The ninth August I’m at the Bay Pointe Hospital reading a book from my E-reader and enjoying my wait to see my Doctor. Refer to last week’s Article: LiP 08-06 (Hey Buddy, can you Spare a Stapler) BTW my next operation is a go on the 1st week of September.
Deeply involved in the book, I noticed a foreigner drop into the seat beside me. I was the only Kano sitting in the waiting room, so I kinda understood why he picked me, but his tale of woe started without me saying a word, I shut down my e-reader to hear what my fellow Kano had to say.
He was upset because he had just bought a new car and was not going to be able to use it for months. I asked why, and explained to him that because of my loss of balance (After my operation) I now use a walking stick and on my own decision won’t drive my car as I don’t feel I’m ready yet. My new friend also was lamenting the high cost of airline fare to get him back to a US Hospital.
So I gleaned that he was not utilizing Philippine Medical care and he felt safer flying to the US of A for medical treatment, but he was interested in why I decided to have it done here. I explained that mine was an emergency that threatened my life and flying was never an option. But then I also stated that I trusted my Doctors and never had a bug-out plan. But I respect his right to his opinion to fly home.
Still waiting, and still talking with my new found buddy I found that his doctor was also my doctor and we had similar ailments but he was not bleeding and he was still in the very early stage of the treatment phase with plenty of time to think about it.
So he asked me what I thought. I said; “Hey my friend, the dude saved my life and I’m steady on the road to full recovery!” My opinion, I guaranteed was tainted in the doctors favor. But I still told him that it was his and only his decision to make.
He is not the first Foreigner to feel the way he does, and nothing I could do or say could change his mind, as if I’d even wanted to try. Part of the problem is with the Philippine rich, who fly to Europe, other parts of Asia and the US of A for medical treatment, so I can’t blame him.
Me, I’m pleased with the care I’ve received and the cost of what I had to pay, when he is stateside he’ll have to pay his co pay on US prices not Philippine prices. I saw his eyes light up when I said that; (Remember the airfare too).
Of course I will said nothing to our doctor, as that would not be my right to do so, I hope it all works out for him, and that this will be his only medical problem he’ll have at his age and while living here, because all those trips to the land of the big PX could become very expensive.
I might be 100% wrong in the way I think, don’t think so, but once more; “That’s Your Opinion.”
In my case I had the Colon cancer tumor removal operation here in the states just before my scheduled vacation trip to the PI. (Delayed my trip for a year) Here I use the VA hospital and I don’t know why, but that operation was totally paid for by the VA. Being old, I all so have Medicare, maybe that paid part of it. My total cost was $25.00 for the first office visit and $8.00 for the getting out pain pills. Over there I don’t qualify for VA so what ever it would have cost above Philhealth would have been on me.
Loren;
That makes sense too’ since you were already in the US of A, this Guy has been here over 10 years and is still worried I wish him the best Again I’ll have to be the one to be the one, to tell the ladies at Texas Joe’s that you’ll not be here; there will be some pretty upset cowgirls, but still pretty!
Paul,
Have to agree with you on your opinion. Until you have had a major medical problem or surgery here i guess there is some apprehension about medical care. I myself did not have any worries about my gallbladder surgery after my gastrologist said my surgeon was one of the best in the Philippines. They both trained there and practiced there. He was right, he did a very good job. Can’t beat the cost. I will have no problem in the future trusting my health with any Philippine dr.
PapaDuck;
Thank you for proving my point, if you are confident about treatment here or flying somewhere else it is 100% up to you. I hate to fly and ships albeit I love riding them are too slow. I’m staying put!
Hello,
I am a retired US Marine Living on Negros Oriental,here in the provinces we do not have ST.Lukes,but we do have a good Teaching Hospital here Called,Silliman University Hospital and I was a Guest there in December 2013 and all things considered I think I got the same care as I would have gotten in the US.
I also have Phil Heath because the VA is to cheap here to pay for Hospitalization even though I am rated 100% disabled for 4 major conditions.I feel safe here with medical care.
Bob
USMC Ret.
Semper Fi
Never seen an ugly one there yet.
Loren;
Truer words have not been spoken!
