Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) treatment in 31 Cardiac surgery clinics in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Nicaragua

I wasn't going to write a review (I'm so over all this), but I feel compelled to after reading a review that was extremely similar to what I experienced here for COVID-19 treatment. I tested COVID-positive on January 3rd and started Paxlovid. I saw my neighborhood doctor on January 4th. I am vaccinated (and boosted) but am at high risk with asthma. I was given steroids and breathing medicine. I was instructed to go to the hospital if I got worse. I got worse. The following evening, my oxygen dropped below 80. Scared, I called an ambulance and requested to be taken to this hospital as it was supposed to be the best. They took my oxygen in the ambulance and immediately gave me oxygen. I was on oxygen the whole time in the ambulance. I was taken off oxygen when I arrived as my saturation reached the high 90s. I requested the antiviral remdesivir. The doctor refused to give me the medicine. I explained how my condition worsened despite days on Paxlovid, steroid injections, oral steroids, bronchodilators, and rescue inhalers. He could not have cared less. I requested to leave as the doctor was not going to treat me (he charged me, though). The doctor told me there were other ID specialists. I requested to speak to one of them, and the doctor left. While waiting, someone else came in and said there were no other ID specialists there, so I paid and left. It should be noted my saturation had fallen to 92% by that time. I struggled at home with symptoms for the next few days. I continued testing positive after completing Paxlovid. My condition worsened, and I returned to the neighboring doctor about a week after leaving the hospital. Still symptomatic and COVID-positive, he examined me and found pneumonia. My labs were also abnormal, showing evidence I had developed blood clots due to COVID-19. He prescribed medicine for pneumonia and clots (which worked). All this could have been prevented. Trying to get my medical records from this hospital afterwords (for insurance) was like pulling teeth. It took forever to get my records, and when I finally did, I was shocked. The doctor noted that I said things I never did. My signature was forged on the documents. Worst hospital experience ever. Very expensive and received no treatment. The administration is a nightmare as well. Avoid it if possible.

We have been living In 3 different countries for the past 9 years, never experienced anything as bad. We have a a top insurance but they “suddenly” only excepts credit card payment. Stayed for additional 5 hours because they did not let’s leave. No one speaks English except the doctors. However, doctors are very competent and reason for not one but two stars.

Absurdly (like, for real) expensive for a very mediocre level of service. I went to the urgency center, and i found it very useless that on every stage (reception, triage, first and second doctor) they asked me the same questions. The doctor took more than half an hour to arrive. The receptionist has misinformed me and I did a very expensive (since I’m traveling abroad) call which wasn’t necessary at that moment. Also, several times there were several people coming in at a time, also unnecessary, certainly didn’t create a feeling of comfort. The room in which I was attended was small and the door was never closed.

They have a terrible Surgeon, is name is José Antonio Soriano, he was my surgeon and the results of the operation were disastrous, he only cares about money , and not about his patients. I filed a complaint at the hospital and the didn’t do nothing

Terrible experience. I tested positive for COVID three days ago, and began Paxlovid and fever reducers immediately. After three days, I am still having symptoms and testing positive. I called the ambulance to bring me to the hospital. My oxygen was 81 (after a dexamethasone injection and tablet today). The paramedic gave me oxygen right away in the ambulance. The doctor was useless. He refused to prescribe remdesivir. In nonhospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of progressing to severe disease, remdesivir should be started within 7 days of symptom onset and administered for 3 days. The doctors name was Dr. Diego Lecona. I showed proof of my asthma and low oxygen saturation from prior attacks. He did nothing to help me and didn’t give me the medicine. All he did was charge me over $300 for a useless consult. Never again

Unfortunately I became quite I’ll on a recent trip to Mexico City. The physician on call for the hotel direct me to this hospital. My care in ER was efficient, caring and appropriate. Lilliana and Mezil in Er were so caring and great communicators. I was admitted and again impressed with the care of the team. Very professional and respectful. When called received prompt response. My physician, Dr Jessica was knowledgeable, great personality and did follow thru with communication upon my return home. Highly recommend and hope in US we can rid our staff of the EMR demands that take them away from the bedside. Perhaps then we can be as attentive as the team in this hospital. Thank you to the nurses, housekeeping and residents as well!

