To my new friends at Clinica Biblica Hospital:

Being treated and listened to as a real person by real doctors on a direct one-to-one basis with my best interest, health and needs being placed first was more than refreshing.

I am looking forward to a full recovery from surgery for a serious clavicle injury, and the normal use of my arm.My life has been renewed. I got the serious and immediate attention no U.S. doctor I found would give me. I did my research and emailed my x-rays to Dr. Oscar Oeding, who promptly telephoned me directly. I found his assessment and recommended procedure in agreement with mine – going beyond what any U.S. doctor was willing to discuss.Imagine making a serious decision for surgery with one phone call!

No surgery is easy, but having full confidence in Dr. Oeding is making every step of my recovery endurable.Unlike my experience in the USA, I not just felt, but knew that the patient came before the money. There was not a moment that my every need was not attended to, my every question or concern not addressed – and always with a smile.

My business puts me in contact with many people who think the USA has the best doctors.The expertise and professionalism I experienced from everyone from the coffee stand to the operating room at Clinica Biblica Hospital dispelled any anxiety I may have had about obtaining help outside the USA, especially when the advice I received from US doctors was “live with it” and I knew I could not.

The staff in the International Department was there for me every step of the way, including not just recommending but making arrangements for affordable, restful housing and prompt transportation, and willingly attending to my personal needs.

As for the price? Well, for a person who is “self-insured” – I found I could afford it.In the long run I have paid less and had less hassle and paperwork than with any insurance company.

Perhaps I am out of the ordinary. But after being offered “free” surgery by a U.S. Orthopedic surgeon on the assumption that I agreed with his assessment (which I did not) and that without insurance I could not pay, I turned it down without even asking the price. Confidence and trust is something money cannot buy. I found it at Clinica Biblica Hospital.

Teddy Lancaster, April 2008
Kitts Hill, OH
Clavicle Fracture

Dear Mr. Jeff Pierce and Mr. William Cook,

Wow! I can see!  Thanks to Med Journeys for making such detailed arrangements for my cataract surgery in Costa Rica.  I was very impressed with the hand to glove transportation, the all professional medical team at Clinica Biblica and over all accommodations.  All of that and I saved a ton of money.  Thank you again.

Respectfully,

Steven LeMay, March 2008
Houston, TX
Cataract Surgery

Dear Bill,

Just wanted to send you a quick note to say thank you. My sister Ronnee Chapman especially wanted to thank you for all your help in trying to get hold of me and to find out my status.

I also wish to send my best as the surgery, although a little more extensive than Dr. Zafrani anticipated went smoothly. It was quite traumatic initially for me, However because of all your and Starline and Roger's efforts I was much more calm and settled by the time zero hour arrived. My recovery is going so much better than I expected so again thanks a million. I'll make sure to call and to see you in your office on Wed. 2/13 when I see the Doc for a follow up exam. Please extend my thanks to all your staff, cecil and Roger and I must not forget your brother Brad. Kudos to you all.

(message sent after returning to the U.S)

 I hope that all is well with you and your family.

I thought it not only proper and appropriate but also something from the heart was necessary to say a sincere thank you to you and your staff for all of your efforts. It is you who has made my life change for the better in ways that I can never fully repay. I know that repayment is not what you are about. Nor is the rest of your staff. I simply can not even now fully realize the depth and extent of how this experience has and will change my life for the better. I feel like a new man and you have completely educated me in how a hospital/patient relationship can and should be. We said that "you always shoot for 100%" well fear not my friend, you have far surpassed the 100% mark and I will never caiyate and I will continue to speak to anyone who will listen about your program and its merits. Best of luck, you deserve the best.

Thank you from one who considers you a friend,

Take care,

Patrick MacDowell, February 2008
Calabash, NC
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair ....................................................>>Watch video

Dear International Department,

With sincere appreciation for all you have done. Thank you for being so accomodating. Your office made this experience as seemless as possible. I wish you all the best.

