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By a retired Massage Therapist from the states. To help a friend in need. Reasonable and in good shape. Gracias!

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES FOR CHIRIQUI PROVINCE Version 1.96, August 10, 2021 The information contained in this listing of healthcare resources was originally compiled by Mary Lynah many years ago. Beginning August 2017, this resource listing is now maintained by Doug and Jo Johnson, who are full-time Boquete residents, having retired several years ago from legal and medical careers. Some of the information in this listing is several years old and has not yet been verified by the new Healthcare Resources custodians. If you discover incorrect, outdated, or missing information, please notify Doug and Jo, and they will research, validate, and then post the correct information on this listing for everyone's benefit. Doug and Jo may be contacted by PM (private message) here on CL using the @Doug and Jo display name, or by regular email to health.info@chiriqui.life. It is strongly preferred that communications with Doug and Jo about this listing not be conducted by postings in this forum or in this particular topic. Please note that not all of the resources listed below are physically located within the Chiriqui Province. Sometimes there are healthcare situations that may require specialized care that is not available in Chiriqui. This listing focuses on the healthcare resources that someone residing in the Chiriqui Province may need, even though it requires travel to Panama City. There is an emergency assistance service in Chiriqui Province: Rodny Direct, which is a 24/7/365 emergency helpline service in English and Spanish, email info@rodnydirect.com. There is a medical group in Boquete which will tend to emergencies that can be solved or stabilized here in Boquete, on/off hours, on weekends, holidays, and weekdays at night. The service activates by calling BOQUETE MEDICAL AND ASSOCIATES (BMA) at 6619-7911 (after hours). Patients will be seen at Clinica Alfa by a local physician. BMA and Keep it Simple Panama have teamed up to offer discounted medical care in Boquete and referrals when appropriate, and a health care advocate service to recommend, find and obtain the best price for health care services (including hospitals) in David. Annual membership fee. Contact Keep it Simple Panama 6705-9845 or visit Alfa Clinica for program details. BOQUETE CLINICS Policlinica, This is the Social Security clinic for Boquete. Located across the street from Fire Department. For Panamanian employees, the clinic is open to expats for a fee. Its hours of operation are 7:00 am to 3:00 pm Mondays through Fridays. It has diagnostic equipment like x-rays, EKG and a limited pharmacy. Many Boquete doctors practice there in morning hours. It has an ambulance on the emergency system with the Fire Department and MINSA. Clinica Especializada, 720-2080, 6676-7132 General practice. Across the street from Melo in Bajo Boquete. Previously informally known as "Dr Chen's Clinic", this clinic is run by Dr Josimar Gomez. He speaks excellent English. He is joined by Dr José Valenzuela and Dra Shannon Tuer. All are considered excellent doctors. Prices are slightly higher for appointments in the evenings and on weekends. Clinica Valle Boquete, private clinic, no phone. General practice. Across from the street back of the fire station. 7 AM - 7 PM or maybe 9 PM. Several doctors there at various times, some of whom speak English. Dr Yanko Guillen, especially recommended, M-Tu mornings, Th-F aft and eves. Appts are $7.50, $6 jubilado. Ministry of Health Clinic, Mon - Fri, 7 am - 7 pm, next to Romero. Clinica Jhave Rafah, is run by Dra Liliana Boya, family medicine, clinic is across the street from Mike’s Global Grill in Boquete. 6728-3098. Speaks English. Clinica Alfa, next to La Reyna on the main street in downtown Boquete. 8:30 - 12 and 1 - 5:30pm Mon-Sat. 720-2434, 6949-5998 Clinica Doctores Anguizoles, located on the first floor of San Francisco Plaza, adjacent to the Canista Basica grocery store in Alto Boquete. 