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Health
Tourism ...
by infocostarica.com staff
published 20-jun-05
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Costa Rica is
well known around the world as a premier eco-tourism destination.
Its stunning scenery, ideal climate and friendly locals have been
luring travelers from across the globe intent on discovering its
wealth of natural treasures. With all the focus on Costa Rica’s
natural attractions, many people are not aware that the country
is also a top destination for a growing number of foreigners looking
for quality health care at rock bottom prices.
Mirror, mirror on the wall…
Each year thousands of men and women take advantage
of the low-cost, high-quality care provided by Costa Rica's cosmetic
surgeons and dentists. In fact, a 1991 survey conducted by the
University of Costa Rica found that 14.25% of all visitors to
Costa Rica come to receive some sort of medical care - most often
cosmetic surgery and dental work.
In a typical scenario, a patient will fly down
to Costa Rica and remain in the country between 7 and 10 days,
enough time for the surgery and recovery period. Frequently, the
trip combines the esthetic procedures with tourism objectives.
Many times the first days are spent sightseeing, followed by the
planned cosmetic treatment and then some more sightseeing during
the convalescent period.
No I’m not a doctor, but I just
stayed at a …
Some people may initially be put off by the thought
of traveling to a third world country for reconstructive cosmetic
surgery. How do I know the doctor is really a doctor? Is there
any kind of government regulation? It’s certainly better
to be safe than sorry (especially when your face hangs in the
balance). Prospective travelers should research all aspects of
the procedure as well as the physician’s experience and
qualifications. That said, Costa Rica possesses one of the best
health care systems in Latin America, in some respects it has
been ranked even higher than the U.S. Costa Rica’s cosmetic
surgery specialists are fully trained and certified by a national
medical association and experienced in the latest and most effective
cosmetic surgery and non-surgical techniques related to patient
make over needs. In order to assist consumers in identifying suitably
experienced and qualified plastic surgeons, the Costa Rica Plastic
Surgery Board maintains listings of credentialed physicians who
are fully certified members of the association. The Costa Rica
board can verify whether a particular doctor is presently certified
or is completing training in preparation for certification.
Doctor,
doctor give me the news…
Procedures
routinely offered by plastic surgeons in Costa Rica include total
and partial face-lifts or reconstruction; tummy tucks; breast
reduction, augmentation and reconstruction; liposuction and liposculpture.
Prices however, are generally 50% lower than in North America.
For example, facial cosmetic surgery (face lift), one of the most
commonly performed procedures in the country, can cost from $6,000
to $12,000 in the United States. Comparable surgery in Costa Rica
will cost between $3,000 and $4,000 including clinic stay, medicines,
nursing care and the surgery. A visitor seeking dental work from
simple fillings to surgical implants and periodontics can also
anticipate large savings without compromising quality of care.
In Costa Rica, dental implants cost between $750 - $850 per implant,
compared to twice that in the U.S. While laboratory work in Costa
Rica is much less expensive than in the United States, all materials
are FDA approved and imported from the United States.
Are there
any disadvantages to cosmetic surgery in Costa Rica? Apart from
possibly not wanting to return home; traveling expenses are the
only downside we can see. A round trip ticket from most major
North American cities can range anywhere from $300 to $600 dollars
– not likely to be covered by your HMO. Still, considering
the extremely low health care costs and the additional benefit
of potential sight seeing, it’s usually a win-win situation.
Additionally, a growing number of companies are now offering health
care tourism packages that combine top-notch medical care with
relaxing stays in natural locations.
The
following is a list Costa Rican health care resources:
Plastic Surgeons
In Costa Rica www.costarica-surgeons.com/psurgeon.html
La Florecilla
Plastic surgery recovery and tours www.laflorecilla.com
Costa Rica
Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery by Rosenstock-Lieberman www.cosmetic-cr.com
Dr. Poveda Xatrucht www.drpoveda.com
Arnoldo Fournier,
M.D. www.cool.co.cr/usr/fournier//fournier.html
Meza Dental
Care www.mezadentalcare.com
Dental Retreat
in Costa Rica www.edenia.com/medical/anfuba.htm
DentaVac
www.dentavac.com
Hospital Clínica
Bíblica www.clinicabiblica.com
Hospital CIMA
San José www.hospitalcima.com
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