Nearly 1 million Californians seek medical care in Mexico annually

Nurses Activism

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Specializes in Critical care, tele, Medical-Surgical.

Driven by rising health care costs at home, nearly 1 million Californians cross the border each year to seek medical care in Mexico, according a new paper by UCLA researchers and colleagues published today in the journal Medical Care....

...Cost and lack of insurance were primary reasons both Mexican and non-Mexican U.S. residents sought health services across the border....

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526140844.htm

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I didn't realize so many people were going to Mexico for health care. Canada I can see, but since I don't live anywhere near Mexico, I'm kind of surprised. I hear more about people going to Canada for medical care than Mexico.

Are people going there because Mexico has this naughty "socialized medicine"? Unfortunately I didn't have time to read the entire article due to time issues (3 am = bed), but I don't really understand WHY going to Mexico is a better option. Again, forgive my ignorance, but I'm very tired :(

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Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

My sister went to Mexico to have a dental bridge done because it was so much cheaper than here in the US.

It broke less than three months later.

Take your chances - you get what you pay for.

There's no free ride in life.

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Specializes in Critical care, tele, Medical-Surgical.

I know people who go to have dental work done because the cost is so low. It's a three hour drive from here.

It seems to be as good as my dental care.

Sometimes there are reports that border towns have unlicensed physicians and dentists doung cosmetic procedures.

I think it is risky.

Probably people from Mexico can tell the truly good doctors from the others but I could not.

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Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

Have you actually talked with nurses who have worked in the hospitals in Mexico versus here in the US?!

It's not good.

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Specializes in Med/surg. ED. Palliative. Geront.

Basic economics - it's market forces at work. Docs in the USA charge too much. Drugs cost too much. people go elsewhere

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Specializes in lots of specialties.

I dont think it is a matter of people getting all their care in mexico but there is a huge difference in price in other countries compared to the US. Even if whatever I got done broke3 months,3 years later....you dont always get what you pay for here in the US either.I know meds are cheaper elsewhere than the US....much cheaper.People would beg to differ and wonder if you were getting the exact same drug.I would tell those people to do their research and understand that we as a country are not the end all be all when it comes to drugs or medical care. If you have not watched SICKO by Director: Michael Moore; you should. It was very interesting.I know it is not the whole story on healthcare but it is a nice chunk

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I dont think it is a matter of people getting all their care in mexico but there is a huge difference in price in other countries compared to the US. Even if whatever I got done broke3 months,3 years later....you dont always get what you pay for here in the US either.I know meds are cheaper elsewhere than the US....much cheaper.People would beg to differ and wonder if you were getting the exact same drug.I would tell those people to do their research and understand that we as a country are not the end all be all when it comes to drugs or medical care. If you have not watched SICKO by Director: Michael Moore; you should. It was very interesting.I know it is not the whole story on healthcare but it is a nice chunk

I watched that movie myself. I know that some of it is one sided, but it is amazing how healthcare works in other countries.

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Specializes in lots of specialties.
I watched that movie myself. I know that some of it is one sided, but it is amazing how healthcare works in other countries.

Yes I know it is abit more indepth than that but it was still good to see that side of it anyway. I only believe 1/2 of what I read and see on TV, but dang I was ready to take a little trip to Havana..lol

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The number pales in comparison to the number of Mexicans seeking medical care in the U.S.

The difference is that the Mexican citizenry probably doesn't pay for the Californians' care.

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my sister went to mexico to have a dental bridge done because it was so much cheaper than here in the us.

it broke less than three months later.

take your chances - you get what you pay for.

there's no free ride in life.

the last time i checked, there are tons and tons of medical errors in almost every major hospital in the us, doctors are just human, errors are bound to occur, the difference lies in numbers

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The number pales in comparison to the number of Mexicans seeking medical care in the U.S.

The difference is that the Mexican citizenry probably doesn't pay for the Californians' care.

The quoted article seemed to be based on a well done study in a scientific journal. Do you have any comparable evidence for your statement?

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