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Mondays - Saturdays. Sunday hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. English spoken. Centro Medico Cooperativo, on the same road as the Boquete Library, near Ludwig's Car Repair. M-F 10 am to 6 pm. Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 5 pm. 6733-3446 General medical treatment. LOS ANASTACIOS CLINIC Minsa Capsi, on the road from Boquete to David in Los Anastacios. 7 am to 7 pm daily (7 am - 3 pm on weekends). 776-1975. PRIVATE HOSPITALS Hospital Chiriqui, David 774-0128 Doctors and specialties at http://www.hospitalchiriqui.com/directorio Centro Medico Mae Lewis, David 775-4616, small hospital, 10 rooms. Clinica Hospital Cattan, David 775-7099, small hospital, 12 rooms. PUBLIC HOSPITALS (for Panamanians or auto accidents if they don’t know where to take you) Regional Hospital (also called the Social Security Hospital) adults: 775-2162 Hospital José Domingo de Obaldia, for obstetrics and children: 775-4222 PHYSICIANS AND HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS BY SPECIALTY ALLERGY AND INTERNAL MEDICINE: Dr Manuel Espinoza Goldman, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X2245 . ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE, GYNECOLOGY, THERMOGRAMS: Dr Maximo Pinzon, Panama City, 263-7910, cell 6672-1901 CARDIOLOGY: Dr Alexander Adames, Chiriqui Hospital, 777-8016. 6674-1477. Need appt. Also has privileges at Punta Pacifica Hospital in Panama City. Speaks English. Dr Norberto Javier Calzada, Cardiologos Associados Panama City, 204-8395, 269-0566, ncalzada@psi.net.pa Dr Domingo Correa, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X 2024 Dr Franklin Anguizola, Mae Lewis, 774-2453 Speaks English. CARDIOVASCULAR, ENDOVASCULAR, AND THORACIC SURGERY Dr Jorge Che, Hospital Chiriqui Consultorios #309, Angiograms and Vascular surgery for arteries, veins and lymph. Speaks English.774-0128 X3226, cell 6429-1243. email jorgeche1971@hotmail.com Dr Pedro Escheverria, cardiovascular and endovascular surgery,Hospital Punta Pacific and Clinica Hospital San Fernando,204-8538 office, cell 6670-3335, email pedroemd@gmail.com Dr Chi Shing Man Wan, Hospital Chiriqui, Clinic CINAM 774-1435. Speaks English Dr Jaime Dutary, Mae Lewis, consultations Mon to Fri 9 to 1 and 3 to 7 (Also, if no quarantine, Sat 9 to 1) 775-4616 ext 259 DENTISTS: Dra Monica Sanjur, Boquete, near Biblioteca de Boquete, 720-1152, cell 6748-0006 Speaks English. Dra Luz Barria-Cruz, Boquete, next to Machu Picchu restaurant, 720-1735 or 6643-5490. Speaks English. Dra Dagmar Rios, Odontolgia General Dentistry, Alto Boquete in Plaza San Francisco, 720-4207, 6068-5138, speaks English, odontosmileclinic20@gmail.com. Dr Guillermo Arosemena, David, 775-1301, implants, root canals, crowns Dra Magalys Luz, David, 777-4887, 6611-1939, across from Revilla Farmacia about 100 yards past Rodelag Dr Franklin Halphen, David, 775-3344, cell 6673-3563, root canals, periodontics, crowns, etc. Good English. Dr Alfredo Spiegel, David, 775-2683, cell 6614-9087. Dr Karina Granada, David, 6675-9025, near Tambu (Tamurelli) Restaurant Dra Vanessa Lambiz, 6676-5704., Hospital Chiriqui. 774-0124 X2412. Fair English Dr Charly Garcia, Avenida Balboa, Panama City. 264-4380 Dr Juan Carlo Ortiz Hugues, endodontist, across from Emergency at Hospital Chiriqui. Odonto Advance Clinica, 730-7169, good English Dr Ana Ventura, 6076-2284 implants, crowns, Odonton Advance Clinica, good English Dra Patricia Morales, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Chiriqui. 775-2689, 775-2699, 6673-9910. Good English, will perform procedures at Dra Monica Sanjur's office in Boquete as scheduled. Dra Miriam Rodriguez, located in Plaza Mallorca on the Via Rapida in David. 730-2826 6004-0296, speaks some English, assistant speaks good English Dr. Abel Gomez Goff, located in Oteima Plaza in David. 