06:

yo pienso que....todos gentes de pbh, comprendes....GOIN IN SANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Jul 21, 2007, 06:42:

i have never run out of gas in my life. did you say you weight 260...i recommend you peddle faster.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.