Search the Community

The death of a loved one takes many people by surprise. Besides the emotional burden and grief, one suddenly has to deal with legal, financial and administrative procedures, especially if the deceased did not have his/her assets organized. Everyday life can very quickly confront us with situations in which it is absolutely necessary to consult a legal expert. Knowledge edge in legal matters helps you to make an informed decision and protect not only your investment and assets, but also your family, heirs and loved ones. Two case studies from our legal practice regarding inheritance law in Panama. Let's make an analysis of two "figurative" case studies with their respective pseudonyms: Due to unpredictable circumstances, Michael Bauer arrives at the hospital in critical condition. He and his wife Carola moved from Canada to Chiriqui over three years ago. While the doctors try to establish his health status, Michael asks his lawyer to prepare the necessary documents to leave "everything in order”, and transfer his share of the family home located in an exclusive residential area in Boquete to his wife. I have a will, why do I need a foundation? Michael never wanted to create a foundation to protect his family's assets because he felt it was "too expensive" and an "unnecessary" expense. Unfortunately, Michael passes away before he could sign the legal papers. He leaves a vehicle (worth $10,000), his share of the house (worth $300,000 in total) in Boquete and a savings account at a local bank. There is a formal will signed before a Notary Public in Panama, declaring his wife Carola as the sole heir. She feels alone in Panama and wants to sell everything fast in order to return to Canada. However, two long years go by before she is able to transfer the title of the car and her deceased husband’s share of the house in Boquete to her name, and finally put the property and vehicle up for sale. But what happened? And, how could they have avoided this situation? Inheritance Law in Panama and its pitfalls The delay in the inheritance procedure is due to the legal basis in Panama. If the deceased had assets within Panama, in his own personal name, regardless of whether or not he has a will, a probate proceeding must be completed. In order to do so, it is necessary to hire a lawyer and to file a probate lawsuit (tested if there is a will, or intestate if there is no will, which in practice is almost the same procedure) before a judge in Panama. Courts and Judges Your file must go through different stages and hands in the court and once all the formalities are completed the judge will make a decision and assign the final beneficiary(ies). Legal procedures in Panamanian courts take their time, and even under the best conditions, it will take at least two years until your heirs have the right to transfer your assets to their names, so that they can finally sell them. In the meantime, they will have to pay for expenses, lawyer's fees (15% of the total inherited assets according to the minimum lawyer's fee in Panama), among others. Being Prepared… On the other hand, our second “figurative” case study is the case of Max Mueller. He has been a part-time resident of Panama for five years. Max has been traveling back and forth between Panama and Germany, but now it is too exhausting, his health is not good. Mr. Mueller owns a piece of land in Las Lajas (with a value of 40,000US$) in the name of a foundation, and a personal savings account at a local bank. On his last trip, he spoke with the bank official and filled out a form to leave his son Robert as the final beneficiary of the account. His lawyer has an original copy of his foundation's by-laws that declare Robert as the secondary beneficiary and secondary protector of the foundation. A foundation does not die After Max passes away in Germany, his son Robert contacts his father's lawyer in Panama. He sends him his father's death certificate, duly apostilled, and a few weeks later he travels to Panama. Since the foundation (which is a legal entity) is the owner of the land in the Public Registry of Panama and the duration of the foundation is perpetual, no lawsuit, process or legal procedure has to be filed. Robert now, in his role as universal beneficiary and protector of the foundation, leaves a signed mandate for the sale of the land, and immediately hires the service of a local real estate broker to sell the property. Before returning to Germany, he goes to the local branch of his father’s bank, complies with the internal procedure and can access the funds in the account. Create your individual estate plan A Panamanian Private Interest Foundation (PIF) can ensure that after your death, your estate passes to your chosen beneficiaries without any stressful complications, delays, or litigation. For legal purposes, the assets of a PIF constitute a separate estate from the assets of its founder and the beneficiaries. Just as in a will, the foundation's private by-laws govern the conditions of the PIF. It can be established how the assets will be distributed, and who has control over the administration of the foundation's assets. It is not required that the Founder be a resident in Panama, and with the telematics, originated due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Panama made an effort so that lawyers can create corporations and FIPs without the need for their clients to appear before a Notary Public. The commercial registry of the legal entity is filed electronically, making the registration process more expeditious. Knowledge edge makes the difference Carola is hopeful that the title to the house in Boquete will be transferred to her name soon, so that the property can be put up for sale. She has already traveled many times to Panama and sometimes she feels tired and exhausted due to so much protocol, stress and expenses. Robert received a message from the broker a few weeks ago. There is an interested party who wants to buy the land in Las Lajas. The down payment has been already made and the deal will be closed this week. In a few more days he will receive the funds from the sale in his bank account in Germany.