775-6133. Speaks good English. DERMATOLOGY: Dra Deyla Rodriguez de Vergara, Hospital Chiriqui #111, 774-0124 X3056. Can freeze age spots. Skin, hair, nails, facial enhancement 6266-8899. Some English. Dr Armando Mocci, Panama City, dermaclinica@psi.net.pa 269-5222 Dra Karen Zapata Montenegro, Hospital Chiriqui 777-8091, Speaks English. karenzapata@clinicaflordepiel.com Dr Hipolito Gonzales, Panama City, Patilla Hospital, 269-5222, 263-7977 central lines to the hospital. Ask for his clinic. Dra Dalila Mirones, Clinica Alfa/Boquete Medical and Associates, 720-2434, 6949-5998. Wednesday mornings in Boquete only by appointment. Dra Mirones treats all skin conditions including skin cancer, skin tags, keratosis, rosacea, and skin allergies. She also has an office at Mae Lewis Hospital next door to Dra Luz Vizuette. 730-1952. EAR NOSE AND THROAT (ENT): Dr Alvaro Candanedo, Hospital Chiriqui, 777-8011, 774-0128 X2024. Walk in starting at 3:00PM. Dr Carlos A Beitia, Centro Medico Paitilla, Panama City, 6614-6448 cabeitia@hotmail.com, 269-3387, 206-2458 Dr. Mario Grenald Rios, Centro Medico Mae Lewis and Hospital Chiriqui, good English skills, Mae Lewis office direct 775-4311, via Mae Lewis switchboard 775-4616 X319, cell 6227-0068, http://guias21sa.com/dr-mario-grenald-rios/ Dr. Teofilo Camilo Gozaine, Hospital Chiriqui, excellent English, graduate of Creighton University Medical School (Nebraska), Practiced 11 years in the US. 6675-3268. Is also available by appointment at Clinica Alfa on Thursday afternoon from 12:30 - 5:00 pm. (720-2434, 6949-5998). Performs sinus endoscopy, laringoscopy, nose-bleeding coagulation, tympanometry (detects liquid in middle ear), head and neck excisional biopsy, hoarseness study and treatment, vertigo study and treatment, speaking impairments. Dr. Gozaine also has a lot of experience treating skin cancers. ENDOCRINOLOGY AND INTERNAL MEDICINE: Dr Álvaro Pachon Burgos, office in Mae Lewis, 775-4176, cell 6615-2440 or 6714-7784. Diabetes specialist. Speaks good English. Dr Enrique Mendoza, San Fernando Hospital Clinic, Via España, Panama City, Phone 308-6300 (central number) Speaks English and French. drenriquemendoza@gmail.com GASTROENTEROLOGY: Dr Carlos Abadia, Hospital Chiriqui, 1st floor, 774-0128 X3056 or 3085, cell 6616-8406, specializes in Colon/procto problems, laproscopy, good English. carlosabadia17@hotmail.com Dr Jack Rodriguez, Hospital Chiriqui, cell 6480-2811, excellent English Dr Enrique Fernandez, Mae Lewis Hospital, Asillo verde #10, Mon – Fri- 3:30 pm to 6 PM, in order of arrival, Speaks some English, 775-5566, 775-4616 Dra Velkys Betia, Mae Lewis Hospital, 775-4616, cell 6690-2236. Also liver specialist. Make sure she understands that she has to handle the insurance forms Dr Jose Mendez, Consultorios Medicos Patilla, Pimer Piso, No 118, Panama City. 263-7977, 269-5222, direct 206-2594*** GENERAL MEDICINE: Dr Rimsky Sucre, Clinica Einstein, Panama City, 264-7110, Via Argentina, El Edificio Einstein #57 GERONTOLOGIST: Dra Luz Vizuette, Chiriqui and Mae Lewis Hospitals, 775-4616 X298, cell 6612-4293. 2D Mae Lewis Hospital, lucyvizuette24@hotmail.com See also Dr Tobon, Internist. HEMATOLOGIST: Dr Carlos Montero, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X2245. Dr Luis Harris Zamora, Mae Lewis Hospital, hematology and internal medicine, after 3:30 pm in order of arrival, Mon,Wed, Fri only. 775-4616, cell 6674-2499. INFECTIOUS DISEASE: Dr Cesar de Gracia, 775-6666, Hospital Cooperativo in David Dr Nestor Sosa, infectious disease expert and director of Hospital Gorgas in Panama City. Dr Blas Camaño, infectious diseases, tropical diseases, venereal diseases, HIV, other complicated infections (fungal and bacterial), and parasites. Offers IV and IM antibiotic treatments as appropriate. 720-2434, 6949-5998. Appointments available at Clinica Alfa Mon-Fri between 4:00 to 5:30. Dr Camaño's wife is his on-site English translator at Clinica Alpha. INTERNAL MEDICINE: Dra Digna Virginia Diaz, Specialist internal medicine and Master of aesthetic medicine. Excellent English skills. Patients by appointment only, 6615-6740. For appointment, call between 12 pm- 7 pm, all days. Home visits may be available. Excellent English. Available days in Boquete: Tuesdays, Thursdays, 2:30 - 5:30 at Clinica Alfa/Boquete Medical and Associates. 