Private AMBULANCE Service in Costa Rica - EMERGENCIAS MEDICAS

SOMETHING VERY WISE TO HAVE - FOR YOUR LIFE IN COSTA RICA (AND MORE PEACE OF MIND AND EASE)!!!

Private AMBULANCE Service in Costa Rica (the Central Valley)
(since I first wrote this post over 4 years ago, LOTS of private ambulance services have sprung up around Costa Rica)

EMERGENCIAS MEDICAS

Nearly 5 years ago I had "signs" taking me from the Sarasota/Venice, Florida area I LOVED SOOOO MUCH to the MAGICAL country of Costa Rica - a more advance/semi-3rd world country.

After traveling around the country 3 trips at 10-14 days each & going inside to look at what I desired from life right now - I realized one of the many things I wanted was more EASE & PEACE of MIND!!!

I also looked at the fact that though I was one of the healthiest people I knew, I'm not spring chicken (I'll be 53 years young on June 9 [birthday greetings are welcome!!] & though I'm not a fan of Western Medicine - I needed to be real about the potentials of what COULD happen when one lives further from good - especially emergency - health care, so I decided to move to the area that had the MOST conveniences & ease for me - the Central Valley - specifically Escazu (San Rafael) - THE MOST developed/"gringo-ized" part of Costa Rica where I have just about every modern convenience I could desire/need - much of it practically within a 15 block radius.

I quickly learned that, for me, Costa Rica is a country that WILL FORCE you to live IN THE PRESENT/being CONSCIOUS 24/7 - not just for crime (which is everywhere) but mainly, for fear of falling into a hole or tripping over a random piece of metal sticking out of the cement - or your car falling into an open manhole because some fools stolen it over the past 10 minutes in morning rush hour with people watching it yet not doing anything about it (they can sell it). These "reminders" have shown up on NUMEROUS parts of my body - in a crushed big toe, getting stung by ants & my feat reacting for over a year, MANY MANY falls (the latest seem to have me landing on my right knee!!!) with the worst resulting in torn tendons to prove it!

Health-wise I haven't had a "cold" in AGES though I had that allergy to mold/asthma epidemic that went around a few years ago that landed me in the clinic getting 4 nebulizers & 2 IV steroid drips & numerous drugs - none of which worked & I could barely sleep/breathe for 6 weeks.

None of these are things I'd really happened in my life before

Then, the night before a trip back to the states, I'd gone 2 nights without sleep & 3 days literally without food or water (I was feeding off adrenalin - my "drug of choice") when something happened & I ended up in the hospital with BEYOND MEGA HIGH blood pressure (I'd only recently learned I had an issue with it & hadn't dealt with it) - so, being one that believes if I take Preventative Measures - I have more "control" & can release any "What if___?" fears. Added to living solo & in a VERY difficult place to find, though I have LOTS of taxi's around me that know me & my home well & CIMA Hospital (THE gringo/Texas-based hospital) - I realized I need to know that I can be taken care of in an emergency so I sought out options to get me to a hospital - just in case!!!

I've known numerous people that have called the only public ambulance service in the country - Cruz Rojo•Red Cross for an emergency & it's not all that rare for them to take quite a bit of time to come & I didn't want to risk my life on that. (I also inspected a few of their ambulances).

After inspecting 2 Emergencias Medicas ambulances, I BY FAR found them WAYYYYYYY better/more equipped - hence felt more "secure" & opted to enroll in a Private AMBULANCE Service - Emergencias Medicas - especially knowing that they WILL know how to find me in this hidden/magical oasis I call home (even the cops didn't know about this special quinta!!!).

Also, in time of crisis, even the best Spanish speaking person can panic & forget how to speak it - especially in translating crucial/sometimes time critical information & Emergencias Medicas said they always have someone there that speaks English.

HOW DID IT GO DOWN?

Initially I was sent a guy that was real nice/helpful but his English was VERY limited (though I HAD told them originally that I "No habla Español!!") but eventually I connected with

OLGA MORUA

who speaks GOOD English & she's VERY helpful!!

