This past week I finally
broke down and agreed to go to the doctor in order to deal with a recurring
medical problem. As a general rule, I prefer chewing broken glass.
Nevertheless, pain and badgering from my colleagues forced me into a small
surrender, a la Appomattox Court House.Putting a good face on it I went to the Hospital Militar–the Armed ForceslHospital in Montevideo. That was not a typo, the Military Hospital takes private paying patients
as well. I went to them because they have a very advanced wounds treatment
unit which includes a hyperbaric oxygen chamber that I hope will finally do
away with a 6 year old wound with a Staph infection.The hospital was huge! It filled a double city block.
There were lots of people waiting to be helped under the traditional
egalitarian “take a number and hope you don't die first” system, but
as I was a paying customer, such mechanisms did not encumber my progress.
We went directly to the wound unit and were immediately ushered into the
consultorio–the consultation room.
Within a few minutes a doctor came in. He had should boards indicating
his rank–I later found out he was a lieutenant colonel. He spent 30
minutes with me, taking my history and examining me. He then told me he
wanted me to consult with another specialist before deciding upon the best
treatment.
Very early the next morning I was back at the hospital. As a courtesy to
me, the Lt. Col Doctor from the wound unit arranged to have the specialist come
to the wound unit as it was easier for me to get there than find a new office.
The bone specialist was a Major. He spent about 20 minutes examining me
and then sent me for x-rays. As usual, the x-ray department was in the
bowels of the hospital one level away from the infernal regions.
The equipment was exactly as you would expect and the x-ray table was still as
hard as a burial slab. That process took about an hour.
We returned for the third time to the consultorio with the x-rays (here all
reports and records are your property and you take them with you).
Within 5 minutes the Major Doctor was back and took the x-rays to examine
them. He returned and told me that he and the Lt Col wanted to bring in
another specialist–this time a specialist in infections. I though this
meant another trip, but that doctor, of unknown rank, appeared within about 5
minutes.
He examined me and took a swab of my wound.
The we had a grand meeting with all three doctors. I was told what course of
action they proposed and that we needed only to wait for the lab results so
that they could precisely target the anti-biotics.
At this point I have had a total of 5 doctors meetings total plus 5
x´-rays. Total cost to me $800.00.
That's 800 pesos–only about 32 Yankee Dollars. That is cheaper than any
co-pay I know about in the States. It's so cheap I could almost use
Confederate Money…
Was your that your experience without the Uruguayan insurance plan? If possible, how would you compare the Military Hospital to the British Hospital? My wife and I will be moving to Montevideo in late August and are working on a tentative budget. You’re website and experience is aiding us immensely.
Left by Hugo on July 21st, 2006
Fortunately, that has been my only experine. However, I can say that anecdotally, the British Hospital is reputed to be among the best, though also the most expensive.We are trying to organize a service with bi-lingual people with some medical knowledge who can accompany expats when they need medical care and translate for them.When you get here, we’ll be glad to help. Our office manager’s mother is a local physician.
Left by The Southron on July 21st, 2006
I spent a week in a military hospital in Mexico in the late 90’s and also was most impressed. I found that the quality and cost were both excellent. One of the doc’s studied at walter reed and his engish was excellent. Thanks again for your blog. I look forward to it daily. I hope to do a pre-move visit there this fall.
Left by snowykarma on July 22nd, 2006
GREETINGS, I STUMBLED UPON YOUR SITE, AND AM PLEASED TO READ THROUGH IT. MY WIFE AND I HAVE THOUGHTS OF MIGRATING TO EITHER B.A., OR M.V. WE WILL BE VISITING IN OCT ‘06, AND WONDER IF A WEEK AND 1/2 WILL BE ENOUGH TO GET A SLIVER OF LIFE THERE. REGARDS, AND BEST OF HEALTH, ANTHONY
Left by ANTHONY on July 30th, 2006
From my perspective, I certainly would not spend less time here. My nephew visited for 10 days and we didn’t finish half of our list. You will probably get different answers from Uruguayans and Argentines though. The naturally humble Uruguayans will tell you that 10 days is plenty of time and will be grateful you included them in your intinerary. The porteņo from Buenos Aires will be amazed that you have allocated so little time for the most important city in South Amerca and aghast that you have wasted any time in Montevideo at all. I suppose that ultimately the success of your visit will depend upon how much you can absorb quickly? When compared side by side, the choice between Buenos Aires and Montevideo is really simple: if you can’t live without the big city, go to BA, if you can’t stand the big city, come to Montevideo…
Left by The Southron on August 1st, 2006
Same thing here…we have travelled Argentina and know Buneos Aires. We are allocating 2 weeks for travel in Oct to visit in and around Mvdeo. and up the coast to explore re-location options. Knowning B.A you can spend weeks as it is much larger in size..!!
Left by Neil-Liliana on August 1st, 2006