IMSS Mexican medical system tips
Posted by Bret B on September 4, 2015, 3:24 pm 187.148.168.223
Daniel suggested that I capture some of my recently learned experience regarding the IMSS Mexican health system. This isn't a comprehensive IMSS user manual, just some quick tips for people who already know the basics or are already members. Regarding IMSS annual renewals, we (Donna and I) renewed in Manzanillo back in January. Nothing new; it went just like last year. No mention of needing to go to PV to renew. You can search for other posts for renewal requirements and location of the current renewal office in Manzanillo, near the Hospital General. IMSS costs roughly US$200 to US$400 per year, depending on your gender and age. All treatment is included in the annual premium, including drugs and specialists. No co-pays. HOWEVER, be careful: when we went into our normal IMSS clinic (it used to be in San Patricio/Melaque, but is now located between Jaluco and Aguacate) for a scheduled appointment in February, we got a shock. In the past we have been told to check in with the Administration woman there at the clinic every year after renewing to update us in their local computer system. This time she said we can't use the "Melaque" clinic because patients from La Manzanilla are in the boundary of the next clinic up the coast. We had heard something like this before, but we were always able to get them to keep us there. But now they have a new computer system just installed this January in the local clinics that will not permit us to stay there. She said her hands were tied. So we gave up and now are using the "correct" clinic for our location. It's called the "Careyes" clinic (UMF# 070), but in 2010 it was moved from the little village of Careyitos to the even smaller village of Villa Polinesia farther up the coast. It's almost a 1-hour drive north of here, just this side of Perula. See below for detailed directions if you ever need to go there. It's not easy to find the first time. So even though we have to go twice as far, and in the wrong direction to get anything done in Melaque or Cihuatlan, we actually like the new clinic. They still send us to the same specialists we use in Manzanillo and Colima; not to PV. And this new clinic actually has a phone you can call for appointments, or even to ask about traslados (specialist referrals) to go to the specialists. The number is 315-351-0441 (Spanish only.) And they even can call us back if needed. There is never a crowd there, so the service is great. In contrast, The "Melaque" clinic doesn't have a phone for patients to call. Even to check for the approval of our specialist appointment, we had to go there in person every week for sometimes a month or two to check the book of released specialist appointments that is sitting on the counter at the pharmacy window. What a pain! So anyway, if you want to stay in the "Melaque" clinic, I would recommend never talking to the admin person, and never mentioning where you live. But if you do get changed to "Careyes", it's not all bad. Good luck! Directions to IMSS clinic #70: * Go north on Highway 200 toward PV. * After about 50 minutes you go through Chamela. * About 9 km past Chamela, and 1/2 km past right turn-off to Villa Purificacion, you should see the left turn-off to Villa Polinesia. * If you get to the exit to Punta Perula you have gone 1 km too far. See Google Street View images of turn-off: * Make the left turn from the highway through the wood pole-and-palapa archway onto the dirt road heading toward the ocean, looking at the right turns as you go. The street you want is 250 meters (1/4 km or 0.2 miles) from the archway back at Highway 200. * Turn right onto this unsigned dirt street, then after 50 meters turn left at the "T" intersection, and the IMSS Clinic is immediately on your left. Don't park under the shade trees along the yellow curb; that's staff parking only. You get to park out in the sun along the fence. (see Google Satellite view)
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Posted by eileen on September 4, 2015, 3:53 pm, in reply to "IMSS Mexican medical system tips" 189.164.203.199
Thank you so much Bret! You've provided a wonderful service! I haven't had cause to use my IMSS, but now I know where to go. | ------------------------Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips
Posted by maedb on September 5, 2015, 8:12 am, in reply to "IMSS Mexican medical system tips" 99.225.64.144
This outline of the system and detailed description of location is most helpful....thanks Bret. Do you know if those with pre-existing conditions are eligible for coverage? | ------------------------Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips
Posted by Bret B on September 6, 2015, 8:55 am, in reply to "Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips" 187.148.168.223