At the time of registering they give you a bunch of stickers with their phone their on them (unfortunately there wasn't a line to write your account on it but I did just that - to help me avoid an extra step/gathering of info). I gave one to my neighbors, the groundsman & my 2 GOOD friends that know my wishes (& one has my Power of Attorney) - in case of emergency (better to be overly prepared - especially Goddess Forbid - IF anything ever happened - it's one less thing I have to worry about!!! I also have one in my wallet - by my Costa Rican Driver's License (with Organ Donor sticker!!!) & my Red Cross card that states what my blood type is as well as my Organ Donor Card.

WHERE DOES IT COVER ME?

If you get the personal plan, MY understanding is that it cover YOU wherever you go (IF they reach that area). Now, if someone is in your house or in your car if you had an accident & they require an ambulance - they can NOT get transported - even if you want to pay for it - so they'll need to wait for a Cruz Rojo ambulance or take a taxi (NOTE - if they are involved in an accident & INS needs to be called - do NOT NOT NOT NOT transport yourself or you will NOT be covered!!  WAIT till the INS ambulance comes & transports you to an INS supported hospital!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I've KNOWN NUMEROUS people that their coverage was negated because they did not follow this!!!!)

WHAT AREAS DO THEY SERVE?

Emergencias Medicas supports the provinces/states of San Jose, Alajuela & Heredia & have satellite offices (where the ambulances hang when not in action) around the Central Valley in:

SAN JOSE PROVINCE:

Escazu (in Paco Plaza [just down the street from me so I feel better at the chance of them arriving at my home quickly.))

Pavas

Curridabat

Guadalupe de Goicoechea

Parque de la Paz

HEREDIA:

Heredia

Belen

Lagunilla de Heredia.

ALAJUELA:

Río Segundo.

El Coyol

PRICE/HOW DO YOU PAY FOR IT?

The price for me (solo & under 60) is just around $16/month. Of course the price goes up the higher your age &/or with more people in the household. 2 people over 65+ is around 25,000-c/month. You can also get a plan to cover your business.

I opted for the auto pay which comes out of my Costa Rican bank account the 1st of the month (not sure if you can do it with a credit card only.  I think you can only do this with a CR bank account).

WHEN DOES IT BECOME EFFECTIVE?

On the 1st day of the next month the account goes into effect. This policy covers you - be you in your home, a park or even your car!

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY?

Emergencias Medicas gives you a special Emergency phone number to call & on the Membership Card they give you - you give them your "code"/membership info (I've been told they DO have some people at the emergency number that speak English [I'm learning more & more EVERY day!!!]). Then an ambulance arrives with a paramedic AND doctor & full emergency equipment (including cardiac) to attempt to stablize you at home (Olga in the office said that 85% of the time - that's all that's needed).

IF THEY (the Emergencias Medicas doctor AND the hospital YOU’VE chosen to go to [I believe you give that information to them when signing up so they take you there. HANDS DOWN for ME it's HOSPITAL SAN JUAN DE DIOS]) assess that you TRULY NEED to go to the hospital - they'll bring me THERE (if you need a ride home from the hospital - that is NOT included but they will give you a contact for that). This is included in your monthly fee. One thing I wasn't totally clear on - I THINK I understood her to say that if they (the ambulance & crew that comes to my house) use any extra things (drugs, etc.) - that I would pay that difference - but again - I'm not 101% on that.

FOR MORE INFORMATION &/OR TO SIGN UP:

Olga Morua (8-372-4428)

If you desire to email either - send it to their secretary - lgomez@EmergenciasMedicas.net, rjimenez@EmergenciasMedicas.net, olgamorua@hotmail.com - but, put the name of whomever you’re sending it to in the “Subject” box

I think this is a VERY WISE & SMALL INVESTMENT YOU REALLY SHOULD LOOK INTO -

FOR YOUR LIFE!!!!

Tell them Vicki Skinner (aka the Sarong Goddess) sent ya!!

(I make NOTHING from this - just sharin’ IMPORTANT info!!)

