Are the doctors in Boquete, Panama good?
Penny Barrett - Fundacion Bid 4 Bouquete
I think the doctors in Boquete are quite good. None of them are surgeons and there are no overnight hospital facilities in Boquete, but they seem to know when to refer you to a specialist in David.
Here's the cool thing about the docs in Boquete -- they make house calls and they give your their cell phone number. A normal office visit is usually $10; sometimes they give you samples of the medicines they are prescribing.
I go to Dr. Chen, a...
I think the doctors in Boquete are quite good. None of them are surgeons and there are no overnight hospital facilities in Boquete, but they seem to know when to refer you to a specialist in David.
Here's the cool thing about the docs in Boquete -- they make house calls and they give your their cell phone number. A normal office visit is usually $10; sometimes they give you samples of the medicines they are prescribing.
I go to Dr. Chen, a general practitioner located in downtown Boquete. He lives behind his clinic so if you have a middle of the night emergency you can go and ring his doorbell. Very cool.
Posted September 23, 2013
Cindy Thomas (tombseekers blog) - Amigos de Animales
My husband and I had our first doctor visit, a dermatologist. We visited Hospital Chiriquí last week to find the office and made the appointment then. That was when I was pleasantly surprised and today just continued the good feeling.
First, I have been going to US dermatologists for 25+ years. Raised in Florida + loving the tan = skin cancer. This is a brief description of my dealings with US dermatologists. Call for an appointment and wait at least 3 months to...
My husband and I had our first doctor visit, a dermatologist. We visited Hospital Chiriquí last week to find the office and made the appointment then. That was when I was pleasantly surprised and today just continued the good feeling.
First, I have been going to US dermatologists for 25+ years. Raised in Florida + loving the tan = skin cancer. This is a brief description of my dealings with US dermatologists. Call for an appointment and wait at least 3 months to get one. Arrive on time and fill out page after page of redundant information. Wait so long that I talk to other people in the waiting room and find that many have the exact same appointment time as me. Finally get called into a room to wait again. Doctor comes in for no more than 2 minutes and ASK ME where the problems are. Aren’t they the ones who went to medical school? Zap, zap, and maybe a biopsy and the doctor is gone for another 3-4 months. I’m willing to bet they don’t even know my name.
Today was completely different. David and I had appointments scheduled 20 minutes apart. No one was scheduled at the same time or between our appointments. Twenty whole minutes of undivided attention. Dra. Rodriguez came to get us and took our basic information. Without asking, she examined my entire body – including my scalp which is never done – and found several spots needing attention.
Dra. Rodriguez did not have a nurse in the office. She needed to fill the liquid nitrogen canister and did it herself in the office. She attacked several pre-cancer spots and then took a biopsy. She explained the care of my treatment, wrote a prescription and asked if I had any questions. They she explained about when I would hear about my biopsy results. David was also seen, treated and given a prescription. We entered her office on time and left 40 minutes later. At no time did I feel rushed.
This treatment cost $35 each, just $5 more than my deductible in the US. This is the first time I feel like I was actually ‘seen’ by a dermatologist. My friends say the same things about all the doctors they have seen in Chiriquí. Not only is it affordable but pleasant too.
Posted September 25, 2013
Spokesperson - Centro Medico Mae Lewis
Many of the doctors in David, which is the closest large city to Boquete, have received training in the U.S. At Hospital Mae Lewis (where I work), the doctors are experienced, many speak excellent English and have received training at U.S. universities or U.S. hospitals.
Many of the doctors in David, which is the closest large city to Boquete, have received training in the U.S. At Hospital Mae Lewis (where I work), the doctors are experienced, many speak excellent English and have received training at U.S. universities or U.S. hospitals.
Posted December 20, 2013
Paul McBride - Inside Panama Real Estate
The question "Are the doctors in Boquete good?" is actually a very good question and speaks to the heart of the health care system, not just here in Panama but throughout the world.
When you think about the local doctors in Boquete, think about a small town doctor’s office in the US back in the 1950’s. The doctors work out of private clinics (usually in the same place they live) and they really are the first line of...
The question "Are the doctors in Boquete good?" is actually a very good question and speaks to the heart of the health care system, not just here in Panama but throughout the world.
When you think about the local doctors in Boquete, think about a small town doctor’s office in the US back in the 1950’s. The doctors work out of private clinics (usually in the same place they live) and they really are the first line of medical care for most people. They are general practitioners and are good at the small ailments that we all experience in our day-to-day lives. They are extremely good at treating things like colds, flus, respiratory ailments, stomach problems, bone breaks and muscle strains. These issues account for 80% to 90% of the reasons we visit doctors.