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.

CSI Bob as many know him or Bob Rees is in serious need of A+ or O- blood.. He is in the hospital and is waiting for blood. He needs transfusions and needs multiple pints. PLEASE HELP! If you can help please do so immediately. Contact his wife or me by phone or whatsapp. Her name is Yaneth Rees her number is 6351 8495. My name is Tim and my number is 6781-4145

Someone asked about Dr. Anguizola at Ning, but I decided to cross-post my response here. Hopefully, this will be useful to those who do not have medical insurance here in Panama. Dr. Anguizola's office is at Mae Lewis Hospital. He became my cardiologist when I was admitted to Regional Hospital in David on February 23 of this year. He is now my regular cardiologist. I have great respect for Dr. Anguizola - I think he is an excellent cardiologist. His office phone number is 774-2453 - but his staff speaks only Spanish. --------- For those who are interested in my experience related to my mild heart attack in February of this year, here is my story... I am a 74 y/o expat who moved here from Sonoma County in Northern California in early 2012. I am a permanent legal resident of Panama, and have an E-Cedula (Panama's national ID card for non-citizen foreigners). I have have no medical insurance in Panama. My Medicare Supplement plan includes a $2,500 deductible, and I would have to go to Florida or elsewhere in the U.S. to use it. I suffered a mild heart attack on February while carrying my stuff in to the BCP Center for the Tuesday Morning Market. I became weak and dizzy, so I took everything back out to my car, and drove to Dr. Chen's office. Dr. Gomez quickly had me lie down on the patient bed, ran an EKG, determined that I was having a cardiac "ischemic event" - reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. That visit cost $120. Dr.Gomez called the 911 ambulance (my choice - minimal equipment, but a free ride). They arrived soon, took me to the Regional Hospital in David. (A better-equipped private ambulance would cost $250.) After another EKG in the "coronaria" (coronary emergency unit), it was determined that my condition was not that serious, so I was on a bed in the very crowded coronary emergency area for about 12 hours. (A new, bigger hospital is being built on the property, which will be a big help with the capacity problem.) Although the coronary emergency doctor at first thought I might go home the next day, it was later decided to admit me. I was moved upstairs to a six-bed coronary care room and confined to bed with not even bathroom privileges. I was hooked up to a modern, high-tech heart monitoring machine. After three days, I was disconnected from the heart monitor, and moved to a regular room on the cardio floor, still confined to bed. On the 5th day, I was allowed to get out of bed and discharged after my sixth day. Hospital cost for six days - just under $900. Dr. Anguizola's discharge orders for me included 30 days of not driving, resting at home, and not doing any kind of exercise of work. My 30-day supply of 7 different cardiac medications cost $44 at the regional hospital pharmacy. My first follow-up appointment with Dr. Anguizola at his Mae Lewis Hospital office including an EKG and 1/2 hour consultation cost $75. Future appointments at 3-month intervals for now will be $50 or $60, and getting prescription renewals without seeing him costs $10. My next appointment was for an echocardiogram (ultrasound), which cost $175, and no issues were found. A week later, my last follow-up appointment included a stress test (EKG while walking on a treadmill) and some irregularities were found. Dr. Anguizola recommended that I have an angiogram done. I was quoted approximately $4,000 for an angiogram here in David, and $15,000 for an angioplasty if necessary. He also said that I could probably get by with longer-tern medications, which I am doing for now. I am pretty much back to normal, and very impressed with the medical system and the medical professionals here in Chiriqui. I am currently taking cardio aspirin ($7 for 30 tabs at Farmicia Revilla, $8 for 1,000 tabs via Amazon, which is $7 per month vs about $5 per year.) My very low dose statin (Vastatina) is available at the public clinic pharmacy for $1.20 per month, and I had to show my cedula to get it. (I don't know if having a cedula is a requirement.) However, they don't carry my angina med, which is $15 per month at Farmacia Revilla. My drug costs will be about $18 per month after I get the cardio-aspirin from Amazon. I am the first I know of in my family to have a heart attack, but the care and medical services here in Chiriqui are excellent, and I appreciate what they offer for such a reasonable cost.

http://www.panamatoday.com/panama/hospitals-are-trouble-due-waste-regulation-4741

http://www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/main/Plans_to_Build_70_million_Hospital