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Has this DETAILED information been helpful to you - brought more ease into your life, saved you time and/or $$$/¢¢¢¢?
Please consider showing your appreciation for and helping keep this detailed blog going by making a
DONATION
You can do it via PAYPAL (you do NOT need to have a PayPal account) - or send me an Amazon.com Gift Card!!!
ANY amount is appreciated since this is my ONLY source of "income" and VERY FEW people give back/donate!!!
Go to the top LEFT column of the blog for details.


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PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY OF COSTA RICA AND ANYONE THINKING OF MOVING TO COSTA RICA:

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2010/04/private-ambulance-service-in-costa-rica_21.html

DERMATOLOGISTS in Costa Rica • DERMATOLOGUES en Costa Rica

I discovered my new WONDERFUL - VERY THOROUGH DERMATOLOGIST -
JOYCE SHEEHY de Alfaro
after an emergency need.  I had some sort of outbreak on my face.  That should have been enough to run to the dermatologist  but NOOOO - I HAD to try to fix it naturally myself - withOUT reading the instructions so I put 

GSE - Grapefruit Seed Extract - 

GlobalHealingCenter.com/benefits-of/grapefruit-seed-extract

which is AWESOME - BUT - NOT when you don't dilute it and put it directly on the wound as it then sort of burned it!!

So I went to Joyce and she said it appeared what I had was some sort of ___ Dermatitis but first I have to get the top layer healed from where I put the GSE on it hence all the horrible swelling.  She GAVE me some Lactibon to clean it and Fucinda cream (the rep had JUST been there and left her some samples - GRATITUDE!!).  She also told me to put some REAL Oats oatmeal (not the instant stuff) in a pan of hot water but NOT to bring it to a boil so I could take the water at the top and put it on a cotton ball on my face, then put the cream on it. It worked!!!

NEXT STEP - Time to FINALLY check the body for the potential SKIN CANCER!!
ForEVER I'd been avoiding going to a Dermatologist because I practically grew up at the beach and I even worked in it for 2 summers and grew up in So. Cal. (mainly going to Newport Beach, Newport Dunes and Corona del Mar) and I used to be a Sun Goddess (now the thought of laying at the beach doing nothing bores me as my big blue eyes are SOOOOO sensitive to the light).

Especially because I NEVER EVER in my life have worn Sunscreen (my "3rd Eye" has told me to stay away from Sunscreen - more on that below)!!  Twisted as that is, in the past what I'd do is go out once or twice a year and I'd FRY my bod, suffer for a few days, peal it off to reveal nice soft skin (my own version of a "Dermabrasian" treatment!) and the tan would last for 6+ months!!  But then just before my visit to Joyce, I went to SanJuanDelSurNI.com where I bare-skinned on a sailboat for 7 hours and got 1st degree burns in some areas (the virgin thighs and other areas not used to exposure these days). To say the least, Joyce was CRINGING!!

But MIRACULOUSLY I had NO spots on my bod!!!!  I was PLEASANTLY SHOCKED!!!

Joyce took a LOT of time with me with me - taking my history and checkin' ALL over the bod!!
She told me I NEED to start wearing Sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and her fav was Dermagenics • Skingenics - it's the basic L'Oreal inexpensive brand that she felt was on par with the fancy expensive ones!

Now MY take on Sunscreens (note I am NOT a doctor) has been reconfirmed lately as there are MANY STUDIES coming out that feel that many Sunscreens actually can CREATE SKIN CANCER!!!!  Google it and draw your OWN conclusion based on what is right for YOU!!!!

One of the BIG things they're saying works as a bit of a Sunscreen is . . . COCONUT OIL!!!  (hence when I go out in the sun and want to get a bit of color - I do NOT wear it [Coconut Oil is the "lotion" I use on my body and face these days!!]  I use facebook.com/JudysCoconutOilCR)


So back to Dr Joyce Sheehy - She got her training and her passion and specialty is in SKIN CANCER (I've heard she is one of the BEST doctors in Costa Rica for Skin Cancer) and she worked in a burn unit in the U.S. Joyce has a GREAT team that works out of CIMA specializing in Mosh and Micrographics.

LOCATION:
SAN JOSE (Downtown)

Just a block West of Hospital los Ninos but surgeries are done at CIMA

LANGUAGE:
She speaks VERY GOOD English and of course Spanish (she spent some time living in Chicago).


