How long will I have to wait for a doctor's appointment in Nicaragua?

While the medical facilities in Nicaragua seem to be busy all the time, I've been very pleasantly surprised not to have to wait a long time for doctors when I have an appointment.  It might be a little daunting to make an appointment in Spanish (there is an English-speaking button when you call the Metropolitano Hospital, but it pays to be ready in Spanish), but if you can understand the numbers (for time) and the days of the week, it's not so bad.

 

In...

While the medical facilities in Nicaragua seem to be busy all the time, I've been very pleasantly surprised not to have to wait a long time for doctors when I have an appointment.  It might be a little daunting to make an appointment in Spanish (there is an English-speaking button when you call the Metropolitano Hospital, but it pays to be ready in Spanish), but if you can understand the numbers (for time) and the days of the week, it's not so bad.

 

In 2012, I had to spend quite a bit of time in the hospital and only waited about 20 minutes past my appointment time just once.  And, unlike feeling like I was "herded like cattle" in and out of the doctor's office, I was given all the time necessary for my personal appointment. Because the appointment ultimately led to a surgery at Metropolitano, I walked away after spending a whole hour in consultation, and was pleased with the direct answers and information regarding the upcoming procedure.

Doctor's appointments are made within the week you would like to visit the doctor.  

Doctor's appointments are made within the week you would like to visit the doctor.  

In Nicaragua have a version of a state-run healthcare system used mainly by local Nicaraguans that provides a certain level of healthcare. But the downside of it is that they have to wait a long time to get an appointment; perhaps three weeks.  Also, they don't get to choose the doctor who will see them.

 

In the private healthcare system (which would be the one used by expats), you can usually get a doctor’s appointment on the same day that you call....

In Nicaragua have a version of a state-run healthcare system used mainly by local Nicaraguans that provides a certain level of healthcare. But the downside of it is that they have to wait a long time to get an appointment; perhaps three weeks.  Also, they don't get to choose the doctor who will see them.

 

In the private healthcare system (which would be the one used by expats), you can usually get a doctor’s appointment on the same day that you call. If you already have a relationship with the doctor, even if you don’t have an appointment, you can just go to the clinic or office and the doctor's secretary will try to squeeze you in immediately.