Thanks again,

Carrie Keahy, February 2008
Littleton, CO
Thyroid Lobectomy

 

Dear Cecilio:

Again, please accept my sincerest thanks for the great care Hospital Clinica Biblica provided for my sensitive medical need.  I have nothing short of admiration, appreciation and supportive comments for the treatment, the medical attention, both the administrative as well as the medical staff.  Believe me, I shall be voicing these feelings to who-ever will hear me here in the Washington, DC metro area.  Remember, I work with medical staff from National Institutes of Health, several hospitals, doctors, nurses, medical social workers, therapy and support medical staff.

I think your facility is one of the finest I have had the pleasure of being treated at, and it would give me great pleasure to not only recommend you to friends and relatives, but also to recommend you to some of the hospitals with whom I work with my lecture and seminar series on Stroke and its after math.

Thank you Cecilio, I am grateful and pleased for the services rendered.

Sincerely,

Dorita deLemos Down, January 2008
Bethesda, Maryland
Eyelid Surgery

 

Hello Bill,

Our experience  with the Clinca Biblica Hospital, it's medical staff  and the  professionals of the international department was truly extraordinary, from the first contact, through the difficult knee replacement surgery, to the last day there.

Always responsive, in a most helpful and caring way, these fine people maintain an excellent facility and first rate medical care system

Our surgeon was available, communicative and supportive at all times. His excellent work was noted by my orthopedic surgeon, after I returned home.

My wife and I are especially grateful to Bill, Rogellio and Starlene of the international department for guiding us through this process, proactively addressing our needs and often exceeding our expectations.

Charles Rychner, December 2007
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Total Knee Replacement

 

Bill and Staff,

Thank you so much! I have had a wonderful experience. You will come highly recommended. We could not have asked for better care while in Costa Rica.

Thanks,

Wanda Bough, December 2007
Iowa
Total Hysterectomy

 

Dear Clinica Biblica Hospital,

Given the superb quality of your service to your patients and their families, I should doubt that you need additional testimonials.  Rather, you need to let people know that the quality of health care in Costa Rica equals or exceeds that available in the US at a fraction of the cost.  Everyone we dealt with in the entire process made us feel comfortable and welcome, in spite of our inability to speak Spanish. Your department serving international guests helped remove the fear of being in a “foreign” country.  We always felt safe, secure, and well attended.

Our case was probably unusual in that the entire matter needed to be arranged in virtually no time.  But the facilitator we used found Hospital Clinica Biblica, and the right surgeon for my wife’s needs.  And they did it very quickly. 

It was not hard to verify your references. The hospital, doctors, staff, and particularly your International Department, lived up to the advanced billing.  

The medical recovery facility we stayed at, Che Tica Ranch, was excellent in all respects.  You can recommend them to anyone in complete comfort.

I’m not particularly good at thank you letters, but everyone involved has earned one.  Please pass this on to Dr. Jacobo Zafrani, the wonderful nurses, your staff (especially Starlene), and to Ruben and Lorena Martin at Che Tica.

The next time we need medical services, we are likely to return to Costa Rica.  Only next time, perhaps we can stay an extra few days and see some more of the country.

Our thanks and gratitude to one and all.

Steven H. Goodman and Edith S. Davis, December 2007
Kansas City, Kansas
Gall bladder Removal & Lap band removal

Mr. Brad Cook
International Department Administrator
Hospital Clinica Biblica
San Jose, Costa Rica

Dear Brad:

It is hard to believe two months has already gone by since our cosmetic surgery experience at ClinicaBiblicaHospital.The memories are still so fresh in my mind. And, best of all, they are good memories!

When I took on the project of organizing this event for five other friends from all over the United States, I initially thought it might be impossible.There are so many fears and apprehensions associated with surgery in a foreign country.I was not sure these ladies would overcome the fears, make the commitment and then get on the plane.

Well, it all happened – and from my standpoint, it happened beautifully, I might add.My ongoing communication with you made that possible. There was never a time when I needed answers or information where the response from you or Bill was anything less that quick, detailed and professional.All of this helped each and every one of us make intelligent decisions about what we were doing.It certainly lessened the apprehension process and by the time we were ready for departure, we were more than prepared and comfortable about surgery at your hospital in Costa Rica.