HOURS:
Monday-Friday - 9am-12pm/noon and 2-6pm

CONTACT:
2-258-4647 • 2-258-4997 • DermaCR@racsa.co.cr
Please make sure to tell her Vicki Skinner with the blog (that came with Diane Sobel-Globerman around 2007 or so) Connected you!

OFFICE VISIT:
A basic visit starts at 40,000-c/$80ish just for a Consultation and 45,000-c/$90 includes some basic lesions burned off.

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Do YOU know of any other DERMATOLOGISTS • DERMATOLOGUES
in Costa Rica
that are REALLY GOOD to add to this list??

Email me their name, ALL their phone numbers, email address, website, facebook page, hours, location, rates and DETAILS on their speciality - to:
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2010/04/dermatologists-in-costa-rica.html


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QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY BENEFIT 2010!!! - Escazu, Costa Rica

For information on the 2012 QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 

Check out:

http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/04/queens-birthday-celebration-2012-costa.html

(this is THE EVENT of the year for Brits and non-Brit's alike!!! ESPECIALLY for the LOW price of just 2,500-colones!!!)

LOCATION - The British Ambassador's HOME in ESCAZU (San Rafael)!!! (see "Directions" at the bottom)

WHEN: THIS Saturday - April 17, 2010 - 9am - 3pm

ENTRANCE: This is an affordable event for the whole family - just 2,500-Adults, Kids-5-12 - 1,000, Under 5-Free

THEME: ROCK 'N ROLL

(it's a theme party so feel free to dress appropriately - like a ROCK 'N ROLLER from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's!!!)

BRITISH FOOD: Fish and Chips (REAL Fish and Chips BUT it is THE LONGEST line and last year ran out early so get there early and take turns standing in line!!), Curries, Bangers and Mash (Sausage and Mashed Potatos), Marmite, Curry Pastes, Proper Tea, Flakes, Curly Wurlys, Smoky Bacon crisps, tasty Sweets!

NEW THIS YEAR!!: Quavers and Pork Scratchings

RESTAURANTS: Tin Jo (never been there? This is a GREAT way to taste their tasty treats!), Bagelmen, TCBY.

BAR: COLD British ales/beers, Boddies, Carling, Strongbow, Guiness, PIMMS

FOOD/DRINK TICKETS NEEDED (make it easier - have one of you stand in line while the other gets the food and drink tickets!)

RAFFLE/SILENT AUCTION PRIZES INCLUDE - There are LOTS of GREAT PRIZES like numerous hotel stays around Costa Rica (like Punta Islita Hotel), a flight to MIAMI, Dinners at many restaurants, signed DEPECHE MODE tour gear and LOTS MORE!!

FOR THE KIDS - Face painting, bouncy castles, lucky dip, pony rides (sorry - just for the kids).

GAMES for young and older!!

CLIMATE CHANGE TENT - Watch the "Odyssey 2050" short film and be a part of the making of the movie!

FANCY DRESS CONTEST: The best dressed get prizes

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!!!

SCHEDULE (subject to change):

BACK GARDEN STAGE

TIME ACT

9.30 - 10.00 Ninos de Cedes Don Bosco - Rock 'n' Roll

10.00 – 10.20 Voltage - Rock Band

10.20 – 11.05 Harmony Roads – Folk and Blue's

11.05 - 11.35 The Tooth Wranglers Rock Band

11.35 - 12.15 Café Surá - Latin Jazz Fusion

12.15 - 1.00 First Grand Raffle

1.00 - 1.45 Magician Gandalf

1.45 - 2.15 Second Grand Raffle

Master of Ceremonies and Sound Engineer: Kevin Huey

FRONT GARDEN STAGE

TIME ACT

9.00 - 9.30 County Day School Wind Ensemble

9.30 - 9.50 British School Primary 2

9.50 - 10.00 British Ambassador Tom Kennedy

10.00 - 10.15 Fancy Dress Parade

10.15 - 11.05 Phil Jones Band - Pop Music Favourites

11.05 - 11.25 Little Theatre Group - Musical Favourites

11.25 - 11.50 Scottish Country Dancing

11.50 - 12.05 British School Seniors

12.05 - 12.15 Country Day School Choir

12.15 - 1.00 First Grand Raffle Draw

1.00 - 1.45 The Wonder Years Band

1.45 - 2.15 Second Grand Raffle

2.15 - 3.00 Diesel Rock 'n' Roll Band

DIRECTIONS:

