Servimed, Cabarete

[swellsurfcampcabarete]

Apologies if this particular take on the topic has already been running (I know there was a thread on Bournigal's new ownership of Servimed Cabarete).

I'd like to report that one of our clients had a minor ear infection this week and we suggested him to go to Servimed, which he did. Without insurance, his bill for a 5 min consult + antibiotics came to $250 USD. The Director of the clinic told me, 'don't worry, the insurance pays for it' (in this case, the boy had not taken his documents with him).

The director also told me that now $100 is the standard charge for the consultations regardless of condition. Be warned before stepping inside, it will now cost you or your insurance company (and therefore all of us eventually) big bucks.

 

[SKY]

Apologies if this particular take on the topic has already been running (I know there was a thread on Bournigal's new ownership of Servimed Cabarete).

I'd like to report that one of our clients had a minor ear infection this week and we suggested him to go to Servimed, which he did. Without insurance, his bill for a 5 min consult + antibiotics came to $250 USD. The Director of the clinic told me, 'don't worry, the insurance pays for it' (in this case, the boy had not taken his documents with him).

The director also told me that now $100 is the standard charge for the consultations regardless of condition. Be warned before stepping inside, it will now cost you or your insurance company (and therefore all of us eventually) big bucks.

What a joke. Before it was 700 pesos for a consultation. And do not be so sure that you will ever get your money back from the Insurance Company either.

 

[MerengueDutchie]

gringo pricing vs dominican pricing

Is this gringo pricing only?

I wonder what they charge the Dominicans that go there.

 

[Expat-in-Cabarete]

The consultation fee has been $100 for a while, if you're a tourist. For locals and expats, the consultation fee is RD$ 500. We are now sending our guests to CMC in Sosua. It's worth paying for the transportation costs. CMC does bill foreign insurance for tourists and expats; but if you pay cash, the consultation fee is $500 and the emergency room fee is also $500. If they need to call a specialist, then his/her fee could be upwards of RD$ 2,000.

 

[MerengueDutchie]

The consultation fee has been $100 for a while, if you're a tourist. For locals and expats, the consultation fee is RD$ 500. We are now sending our guests to CMC in Sosua. It's worth paying for the transportation costs. CMC does bill foreign insurance for tourists and expats; but if you pay cash, the consultation fee is $500 and the emergency room fee is also $500. If they need to call a specialist, then his/her fee could be upwards of RD$ 2,000.

Thanks for the information. I don't want to nitpick but I think the info is important: I take it that the consultation and emergency room fee is DR$ 500 for CMC not US$ 500?

 

[SKY]

This is all pretty hard to swallow, as the consultation fees in Bournigal Clinic in Puerta Plata range from 500-700 rd for all the specialists over there. They are the company that owns Servi-Med now.

It is apparent that they feel they can soak the Gringos in the area. Just go elsewhere and they will get the message.

 

[swellsurfcampcabarete]

CMC is the way to go

In comparison, my son upon breaking his nose 3 months ago, stayed in the CMC overnight, had an operation and was looked after with 1st class treatment by several health professionals for the sum of $650.00 USD.

One Pediatrician and two nurses who are currently staying at our hotel have described the treatment and medication in my OP as inappropriate and used the words 'insurance fraud'.

The result unfortunately will be, with such blatant profiteering, that the DR may eventually find itself as an 'uncoverable' area in insurance terms.

 

[anng3]

Where is CMC located in Sosua?

 

[jrhartley]

between la mulata road and tradewinds on the opposite side of the road coming from Cabarete

 

[anng3]

between la mulata road and tradewinds on the opposite side of the road coming from Cabarete

Thanks for the info. Is that the new hospital?

 

[MerengueDutchie]

Thanks for the info. Is that the new hospital?

Yep, brand spanking new.

 

[LindseyKaufman]

Yes, anng3, it is the new hospital.

The owners are working very hard to get established and find success. They have put their heart and souls into this project.

I have worked with them and other local hospitals through my non-profit volunteer work. I am there at least 3-4 days a week in a liaison capacity. After everything I have seen, I would not hesitate at all to be treated at CMC myself, should the need occur.

Lindsey

 

[SKY]

Yes, anng3, it is the new hospital.

The owners are working very hard to get established and find success. They have put their heart and souls into this project.

I have worked with them and other local hospitals through my non-profit volunteer work. I am there at least 3-4 days a week in a liaison capacity. After everything I have seen, I would not hesitate at all to be treated at CMC myself, should the need occur.

Lindsey

Roberto, the owner is a first class guy, should be a success.

 

[Expat-in-Cabarete]

Thanks for the information. I don't want to nitpick but I think the info is important: I take it that the consultation and emergency room fee is DR$ 500 for CMC not US$ 500?