Clinica Biblica is as state-of the art as any hospital I have seen anywhere. I was able to see pictures of the hospital online and it turned out to be all that I expected – and then some.I was treated with professionalism and caring attitudes every step of the way.From all pre op tests to the fabulous, large rooms, nursing staff and certainly last, but not at all least, our wonderful surgeon, Dr. Arguello, made it all as good as any surgical experience can be.

And then of course, there was wonderful attention received from Bill and Sharlene, members of the international group at ClinicaBiblicaHospital. Although, there were just a few times where Spanish comprehension was necessary, there always seemed to be someone from your group to guide and assist – at all pre-op meetings, post-surgery and admissions.Sharlene and Bill were so patient and available. I am so thankful for their help.

I can’t speak for my other friends, but I am certainly pleased with my surgical results.I have spoken to most of my friends and they seem equally as satisfied, but I am sure you or Dr. Arguello will hear from them individually.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country!What a fabulous destination.I can’t thank you enough for helping me make this possible.It was a pleasure working with you and everyone in the International Group.I look forward to sharing this with other people in the near future.

Best regards,

Gale Fisher, November 2007
Half Moon Bay, CA
Cosmetic surgery

Dear Clinica Biblica Hospital,

I am 58 years old, have been to Costa Rica many times with my wife and family.I had never had a comprehensive physical exam.I visited the Hospital Clinica Biblica in San Jose, Costa Rica on November 13, 2007 for the Executive check-up A.I found the Hospital on the internet.My contacts were Bill Cook and Starlene Spencer.

During my contacts with the hospital via email, I had all of my questions answered quickly.Answers to my emails sometimes came within minutes but always arrived within that same day.I was able to set everything up and have an appointment within three days!Bill and Starlene quickly provided all of the information that I needed.

I arrived in San Jose the day before and stayed at a hotel that was within walking distance of the Hospital.I walked to the Hospital that day to retrieve two specimen cups to bring in the required samples.I met both Bill and Starlene that day.The hospital is very modern.The first floor area is light and open with two restaurants and many impeccably clean tables with seats.After visiting many areas of the Hospital during the tests, I’ll have to say that it was cleaner and better organized for us visitors than the Hospitals in Melbourne, Florida.

The following day I arrived for my 8:00 appointment and was met Starlene who was my escort for the day, taking me to different areas of the Hospital for my tests and then rejoining me after the test to take me to the next one.She also acted as interpreter with anyone who did not speak fluent English (I think there were only two).I was “fast-tracked” through the appointments, never waiting more than 5 minutes.My blood was drawn first and I have been through nightmares with this in the Army.I felt only pressure from the needle and when the tech changed to the second vial, she was steady as a rock, with no jabbing or needle movement which was really amazing.

The endoscopy, which I had been dreading, was a breeze.I was put on a gurney, given the sedative and the next thing I knew, I was wide awake (no drowsiness) and there was no throat soreness.Note: you sign a document that informs you of possible complications from this procedure and you sign it to give your consent).This caught my attention but after my experience, I would recommend this to anyone.I spent over half an hour with a nutritionist near the end of the day with her referencing my border-line high cholesterol and I spent over an hour with a Doctor at the end of the day, going over the results of all the tests.

I left the Hospital with all of my test results except the results of a biopsy that was taken during the endoscopy.The results from this, which were negative, were emailed to me about a week later in the form of a JPEG document which I printed with my photo software.

I visited my family Doctor about three weeks later to review the test package.Much of it was in Spanish, but he had no trouble understanding since the medical terms had the same root word as English.He was amazed at the thoroughness of the exams, the interpretation of the results and the price!He told me the endoscopy would have cost more than the entire trip, including the Hotel in Melbourne, Florida.And that was only the test and not $400.00 - $500.00 for the Doctor’s evaluation.

Jim Rowse, November 2007
Melbourne, Florida
Medical check-up

Dear Clinica Biblica Hospital,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the ClinicaBiblicaHospital for the Superior service that I received before, during, and after my Surgery.