COMING FROM SAN JOSE: Get off the Pista (Carretera Prospero Fernandez Highway #27) at the first Escazu exit (at HiperMas) - go down 3 lights to the Scotia Split and veer Right (you don't stop at the light). Go down 950 meters West. (see "Everyone" below for the rest)

COMING FROM SANTA ANA (along Calle Vieja): About 300 meters East of the light at Paco Plaza (200 meters East of the U.S. Ambassador's house) (see "Everyone" below for the rest)

FROM MULTIPLAZA: Get off the Pista - go South on that street till the end and turn LEFT (following the majority of the cars. The AM/PM market is on your left just past it), then go to the light at the end (at Paco Plaza) and turn LEFT. See the directions for "Coming from Santa Ana" above. (see "Everyone" below for the rest)

EVERYONE: It's a hair East of Plaza Laureles and the Laureles residencial area.

You won't be able to miss it as there will be a police baracade there.

On the corner leading to the party/Ambassador's house is a dental office. And down that street is a Karate Studio (at least last time I went there). Go almost to the end (north) and it's on the right!

BUS: You can take the blue Santa Ana-Calle Vieja bus that is INSIDE the Coca-Cola Bus Terminal (I think it's 260-c) to Plaza Laureles and walk back 1/2 a block (do NOT take an Escazu bus!!! Take a bus or carpool - show your love for Mother Earth!!)

PARKING: Is on the street but I know last year when I went (in the afternoon) - it was HARD to come by!

WARNING: Driving on Calle Vieja will be worse than normal so take your Chill Pill before you set out and BREATHE!!

GET THERE EARLY!!

(for heat purposes and if ya don't want to miss out on any food items [I stress this as last year I got there around 2pm and they were out of most things!!])

QUESTIONS:

Call the British Embassy at 2-258-2025

This is a CHARITY EVENT benefiting Costa Rican schools in need! Last year they raised close to $25,000!!!

Please share this with EVERYONE you know!!

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PARKING:

There is some street parking in Residencia Laureles (though last year when I went it was not easy to obtain) 

http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2010/04/queens-birthday-party-benefit-with-rock.html

Bio-Identical / BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy - BHRT, Hormonal Optimization & Compounding Pharmacy in Costa Rica

Going through that time of your life - "the change" (menopause) & don't desire that old standby ways? MANY women are opting for Hormonal Optimization or BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy - BHRT. This site is a DETAILED list of what doctors work with BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy / Hormonal Optimization as well as a Compounding Pharmacy - just for you be you living in or coming to visit Costa Rica for Dental or Medical Tourism!! It's important to remember/realize that OPTIONS ARE IMPORTANT!!!

What IS Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy - BHRT / Hormonal Optimization?

http://women.webmd.com/news/20090115/oprah-and-bioidentical-hormones-faq

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioidentical_hormone_replacement_therapy

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yTijQmsCiFQ

I new to this concept but I heard that BioIdenticals are Semi-synthetic.

NOTE: Like in the states, MOST gynecologists & doctors in Costa Rica do NOT “believe” in bioidentical hormones, hence it can be challenging to find a doctor that knows how to prescribe bio-identicals but they ARE LEGAL in Costa Rica (not sure if the FDA finally approved them but hey - ANYTHING that’s approved in other countries before being accepted by the $$$ FDA $$$$/ which seems to be quite in bed with the let’s not help people TRULY heal pharmacuitical industry - it’s something I’d be willing to try!! & some people will say it’s a placebo effect - well - whatEVER works!!!!).

I've heard that the cremes/potions, etc. aren't as much of a savings in Costa Rica (vs. the U.S.) as other medical proceedures/treatments but, where you WILL save is at the doctors office/tests!!!