720-2434, 6949-5998. She sees patients at several other locations, so she will tell you where your appointment will be. Drivers License and Handicap certificates, Death certificates, Botox, fillers, plasma (aesthetic use), skin biopsies, skin tags, cauterization of keratosis, spider veins, vascular nevus. Pre-operative cardiovascular risk evaluations. Vitamin and Cellular therapy. Dr Alcibiades Arosemena, Internal Medicine and Respiratory Disease. Hospital Chiriqui, 2nd floor, Consultorio #4, 774-0128 X3126, cell 6124-2035 Dr Llerana, Mae Lewis Hospital, 775-4616. Dr Julio Osorio, Internal Medicine, Critical Care, Intensive Care, Hospital Chiriqui, Clinic CINAM 774-1435, cell 6693-4642 Dra Ligia Gonzales, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Mae Lewis Hospital, 775-4616 X315, cell 774-5515. She can certify you to get a driver’s license at the age of 70 NEPHROLOGY: Dr Mario Giron, Hospital Chiriqui, office hours from 3PM, 774-0128 X2150. Cell 6625-5723 and 6116-7221. He speaks English, but the receptionist does not. Also certified in internal medicine, but practice is nephrology. NEUROLOGY: Dr Eimir Perez, Hospital Chiriqui and Panama City, 774-0128, cell 6619-4223. Neurosurgeon. Dr Valderrama A, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X 2200, 777-8080, cell 6450-4735. Dra Evelia Gomez Wong, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Neurophysiology, Clinica San Fernando Norte, Panama City, 305-6355 NUTRITIONIST: Bixby Tapiero, available during the day Mon-Fri by appointment at Clinica Alfa, 720-2434, 6949-5998, by appointment at Clinica Especializada 720-2080 or by appointment at Hospital Mae Lewis 777-2325. Excellent English. Jaclyn Castillo, available afternoons Mon-Fri by appointment at Clinica Alfa, 720-2434, 6949-5998, management of diabetes, dislipidemia, gastritis, gluten intolerance, reflux. Does not speak English, but there is a translator at the clinic. OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Dra Irma Araya, Hospital Chiriqui, 777-8024, and at Clinca Alfa/Boquete Medical and Associates next to La Reyna on the main street in Boquete. Mondays through Fridays by appointment only. 720-2434, 6949-5998. Pregnancy control, menopause, sexually transmitted diseases. Fetal Doppler, Bartholin's cyst drainage, cauterization of papillomas. Speaks good English. Dra Rubis Perez, Hospital Chiriqui, 777-8076, cell 6614-8332, laparoscopy, very good English Dra Yosiy Montes, 774-0128. Some English, Hospital Chiriqui in the tower. Dra Ida Sam Rojas, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X3085, 6561-1022. Spanish only but has English speaking assistant. Dr Ariel Guerra, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X 3062. Speaks English. Dr Tomas Arias, Hospital Chiriqui, 777-8024 Speaks English. Dra Roxana Salcedo 777-8019, 6617-0660 Hospital Chiriqui, Speaks English. ONCOLOGY: Dr José Fabrega, excellent English, Hospital Paitilla Consultorios Medicos, next to Multicentro Mall, 263-7977, 269.5222, also 263-7977 ext 2358 or 2359 OPHTHALMOLOGY: Dr Adriano Young Leon, Hospital Mae Lewis, 777-2324 or 775-4616, specializes in cataract surgery. Comes to David twice a month. Dr Augosto Arosemena, Patilla Hospital, PC, office 206-2424, speaks English www.eyedoctorpanama.com Dr Marino Rivera, 774-6600, Spanish only. Dr Miguel Wong, 229-2967, 6729-7060, comes to David on weekends. Dra Sonia Gordon, Mae Lewis, 777-4171, 775-4616 X 319 or 317. Dra Mitzi Arias, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128. Dr Roberto Vasquez, Consultorios Medicos Paitilla, 6th Floor, Panama City, 206-2569 (Direct), 269-5222 (Central) Dra Ana Victoria Paz, Retinal Specialist, Consultarios San Fernando, PC, 6618-4337 cell, 264-5155 office, 261-9440 fax Dr Edith Perez de Lopez, Hospital Punta Pacifica, Panama City, Retinal Specialist, 204-8434 or 203-6086, cell 6612-2453. She speaks English, staff not so much. Has retinal CT scanner. retinayvitreo2020@hotmail.com Clinica Yee, a family of ophthalmologists who specialize in surgery, retinology, cataracts, 230-0005, Panama City Dr Ruben Orillac, Ophthalmologist in Panama City. His partner is Dr. Ernesto Calvo. Clinica De Ojos Orillac-Calvo, Balboa Plaza 201-202, phone 269-7475; 269-7476; 269-7477 Dr Miguel A. Molina, eye surgeon in Chiriqui Hospital. 