Healthcare Navigation in Mexico Inquiry
Discussion about navigating healthcare in Mexico without insurance, finding English-speaking doctors, and getting X-rays referrals for conditions such as a broken toe.
Hi all! New in the channel and to medical care in Mexico. I think I may have broken a toe a bit back, but it's been bugging me. I don't have insurance here and I haven't used the medical system outside of the docs at farmacias. So I'm trying to figure out the process. Can I just find a podiatrist? Do I need to do urgent care and get an xray/referral? I can get around in Spanish, but more comfortable with English for medical stuff. Thanks in advance for any advice & recommendations.
Answers (3)
Hi Kerry, Nicole usually provides great advice so hopefully her messages go through but in terms of the medical system here, you can usually make a direct appointment with a specialist (unlike countries like the US where you need a referral) and they will help you with teh assessment, tests, etc. many, id even say most doctors here speak english, but of course not all of them. if you go to a big hospital they are likely to speak english. i dont have a podiatrist referral sorry, but hopefully that helps with the medical system part of it
if im not able to find a personal recommendation i usually use google maps searching for the specialist, and carefully read the reviews. that is a good place to start
This was Nicole's message that was deleted: An x-ray would be smart to make sure that it’s not a displaced fracture (something that might require more significant intervention). They’re really not so expensive here and you would need a script from an orthopedist or any professional with a medical degree. You could treat it as if it’s broken by stabilizing it (big toe = walking cast, little toes = tape it to its neighbor and wear firm shoes). I have some extra walking boots that I give away to people in need so if that sounds like something you could benefit from let me know!