My Family Practitioner was amazed at the number of Pre Surgical Tests that were done to insure my safety. Dr Zafrani was the most caring, and dedicated Surgeon that I have ever met. I went into my Surgery with complete confidence.

I daresay that I would ever receive this level of service in Canada. Kudos to Bill and his team, as well as Dr Zafrani for an amazing experience.

I will be coming back!

Judy Vent, October 2007
Toronto, Canada
Gastric Sleeve

Dear Clinica Biblica Hospital,

Bill, Roger and Starlene, of your international department, were not only professionals, but they were compassionate to me and my father’s needs.You couldn’t have done a better job.Much appreciated.

Regarding the hospital room, the nurses were extremely professional and thorough.They helped me every time I needed it.The doctor’s were very professional, very thorough in explaining procedure and very informative.In the last seven years I have had eight doctors and your treatment to me has been better than all eight doctors combined.Thanks for your great care.

Regarding the hotel room, first two days a little noisy, room 105.Then moved to room 502 which was perfect.Excellent maid service.Very clean conditions.Very satisfied.

Overall, excellent experience, especially Costa Rica´s health care system.

Thank you very much!

Dale and Vince Dugdale, September 2007
Iowa, USA
Total Knee Replacement

 

Dear Bill,

i am wanting to thank you and Roger and your staff personally, Dr. Oeding, the hospital staff, The Casa Conde Hotel, and my travel guides for my recent stay in Costa Rica for a total knee replacement.

There is so much to be thankful for in finding you.I do not know hardly where to begin.

First, my initial contact with you was by e-mail on Friday evening, July 13, 2007.You called me back on Monday and from there we e-mailed and talked daily, sometimes 2 & 3 times.You reassured me during a very stressful time and only after I was sure in my mind that I could receive quality care, did I make the heartfelt decision to go to Costa Rica.I still had plenty of doubts regarding safety, transportation, lodging, and communication, all of which quickly disappeared as soon as I arrived.Had I not been there for such serious surgery, I would have thought I was in a vacation resort spa.

The fact that I had to do absolutely nothing except show up is what is really incredible.You made all of the arrangements for me as soon as I arrived until I left.My doctor and surgery visits, including nursing and rehab care after I left the hospital, my meals, hotel needs, and tours- not one thing was overlooked by you or your staff.Never would I have imagined that all this could have been possible at 80% less than I was about to pay here.Not one price was changed after the fact.What you told me in the beginning is what I paid.I am sincerely grateful to you for the honesty.

I am especially grateful to Dr. Oeding for the excellent quality of his work.Because of his work, my rehab has gone exceptionally well and I am much further along in my progress than I would have ever imaged.Having gone through a total knee replacement on my other leg in 2001, this rehab cannot even compare to the previous one.The less invasive technique which Dr. Oeding used is half the incision length of my other leg.Of course that means less pain, less healing, faster rehab, etc.The comparison of surgeons is that there is none.Of the less invasive technique, my surgeon here said, “I see no benefit, either to the patient or the doctor in doing the surgery any different than what was done the last time”.How arrogant!!

Only after my last consultation, as I was getting ready to go home, did I find out that the agreed upon date of surgery, Friday, July 27th, was not a surgery day for Dr. Oeding.He scheduled me in order to fit into my schedule.How awesome!That would have never happened here.Not once did I have difficulty in communicating, either with the hospital staff or the staff at the Casa Conde.If someone answered in Spanish, they quickly replied in English or got someone who could speak English.How refreshing!The nurses genuinely cared for my well being and made sure that the pain and antibiotic medication was administered as prescribed.Not once did I have to ask for additional pain medication.

Lastly, the icing on the cake were the tours and visits around Costa Rica.The San Jose tour the day I arrived, the dinner and folklore dancers at the scenic restaurant Tiquicia, the coffee and banana plantation tour the day I got out of the hospital, the volcano and tour of LancasterGardens of the University of Costa Rica and the typical traditional meals with Dany, my tour guide.Who wouldn’t want to come back?I look forward to seeing you all later in the year.