DOCTORS THAT PRESCRIBE BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY:

Dr. Livia Ortuno Pinto

Centro Medico San Jose

(2-221-5872 / 8-879-3777 / LOrtuno1155@yahoo.com)

Livia is GYN (formerly OB) that specialized in Infertility at the University of Minnesota (she can’t really do that in Costa Rica because the catholic church has blocked most forms of infertility solutions [only artificial insemination is legal here) who now specializes in Anti-Aging (she goes to the Anti-Aging Congress every year (around April 13-26). I've heard that she is quite in the know with the latest things & the feedback I've found on her has ALL been REALLY GREAT!!!! Not only is she a woman but lets just say - she's of the age to "understand" what you're going through.

OFFICE VISIT: 35,000-c, Anti-Aging Exam-75,000-c, Pap: 35,000-c, Ultra Sound: 35,000-c (pap & ultra-sound - 65,000-c)

LANGUAGE: Speaks GREAT English (she lived in the states & Europe [France & Belguim hence also speaks French])

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 10am-1pm-ish (if you don’t get her in her office after a few attempts, try her cell)

LOCATION: San Jose (Downtown) - Stand-alone building across the street from the front door of the old building leading into Clinica Biblica (next to the pharmacy) (many people know it as “Clinica Burstin”)

She is also partners in:

Amaral Spa

(2-288-6793 / 8-319-9154 / http://Amaral.SamiSolutions.com / info@AmaralSpa.com)

Day Spa

LOCATION: Escazu (San Rafael) - 250 mts. North & 150 East of the AM/PM (it’s at the end of a dirt road) - Her niece Stephanie runs it & speaks GREAT English.

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm, Sat. 9am-5pm.

Dr. Paulo Castro Gamboa

Vitality Spa, Anti-Aging Medicine & Medical Tourism

(2-225-0767-NEW # / 8-358-7836 / 2-224-2400-beeper / DrPCastro@VitalityCR.com / coming soon -http://VitalityCR.com)

As young as Dr. Castro is, I've heard that anti-aging is his LIFE & he's CONSTANTLY learning new things!!! He was trained in Europa-Mallorca, Dusseldorf, Paris, Barcelona & he has GOOD energy!! Camille wrote: "Dr. Castro was great! The blood work I had done was extensive. Ended up finding out that I am allergic to wheat, so have been off of it since my meeting with him. Also found out that my hormones were low so I am on bio-identical hormone therapy (which involves rubbing in a tiny amount of cream, made just for me, every morning). He also recommended some supplements to take. I did not realize it, but his clinic is an "anti-aging" clinic. His goal is to make people feel 20 years younger than we are. When we were trying to find the office, anyone that we asked for directions also made a comment about him and what a wonderful doctor he is. I was very impressed with him and what he had to tell me." The clinic has a spa, psychologist, nutrionist, acupuncturist, bach flowers, homeopathy Vitamin C Drip, Quelation Therapy, an anti-aging iv drip Hyaluronic acid - used to restore joint pain, arthritis, gives good Collagan for your skin. They do a more holistic approach. Even though he's young - he's TOTALLY DEVOTED to his field & learning new things. He's the only one that does the saliva test. He also works closely to the BEST Microbiologist in Costa Rica - Dr. Alvaro Apestegui.

HOURS: Mon. 1-6pm, Tues.-Thurs.-10am-6pm, Fri.-10am-4pm, Sat. (with one Sat. a month off)-10am-3pm

OFFICE VISIT: starts at 35,000-colons (he often takes an hour++ for each visit)

LANGUAGE: REALLY GOOD English & Spanish

LOCATION: Barrio Escalante (NEW LOCATION) (he'll email you a map)

Dr. Rodrigo Nunez

(2-229-0006 / RNunez04@gmail.com)

Dr. Nunez specializes in Internal Medicine & I believe the bulk of his business is making House Calls, working out of Hospital San Rafael in Alajuela & his home in San Isidro de Coronado in the evenings.

VISIT: Office-25,000, Housecalls start at 35,000 (depending on where you’re located). If he doesn't know it - he's GREAT with finding out.