Alto al Crimen announces a very economical medical discount plan---Ready Now!! A big thanks to the large crowd who attended our presentation at the Tuesday Meeting this week. But even a large crowd at the BCP theater is only a small fraction of the people in Boquete's expat community. Consequently, we're sending this announcement via local internet media to be able to reach a much larger segment of the expat population here. This is a long announcement; please bear with us and read it all the way through. We need to convey this information to all expats who need a low-cost medical discount plan. What we targeted was an extremely affordable medical discount plan that will give people access to good medical care from good doctors and a good hospital First, think about this. If you want to fly from New York City to Bangkok, you can fly on Emirates Airlines business class for more than $7200 or you could book economy class on another airline for a little over $500. Emirates would lavish you with luxury, including cold, scented towels to put on your neck, but the bottom line is you would get to Bangkok either way. I say that to say this. You can have a high end luxury medical discount plan or insurance policy if you want it and can afford it. Or you can have a fully adequate plan with low prices and large discounts. Most of the time people pay insurance premiums on their houses and cars while sincerely hoping they don't have a car accident or a house fire or a burglary. Most of the time they win their bets and have no claims during the year. The same is true with medical insurance or other plans. But if you DO have a problem, it is good to have a way to keep your costs as low as possible. The plan Alto al Crimen is able to make available to our existing “members” and others in the community who wish to sign up for our AAC Hotline service is with a hospital you possibly have not even heard of. The hospital is Hospital Cooperativo, and the plan is called “Medicina Solidaria.” A good translation of “Medicina Solidaria” is people supporting and backing up medical care for themselves and other people. Hospital Cooperativo is truly a cooperative organization which charges low prices and operates on a truly cooperative, non-profit basis. At each year's end any gains that might otherwise be thought of as profits are used for developing and improving the hospital and its services and not paid to any investors. Hospital Cooperativo is a small hospital. It has ten hospital rooms (There are 12 rooms at hospital Mae Lewis.) There are 15 to 20 affiliated doctors, a small staff of nurses and an administrative staff. The hospital has an emergency room, a pharmacy, a small cafeteria and a laboratory capable of performing most normal laboratory functions. It has a well-equipped operating room, an X-ray facility and an untrasound room. Most of the staff speak no English, but many of the doctors do speak English. The hospital director has a son who is a doctor in David who could be called on to translate for emergency room patients. Also, Franc Lugo, our AAC Hotline operator can call ahead for people enroute by ambulance, explain the nature of the medical problem and stand by to translate by telephone. The hospital offers services in the following medical areas: General Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Room, Pediatric Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Otolaryngology, Radiology, Orthopedics, Reumatology, Dermatology, Physical medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Nutrition and Psychology As I have mentioned, every effort is made to keep prices low because the mission of the hospital to to provide good medical services at prices people can afford. There is emphasis on not ordering unnecessary laboratory tests or X-rays---only what is needed. Here is a list of applicable discounts for group members. Emergency Room – 50% Operating Room – 30% Hospital Rooms – 30% Injections – 30% Medicines in the Farmacy – 25% Specialist Consults -- 20% Laboratory Tests – 30% Ultrasound – 20% X-rays – 20% Intravenous fluids – 20% As an example to put the discounts in context, the cost to a group member for Emergency Room service is $7.50, and the daily cost for a hospital room is $42 to $49. As more members are added to the group, the hospital will continue to improve and expand its facilities. When the group (including Panamanians and expats) reaches 2,000 members, there will be a reduction in the already-low cost. There are already plans for next year to add 4 to 5 more beds, to enlarge the laboratory and to add three offices for doctors. Hospital Cooperativo is the ONLY cooperative hospital in Panama, and it has been in operation for thirty years. If you are well-off financially and want full medical insurance with all the bells and whistles, that is very reasonable for you. But if you are looking for a way to have quality medical care at low and discounted prices the Medicina Solidaria plan Alto al Crimen can make available is very possibly your best choice. If you are paying or considering paying $2,000 to $5,000 per year for medical insurance, instead you could become a member of the AAC/Hospital Cooperativo plan and put the insurance premiums in a savings account for medical contingencies. All your routine medical care could be taken care of through the very inexpensive discount plan. If you need no expensive procedures, your money will still be in the bank for future use, and you can add more every year. If you were paying medical insurance premiums, they would be gone whether or not you had any major expenses.. HOW MUCH? We will offer the group plan and include your AAC Hotline service for $150 per year. For other