Going to the doctor in Panama

I have not been to the doctor yet in Panama.  My understanding is that you just walk into the clinics and you will be seen by a doctor in about 5 minutes and the doctor will speak English.  The cost is low, I think I read $20. 

If you google, "Going to the Doctor in Panama", the very first entry will be Panama For Real".  Go to the section, Nuts & Bolts, then Medical Care in Panama.  There are 3 entries:  "Going to the doctor in Panama", "Seeing a Medical Specialist in Panama", and "Vaccinations".  www.panamaforreal.com.

This PFR site is the best "How to do Panama and Panama City" site out there.

Yep, that's about it......or you can go to SALUD and see a Dr. for little if no cost. They will write Rx's and you maybe able to actually get the meds if they have them. Otherwise, thats the story here in Panama.

Now I go to my local SALUD to get my meds refilled every month or two and its ok except for the wait time there, sometimes 30-40 minutes on a bad day. If you need lab tests they do them there real cheap. x-rays are different you need to go to a clinic and expect to pay about $200 or more.

I just went to the eye Dr yesterday in Chitre for treatment of a condition caused by diabetes and it cost me $35.00 as a jubilado. He gave me 3 tests and was very thorough. I was very happy with him.

You'll find Dr's here are pretty good for basic needs. Now a heart transplant....look around real good. The private hospitals in PTY are very expensive. Not as bad as the USSA but creeping up there. So stay healthy.

I've had chronic back problems for most of my life. Finally after spending 6 months in bed, in excruciating pain, I went to PTY to Punta Pacifica hospital. Met with the Dr., next thing I knew I was in the OR prepped awaiting the procedure. Had to pay $12 large for the surgery b4 they start. Now here's kicker #1...the Dr says I would be able to go home the next day!!!! Then he says I'd be back to full activity in 2 weeks or LESS. Now in all honesty, they did an MRI, which I got on a CD b4 he accepted me. At about 5PM in I went in and about 7PM I was looking at my wife and kissing her. I asked her if they did the surgery and she said it went fine. I asked how big is the incisions and she said about and inch or so and they are covered by a BAND AID !!! SHE SAID THEY HAVE IT ON A CD THAT WE CAN TAKE HOME!!!

Now comes kicker #2...b4 we can go home we need to pay the HOSPITAL $10 large!!!!! Holy bat crap Robin!!! Thats strong for not even 24 hours in the Hospital. Unfortunately, my Panamanian wife had our money and just gave it to them no questions asked. But I was just about pain free. The short of it is, that within 2 weeks I was back to full pain free activities!!!! Was it worth the $22 large?? After 2 almost 3 years I'm still pain free....so I guess so.

Hope this helped you about medical here.  Remember stay healthy....

The PFR blog about going to the doctor in Panama has a step-by-step explanation of a trip to a 24 hour clinica in Panama City, for a sore throat problem.  It explains about filling out the form, waiting time, etc. 

"My experience in Panama has been that doctors aren't afraid to diagnose the problem right away.  Then they usually give you a shot in the @$$ or medicine that actually works".-PFR blog

"One of the cool things about Panama is the ability to buy medicines by the pill.  Sometimes, when you are on a tight budget, that is very convenient". - PFR blog


The first time I bought my blood pressure medicine, I underestimated the cost and did not have enough cash with me.  The pharmacy sold me 5 pills.  It saved me from having to go home and come right back again.

Hi,
When we got here we were in the process of getting residency and the physical showed a potential circulation problem.   
We went to a specialist in David.  It cost $40 out of pocket and was a great experience.  I am going to the Dentist for the first time next week.  Will let you know about the cost and experience.
Rick

Thank you so much for all the feedback! Very helpful 

Question re back surgery. If you had private insurance in Panama, would it have cost all of that out of pocket?  By "big ones" I am thinking you mean thousands. If you are from the U.S. could or would insurance pay to have your back fixed here?  Of course here you do not always know if a surgeon is truly competent because of the HMO's. You have to go where you are told.  I have heard horror stories about back surgeries and think you were very brave.
Ruth