I've owned a share of a fishing lodge in Baja since 1991 and followed your newsletters for over 20 years. Recently, I required immediate diagnosis and treatment for pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. I had a pre-existing condition exclusion ion my regular health insurance policy. I called several Americans retired in La Paz, who had recently had successful abdominal surgeries.

Their physicians referred me to Hospital Angeles, in Tijuana, Mexico, part of a new, private three hospital chain set up for treatment of U.S. tourists and local residents. The hospital was 12 stories tall, virtually brand new, and was furnished with nicer private rooms than any I've seen in the Bay Area, coupled with the latest Siemens labs/CRT, etc.

A bilingual cardiologist Dr. Margarita Alvarez met me on Saturday, about 10 a.m. By 11 I was admitted and had several nurses and 2 separate cardiologists treating for the next 2 days. I was transferred to CCU, given 2 CAT scans, and echocardiogram, 2 I.V.'s, and constant monitoring by staff. I left the hospital on the afternoon of the second day, 15 pounds lighter, and an improved heart rate (145 BPM instead of 165). The total bill for the room, all doctors, nurses, tests and meds was $2,800.

On return to the Bay Area, my local cardiologist confirmed all of the tests and prescriptions, and followed up with twice a month visits. In October, after 8 months of continued meds, the fibrillation stopped, and my heart rate returned to 65 BPM. The estimate for stateside care for 2 days in CCU, docs, tests, and meds was $40,000 +/-. Every aspect of the Hospital Angeles staff, facilities, labs and specialist was first rate. I met a number of snowbirds while checking out, who also recommended the new hospital and staff without qualification. P.S. Dr. Alvarez called me back twice, on her time, just to check on my progress after returning to San Francisco; a class act all the way through.

Chris B.

Burligame, CA