The cost of a hospital stay at one of Santo Domingo’s private clinics ranges from RD$6,000 to RD$12,000 per day, excluding the doctor’s bills. Journalist Doris Pantaleon writes in today’s Listin Diario that if the treatment consists of cardio-vascular surgery or intensive care, the families have to “put their trust in God” since these are the most expensive services the clinics offer. Since doctor’s fees are not regulated in any way, the daily cost can vary from RD$2,000 to RD$20,000 per day. The use of an operating room can cost as much as RD$2,000 to RD$3,000 per hour, plus another several thousand pesos for expendable items. Generally speaking, the journalist says that a three day stay for a non-insured patient will run to about RD$50,000. These expenses can be reduced by about 70% if the patient is affiliated to an HMO or has insurance of another type.