6670-2121, 774-0128 drmiguelmolinavega@gmail.com Speaks English. Dr Juan Petrocelli, Hospital Chiriqui, Tower 3, Office 4, speaks English, Appts 6876-5556, 6568-3335. ORTHOPEDICS AND TRAUMA: Dr Eric Tortosa, Hospital Chiriqui, etortosa@yahoo.com, 6612-6484. Very good English. Dr Arkel Gonzales, Ortho and trauma, specialist in feet and ankles. Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X3226, Mae Lewis, 775-3125 x255 http://handstotoes.com/doctores/dr-arkel-gonzalez/ Speaks English. Dr Donaldo Baez. Speaks some English. Trauma, orthopedics, arthroscopy, joint replacement, knee surgery. Hospital Chiriqui 777-8085 or 774-0128, Centro Medico Mae Lewis 774-4600 Cell: 6618-7534, dabaez@hotmail.com Dr Victor Rivera Man, Consultorio #6, Hospital Chiriqui, 777-8037, 6619-7497, personal cell 6618-4010. Good English. Dr Martin Solis Giron, alternatives to surgery, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X3125 Dr José Moreno, specializes in feet and ankles. Swiss trained, excellent English. 204-8587 Punta Pacifica Hospital in Panama City Dr Juan Carlos Pretto, shoulder specialist, alternatives to surgery, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X3226, Mae Lewis, 775-3125 x255 http://handstotoes.com/doctores/dr-juan-carlos-pretto-escartin/ Speaks English. Dr Ceferino Gonzalez, critical care, knee specialist, management of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X3226, 6618-6042. Speaks English. Evelio Camaño, trauma surgery, knee replacements, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 x2235. Not much English, but daughter is excellent real-time translator. Dr Luis Cuesta, orthopedic surgery, Friday mornings only at Clinica Alfa by appointment. 720-2434, 6949-5998. Ingrown toenail, Hyaluronic acid to treat knees, joint infiltration. Electrocauterization. PALLIATIVE CARE: Dr Luz Vizuette. Specializes in geriatric care and can prescribe narcotic pain relievers 6612-4293, Mae Lewis Hospital. Speaks excellent English. Dr Bruna C. Chin at Mae Lewis and Regional Hospital. 775-4616. PEDIATRIACS: Dr. José Jaen, Pediatrician, Afternoons Wed-Fri at Clinica Alfa by appointment. 720-2434, 6949-5998. Does not speak English, but there is a translator on-site. PHYSICAL THERAPY: René Estribí, 720-2434, 6949-5998 rene.estribi@gmail.com Social Security Clinic in Boquete, The Haven, and also at Clinica Alfa Monday - Friday only by appointment. 720-2434, 6949-5998. Speaks good English. Offers tape therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation for pain management, post-op, lumbosciatica, scoliosis, rehabilitation, and strength therapy. Johana Pitti, House calls in Boquete, teaches Physical Therapy and works for MINSA. johapitti@hotmail.com 6469 6434 Jennifer Jimenez, speaks English, 720-3174, 6281-4827 email: chiriquivalleypt@gmail.com. Licensed Physical Therapist: Practices in patients' homes or local area gym. Post stroke neurological recuperation and Aqua Therapy. Clinica de Terapia Fisica y Rehabilitación, Bajo Boquete (adjacent to Clinica Especializada) has two licensed physical therapists: Jessica Bell, 6211-7011, physioelement@gmail.com, will make house calls, excellent English Belkys Atencio, 6741-8115 physioelement@gmail.com. PLASTIC, ESTHETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: Dr Roberto Tribaldos, Patilla Hospital in Panama City, phone 206-2594, cell 6613-4410. Also practices in David at Chiriqui by special arrangement. Dr Luis Crespo, Punta Pacifica Hospital, 1st floor, Room #163, excellent English, does reconstructive surgery, breast surgery, highly recommended. 