I’d wager that my medical problems in the Philippines pale in comparison with yours. I’ve had a couple of bouts with blood clots traveling to my lungs. Though serious, I’ve survived.
I too have heard expats say that they’d return to the US at any expense when it comes to their healthcare. They seem convinced that they’d receive better care in the US (if they survived the plane trip). I don’t really care and have no sympathy with them. They can believe what they wish to believe.
They apparently haven’t heard about Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok. It seems to be the choice of the month for those who have lost confidence in their own country’s healthcare.
I can’t blame one who suffers and who feels they must go abroad for “better” care. Personally, I’ve found healthcare quite adequate in the Philippines. More specifically Cebu Doctor’s and Chong Hua, both in Cebu City. They’ve both serviced my needs quite adequately.
We have a friend who’s mom is suffering complications from her diabetes. She was visiting family in Manila and sought help from St. Luke’s when her kidney’s shut down. Two weeks of ICU there has cost the family over PhP500,000. They are attempting to get her well enough to transport her to the US where she can use Medicare, and they are still not sure that she’ll survive the trip.
These are very serious issues and I can’t judge one person’s choice over another. I’m pretty certain that I’ll not be going so far when I need that help, but that’s my decision.
Ronald;
I don’t believe it was ever a contest as to whose medical problem was more serious, Plus, as I said and then repeated within the article I respect the other person’s point of view, as to staying here or going abroad. I am pleased that all worked out so well for you.
I hope your friend’s mother’s situation improves and all comes out fine for her and the family.
My shipmate had his cancer go into remission after treatment at Saint Luke’s in Manila; he is cancer free for six years now and swears by the place. It a decision that each person, must make on their own, and you sir: stay well in the future.
Paul, no, It was not my intent to imply that we were in a pissing contest! I don’t engage in that sort of thing. I think we are in agreement that excellent medical services are already available here in the archipelago. That’s not to say that anyone else’s choices are less valid.
Ronald;
Nor did I think you were, but sometimes my odd humor gets the best of me. I understand the person that travels for medical care, and until we have the treatment here we can’t appreciate how good the care is here. I’m happy going in the first week of Sept. and getting all by bits put back in place, I could fly now as there is no emergency, but I never will, I’m satisfied!!!
Hey Paul, glad to hear you can get your operation before 1 Oct. Would like to pm you about Tricare if you wouldn’t mind. Take care.
OB;
We have the surgery set for the first week of Sept., but the PM about Tricare is fine with me. Thanks!
I have had a few out-patient minor surgery’s here and I was impressed. Clean efficient surgeries, professional nursing staff and very knowledgeable Doctors.. from my experiences. I was hesitant at first but after, I am now confident I will get as good or better care here than I would normally in the states. So the US govt. can place their Obama care in the appropriate place where the sun never shines..
Richard;
If more people would give Philippine Medical Treatment a chance Manila airport would be less crowded. I agree with you I’ve not found any fault yet, dental treatment is A1 too!
After 8 years together my woman got pregnant but egg got stuck in fallopian tube she had a lot pain aborted ………..then had what they called a razma cleaning and scaping of uterus we did not know at the time there was a egg stuck in the fallopian tube a few days later after the razma she had bad pain again i rushed to a an ultra sound and they confirmed what had happened i called our doctor here a woman with many years experience and she rushed to the operating room to clear it up I never worried about the outcome as i had complete faith in her doctor..all is back to normal again… STILLMAN MEDICAL DUMAQUETE…
Lenny;
That sounds like the rule not the exception, I have found the medical care here is is some of the best I’ve ever had. I’m pleased that your lady, came out of it fine, Feeling confident about the care you receive is more important than the cost of the care.
Paul, (Shipmate)
Glad your scheduled for your next procedure, and fully recovering from the incident.
There are many of us that evaluated all concerns – Pro’s & Con’s of moving to and residing in the Philippines to include Medical & Dental for themselves and their loved ones.
There is no place to run to, there is only a prayer to be said, and hope that the Doctor treating you or them had a good nights sleep and is on their “A” Game!
Short of that the USA Hospitals have their problems and errors like anywhere else!