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 5-7:30pm (in his home)

LANGUAGE: Good English & Spanish.

LOCATION: Coronado (San Isidro) - 200 mts West Municipalidad

Dr. Yasmin Chotocruz

Balance & Bienestar Natural Health Center

(2-524-2959 / http://BalanceYBienestar.com / DrChotocruz@gmail.com)

Dr. Chotocruz is a Naturopath specializing hormone replacement therapy. Many of the tests she does she sends to the States to process with equipment that’s not yet available in Costa Rica. She just returned to Costa Rica from working in the states for 10 years (in Portland, OR). Her office also has an Acupuncturist (Mauricio Carmona - DrMCtack@yahoo.com), a nutritional therapist & a physical therapist. The also hold Workshops & Courses (though currently they’re mainly in Spanish but if they get more English-speaking people interested, they’re open to those!)

OFFICE VISIT: starts at 35,000-c

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm

LANGUAGE: GOOD English & Spanish

LOCATION: San Jose (Guadalupe) - Oficentro Gaia, #209 - near Clinica Catolica

Dr. Kenneth Loaiciga (pronounced low-i-see-ga)

(2-257-4215 / Loaiciga@racsa.co.cr)

Specializes in GYN/OB & GYN Oncology (Cancer).

OFFICE VISIT: starts at 45,000 + 5,000-PAP

HOURS: Mon.-Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 11:30am-12:30pm & Mon.-Fri. 2-6:30pm

LANGUAGE: Good English & Spanish & German

LOCATION: San Jose (Downtown) - Avenida 4 & Calle 20 & 22. 200 mts South Hospital de Niños or 50 Mts. West Junta de Proteccion Social.

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DO YOU KNOW ANY OTHER DOCTORS TO ADD TO THIS?

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Have YOU been to any of these doctors?

I'd LOVE for you to share YOUR story/experience so we can share that also!!

Please e- me at CostaRicaResourceGuide@gmail.com

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NEXT STEP:

WHAT'S NEXT??

You can either go to one of the above mentioned doctors - OR - you can go to a MICROBIOLOGIST!!!

BUT WHOM??

To me, for a test such as this or something as important - someone with the detailed training that this doctor has is who I'd go!! I don't know if I've EVER heard such RAVE reviews as I have on this doctor!! Basically - MANY have said he's THE BEST MICROBIOLOGIST / CLINICAL CHEMIST / BIO-CHEMIST in ALL of Costa Rica.

Dr. ALVARO APESTEGUI - with LABICLIN

(http://Labiclin.com / Ava@Labiclin.com)

Dr. Alvaro was trained in the states at Tulane University & I hear when he & his bud/associate Dr. Paolo Castro get together, the conversations are out of this world as BOTH have such incredible PASSION for their fields & learning!!!!

LABS LOCATIONS: They have 3 locations*:

West (Main) - Sabana Este (2-233-5545 / 2-233-5557). HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-6pm, Sat. 8-11:30am. Alvaro is mainly here so if you really want him, call him on his cell (8-344-5600)

East - Curridabat - next door to POPS Ice Cream (2-281-2063) - HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7-11am & 2-6pm, Sat. 8-11:30am

San Jose (Downtown) (2-223-6643) - next door to the pharmacy inside Clinica Americana 1st floor in Biblica in the old building - next to the drug store.

*AND, he can make Housecalls (start at 5,000 [within San Jose] - depending on your area).

DO I HAVE TO COME BACK TO GET MY RESULTS?

Alvaro aims to make your life easier (heck, just by the fact he has 3 offices tell you that!!) so he can give you a password where you (or your doctor) can get your results via the internet so you don't need to come back in.

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NEXT? WHERE DO I GET THE COMPOUNDS??

COMPOUNDING PHARMACIES

NOTE: You MUST have a valid ORIGINAL prescription from a physician authorized to practice IN Costa Rica (i.e. licensed by the Colegio de Medicos) to get a prescription filled.

PREMA FARMA

(http://PremaFarma.com / 2-225-3774 / 2-225-3794-fax / PremaFarma@ice.co.cr)

PHARMACIST: Dr. Ana Violeta Ovares de la Pena

PHARMACY HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm

LANGUAGE: Ana speaks GREAT English plus Nidia Blanco is another pharmacist with her that also speaks GOOD English and Miranda can also help with English.

