My Toe Fell Off
After all that walking I did in Casco Viejo, I drove back to Coronado knowing there was a visit to the San Fernando Clinic/Hospital in my immediate future…
Everyone at the San Fernando Clinic/Hospital was extremely nice. Plenty of English-speaking doctors, nurses, and front-desk staff meant that communication was unimpeded and I was very comfortable and understood everything that was happening.
The doctor examined my toe, gave me a local anesthetic, and spent 20-30 minutes gently, carefully cutting away the dead/bad flesh. Because I’m diabetic, he prescribed antibiotic injections rather than oral/pills. He wrapped the toe and had a nurse give me the first of four antibiotic injections. (I have to go back tomorrow and Saturday, but they’re closed on Sunday so on Saturday, Krista will go to my appointment with me so the nurse can show her how to give me the final injection.)
Going to the front desk to pay before leaving, I thought about how much time the doctor spent and how much this was going to cost. My guess was between $200 and $300 and I was OK with that considering that the cost in the States would almost certainly exceed $1000. But the bill was a mere $68 and the follow-up injections would be less than $7 each, for a total of less than $85.
I went home and told Krista that based on the quality and cost of care that I received, I’d be perfectly fine with aborting the rest of our exploratory travels and committing to settling down right here in Coronado. We’re already sold on so much about the area, from restaurants and entertainment options to local stores and shopping, to the proximity of the beach. And for everything else, Panama City is only 90 minutes away.
Good healthcare is so important with the health issues we already have; as we get older, it will only become more so. The San Fernando Clinic has my trust and respect; I feel good knowing they’re nearby.
P.S. Sorry for the shamelessly misleading clickbait post title.