For the wife of 40+ years together and I we will put our lives in the hands of the local Doctors. . . When it’s our time – It is our time! Until then, I shall enjoy Sittin Bull’s, cold San Miguel, the family & friends, and LIFE! Let the next guy or gal worry about nothing! ! !
Terrence;
All hospitals the world over are breading grounds for infections, more that 150,000 people a year die because of a staph infection they picked up in a US hospital. My father was one of them.
With doctors we are subject to the same problems as US automakers once had, never buy a car that was built on a Monday (Workers were hung-over) or on a Friday as the workers were planning their next weekend. (Like a sailor with a liberty pass for a 72.) So doctors are subject to the same thing. (lol)
Texas Joe’s with a group of friends, Mongolian BBQ on Friday night at By-The Sea Resort or one of the other acts of joy that living here gives to us, and as you sais; “Then there is our families!”
As Alfred E Newman once said; “What Me Worry?”
Paul,
I few questions about Your article. “My loss of balance” is that your loss of balance or the foreigners? “My car” is that your car or the foreigners? “My operation” is that your operation or the foreigners?
Yes, I know one should be able to figure it all out using context clues, right? But I need your guidance.
Rusty
Rusty;
Yes! That’s the best you’ll get from me!
In 2012 when I had pneumonia twice in the same year, the first time I went to my local hospital here in New York, was in there 12 days, I think they over medicated me because they said I needed a blood transfusion. Cost billed to my insurance company $83,000 and I had a $1000 Co Pay for the private room ( the only kind of room available anymore ).
Turn the calandar ahear about 8 months. I am in Iligan City, Philippines and thought I was catching a cold. After 4 days went by and my cold relief stuff I had brought with me did not help I went to the Emergency Dept of a hospital I had already researched well before that visit. I was taken right in, no paperwork to fill out etc. They offered a private room for the equivalent of USD $52 per day and it was fully equipped with all convieniences ( but bring your own toilet paper ). Had a chest X-Ray and was informed I had pneumonia. The Doctor assigned to me told me Pneumonia is the number 5 killer in Philippines so I figured they must be experts at treating it. At this hospital I felt I was being treated more like a person and not just another number.
In only 5 days I was good to go but had to keep taking the prescribed medication for another 10 days or so. The Bill ? About the equivalent of $1000 USD plus the cost of medications. If I ever require hospitalization in the future, if at all possible I would fly to The Philippines.
http://liveinthephilippines.com/hospitalized-in-the-philippines/
Bob (NY)
In the states because of lawsuits and since insurance covers the people who work for a living, doctors are scared, and will over medicate and keep you for as long as they can, and to boost their own wages.
I can see the treatment from the states and here as different as night and day. That’s funny; I wish I could have told the guy beside me at the hospital your story, and the direction you would be flying.
Hi Paul!
I was wondering if you have any knowledge of American expats living in the province of Cagayan. I read about expats in the Visayas and Mindanao. Are there expats in Northern Luzon?
Thanks!
Jenna;
I really don’t know where one would garner that type of information, but a wild guess, I’d lean towards yes.
Hi Paul,
I would be completely shocked if there were not expats living near Baguio where the weather is cooler.
Peace
Jay
Jay;
I got the impression that the question was directed towards the far Northern section of Luzon. Because in Baguio it would be harder to find Filipinos than Kano’s and north of that is 100 Islands which is a major tourist spot, that was why I assumed, she meant the northern most coast.
But then, I’ve been wrong before!
Just got back from the 100 Islands 🙂 The 100 Islands are near Alaminos, Pangasinan, and are well SOUTH of Baguio. When someone says Northern Luzon to me, I think of Vigan, or somewhere up there!
SteveB;
Actually 100 Islands is a little south west of Baguio (Across the bay), if leaving Baguio you do drive a small distance (1 hour) south and downhill,then turn west for a short while and then head north again. Since I live in Bataan, most of Luzon is north of me. Ilocos Norte or Cagayan is the furthest North you can drive on Luzon and both are well north of Vigan City (Which I love to visit). Our point of reference is always where you’re standing when you are giving someone directions. (LOL)
I know the feeling about most of Luzon being north of Bataan – I live in Laguna and you’re WAY up north to me….haha
Hello Paul,
Good to hear they’ll patch you back up soon! Wasn’t there a discussion here about a fellow trying to get to the states because he had serious heart problems? I think, once he got to California, his surgeon asked him why he had left the Philippines. Turned out the guy who trained the California doctor was a Filipino heart surgeon in Manila, and was considered one of the best in the world.
