Along with one of the top-rated public health systems in Latin America, and a standard of public health care rated just above that of the USA, Costa Rica has several excellent private hospitals and clinics that are accessible to everyone – citizen, resident, and those simply coming for medical tourism. Almost all the private facilities are in San José.
Costa Rica boasts world-class facilities and medical practitioners, treatment and care at its private hospitals, at prices well below those in the USA, and with little or no waiting time. For this reason, the country is a haven for medical tourism.
Hospital Clínica Bíblica, founded in 1929 in San José, has long been one of the premier medical institutions in Costa Rica. It is affiliated with the Tulane University School of Medicine, among others. In many quality indicators it is well ahead of US hospital benchmarks. Clínica Bíblica boasts many of the most eminent doctors in Latin and Central America; about 50% of the doctors on its staff have had advanced training at US universities, medical schools and/or teaching hospitals.
Another is Hospital Hotel La Católica; it opened to the general public in 1953 as Clínica Católica by the joint effort of a group of dedicated doctors and nuns of the Franciscan Sisters Congregation of Immaculate Conception. Like Hospital Clínica Bíblica, Hospital Hotel La Católica offers an extensive range of facilities and treatment. In addition, there is a colonial style hotel and complementary facilities associated with La Católica right beside the hospital. Hotel Posada El Convento has 34 rooms, plus a spa and physical therapy area. It provides all-inclusive accommodation, medical supervision for recovery and a pleasant stay.
The newest private hospital is Hospital CIMA, opened in the year 2000. Located in the San José suburb of Escazú, CIMA boasts more than 170 doctors representing over 60 specialties; a complete imaging department, including open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), x-ray, ultrasound, and endoscopy; a full-service laboratory; and a 24-hour pharmacy. A sister hospital, CIMA Guanacaste, opened its doors in 2012, serving patients in the northern part of the country. International patients contribute to more than 25% of CIMA’s occupancy. This American-owned hospital network also operates facilities in Mexico and Brazil.
All three hospitals are accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International), which means that their standards, facilities, medical and support staff and treatment are on a par – and perhaps even above – those of US and Canadian hospitals which all boast the same accreditation.
There are also many smaller private clinics and hospitals, not JCI accredited, which offer general and specialized treatment. Many of the medical practitioners at the above three hospitals are also affiliated with the smaller facilities. An experienced medical tourism provider can help point you in the right direction.
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