204-8481 or 204-8552 PODIATRISTS: Dr Lorena, on Main Street in Bajo Boquete. Also available at The Haven. Speaks some English WhatsApp 6843-8122 PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS Dr Yanko Guillen, General Physician and Occupational Health, Clinica Alfa, Boquete, 720-2434, 6949-5998. Primary care and follow-up. Health control and health certificates, death certificates, and makes house calls. MAPA (24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring), EKGs, electrocautery for superficial lesions, and capillary glucose (for diabetes). Speaks good English. Monday through Saturday (except for Wednesday) 3:00-5:00 pm. Walk-ins welcome. Dra Liliana Boya, Clinica Jhave Rafah, Boquete 6728-3098. Primary care and follow-up. Family medicine. Speaks good English. Dra Sue King Loo, Clinica Alfa 720-2434, 6949-5998. Primary care and follow-up, obesity and overweight treatment, high blood pressure treatment and management, health certificates, annual health checkups. MAPA (24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring), EKGs, and capillary glucose (for diabetes). After hours phone: 6619-7911. Speaks good English. Dr Josimar Gomez, Clinica Especializada, Boquete 6676-7132, Primary care and emergency care. Speaks excellent English. Also Dr José Valenzuela and Dra. Shannon Tuer at this same clinic location. Dra. Nelly Quiroz, Clinica Alfa, Monday to Friday only by appointment (rotating schedule). 720-2434, 6949-5998, General physician and Master of Diabetes Management. Diagnosis, control and prevention of complications associated with diabetes. Can provide Health Certificates and Death Certificates. EKGs, electrocautery for superficial lesions, and capillary glucose (for diabetes). Speaks good English. Dra. Shannon Tuer, Clinica Especializada, Boquete 720-2080 6507 4299, excellent English PSYCHOLOGY: Alma Rivera, Psychologist, available at Clinica Alfa Mon-Fri by appointment 720-2434, 6949-5998. Treats anxiety, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, phobias, stress management. Adalena De Leon, available at Clinica Alpha Mon-Fri by appointment 720-2434, 6949-5998. Treats anxiety, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, phobias, stress management. PSYCHIATRY: Dr Vejarano, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0218. Dr Ramon de Aguilar Alvarado, Mae Lewis, 775-4616 X 316, cell 6674-6141. Dr Waldemar Oliveros, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X3224, 775-5155 PULMONOLOGY (LUNG): Dra Xiomara Nunez, 774-2453 Dr Rafael Rodriguez, Pacifica Plaza in David. Affiliated with Todo Salud. 730-4290 Speaks very good English. Dr Humberto Juan Serrud, Hospital Chiriqui, Consultario 17, Cell 6770-2537 RADIOLOGY: Dr Jamie Bravo, Sonogram and X ray. RHEUMATOLOGY: Dr Generoso Guerra, Calle 53 in Panama City 340-9977 or 9978, 263-3283 fax X2000, 2003, 263-3464 SPEECH THERAPY: Betty Landis, 6540-7016 SURGERY: Dr Samuel Cattan, surgery and internal medicine, 775-4616, Mae Lewis Hospital. Dra Jossary Prieto, general surgery, Chiriqui Hospital 6151-7808 Dr Erick Miranda Rivera, 775-4616 X257, surgery and coloproctology Dr Mariela Hustado, general surgery and bariatric surgery, Hospital Chiriqui 774-0128 X3126, 777-8071. Dr. Hustado is also available at Clinica Alpha Wed-Fri by appointment only 720-2434, 6949-5998. Laproscopic Deep tissue biopsies (thyroid, adenopathies, muscle, breast) Gall bladder stones, appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, hernias. Bariatric surgery will be performed at hospitals in David. Limited English. UROLOGY: Dr Arias, Hospital Chiriqui, 774-0128 X2035 Dr Marta Sanchez, 777-2588. Speaks English. Chiriqui Hospital. 777-2588 or 774-0128 X3134 Dr Enrique Aleman, Consultorios Medicos Paitilla 3rd Floor, Panama City 263-2795, 206-2477 (appointments) Dr Don Manuel Guerrero Montza, primarily works out of Centro Medico Mae Lewis, but has started a monthly consultation access at Clinica Alfa in Boquete, excellent English, 775-4616, 774-1073, doernis@cwpanama.net HEARING AND HEARING AID SERVICES AND PRODUCTS Calasa, Licda. Zuleymis Ortega; Calle 3 era Oeste, Ave H/I Norte, Barrio Manuel Quintero Villa Real, Detrás del Nuevo Banco Nacional de Panamá; Telefax: 774-7101, info@calasapanama.com, zuleymis.ortega@calasapanama.com, http://www.calasapanama.com/index.html Clinica Hospital Cattan, Dr. Diogenes Cattan; Centro Auditivo Widex Clínica Cattan, Frente al antiguo Hospital Jose Domingo Obaldía, 2do Piso, 1er Consultorio a la derecha, David, 775-7099, 775-3553, 