I remember from when we first joined the IMSS system about 7 years ago that you had to report any preexisting conditions on the application papers. Then those would not be covered for the first 1 to 3 years (depending on what they were.) This info is pretty stale, and I don't have the time to research the whole initial application process as it exists today. You can search this message board and the Melaque Tomzap board, along with the official IMSS site (Spanish): http://www.imss.gob.mx/ This site is pretty confusing, though. Keep in mind that anyone with permanent or temporary immigration status can joion the free Jalisco health system and use the Centro de Salud(s). Cruz has done this if you are looking for recent info. | ------------------------Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips
Posted by Daniel H on September 5, 2015, 9:13 am, in reply to "IMSS Mexican medical system tips" 189.164.238.204
Great information Bret and with your usual thoroughness. When you were talking to me in the office I remember your saying something to the effect that IMSS is just basic medical treatment, that you have to bring your own sheets etc. and a family member or friend to assist you if needed. Could you expand on that part a bit? Thx | ------------------------Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips
Posted by Charley & Bonnie on September 5, 2015, 10:05 am, in reply to "Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips"
Is the IMSS available to non-residents..... people like us who come for 5 months on tourist visas? Thanks charley
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Posted by Bret B on September 6, 2015, 9:13 am, in reply to "Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips" 187.148.168.223
Hi Charley, no I don't think so. I think only temporary or permanent residents. Anyone else make it into the system on a tourist card? Bye now, until November! | ------------------------Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips
Posted by Bret B on September 6, 2015, 9:10 am, in reply to "Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips" 187.148.168.223
Yes, Daniel, that's the main surprise for most gringos that get hospitalized for the first time in the IMSS system (and the Jalisco health system hospitals have similar surprises.) They expect the patient to be closely attended by a family member (or friend) while in the hospital. This person takes care of anything the patient needs besides the basic treatment and medications and food. i.e. extra pillows, blankets, snacks, personal items, possibly your own toilet paper, etc. I think sheets are provided. I played this part for a single friend who went to the IMSS hospital in Manzanillo for a knee operation and I was expected to provide all these items. PLUS I got to swap out his bedpan several times, and keep his clothes and wallet until he was released. The helper is usually welcome to spend the nights beside the patient, but on a small hard chair or on the floor. No food is provided for the helper. The medical care itself was great, just no hotel frills at all. One more note about joining IMSS: they expect only families in the system. It's not set up for single people, and I have heard that singles have been refused. A few made it in, but I don't know what they had to tell the IMSS people. I won't be able to make any more replies on this topic for quite a while. See you in November! | ------------------------Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips
Posted by Michel on September 7, 2015, 11:44 pm, in reply to "Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips" 50.66.33.228
We (Lorraine and I) did join the IMSS system for a few years, (I think we were the ones who started joining when it was available for tourists) but at the price of medical care in Mexico, we stopped. Two years ago, I almost drowned, and after two ambulance trips I was treated in the Manzanillo hospital. Three days of hospital care, X-rays, and attention by 5 doctors (besides spanish, two spoke french, and two spoke english), the total cost, including drugs was less than US $275, Unless you need constant medical attention, I would not recommend the IMSS system. Lorraine had to stay in the hospital with me and she did not appreciate the lack of sleep. We will be in La Manzanilla in November and can answer more questions and give you more information at that time. We will be staying at Bungalows Michel. | ------------------------Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips
Posted by Mary Jo on September 8, 2015, 7:19 pm, in reply to "IMSS Mexican medical system tips" 201.133.152.232
Great job Bret! You've explained it perfectly. We've decided if we don't use IMSS again this year, we'll quit paying. The price goes up substantially every year. It is almost cheaper to pay by occasion rather than for "insurance". We always thought it was for a major accident, but think even that event is not as costly as it would be in the states. Vamos a Ver. | ------------------------Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips
Posted by Judy B on September 8, 2015, 7:51 pm, in reply to "Re: IMSS Mexican medical system tips" 99.246.127.79
Totally agree with Mary Jo. our experience with IMSS was not good so decided to go private. we had to go private for a couple of things over the years and it has worked out well, mostly. it helped that my husband could assist with treatment. we have stories for sure. | ------------------------
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