Pete;
There is a justice in this world and it only cost a stateside round trip airline ticket. Very funny story, the first time I heard about it!
I know the feeling about most of Luzon being north of Bataan – I live in Laguna and you’re WAY up north to me….haha
SteveB;
In the states no southerner has ever retired and moved north.
Both my parents and my twin sister moved from Southern California to Wisconsin and Minnesota (respectively) when they retired, so some people DO have this fascination for cold weather! I was raised in Michigan and got out as soon as I could and moved to North Carolina…so I agree with you. I’m a Southerner by choice 🙂
Steve B;
Once more that point of reference deal; Southern California (I was stationed in San Diego) can in no way be compared with the southern (East Coast) states, I was also stationed in Virginia, South Carolina and Florida. Apples and oranges, I flew out of Boston in October 1964 and never saw snow again except in the movies. Baguio is to cold for me!
Hey Paul,
Glad to hear your medical problems got sorted out.
I have had my share of medical issues in the last couple years, all solved here and with great results.
Bone spur and damage to knee joint repaired via arthroscopic surgery and bone repair with stem cell therapy. US trained surgeon. Excellent success.
C4/C5/C6/C7 fusion surgery on C Spine vertebrae failing, US / Australian trained orthopaedic surgeon. Couldn’t be happier with the work.
Rotator cuff repair and bone spur removal. Same guy that did my knee. Excellent also. UNLV does train some great surgeons, him included.
Yes, you can get great work done here, for a fraction of the US and the quality is i feel better in many aspects. I had follow up with my ortho surgeon yesterday on my spinal issues. Spent an hour with him. All for 1000 PhP. VA picked up the bill. But he takes his time with you. Try that in the US where a lot of experts slam you in and out in 15 minute visitations if they think they can get by with it.
Prices are great for surgeries here, but always get a second opinion. I ran into a guy yesterday from Guam that was down here seeing a cardiologist. Found out they had been referring him here. He had been to Honolulu too but seemed to think this was better for care and workup on things he had, and knew of others that were coming down here for treatment too. Must be something to it. Insurance wasn’t the issue, nor was money, he could get treated anywhere. Just liked what they did and the convenience.
Of course, as always if it is something dire and needs extremely specialised consultation, you can always pick the US. Just remember the hassle factor and the costs involved. Most specialties are covered here and if you really want bleeding edge treatment for something, Singapore gets the highest ratings in the world, and is 3.5 hours away. I don’t know too many that avail of it, but they handle a lot of US patients too.
Hope you are on the road to full recovery my friend. Walking with a wobble is not fun, I can relate!
Rick
Rick;
From your list I’ll defer to you as the expert, but as so many others here on LiP we agree there is plenty of great medical care here on the Islands. I was injured on a ship and was offered medical care in Singapore which I knew was good, but I went to the states, because of Workman’s Comp and I could recuperate for free at my folk’s house. I would have come home to the Philippines but the insurance would not have paid me here.
I go in, in about 15 days to wrap this up, and am looking forward to finishing this once and for all and that cool refreshing beer in another month or two. My smoking is over forever, funny to say but I’ve not really missed it!
Paul,
Glad to hear you’ll finish up your procedure soon.
My wife and I have had several medical issues taken care of here at Angeles University Foundation Medical Center (AUFMC) here in Angeles City. Over the past 4-5 years I’ve had pneumonia, kidney stones (twice) and a few other things. My wife had e-coli in her blood stream (very serious) and was admitted to the hospital. Her “new” private room was GREAT with TV, refrigerator, A/C, etc. and my room cost (after Tricare) was about $15 per day. Doctors and staff gave excellent care. Total cost (5 days private room, doctor’s (3) fees, medications, etc.) was P100k and I paid only 25% when she was discharged (the hospital billed Tricare for the rest). We were very satisfied.
I was also pleased with my care when I saw the doc for pneumonia and kidney stones.
