Tingting

1 hour ago, lakeside7 said:

Maybe the local folks who do you car servicing...if you have a car??

It is a GENERATOR for a HOUSE, but hey...next time you need a doctor, see your vet. After all, it's just another type of animal.

Can anyone recommend a local person for a generator service? We used the same guy for years, but he's no longer in the picture (on the coast). It's the standard filter and oil change for a large Briggs & Stratton whole-house generator. TIA 

Are they still in business? We've tried calling (no answer), stopping by the office (locked),  and I sent an e-mail (no response).

Geez, if aspirin is worth $5/pill, I have a goldmine in my cupboard!

They're MX plates and we have nothing on (or in) the vehicle that would make it standout in any way...except the handicap placard from Chapala. The car is also not an expensive one, nor is it new.  

This is a strange one, even for me! Hubs and I were in Chapala for an appointment and I had parked our car on the right hand side as you head into Chapala Centro -- somewhere between the Pet Place and Arbol de Cafe. When I returned to grab the car to pick spouse up, I notice a man ("A") was actually lying on the sidewalk, under my bumper and right against my front passenger tire. He looked like he had passed out. Fortunately, there was a young Mexican couple walking ahead of me and the male ("B") immediately went up to see if the guy was OK and if he needed help. It looked like "B" was trying to raise "A" up, but it appeared that "A" wasn't interested and stayed sitting. Naturally, "B" then continued on with his companion as it was obvious he could do nothing more. (ETA:  when "B" first approached him, "A" started a very, very slight shaking as though he was having a mini-seizure. This stopped when "B" approached him to help.) By this time, I had walked up, hopped in my car, and immediately locked the doors. "A" sat for a second like he expected me to get out and check on him. I didn't, so he hopped up and began tapping on my passenger window. I just looked at him and then signaled that hubs was on the other side of the street and I was going there. I backed up slightly (thank goodness there was room and traffic was unusually light). "A" stood there staring at me, continued to knock while he could and then yelled something that I didn't hear. I pulled a U-turn, pulled over to pick up hubby and then drove off. There was nothing on the street (ie, I didn't park on his pet, foot, or anything else) and we had been at an appointment in Chapala the entire time. This man was nowhere around us when I parked and the area for cars was clear. Anyone else have something similar happen? Anyone know what was going on?

All I can think was that it was a scam to claim I had hit him; that he was going to try to rob me when I went out to check on him; or that he was going to try to hop in the car and rob me? take my car? try to extort me?

Just another Tuesday...

Nice to read where the company does right by its customers. 

Contrary to one, I think this topic is relevant because it reinforces how important it is to follow the rules ... and make sure you know them! That old stereotype of "ah, just pay a little mordida and all will be well" still permeates a lot of attitudes towards Mexico. A lot of folks get their first impressions from websites such as this one and then they come here. If there's any way a posting can help others from making a HUGE mistake, then why not? Many years ago, a lot of folks helped navigate us through some of the off-the-wall situations, so it's nice when we can help others. JMHO.

Wow, Zeb, this must be so frustrating for you. There were numerous websites for Notario No. 1 that showed up with either the number you had or the one I mentioned. Hate to say it, but you may have to actually go there to see what the number is. 

Whoo hoo, we have a winner! Thanks, InChapala1, that makes sense knowing a tiny bit of his medical history before he passed. I'll return it to his wife and she can see if she can find the rest. Thanks everyone!

I found this one online...387 762 0240

I appreciate the confirmation that it's a New Balance belt, but I already mentioned that...still, it's nice to be right  when guessing what something is  . The bit in the back is for a battery so that's why I asked if maybe it was part of a pedometer (older style)or something. There is absolutely nothing on their website and it's probably been quite a few years since he passed (and to be honest, he was not exactly young so doubt it had been used for a very long time), so this may end up staying in the "???" category (after the dumpster). 

ETA:  I checked out the stretchy belts, too, but they were more for carrying things and/or with illumination. This reminds me more of a counter (like the little "button" on my bike wheel that measures the number of times my wheel turns and sends that info to a counter to determine the distance) that sends information to the "base."

Hi, all. Hope someone here can help identify this thing. My friend is clearing some things of her deceased spouse and came upon this. I know it's a New Balance belt, but that's about it. Is it a pedometer that "communicated" with a set of shoes or...? I've tried going online w/NB, but nothing close. TIA.

Yes, it does explain a lot! It appears that the hospital has partnered with a group that overcharges US hospitals and MEDICARE. It explains why the normal billing has doubled and then some at that hospital (gotta get some of that lovely gringo cash!). What a pity as that hospital started out so promisingly. Another hospital used to use them and then booted them out (about the only good thing I can say for it). Just to give a personal example:  when hubs had to see a specialist, they charged our insurance TWELVE times the going rate for a specialist. I am not exaggerating when I say that it was approximately $9600mxn for a normal $800mxn appointment. We immediately submitted letters stating that we no longer wished to be a part of their plan. Of course, our insurance never queried it because it was either cheaper than or close to what they would pay in a US facility. Of course, they also appeared to be using US addresses, so...