This hospital is part of the inherited Mexico, with a staff with the excellence that experience provides, but fatigue periodically takes its toll, so as a patient, everyone will talk about how the fair went. The staff makes an effort for the shortcomings they work with and for such a diverse population. More hospital centers like this are needed for this city. Abroad, dozens and even a few hundred spend hours and even days waiting for care for family members, either for medical appointments and studies, as well as those who are hospitalized for days in these facilities. There are those who already go with a folding bench, others rent chairs, umbrellas and some institutions offer a tent for those who come from afar to accompany a family member during their hospitalization period.

Excellent

Exceente

A big thank you to the staff of Galenia hospital!!! During our stay this month, my friend became suddenly ill and had to be hospitalized. Being from the US, I must say that it was a bit nerve wracking to have to seek medical help in a foreign country. However, our experience was entirely positive!!! To the concierge staff - Eric and Alfredo - I wish to extend tremendous gratitude!!! Your translation services as well as your kindness and hospitality were both indispensable and greatly appreciated!!!! I also wish to extend my gratitude to Dr. Allejandro (I don't remember your last name); not only were you genuinely gracious, you discovered the problem quickly and got my friend back on her feet in no time at all!!! Again, thank you Hospital Galenia for such a good experience!!! You took great care of my friend and went above and beyond in showing us courtesy and consideration!!!

BEWARE IF YOU ARE A TOURIST! My father was hospitalized on a family trip to Cancun. He was transported to this hospital and needed emergency surgery This hospital FAILED him. They wouldn’t even give him so much as saline or an antibiotic without payment in FULL. WE WERE CHARGED $4,000 FOR. He went 8 HOURS sitting on an emergency room bed when he should have been in surgery. THEY DEMANDED 50,000 DOLLARS PAID IN FULL BEFORE STARTING ANY CARE AND THAT WAS JUST FOR THE SURGERY. WE OFFERED TO PAY 25,000 SO THEY COULD START AND THEY REFUSED. WE OFFERED TO PAY THE REST THE NEXT DAY AND THEY REFUSED. WE TRANSFERRED MY FATHER TO THE OTHER HOSPITAL BECAUSE WE THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO DIE. WE FELT USELESS WHILE THEY HAD ALL THE POWER TO DO SOMETHING THEY CHOSE TO DO NOTHING!!!!! THEY ARE SCAMMERS AND NOTHING MORE. ITS A MIRACLE MY FATHER SURVIVED AND ONLY BY THE HELP OF GOD WAS MY FATHER ABLE TO COME BACK HOME WITH US. JUST TO TOP IT OFF WHEN WE WERE PAST THE TRAUMA THAT THESE PEOPLE PUT US THROUGH THEY HAD THE AUDACITY TO BILL IS THE OXYGEN THAT WAS ADMINISTERED DURING THE AMBULANCE RIDE!! 2000 DOLLARS!!!!!!!! THEY WOULD RATHER WATCH YOUR FAMILY MEMBER DIE, I WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR DISGUSTING SMUG FACES

It feels very comfortable being there. Olivia is the best. She arranges everything for you when you are from outside the country of Mexico. You show up and all is prepared. Her personality is very welcoming and friendly. I love not having to worry about the stress of paper work especially since i don't know Spanish well. All her subordinates speak English as well and are all very nice. Galenia might be costly however the peace of mind you get not being stresses out with paperwork helps a lot. I don't even need to Contact my insurance. They do everything for you. Best service. The receptionist at imaging are a bit slow and don't know any English. But the staff attending to you in the radiation area are super friendly and helpful. I see many people complain about the price. This is a private hospital and will be costly. It is the same in my own country. Private hospitals cost a lot but if you have insurance and you are not from Mexico, then I highly recommend using their tourism concierge. They are a great help and speak English. They are all very nice and helpful. I have had the pleasure of meeting and being assisted by Olivia (who is the best), Ellen, Ricardo and another guy i cant remember his name. Not sure if it is Daniel or something with a D. That was over 2 years ago i met him. They arranged everything with my insurance prior to going there. I just showed up and Olivia walked me through everything. I was in and out as quick as possible. No long waiting. Use the concierge service they have. It really helps you from stressing about paperwork and payments. My journey at Galenia started September 2021 and I continue into 2023......

