healthcare system in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

[2bmalenurse007]

Is the healthcare system in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands similar to the healthcare system in the U.S. I know that both are U.S. territories, but does that make a differnce. Any info would be helpful.

Thanks:D

[Bee76]

Well I am not a nurse, still taking prereq's , but I did live in Puerto Rico for 3 years, had a baby there, trips to the ER, Dr. visits etc. I would call it an antiquated version of the U.S healthcare system. For example, no father's allowed in the new born nursery, no epidural's for normally progressing labor, just showing up early at the Dr.'s office and waiting possibly all day to be seen. I had to take my newborn to 4 different pediatric clinics in an attempt to get a lab drawn, no one could do a good heal stick or hit a vein. when my daughter was hospitalized for asthma, an adult had to stay with a child patient at all times including overnight, but they only provided a crib for the patient and 1 uncomfortable chair, and no males could stay overnight, not even Dad. This was 3 years ago, however I doubt much has changed. I also lived in a smaller city, it's possible things were different near San Juan. Putting those things aside I generally received good care, and they did have some places that seemed to offer the latest technology, but most placed were pretty outdated.