FWIW, we did NOT know any of this until I one day happened to actually open up an Explanation of Benefits online and saw what was occurring. Yes, my fault for not bothering to check, but it never dawned on me that they were that bold.

At one time, there was a company that "accepted" MEDICARE here, but let's just say that the methods were questionable (for obvious reasons, I can't say any more). Since MEDICARE outside of the US is a flat "no," I would love to hear how these seminars would suggest how they could LEGALLY pull off this juggling act.  Below is taken directly from the MEDICARE site:

Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, and ambulance services you get in a foreign country in these rare cases:

• You're in the U.S. when a medical emergency occurs, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition.
• You're traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another U.S state when a medical emergency occurs, and the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat the emergency.
• You live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition, regardless of whether an emergency exists.

"Don't get caught."

(ETA:  No, we do NOT burn in our yard.)

I don't hold out much hope for it. I did a couple of speed tests and still showing around 30...then the last one was 38.26 download and 48.52 upload. I'm glad we have a backup because this is underwhelming. 

1 hour ago, Nikalos Telsa said:

 andIMO I have you all best.

A year ago I had an M.I. Got taken to one of the gringo hospitals local to Ajijic.

I knew exactly what I needed by name (Streptokinase or some other clot-buster.

After we arrived at the hospital, it took one hour of sending my wife home to get the cash deposit, then sending her back to get our MultiVa debit card to get more money.

By the time the cardiologist did something, the "Golden Hour." FYI: The first hour after the onset of a heart attack is called the golden hour. Appropriate action within the first 60 minutes of a heart attack can reverse its effects. This concept is extremely important to understand because most deaths and cardiac arrests occur during this period.

When I was stabilized, the doctor told me that they could do what I needed, but it would take several procedures and would be very expensive. Then the doctor said I would be better off to fly to the U.S. and have it done. I did just that but most likely have several years cut off my life potential, although statistically I am past my "Best used by" date.

My Cardiologist of 20 years had nothing good to say about how I was treated. My doctor is Chief of Cardiology at a hospital that was rated #1 out of 5,000 in the U.S. by U.S. News's survey.

I swear the above is true.

During this time, I was literally crying in paid while the cardiologist chatted with nurses.

A year later and I haven't been able to et my E.R. records.

Bottom line: From being repulsively healthy at age 82, I now have congestive heart failure.

First of all, despite our many, many differences, I'm really sorry to read your story. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and anger you must be feeling. Based on a truly bad experience hubby had at what was probably the same hospital, I don't doubt your story. There is something a bit frightening to me and how readily some will dismiss legitimate experiences because they happened to get "lucky," ie, didn't die.

It's not the price of the ticket, but the ticker!

I know BisbeeGal is still around. She sent me a very nice PM to answer a question I had posted. Hope the same is true of the others mentioned.

Mixed bag is definitely accurate. Due to several medical conditions, we've had to "sample" many of the local docs and hospitals, also several in Guad. In a nutshell, locally, there is one hospital that I would never again cross the threshhold unless I wanted the patient to suffer. After giving it several chances, I honestly believe that they "size you up" and determine whether or not they think you can pay their fees. You can have all the insurance in the world that covers everything, but if you like to dress casual, you clearly aren't for them. Another is overly priced (gringo gouging),  but gets the job done as long as you stay with the patient. While the docs are great, the nursing staff leaves a LOT to be desired. The third, Hospital Ajijic is a terrific option for general practice, bloodwork, and diagnoses. If you need specialized treatment, you'll be referred to the appropriate doc. You won't walk away feeling like someone's hand is in your cash. Of course, others have had different experiences, so you just have to decide what works for you.

Due to an emergency, hubby was taken to Hospital Real San Jose in Guad for treatment that was unavailable locally. It was incredible.  Everything was top-notch from the specialists to the four star hospital room to the staff. Everything was geared for the patient's comfort. The total charges probably had our insurance company dancing a jig. Since we pay first and then are reimbursed, I know I did a little tap dance 😏. 

We've also used other specialists in Guad (the joys of getting older...more than one issue). The care and attention is everything you would want at a price that is fair. So, I guess my basic and long-winded answer to your question is yes, the care can be better and cheaper, but you have to do your homework. 

I've mentioned this before, but http://www.doctoralia.com.mx is a great place to go if you need a specialist. You can see if there are any extra training/specialties, the qualifications obtained, schools, real reviews, languages spoken and more. If you don't speak Spanish, grab a friend who does; it's worth it.

Thus proving my point.

On 12/15/2021 at 9:30 PM, virgo lady said:

Dear Ding-a-Ling,

Get a Life.

Considering the PM you sent me, you really have zero room to talk.

9 hours ago, virgo lady said:

1 - with the jawbone of an A*S*S, one would think, you should be good to go.

2 - stop posting your personal research issues in this lakeside forum, it does not belong here.   

While the OP may have  his moments, he simply asked a question. Your response was ugly and uncalled for.

Does anyone have any information on this place? I don't often go into Ajijic or beyond because of the traffic, but I was scooting along and saw this place for the first time. TIA.