Where in the world is it fun to go to the doctor?  Certainly not in the U.S.  A typical doctor visit results in having to sit in a waiting room for what can seem to be an eternity.  Having to fill out reams of paperwork for insurance and the doctor’s own “cover-my-ass” policies.  And then having nurse Betsy (who is as charming as a rattle-snake on a hunger strike) order you to remove your pants.  Then you have to wait another eternity to see a doctor for, let’s say, 2 minutes tops who prescribes every test known to man (again a “cover-my-ass” policy).  Then you see that the bill for the stubbed toe is about $1,000, with insurance that you pay $500 per month for covering 80%.  Sure that is an exaggeration (but not so much).  Let’s face it, medical care in the U.S. is B-R-O-K-E-N.  It is not that there is no access to great care, as the U.S. is the best equipped in every way to provide a standard of care that is first in the world.  It is the fault of an out-of-control legal and insurance system and just a rotten attitude, which is the emphasis of this post.  In Costa Rica it is the attitude factor that most differentiates (along with cost).  Medical care here is great by international standards. In fact, many from the U.S. come here for dental and cosmetic surgery procedures, mainly due to the low cost of such procedures.  But what really contrasts care here for me is attitude.  Costa Rican’s have access to free care.  This is provided via clinics in most major pueblos throughout the country and in public hospitals. I know that the waits in such places are long and the services are not so great.  But the system does provide access to everyone and that is a good thing. And there is an alternative. Costa Rica’s capital city, San Jose, is home to some really good private care.  Two of the best hospitals are Cima and Clinica Biblica.  When I am sick I go to Clinica Biblica.  They make it fun to go to the doctor. First, the place is spotless clean.  There is that little coffee shop where you can get a killer cappuccino.  If you have an appointment at 10:00 AM, guess what?  You get to see the doctor at 10:00 AM, what a concept!  The nurses are charming and smile at you and actually make you feel good. There is simply an attitude of service that is missing the U.S.  Like they are more concerned with giving you the care you need AND making the experience pleasant than giving you more than you need and making sure that they don’t get sued in the process. My personal experience of Costa Rica’s medical system has been very positive.  Luckily I have never been really sick, but I have had my share of bumps and bruises and I am always confident that I will get exactly what I need and no more. And the price is always right!

Clinica Biblica

Hospital Cima

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