6408-3145 Hear4You, brands carried include Alera 5, Crisp, Enzo, Verso 7, Linx 7, Enzo 7, Verso 9, Linx 9, Enzo 9; Hospital Chiriqui, Local #305 y #306, 777-8022, 775-2603, 777-8021; www.hear4upanama.com, www.resound.com, http://saludch.wixsite.com/salud-chiriqui/hear4u HELPFUL PEOPLE INTERPRETER: Lola Braxton, David, $8 per hour, good medical translation skills, 6607-9423 CHIRIQUI HOSPITAL: Maribel Malbonado, Administration Finance, 774-0128 or 6679-0059 MAE LEWIS HOSPITAL: Elsa Herrera, Patient Assistant, 775-4616. She speaks English. KEEP IT SIMPLE PANAMA: Irma Castillo Smith, assists in the coordination of medical issues in David https://www.keepitsimplepanama.com 6716-2843, 6705-9845, infokeepitsimplepanama@gmail.com; $25/hour; the first hour is free (If you are a Rodny Direct member she charges $15/hour). Also assists under the Boquete Medical and Associates membership plan. ASK GEOVANA: Geovana Caballero, an advisor, coordinator, information resource, problem solver; 6675-3667, sweetpepper28@gmail.com, askgeovana.weebly.com PUNTA PACIFICA HOSPITAL: The contact person at Hospital Punta Pacifica now is Brenda Warner de Gibbs. Her direct phone line is 204-8246, e-mail bwarner@hpp.com.pa. She speaks English well and is very helpful.

Having spent 35 years working in laboratories in the U. S. I was I curious about the laboratory testing in Panama, and Boquete in particular. I've used two laboratories in town, and spoken with my doctors about their concerns or recommendations. The following are suggestions for those of you who are used to laboratories in the U. S., there are differences. In the U.S. when you get your blood drawn, or drop off a specimen, you are asked to identify the labels they will place on your specimens. Name, birthdate, ID number of some sort. Then the date and time are written on the specimen. This label is basically a UPC code. With few exceptions, all analyzing equipment in the U. S. simply reads the barcode, sees what tests are ordered, mechanically opens the tube, analyzes, then sends the results to a computer where a human reviews abnormal results and repeats any abnormals. The technologists barely touch the tube other than to assure there is sufficient sample. This is because of OSHA, who forced labs to reduce exposure to AIDS and hepatitis, etc. Normal results are released with no review and go straight into the patient's record. So, for most laboratory testing, it is extremely hard to get incorrect results, as long as you verify your OWN name. Many of the procedures I'm describing here have been in use for the last 25 years. I was a manager at LabCorp in Houston, we received over 50,000 test tubes each day. We had to use these techniques or there would have been no way to type each name in before we even began the testing process. Americans do a LOT of labs. Now, I'll compare with Panama. First, let me assure you, their equipment is relatively modern. Equipment I used in smaller hospitals and labs. Here, they simply do not add on the barcode readers, computer interfaces, automatic test tube openers, and other "safety" and convenience items . The tests procedures are the same. Glucoses are glucoses, the same chemical reagents as are used anywhere in the world. So, why do you care? It comes to two things I've observed. No one asks your name, just scribble it on in light pencil or ink. They also use test tubes here that do not allow for the blood specimens to have the luxury of sitting on the counter, untested, for more than an hour. A glucose that isn't tested within an hour will quickly degrade from very high, to normal or even low. Other analytes, such as potassium will go higher the longer they sit. I cannot confirm the tests here aren't run in a timely manner, but will tell you, my fasting blood sugar has been 105-110 for years. Here, my glucose was reported 76, and surprisingly, that was nearly exactly the same value my husband got that day. Our A1Cs were also identical, mine low for the first time in years. The problem, no doubt, our specimens were misidentified. So, I recommend these three basic things you can do proactively. Ask