Went to CMC today at 2 PM to schedule an EKG. Scheduling - A western idea.
Was told no problem, no need to schedule, we can do it right away sir. So I paid 2000 pesos at the caja to the nice woman for what I thought was the EKG but no, only a consultation. (price to good to be true) but I got in to the 1st room very fast. I'm impressed (I shouldn't have been).
The consultation lasted 30 seconds and consisted of the very nice man (assuming he was a doctor) copy my name off a cédula stamp it and sign his name over the stamp). No words spoken other than hello may I see your cedula and oh you're a gringo. Waste of a doctor's talents.
OK for my 2000 pesos I got a blue ink stamp on a receipt with my name.
Then I take the 2000 peso paper to the back where they take it and send me back up front to the caja to pay again for the actual EKG. Then return with 2nd receipt to the back again to wait (and wait). I saw several dozen others, who came in after and were seen - but for different things, I understand - lucky them.
At 4 PM I advised them I would need to leave soon to pick up a child from school.
After 2-1/2 hours, now 4:35, I apologized again that I had to now leave & go pick up my step daughter and they said the EKG tech is ready. Sorry I said just can't wait - so I left picked her up from school dropped her off, fed the dog and returned an hour later, and this time only waited 5 minutes and he saw me. Great.
The guy who did the EKG I had seen walking around earlier chatting with friends during that prior 2 1/2 hours wait. The EKG took only 7 minutes & done and a 16" printout.
During my long wait I had seen this pleasant young man standing in the hall chatting for longer than the EKG actually took.
I think I like the idea of a scheduled appointment much better.
I think Bourignal is a little more organized and professional, last time I was there I was in and out in 20 minutes. But I hope for the rest of the people who use the local hospital in Sosua CMC works for you.
But for me - if I'm ever unconscious I request to please load me on an ambulance and haul me to Puerto Plata. Even with traffic and the drive I think I'll be seen quicker.
Was told no problem, no need to schedule, we can do it right away sir. So I paid 2000 pesos at the caja to the nice woman for what I thought was the EKG but no, only a consultation. (price to good to be true) but I got in to the 1st room very fast. I'm impressed (I shouldn't have been).
The consultation lasted 30 seconds and consisted of the very nice man (assuming he was a doctor) copy my name off a cédula stamp it and sign his name over the stamp). No words spoken other than hello may I see your cedula and oh you're a gringo. Waste of a doctor's talents.
OK for my 2000 pesos I got a blue ink stamp on a receipt with my name.
Then I take the 2000 peso paper to the back where they take it and send me back up front to the caja to pay again for the actual EKG. Then return with 2nd receipt to the back again to wait (and wait). I saw several dozen others, who came in after and were seen - but for different things, I understand - lucky them.
At 4 PM I advised them I would need to leave soon to pick up a child from school.
After 2-1/2 hours, now 4:35, I apologized again that I had to now leave & go pick up my step daughter and they said the EKG tech is ready. Sorry I said just can't wait - so I left picked her up from school dropped her off, fed the dog and returned an hour later, and this time only waited 5 minutes and he saw me. Great.
The guy who did the EKG I had seen walking around earlier chatting with friends during that prior 2 1/2 hours wait. The EKG took only 7 minutes & done and a 16" printout.
During my long wait I had seen this pleasant young man standing in the hall chatting for longer than the EKG actually took.
I think I like the idea of a scheduled appointment much better.
I think Bourignal is a little more organized and professional, last time I was there I was in and out in 20 minutes. But I hope for the rest of the people who use the local hospital in Sosua CMC works for you.
But for me - if I'm ever unconscious I request to please load me on an ambulance and haul me to Puerto Plata. Even with traffic and the drive I think I'll be seen quicker.