Like most things here in Panama, for the expat community the language barrier is a major consideration when choosing a doctor. If you can’t communicate with your doctor it’s going to be difficult for him or her to diagnose your problem. Fortunately, in Boquete we have at least two very good doctors who speak and understand English well enough for most expats to explain what ails them. Dr. Chen and Dr. Sue both work out of their private clinics near downtown Boquete. My wife had a minor medical problem recently and on the advice of many of our friends we visited Dr. Sue’s office. I can honestly say that Dr. Sue is one of the best general practitioners that I have ever met. She is empathetic, a good listener, takes time to really discuss the problem and then goes over her diagnosis and treatment in clear detail so the patient leaves with a specific course of action. Doctors all over the world tend to be less than sympathetic (it’s the nature of the business) but Dr. Sue is the rare exception.
This brings me to discuss the general medical system in Panama. For minor ailments, the local doctor is the first choice. As the issue becomes more complex and harder to diagnose, the next step is to visit one of the two main hospitals in David (a city about 40 minutes away) – Hospital Chiriqui or Mae Lewis Hospital. Both of these facilities have a larger medical staff, a list of specialists and testing equipment and labs to perform more complex tests and procedures. If there is still an issue or a very complex medical problem, most people go to Panama City to visit one of the larger hospitals like Punta Pacifica or Punta Paitilla. These hospitals have state of the art medical equipment, well trained specialists and surgical facilities to handle almost any problem. Finally, if the problem is still too complicated (or too expensive) expats will generally go back to their home countries to seek medical attention. Canada and the UK have national health care and the US has Medicare for people over 65 (most of the expats who live in Boquete fit that age group).
It’s important to understand that in Panama the patient is responsible for their own medical records. Personally, I like this system. What this means is that if your doctor orders a blood test, an X-ray, an MRI, ultrasound or any of a variety of procedures, you (as the patient) are responsible for picking up the results and taking them to your doctor. The doctor will review the results, take a note, then hand them back to you. You keep these records on file and are responsible for their safe keeping. This does a couple of things. First off, it reduces the cost and administration burden for the doctor and this saves money (he or she doesn’t need to maintain thousands of personal medical records). Secondly, this allows you, the patient, to take the test results to any doctor or hospital you choose, whether it’s in Panama or back home. To me, this is the ultimate in personal medical freedom.
In summary, the medical care in Panama is good but you have to understand the various limitations of the system and take responsibility for your own health care.
Like most things here in Panama, for the expat community the language barrier is a major consideration when choosing a doctor. If you can’t communicate with your doctor it’s going to be difficult for him or her to diagnose your problem. Fortunately, in Boquete we have at least two very good doctors who speak and understand English well enough for most expats to explain what ails them. Dr. Chen and Dr. Sue both work out of their private clinics near downtown Boquete. My wife had a minor medical problem recently and on the advice of many of our friends we visited Dr. Sue’s office. I can honestly say that Dr. Sue is one of the best general practitioners that I have ever met. She is empathetic, a good listener, takes time to really discuss the problem and then goes over her diagnosis and treatment in clear detail so the patient leaves with a specific course of action. Doctors all over the world tend to be less than sympathetic (it’s the nature of the business) but Dr. Sue is the rare exception.
This brings me to discuss the general medical system in Panama. For minor ailments, the local doctor is the first choice. As the issue becomes more complex and harder to diagnose, the next step is to visit one of the two main hospitals in David (a city about 40 minutes away) – Hospital Chiriqui or Mae Lewis Hospital. Both of these facilities have a larger medical staff, a list of specialists and testing equipment and labs to perform more complex tests and procedures. If there is still an issue or a very complex medical problem, most people go to Panama City to visit one of the larger hospitals like Punta Pacifica or Punta Paitilla. These hospitals have state of the art medical equipment, well trained specialists and surgical facilities to handle almost any problem. Finally, if the problem is still too complicated (or too expensive) expats will generally go back to their home countries to seek medical attention. Canada and the UK have national health care and the US has Medicare for people over 65 (most of the expats who live in Boquete fit that age group).
It’s important to understand that in Panama the patient is responsible for their own medical records. Personally, I like this system. What this means is that if your doctor orders a blood test, an X-ray, an MRI, ultrasound or any of a variety of procedures, you (as the patient) are responsible for picking up the results and taking them to your doctor. The doctor will review the results, take a note, then hand them back to you. You keep these records on file and are responsible for their safe keeping. This does a couple of things. First off, it reduces the cost and administration burden for the doctor and this saves money (he or she doesn’t need to maintain thousands of personal medical records). Secondly, this allows you, the patient, to take the test results to any doctor or hospital you choose, whether it’s in Panama or back home. To me, this is the ultimate in personal medical freedom.