Yes, I meant to type RD$500 for consultation and RD$500 emergency room fee. If I recall correctly, it's RD$700 for X rays. These are quotes given to me at the beginning of this week by Dr. Spitale's wife on the phone. I did send one of our customers who required X rays (I don't know how many though or if an orthopedic surgeon was called); his total bill was around US$ 80.

 

[Ken]

Lindsey, where do the doctors come from? If a cardiologist, orthopedic doctor, or some other specialty is required by a person going to the emergency room, do you know where the doctors come from?

What kind of medical staff do they have there on a regular, daily basis? Besides interns and nurses, that is?

I think we are fortunate in Sosua to n ow have an emergency room closer than Puerto Plata, but it would be good to know more about the doctors.

I'm asking you because you indicated you are spending a considerable amount of time at the hospital so, by now, should have a pretty good idea of the staff and consulting doctors.

 

[LindseyKaufman]

Lindsey, where do the doctors come from? If a cardiologist, orthopedic doctor, or some other specialty is required by a person going to the emergency room, do you know where the doctors come from?

What kind of medical staff do they have there on a regular, daily basis? Besides interns and nurses, that is?

I think we are fortunate in Sosua to n ow have an emergency room closer than Puerto Plata, but it would be good to know more about the doctors.

I'm asking you because you indicated you are spending a considerable amount of time at the hospital so, by now, should have a pretty good idea of the staff and consulting doctors.

The specialist doctors are not there full time. They have certain days they are there and have office hours for consultation. However if there is a special case or emergency, the specialist may come in beyond his/her regular days for surgery or other needs.

The pediatrician and an orthopedic specialist are there every day, I believe. The neurologist is there every day, as he is one of the owners. The emergency room is always staffed with a doctor and a nurse.

As far as testing goes....you can do blood work, have an x-ray, a mammogram, a tomography, and I believe, a sonogram on any day. They recently lost their sonographer. There were a couple of weeks when we had to have an appointment for sonography, but I believe, now they have someone full time.

To be honest, Ken2, I don't know where they all come from. I do know that some of them also work in nearby hospitals.

I bring patients in on a regular basis who need various tests run. I never have needed an appointment, except during that period when they lost their sonographer. We have done blood transfusions without an appointment. Have had many consults- without an appointment pre-arranged. And we have had four surgeries done there.

My background is not medical, so beyond saying that all the equipment is brand new, I cannot comment on the expertise level of the various doctors. I can say with certainty, that you will receive more personalized, caring care than what is offered in the U.S., where I come from.

To get the most accurate information, I recommend you stop in CMC, ask to speak with Mary Jo, give her my name if you wish, ask for a tour and prices. I am sure she will be happy to give you any and all the information you need.

 

[Ken]

Thanks, Lindsey, I'll take your advice and visit the hospital.

Also, I have an appointment with my doctor at Bournigal in a couple of weeks and plan to ask her whether doctors from there are also working at CMC.

 

[LindseyKaufman]

Will CMC ever take Dominican insurance plans?

Windeguy, why don't you call Mary Jo at CMC or stop by and ask her? They do take some insurance plans. I am sure of that. Since I work with a clinic for the destitute, we deal with the hospital on a cash basis. Thus, I am not familiar with the specifics of their insurance plans. Sorry I can't offer more information.

Lindsey

 

[LindseyKaufman]

Thanks, Lindsey, I'll take your advice and visit the hospital.

Also, I have an appointment with my doctor at Bournigal in a couple of weeks and plan to ask her whether doctors from there are also working at CMC.

Ken2, I do know that some of the doctors at CMC also work at Bournigal.

Please report back here after you visit. I see the hospital only in one capacity. Have never used it as a patient myself. I would be interested in the other point of view.

Lindsey

 

[snowbird44]

Apologies if this particular take on the topic has already been running (I know there was a thread on Bournigal's new ownership of Servimed Cabarete).

I'd like to report that one of our clients had a minor ear infection this week and we suggested him to go to Servimed, which he did. Without insurance, his bill for a 5 min consult + antibiotics came to $250 USD. The Director of the clinic told me, 'don't worry, the insurance pays for it' (in this case, the boy had not taken his documents with him).

The director also told me that now $100 is the standard charge for the consultations regardless of condition. Be warned before stepping inside, it will now cost you or your insurance company (and therefore all of us eventually) big bucks.

This is indeed bad news and thanks for letting everybody know. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for this other than gringo gouging.
My husband had a problem last year and was referred to the Bournigal by Dr. Plout at Servimed. After all kinds of tests and seeing a specialist, he paid RD$2500 out of pocket.
On the other hand, my insurance was billed $450 for two office consultations and labwork (blood, urine and stool) when I had amoebas two years ago.
The next time I needed to go there I paid RD$300.

My question is: would they still demand these exorbitant amounts, if you tell them you have no insurance?