| Most Costa Rican doctors are excellent and have been trained
in Europe or North America. If you don't speak Spanish, you
don't have to worry. Many local doctors speak English, but
most receptionists and nurses do not. Doctor's fees for office
visits vary. A good private specialist usually charges between
$30 and $40 for each visit, although some doctors charge a
little more and others a little less.
Unlike many other places, doctors in Costa Rica take time
with patients to answer questions and listen. Doctors usually
give you their office, home and cell phone numbers as well
as pager number. It is not unusual for doctors to call their
patients at home to follow-up on care and medications, and
they will make house calls.
Doctors here are much less interested in making a profit
than serving the people. Considering there are no high malpractice
premiums to pay, physicians can make a good living without
charging exorbitant prices.
If you join Costa Rica's national health care system, you
do not have to pay for each office visit, only a small monthly
membership fee. If you have any questions about medical fees
or doctors, you should direct them to the Colegio de Médicos,
which is the Costa Rican equivalent of the AMA.
To find a good English-speaking physician or specialist,
talk to other retirees, look in the Yellow Pages under Médicos,
look for doctor's ads in the The Tico Times or see
the list at the end of this section.
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