Medical Care on STT

The hospital was finally accredited by JAHCO (sp?), the American standardization board, in January. This means it has met the minimum standard.

Having had a little experience with the medical services here, I would say that it is probably similiar to what you might find in a rural area of the US.

The medical staff that is here seems to be generally good, but the number of specialists is limited, and from what I have heard, the hospital doesn't always have the latest generation of high tech capability. (For example, some bloodwork that was necessary that was slightly more involved than the usual tests had to be sent off-island and took two weeks rather than the two days that it would have taken in the States).

The other concern I have is that even in those areas where there is a specialist or two, it is often that--one or two. I have always believed that highly intellegent, specialized professionals in any field feed off of one another, even if it is sub-consously. Being alone in their fields, I wonder if some of these doctors suffer from lack of competition or stimulus.

I guess my bottom line opinion is that the care is probably pretty good for a relatively poor secluded island, but not up to the standard of what you would find in a major US city.

Thank you for the info.
EB

Hello EB,

There are quite a few fine doctors/nurses here but as mentioned some specialities are not represented or under-represented. Some doctors that have a monopoly on a certain field charge insane prices for their office visits and with limited or no other choice you are stuck; paying the price and if you don't like them you don't have much of an option besides going to Puerto Rico or the states for that service. The Dental Field is good. The Ophthalmology Field has a few doctors, not many choices. Some private offices don't accept certain insurances or say you have to pay up front and get reimbursed.

--Islander