Make an appointment, it's simple... the specialist never arrived, they send you a message to ensure punctuality out of respect for the doctor's time but they do not respect yours, they left me waiting for about 30 minutes, they charge the consultation at $1500, not cheap for the service. a private clinic, anyway, thank you!

The doctor was very thorough. And a great help. Highly recommend this clinic.

I am an American on an extended vacation here in Mexico City and I saw Dr Luis Villalobos Perez. Hands down he was the best doctor I have ever seen in my fifty years of life. He truly took time to discuss my health problem and my history and he gave me a thorough physical exam, I feel like I have not had an actual physical exam since I was in high school. It is such a blessing to have found Mediland! Great staff, clean and modern facility in a beautiful neighborhood Don’t hesitate to go here if you are sick!

Do not reccomend to be attended by Dr. Jaime A. Estrella. Was forcing me to put workers comp when my injury had nothing to do with work, and threatend to report me as well for leaving half way through. Very bad doctor.

I've been go Almater Hospital twice now to have surgeries with Dr. Luque. I can't begin to express my gratitude for what wonderful experiences I've had. On both occasions, the staff both with Dr. Luque's clinic team, the surgical team, and the hospital staff have gone above and beyond to take exceptional care of me. They are patient with my insecurities and anxiety about the processes, they deliver excellent care, and are kind and considerate throughout. I'm a Nurse Practitioner by trade in the US and have had many surgeries in the US in the past. I can genuinely say the care I received at Almater hospital and by these medical professionals far exceeds any treatment I've ever received in the US. This will be my choice hospital for care with all procedures I'm able to utilize them for and highly recommend them to others.

Very bad hospital to get treated. I went for a procedure on my low back (cyst) and they charged me over 9,000 pesos for just medicine, and wanted to charge me 50,000 for the procedure. Of course they only told me the price after I had asked how much it was going to be. Also they charged me 1000 pesos extra for using a different doctor that supposedly is filling in for another. They wanted to keep me over night for no reason, I would have just been laying in bed (I assume to make more money of me). Communication between the workers is bad. Not recommend at all. Prices are way overpriced and the service is bad. Save your time and money and go to a different hospital

Absolutely horrible service. My father broke his arm and we had to wait like 10-15 minutes just checking in. And then they gave him a terrible cast and diagnosis. We had to come back to the US and go to our local Kaiser Permanente to get actual care for my dad. Please avoid this place, especially if you are visiting from the US. Por favor, nunca buscas ayuda aquí, especialmente si vienes extranjero de los Estados Unidos.

We have used the services of Valmar Hospital, including surgery and emergency care. Could not ask for better service and care. Having so many specialists at one location is so helpful. Received excellent care from Doctors , nurses and staff.

Horrible service. Showed up here with a case of Food Poisoning and was turned away because my symptoms were "similar" to Covid-19. The front desk person told me to wait outside, didn't even ask me simple questions such as if I had a cough or shortness of breath and after "speaking with her supervisor" told me I had to go to the General Hospital because Velmar was "full". Such a lie! If it was full, why wasn't I turned away when I first showed up? I went to Clinica San Fernando after and was seen by a great doctor there. My cardiologist and urologist have their offices at Velmar and I will let them know I won't be able to attend our appointments anymore at this hospital, because they deny service to people in need.

Facilities are very clean, the staff is professional, and respectful! Best in the country. Also the food in the cafeteria is very good.

It is a expensive hospital, but it is worthy. My 1 year old baby was diagnosed with testiculo tumor, he needed to be operated ASAP. Now he is 100% out of danger. Thanks God and the doctors. Never felt more comfortable in a hospital.