Dr. Ana Violeta Ovares of Prema Farma IS the ONLY Compounding-ONLY Pharmacy in Costa Rica Dr. Ana Violeta is the ONLY pharmasist in Costa Rica exclusively handling more than 300 formulas and 400 raw materials. They are members of PCCA (Pharmaceutical Compounding Centers of America) and are experienced in many pharmaceutical forms (methotrexate - an immune modulator & for rheumatoid arthritis, transdermal gels, troches, capsules, ointments, creams, gels, suppositories, syrups, douches, etc). Lactase (for lactose intolerate), Ursodiol (for liver ailments including gallstones ]), something similar to Miralax, =

They dedicate themselves to "orphan diseases" - like formulas that are kids strength, autisim,

If it's not available in the country - usually she can do it.

EVERYTHING that comes in to get filled by Ana MUST have a doctors prescription since she's not responsible for overseeing the treatment, etc.

GETTING LOW? DON'T WAIT!!! Sometimes things are on backorder.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A PRESCRIPTION FILLED?

On average - 24-48 hours (unless it's something not customized & popular that she already has made).

They recently installed a clean room that complies with USP that allows them to do injectables, chelation therapy, combination eye drops, etc.

They are registered suppliers to CCSS and their customers include all major hospitals in Costa Rica (which I would think would translate to cheaper prices going directly to them).

Their most requested preparations are:

• TRI MIX and SUPER TRI MIX (Alprostadil, papaverin & phentolamine for erectile dysfunction)

• Testosterone 1-10% transdermal gel

• BioIdentical hormones replacement therapy (creams, suppositories, drops, capsules)

• Thyroid hormones supplements (T3-T4)

• PEG 3350 (equivalent to Miralax for constipation control)

ORDERING / PAYING: They can take orders over the phone, fax or e-mail & can deliver it all over the country and overseas BUT, they MUST have an ORIGINAL prescription from a physician licensed to practice in Costa Rica & they will get that from you when they deliver it)!!! PAYMENT can be either cash, credit card or bank transfer (BCR) but if they deliver, you MUST have the card to get an imprint/signature. The delivery fee varies by location.

LOCATION: San Jose-Barrio Francisco Peralta - On Calle 29 between Avenida 8 & Avenida 10 - 50 meters South of Casa Italia. Additional Directions from (see http://CostaRicaBlueBook.com/pharmacy) - Take Avenida 10 from La Sabana. Keep going... the railroad tracks is at Calle 13. Continue East, pass the gas station, climb the little hill and once the hill is flat again, look for Calle 29. Turn left - north - at 29th, it's the third building to your right. A mustard yellow building. (Casa Italia will be 50m North so if you get to Casa Italia, turn around!)

ESPANOL: Su farmacia de preparaciones magistrales está ubicada 50 metros al sur de la Casa Italia, Barrio Francisco Peralta

La Casa Del Boticario

(2-588-0363 / 2-288-2156 / info@LaCasaDelBoticario.com)

Pharmacist - Carlos Barrantes.

Prema Farma makes his potions (meaning if you're in the West end, you can turn in your prescription here & pick it up 2-3 days later). They are a regular pharmacy as well. (THANX Camille!)

LANGUAGE: Carlos speaks English & Spanish

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-9pm, Sat. 9am-8pm

DIRECTIONS: Escazu - Plaza Itskatzu - close to Fogo Brazil Restaurant (Plaza Itskatzu is home to Hooters, Outback, etc. - across the AutoPista just West of Hosptial CIMA).

(thanx also to http://CostaRicaBlueBook.com for some of the info)

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BOOKMARK THIS PAGE & keep checking back on it as, like with most of these posts,

they'll be enhanced as we find new info!!

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Please tell EVERYONE you discover here that you found them through

Vicki's (aka the "Sarong Goddess")

COSTA RICA RESOURCE GUIDE (currently known as Living Life in Costa Rica)

http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2010/04/bio-identical-bioidentical-hormone.html

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