In summary, the medical care in Panama is good but you have to understand the various limitations of the system and take responsibility for your own health care.
Posted July 3, 2014
Philip McGuigan - Chiriqui United, an Association of the leading humanitarian organizations in the Chiriqui Province of Panama
My experience in Boquete is with a wonderful doctor, Dr. Chen, who works at the government clinic half the day and after lunch is in his office. He is just terrific, and so are the doctors who cover for him in the morning. I use him if I have something for which I don’t want to go to Hospital Chiriqui in David (the closest larger city, about 40 minutes away) and does not require a specialist.
If I have a more complex medical problem, we are covered, as are most...
If I have a more complex medical problem, we are covered, as are most...
My experience in Boquete is with a wonderful doctor, Dr. Chen, who works at the government clinic half the day and after lunch is in his office. He is just terrific, and so are the doctors who cover for him in the morning. I use him if I have something for which I don’t want to go to Hospital Chiriqui in David (the closest larger city, about 40 minutes away) and does not require a specialist.
If I have a more complex medical problem, we are covered, as are most expats here in Boquete, by a contract. Our particular contract is with the Hospital Chiriqui, which I believe has the largest group of clients in Boquete. Hospital Chiriqui is a full service hospital; and it is first class. The current contract for my wife and me at Hospital Chiriqui cost $1,606.50 for the year. We purchased a cancer rider for the year for an additional $100.
Dr. Chen practices medicine in a traditional European way, living above his office. So if someone gets hurt in the middle of the night, it is Dr. Chen who gets the call; and he’s available. His fees are very reasonable, usually $10 or $15 for most things.
If I have a more complex medical problem, we are covered, as are most expats here in Boquete, by a contract. Our particular contract is with the Hospital Chiriqui, which I believe has the largest group of clients in Boquete. Hospital Chiriqui is a full service hospital; and it is first class. The current contract for my wife and me at Hospital Chiriqui cost $1,606.50 for the year. We purchased a cancer rider for the year for an additional $100.
Dr. Chen practices medicine in a traditional European way, living above his office. So if someone gets hurt in the middle of the night, it is Dr. Chen who gets the call; and he’s available. His fees are very reasonable, usually $10 or $15 for most things.
Posted July 6, 2014
Linda Jensen
I would rate the doctors we’ve had experience with in Boquete to be as good as any of the doctors we had in Mineral Wells (which is where we used to live, about 40 miles west of Fort Worth, Texas). The doctors in Boquete are well trained.
The price for us to go to the doctor in Boquete is $7.50 in one clinic to $10.00 at another clinic. (We get the Pensionado discount.) You can get in to see the doctor usually within 45 minutes.
When I get...
The price for us to go to the doctor in Boquete is $7.50 in one clinic to $10.00 at another clinic. (We get the Pensionado discount.) You can get in to see the doctor usually within 45 minutes.
When I get...
I would rate the doctors we’ve had experience with in Boquete to be as good as any of the doctors we had in Mineral Wells (which is where we used to live, about 40 miles west of Fort Worth, Texas). The doctors in Boquete are well trained.
The price for us to go to the doctor in Boquete is $7.50 in one clinic to $10.00 at another clinic. (We get the Pensionado discount.) You can get in to see the doctor usually within 45 minutes.
When I get medicine here in Boquete, the writing on the label is in Spanish. When I translate it, it turns out that what I was given was exactly what I should have been given (which was often not the case in the US). I’m very pleased with the medical care here in Boquete.
We have several doctors’ offices here in Boquete. There is one doctor who has a large quantity of gringo patients. If you have anything major wrong with you, as a gringo you would probably go to Panama City, which has some very fine hospitals.
The price for us to go to the doctor in Boquete is $7.50 in one clinic to $10.00 at another clinic. (We get the Pensionado discount.) You can get in to see the doctor usually within 45 minutes.
When I get medicine here in Boquete, the writing on the label is in Spanish. When I translate it, it turns out that what I was given was exactly what I should have been given (which was often not the case in the US). I’m very pleased with the medical care here in Boquete.
We have several doctors’ offices here in Boquete. There is one doctor who has a large quantity of gringo patients. If you have anything major wrong with you, as a gringo you would probably go to Panama City, which has some very fine hospitals.
Posted July 25, 2014
Lola Braxton - Services Toby
Boquete is a small town in the province of Chiriquí, Panama. The closest city to Boquete is the provincial capital of David, which is less than 40 minutes away by car. For serious medical issues, the people in Boquete come to David.