I have been a patient at Vivian Pellas for over 9 years in that time I have had 4 surgeries and my wife had her hip replacement done there. My past experiences have been good up until a little over a year ago. Went in for what I thought was hemorrhoid surgery. According to all my papper work which I still have but instead I received a sphincterotomy and no hemorrhoid present at the time. Be carefull there! Still having ongoing problems as a result

man haha if you ever need to get surgery all of the sudden while completely tripping balls, it wont be the funnest experience of your life or anything but at least my nearly severed limbs work again 1500$ later. thanks docs and nurses!

The Intensive Care staff brought me back to life. Dr. Sanchez is a miracle worker. The staffing were so thorough and attentive. A+ rating.

I would not go to this hospital under any circumstances, especially if you are a foreigner and the hospital may have the impression that you have money. There are better hospitals where you are more likely to be treated humanely and fairly, such as Catholica Hospital. My father went into Clinica Biblica to be treated for dehydration, and within a week he was in a coma and had a stroke. I believe wholeheartedly that several members of their medical staff prolonged an agonizing course of surgeries and treatments simply in order to make a profit off of a dying man. It was heart wrenching and traumatizing. I wanted desperately to move him to a public hospital where his health insurance would cover the costs, and Biblica would not release him, causing our medical bills to increase dramatically by the day. Ultimately, my father did not make it, and the hospital would never explain what happened. Why was he admitted to be treated for dehydration and ended up on his death bed. Also, you should know that Costa Rican people are generally some of the best, kindest people on the planet, however, there is a machismo that is inescapable. The male doctors spoke down to my sisters and I in the most awfully condescending way I have ever experienced. If you have a serious medical issue, I implore you - go anywhere else but here. They are all about money and will take advantage of your need for care. Beware.

A family member had surgery a few days! At de financial desk, I paid the amount that they charged! I asked, with this payment, all medical services are covered! They said Yes!! After 24 hrs, my family member was ready to check out! The nurse's desk told me that I need to go to the financial desk to pay, before the patient can go! I was upset, due to the fact I paid enough for 24 hrs! They told me that all services such as: gloves, medications, Hygiene, food, etc, have to be paid! This hospital is old! I paid more than I should have! My recommendation is, not to use this hospital Climic Catolic

Very good service and support. I called them one day before for an appointment. Nex day At 11 am I met the doctor (on time!). Very good conversation in english, very fast service. You have to pay in advance. People were very friendly and helpful! Appointment costs about 80 dollars, other things on demand. you can pay by credit card easily. i highly recommend the clinic.

Our children's pediatrician, Dr. Nora Padron sees them here. She has been their doctor since they were born. There is no other pediatrician anywhere that can measure up to this great, kind, caring and thoroughly knowledgeable professional.

Bad Experience I had an unfortunate experience when I accompanied my boyfriend to the emergency room. Upon our arrival, I couldn't help but notice that the staff at the cashier's desk were engrossed in conversations about their personal lives, as if they were attending a social gathering rather than attending to the needs of the waiting patients, many of whom were feeling unwell. This lack of professionalism was disheartening. Subsequently, we proceeded to the consultation, hoping for a resolution to my boyfriend's health issue. Unfortunately, not only did they fail to address the problem effectively, but they also took an extensive amount of time dealing with the paperwork related to our health insurance. This bureaucratic delay was frustrating, especially considering that my boyfriend was still feeling terrible after over an hour of waiting. To make matters worse, we were unexpectedly presented with a bill amounting to nearly 400 dollars. Given the exorbitant cost, we were disheartened to realize that we still had no concrete diagnosis. The doctor merely provided us with the name of a specialist, leaving us feeling dissatisfied with the level of care provided. It is disheartening to conclude that this hospital seems to prioritize profit over patient well-being.

Private hospital, hete you can find all medical specialties prices range between $85 to $120 for dovtor visit. ER visit costs under $100. The hospital has all types of diagnostics equipment.

I visited the emergency room. It was my first time at CIMA. I was seen quickly and received thorough testing and care. All of the staff were kind and patient. They were even kind with my limited Spanish and never made me feel bad for not speaking Spanish well. The ER doctor was especially kind, listened well, and explained his thoughts and reasoning thoroughly. He was also patient when i struggled to remember medical history in the moment. He was easily one of the best doctors I have ever seen. All of the staff was wonderful.