to confirm the names on your specimens before they leave your sight. NEVER have your labs done on the same day as your relatives with the same last name, if you can avoid it. Look at your results as soon as possible, the same day is best. If anything looks odd for your history, ask them to repeat it, either with the old blood they saved in their refrigerator for 5 days, or ask to be redrawn and retested. The last advice, always drink plenty of water before going in for fasting blood tests. Often they will tell you , nothing by mouth, when water is not only allowed it is necessary to find your veins easily. Black coffee and sugarless tea are also acceptable. I hope to update this after visiting the laboratories located in the David hospitals. They may be altogether different.

This is the ninth in a series of audio podcasts by Chiriqui.Life. The subjects of this podcast are Keep It Simple, Panama (a healthcare advocacy business), and Rodny Direct, (a subscription-based Emergency Helpline Service). Irma Smith is the representative for Keep It Simple Panama; Rodny Moreno is the representative for Rodny Direct. Irma and Rodny were invited to speak at the Tuesday Morning Meeting series on July 25, 2017. Here is a link to the meeting announcement: http://www.chiriqui.life/calendar/event/829-tuesday-talks-at-bcp-keep-it-simple-panama-aseguradora-la-floresta/. Introduction After the usual announcements at the beginning of the weekly BCP Tuesday Morning Meetings, emcee Nikki Steele introduced Irma Smith and Rodny Moreno for this well-attended presentation. It was a standing room only event, with not one unused seat and many people sitting on the floor and standing around the railings in the theater. This posting documents that meeting, including the contact information, the presentation materials, a picture, and an audio recording of the presentations and Q&A session. Contact Information Irma C. Smith Keep It Simple Panama, INC +507 6705-9845 (cell phone) +507 730-5263 (office) EmaiL: keepitsimplepanama@gmail.com Rodny Moreno Rodny Direct +507 6573-0141 email: rodny@rodnydirect.com www.rodnydirect.com Presentation Materials Click Here to download a PDF format of the presentation materials used by Irma for her discussion about healthcare advocacy. Next is a brochure that was handed out at this presentation. Audio Podcast To listen to this Keep It Simple Panama and the Rodny Direct audio podcast, click below on the white, right-pointing triangle (arrow) on top of an orange circular background. If you see two options below, we recommend using the "Listen in browser" option as opposed to the "Play on SoundCloud" option. The podcast is 1h 26s duration. If you would like to provide feedback about this podcast, or discuss other matters related to this podcast series, please either reply to this posting, or send CL Staff a private message (@Moderator_02 is the correct display name to communicate with), or email to support@chiriqui.life. If you would like to share this podcast with family and friends, simply provide them the following URL, but remember that CL membership is required to view this content: http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/6716-chiriquilife-podcast-09-bcp-tuesday-talks-irma-smith-of-keep-it-simple-panama-and-rodny-moreno-of-rodny-direct/

Greetings Group, Okay, we're changing things up a bit. I am looking for contact information for the best hernia surgeon in Chiriqui. I welcome any and all recommendations, experiences, of yourselves and others that you know. If you were to have surgery for a hernia today, who would you want for your surgeon??? Thank you once again for your warm reception, and if you are ever on Ruta Sur, heading to/from Boquete to/from Volcan, stop by Lita's Hostal, located near Cuesta de Piedra, and say "hey". Kind Regards, Fred

I've looked on this site and Ning and can't find any details on where/how to get an annual physical exam. A couple of posts suggest that Hospital Chiriquí does a great one if you sign up for their insurance plan, but we already have insurance. Any idea about where to make an appointment? Cost?