New Hospital to open in Riberas.

I don't know if this has been brought up before, but I saw it today and the big sign in front about almost all sorts of insurances taken, including high end Medicare,specialists, and high end units for tests.

It isn't going to be massive, but looks good sized. I'm guessing it's half-way or more finished since the interior is still bare and no exterior doors or final touches.

This seems a giant leap forward for Lakeside, however I wonder where they will getting their staff by drwaing from local doctors or will it be the doctors come in one day a week? Maybe they will draw from local "talent." Will there be an E.R. and/or trauma center?

Of course we know the traged population will be gringos, and the services priced accordingly. It may be worth the difference to be close to home, etc.

It will be interesting to watch as it progresses.

It's already open.....

I assume these hospital's will cater more to those with insurance. Cash players can probably get cheaper services in some of the older hospitals in Guadalajara.

Their emergency department is open 24/7 but they will have both dialysis and an oncology department for chemotherapy. Both will be a huge bonus for local patients who have had to travel to Guadalajara for treatment. Not everything is operational at this time but it will be and I am delighted. Stabilization for emergency situations has always been a priority ideal. From there you can go to wherever you want. Cheaper is not better in an emergency when time is of the essence.

http://theguadalajarareporter.net/index.php/news/news/lake-chapala/53421-hospital-san-antonio-opens-new-era-in-lakeside-health-care

http://theguadalajarareporter.net/index.php/news/news/lake-chapala/53432-hospital-volunteer-program-in-the-works

I understand they will also be referring cases to the other new hospital being built on the libreimento. I believe it will be a tier higher and better equipped.

If it ever gets built.

It will......they are steadily working on it.

suegarn wrote:It's already open.....

Then we maybe we are talking about two different places, or my poor vision got the best of me.

This is on the main street between Chapala and Ajijic, East of Superlake.

I'll take a look again tomorrow when I go to Ajijic.

It's open just not all of it. And, yes, we are all talking about the same place. Read the links.

ferret wrote:It's open just not all of it. And, yes, we are all talking about the same place. Read the links.

What links?

I posted links higher up in the this thread. Click and read the most recent Guadalajara publication.

ferret wrote:I posted links higher up in the this thread. Click and read the most recent Guadalajara publication.

Thanks, I missed the links when I was redirected to a later post.

Sounds great, it will be nice to see what V.A. benefits will be available. I'll check that one out for stuff I need.

Also, hopefully, the doctors and dentists as well as other health care professionals, will be top level. We all have to admit that not every health care professional Lakeside is neat the top of the list in his/her profession. I know of one that currently has criminal charges pending related to the practice.

Problem Child wrote:

suegarn wrote:It's already open.....

Then we maybe we are talking about two different places, or my poor vision got the best of me.

This is on the main street between Chapala and Ajijic, East of Superlake.

I'll take a look again tomorrow when I go to Ajijic.

The new hospital on the Carretera is in San Antonio Tlayacapan and NOT in Riberas del Pilar, hence it´s name Hospital San Antonio.

Whoever is referring to Medicare and VA services may be misinformed, or something has changed.  As I understand it, neither of these is available to residents of Mexico.

Nope, not legally unless they bill through a "dummy" doctor up North. There was some clinic doing that down here until they got busted.

gringal wrote:Whoever is referring to Medicare and VA services may be misinformed, or something has changed.  As I understand it, neither of these is available to residents of Mexico.

I was surprised, but it is on the signage. I'll try to take a picture if I go past it today.

The sign may be more than slightly misleading: VA and Medicare will not pay for services outside of the USA for expats, except for certain service-connected conditions covered under a special VA program. Tourists do have limited situations for a short time while traveling and may apply to Medicare for reimbursement. Direct payment is rare and slower than molasses in winter weather.
So, the hospital may accept foreign insurance payments, IF you can arrange it. Billing fraud will eventually be detected, as has happened in the past, so I doubt they would try that approach.

The Reporter article mentions there will only be 10 private rooms for inpatient care. All insurance is processed by someone there who is using Lakeside Medical Group. According to this post, Lakeside Medical Group does not accept cash - only private insurance policies, then getting preapproval I would think.

https://www.insidelakeside.com/t21288-lakeside-medical-group-riberas

Sounds about right.

And remember that the hospital also provides outpatient services. Basically this is an expansion of the Maskaras medical clinic to include what has been explained above.

I am very happy that we will now have this service lakeside. Thank you Doctor Garcia, and those others involved for providing this service to us lakeside.

They took a cash payment from a patient who was there last week.

RV is right, they will only get US government payment in very limited circumstances, but will assist in getting payment from private insurance companies.

BTW Chillin…..that´s 10 more than there were before, and more can be added.

With respect to Medicare Advantage Insurance at this hospital..... has/could anyone actually inquire of the Insurance Personnel at this hospital just what that sign means and what a potential client can expect. They have specifically said "Medicare Advantage" and not just "Medicare". There is probably a reason for this. All Medicare Advantage programs are run, not by Medicare although they must adhere to Medicare policies, but by private insurance companies like Aetna, United Healthcare, Humana etc. I have such a policy and I know that, while these are VERY local to your US residence area, they do allow one to get 'emergency' service while in another jurisdiction such as if/when on a vacation. Maybe this is what is being alluded to but we won't know unless someone inquires.

Had a twisted knee... after a couple of days very painful. Went to the ED at the Hospital on Riberas. Filled out a brief form, and was seen by a doctor within 10 minutes. Had a discussion, and physical exam of the knee... Took an x-ray which showed no damage. Diagnosis: bad sprain. Prescribed an antiinflammatory and a knee brace. Out in 30 minutes. Cost for everything about $70 USD. After a week the knee is fine.

So about $1400 pesos?? Did that include the meds and brace?

I´m guessing, 700 for the Dr., 500 for the X-rays, and 200 at the Farmacia for meds. and brace, which would be about normal.
We´ll see……..