I’m not familiar with the doctors in Boquete, but in reference to the doctors here in David, I can personally say that from the doctors we have used personally, or even the doctors our clients have been attended by have been...
I’m not familiar with the doctors in Boquete, but in reference to the doctors here in David, I can personally say that from the doctors we have used personally, or even the doctors our clients have been attended by have been...
Boquete is a small town in the province of Chiriquí, Panama. The closest city to Boquete is the provincial capital of David, which is less than 40 minutes away by car. For serious medical issues, the people in Boquete come to David.
I’m not familiar with the doctors in Boquete, but in reference to the doctors here in David, I can personally say that from the doctors we have used personally, or even the doctors our clients have been attended by have been very good. Getting an appointment with the doctors here is very easy and you are attended almost immediately. From my experience about the doctors here I can personally say I have had either the doctor call me or even their secretaries have called me to see how I was recuperating. And our clients have experienced the same thing.
I’m not familiar with the doctors in Boquete, but in reference to the doctors here in David, I can personally say that from the doctors we have used personally, or even the doctors our clients have been attended by have been very good. Getting an appointment with the doctors here is very easy and you are attended almost immediately. From my experience about the doctors here I can personally say I have had either the doctor call me or even their secretaries have called me to see how I was recuperating. And our clients have experienced the same thing.
Posted October 25, 2014
Georgina Chanapi - Lucero Homes Golf & Country Club
Finding a good doctor in Boquete could be difficult because we don’t have many good private clinics here. If you want to go to a good doctor or see a specialist, you have to go to David, which is 15 to 30 minutes away by car. Here in Boquete, we have a public clinic that’s open 24/7 where you can go directly if you have an emergency. Then you may later on decide to go to a private clinic in David. Healthcare is something that needs to improve...
Finding a good doctor in Boquete could be difficult because we don’t have many good private clinics here. If you want to go to a good doctor or see a specialist, you have to go to David, which is 15 to 30 minutes away by car. Here in Boquete, we have a public clinic that’s open 24/7 where you can go directly if you have an emergency. Then you may later on decide to go to a private clinic in David. Healthcare is something that needs to improve here in Boquete.
In David, there are good hospitals and doctors that were trained in the United States.
( Road to David, Panama, pictured.)
Posted April 5, 2015
Wee-Yiong Fung - Prestige Panama Realty
The doctors in Boquete are good, especially those that are in private clinics. In contrast, most of the doctors in public facilities are clerks and interns who are learning and sometimes they can make mistakes. There are only a few doctors in Boquete and most of them are general practitioners. The specialists are situated in David (pictured), which is a 30-minute ride from Boquete, and which is why a lot of people prefer going to David to seek medical care. ...
The doctors in Boquete are good, especially those that are in private clinics. In contrast, most of the doctors in public facilities are clerks and interns who are learning and sometimes they can make mistakes. There are only a few doctors in Boquete and most of them are general practitioners. The specialists are situated in David (pictured), which is a 30-minute ride from Boquete, and which is why a lot of people prefer going to David to seek medical care. The doctors in David provide the same quality of care as in the US because most of them have gone to study medicine in the US. They're very nice people and most of them speak English. They can help you out with anything you need at one-third of the price that you would pay in the US.
Posted July 4, 2015
GISELLE SOCARRAZ - Real Estate Chiriqui
The medical care in Panama is good. Thanks to the new road Boquete is 20 minutes away from Hospital Chiriquí Hospital (the general hospital). But if you are looking for something a little more specialized (and a little closer to Boquete proper), Boquete is home to the clinic of Dr. Chen, a very pleasant bilingual physician, and the famous Serenity Vista Addiction Center, which is home to several talented doctors (my son, the psychologist...
The medical care in Panama is good. Thanks to the new road Boquete is 20 minutes away from Hospital Chiriquí Hospital (the general hospital). But if you are looking for something a little more specialized (and a little closer to Boquete proper), Boquete is home to the clinic of Dr. Chen, a very pleasant bilingual physician, and the famous Serenity Vista Addiction Center, which is home to several talented doctors (my son, the psychologist recommends clients to them all the time). Overall, Boquete has excellent private doctors.
(Participants with Serenity Vista Addiction Center, Boquete, Panama, pictured, at an outing away from Boquete, at the ocean.)
Posted January 6, 2016
Evander Smart
Unfortunately, I cannot comment because I'm impervious to pain and immortal.
Evander
Unfortunately, I cannot comment because I'm impervious to pain and immortal.
Evander
Posted January 23, 2016