What I don’t like: The doctor is ALWAYS LATE for her clinic. Although she is supposed to be in her office 1300-1600 she always shows up around 1530-1600 and there are patients who’ve been waiting for a few hours. Other doctors we’ve seen are also late. I think it’s probably the same all over the Philippines. Other than being late for clinics, we’re satisfied. I suppose, if we really wanted to go to the U.S. for something serious, we would go to the Navy hospital in Guam. But we’re mostly satisfied with the care we received here.
Alan;
I was visiting my folks between merchant ships on Cape Cod in the early 90’s, so I also had some dental work done. The sign in the dentist office said I would be appraised $40.00 if over ten minutes late. That seemed fair and the following week, I had a 1500 appointment and his 1400 appointment went 20 minutes over. When paying my bill I told the receptionist to deduct $40.00 from my bill as my time is also valuable.
She was shocked but the dentist agreed (Albeit I was the first to charge him.) At the sailing club on Saturday he was with some friends and when I came in he called me over and told them the story and the laughing and joking began. Him and I hung around for the rest of the summer and had a great time.
Could you imagine that ever happening in the Philippines?
But if you read the other comments we all seem to agree that we are pleased with Philippine medical care! (Plus I’ll never complain about TriCare either!)
Hello Friends, I have been living here in the Philippines for 8 years now and had a bad medical diagnoses several years ago in our Local Medical Center. I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in my Prostate and told that they needed to remove my Prostate right away. Luckily I was able to get on a flight back to the U.S. that same night. The diagnoses at Scripps Clinic was a common UTI. I was given some medication to take for 7 day and it was over -My Doctor in the U.S. recommended I not go back to that hospital. The main problem in the Philippines, is that anyone can claim to be a Doctor and when caught, they only receive a small fine of several thousand pesos and no jail time. If you happen to find a good Doctor here in the Philippines -stick with him/her Tu Amigo Chon
Chon Quevedo;
I have been living here in the Philippines for over 20 years, and a situation such as yours will come up once in a while, but I don’t think it is the rule. I wondered why on your way to the airport you by passed all those great hospitals for a second opinion, it would have had to be cheaper than the air fare. Had you stopped for a check up, and the first doctor happened to be right instead of wrong, you were still close to the airport.
My hospital and my doctor have been vetted by a US medical team out of Singapore that is approved by my Tri-Care Insurance. So I was not worried at all with the quality of medical care I received. That is good advice to precheck the people and facilities ptior to climbing on a operating table even in the US of A.
hello bob i just like to ask my husband had a mild stroke last aug 15 2016 and this coming oct he need to go out in phil for his visa the prob is he is half paralize i dont know if he can travel he can extend again his visa for few months?what i need to do? i like to go in embassy as soon as we go out here in hospital he admitted here yesterday 2nd time pls help me rita
The Embassy cannot help you with Immigration matters. You should go to the Bureau of Immigration and see if they can offer assistance.
Bob;
The I-Card has to be renewed every 5 years, which beats having to exit the Philippines every year. The simple cost makes the I-card the better deal. This medical reason is just one more reason to get the I-card.
thank u bob
Rita,
If your husband has to leave the Philippines and return to renew his visa, he must be using a Visitor’s Visa.
As Bob has said, the Embassy can be no help. Has your husband considered obtaining a 13a Immigrant Visa instead?
every 2 months we renew his visa this coming oct its already 3 years last time he exit in hongkong oct 2013
thanks iwill go to immigration as soon he will go out in hospital
There might already be an article about Tricare in the Philippines that I missed, but if not that might be a good one to write about. There are a few retired military living here so could help.
Thank you,
Ray
Ray;
You should only get your Tri-care advice from an expert, not me. Now I’ll write about how it worked for me, because that is something I know. Tri-Care Singapore (They have a website and they have a phone number also) will fill you in on everything you need to know, my hospital has three young ladies that file all the paper work for you.
My Dear Friend, I pray you are never diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, a funny thing happens –you panic! Logic is out the window and the cost of a flight back to be with my Doctor at Scripps Clinic ASAP was the only thing on my mind Ha Ha Ha. Tu Amigo Chon
Chon;
I fully understand panic, I’m glad it turned out well for you!