persons in the same household, the cost will be $125 per year. Because of the very low cost, there are no other family discounts. We need to require annual payments to minimize bookkeeping costs and administrative hassles. There is no waiting period, and there are no pre-existing condition restrictions. Also there are no age limits. We have an enrollment open season through January 17, 2017. Thereafter membership renewals will be due in January every year. Each group member will be issued a wallet card for use at the hospital, and each doctor's office and other hospital office that provides services will have a list of all annual-paid members to verify their status. Signing up involves executing a simple contract, providing personal information for your wallet card and paying $150 by check or cash. If you are not already registered for the AAC Hotline service, you will need to sign up and provide information for our data base, including detailed directions for finding hour home. Depending on the level of demand, we will have one or more sign-up opportunities before the last sign-up day on 17 January 2017. Several ;people did not have their money of check books this week, so another sign-up opportunity is being scheduled for December 20 at the BCP market, where we will have a table. Below is an English translation of the Medicina Solidaria contract. For legal reasons, the actual contracts will be in Spanish. PLAN SOLIDARIO OF COOPERATIVE HEALTH In the city of David, Province of Chiriqui, Republic of Panama, on the _______ day of the month _________ in the year ______---. between the COOPERATIVO DE SALUD CENTRAL DE URGENCIAS MEDICAS, R.L. (CUMECOOP, R.L.) a non-profit entity located in the district of David, Barriada Manuel Quintero Villarreal, Avenida Tercera West and C Street North, represented in this act by Dr. Ruben Dario Corre, male Panamanian, adult, married, with cedula #6-9-101 in his position of President of the Directors of the Cooperative. The following are the clauses & conditions of the plan. FIRST CLAUSE: The COOPERATIVO DE SALUD CENTRAL DE URGENCIAS MEDICAS, R.L. (CUMECOOP, R.L.) will offer the USER of the PLAN SOLIDARIO OF COOPERATIVE HEALTH that credits your status such that the Medical Servicess stipulated in CLAUSE 6 of this agreement & whose scope of coverage is established only within the installations of Hospital Cooperativo, located in the city of David, Province of Chiriqui, Republic of Panama. SECOND CLAUSE: in order to credit your status as a USER of the PLAN SOLIDARIO OF COOPERATIVE HEALTH, you commit to pay $10.00 monthly for the direct discount _______ or pay voluntarily through the window _____ to the COOPERATIVO DE SALUD CENTRAL DE URGENCIAS MEDICAS, R.L. (CUMECOOP, R.L.) (AAC NOTE: AAC members will only make annual payments, and no monthly payments will be involved.) THIRD CLAUSE: The COOPERATIVO DE SALUD CENTRAL DE URGENCIAS MEDICAS, R.L. commits to furnish an ID card to identify you as a beneficiary of the services. It will also furnish a card for registering payment & health services received at Hospital Cooperativo. (AAC NOTE: AAC members will not need the payment record card. In actuality, it does not have spaces to show health services received. A list of annual-paid members will be places in every doctor's office and other service location in the hospital to verify your paid status.) FOURTH CLAUSE: This cooperative health plan agreement grant the benefit of discounts only to the person who signs this contract and is not transferable. In order to receive the benefits authorized to the USER of the PLAN SOLIDARIO OF COOPERATIVE HEALTH, the person must present his card & the card that also lists the monthly payments. (AAC NOTE: AAC will arrange for an official annotation on the card to show payment has been made until a date one year after the date of the contract.) FIFTH CLAUSE: The user of the plan must complete his monthly payments of $10.00. If that is not done, he will lose coverage, and the contract will be terminated without any refunds. (AAC NOTE: This will not apply except after the date one year after the date of the contract when another annual payment will be due. If that payment is not made, the services will be terminated.) SIXTH CLAUSE: The COOPERATIVA CENTRAL DE URGENCIAS MEDICAS, R.L. commits to give discounts for the following health services offered at Hospital Cooperativo:  EMERGENCY ROOM CONSULT ….50%  OPERATING ROOM ….....................30%  HOSPITAL ROOM….........................30%  START IV (VENOCLISIS).................30%  MEDICINES FROM PHARMACY ....25%  SPECIALIST CONSULTS ..............20%  LABORATORY TESTS …...............30%  ULTRASOUND TESTS …...............30%  X-RAYS …........................................30%  INTRAVENOUS APPLICATIONS ...30% After reading this contract and its clauses and in witness whereof, the parties hereby proceed to sign the same. Given in the city of David on the __________________ day of _________________ of the year _____________ __________________________________ ____________________________ USER OF THE PLAN SOLIDARIO DE . Dr. Luis Wong to. CDD: 4-95-987 SALUD COOPERATIVA CUMECOOP R.I. Administrative Director “COOPERATIVE MEDICINE: The Alternative Model of Health Services Management in Panama” If anyone would like a copy of the PowerPoint slides from the presentation on Tuesday, please send an email request to rhgusn@yandex.com, and one will be sent to you. This is a bit cumbersome, but I don't yet have the PowerPoint file posted on a web site. Alto al Crimen is a non-profit foundation which provides valuable community services and is funded by donations. We need and solicit your support. We need you to help us so that we can help you.