Thank you again and God bless you all!

Your New Best Friend,

Kathie Foy, August 2007
German town, Tennessee
Total Knee Replacement

 

Hi Everyone,

I received top-notch care at Clinica Biblica Hospital and I highly recommend them. I felt very safe there. Med Journeys lined up my surgery with Clinica Biblica Hospital, booked my hotel accommodations, booked my flights, everything was scheduled and arranged.

My husband and I flew to Costa Rica (from Florida, U.S.A.). We were met at the airport by a shuttle driver, who was very courteous, helpful and friendly. He drove us to our hotel, El Rodeo. The folks at the hotel were nice and helpful. Accommodations were comfortable. The shuttle driver picked us up and drove us to and from the hospital. He also drove us when we did some sight seeing/tours.

I had a hysterectomy and spent two nights at the hospital. I was very pleased and impressed with the quality of care that I received there. Jim and I were greeted at the hospital by Bill Cook and Starlene Spencer Vincent. They stayed with me during the pre-op tests and admissions process. They are wonderful folks. My surgeon, Dr. Calderon was terrific as well. Very kind, caring and thorough. The hospital rooms are private and roomy. My husband was able to sleep on a couch in my room with me.

My surgery was a hysterectomy. I wasn't scheduled to have it until a Friday; we flew into Costa Rica on a Sunday. My symptoms worsened fast, and Bill Cook got word to Dr. Calderon, and the next thing I knew, my surgery was taking place on Monday. I was very pleased with their attentiveness. Additionally, due to having my surgery early, it made it difficult to do the sightseeing/tours that my husband I wanted to do, BUT, with permission from Dr. Calderon and assistance from our shuttle driver and arrangements made with Bill Cook, I ended having the use of a wheelchair for my limited sightseeing, which was such a help!

I can't say enough positive things about my experience with Med Journeys and Clinica Biblica Hospital! I highly recommend their services. Another thing to note, my husband is even considering surgery in Costa Rica at Clinica BiblicaHospital.

Thanks,

Val Finch, August 2007
Florida
Total Hysterectomy

Hey Bill,

I figured out the reason for not knowing about the confirmation for my appointment and what I was required to do or not do the morning of the checkup.  For some reason Yahoo started putting your emails in the spam file.  I do not usually check that because, well, it is spam.  Sorry for the mixup.  I was pleased with how things went, the thoroughness of the evaluation and the value.  I will recommend to others in my situation.

Thanks,

Scott Weiland, August 2007
Florida, USA
Comprehensive Medical Check-up

 

Dear Bill,

Thank you for enquiring about the charge for the biopsy. I understand the confusion - neither of us expected the charge. It has not marred my experience.

I was pleased with the Clinica Biblica Hospital and would recommend it without reservation. The service was excellent. I am especially grateful to Dr. Vega for his diagnosis and prescription. This is the first time my condition has been treated successfully.

Thank you for your kind attention. I will not hesitate to refer others to the Clinica Biblica..

Best regards,

Nancy Mitchell, July 2007
London, England
Colonoscopy procedure

 

Hola Bill

Everything went better than expected as far as service from the Hospital. I was most impressed with your services regarding walking with me to each appointment.

The one area I believe would be a huge service to your non Spanish speaking patients would be to have the test results written in their native language.

*Hospital note: when requested, we now do provide an English summary of test results.

Randy Strowser, June 2007
Florida, USA
Comprehensive Medical Check-up

 

Bill:

Thanks for forwarding the report and the good news of the results.

The experience at ClinicaBiblicaHospital was excellent.  The exams were thorough and professionally done.  As a gringo with a little Spanish knowledge, I would have made it through, but your assistance was invaluable.  There were a couple of places where I might have gotten overwhelmed without your help; for example, the wax problem in the ears and the resolution to that problem (and the billing).  Regardless, very good experience overall and high marks to the departmental staffs of the Hospital.

Thanks again.

Jeff

p.s.  The white water raftting was fun and well done...  I went level 2 which was fairly docile...  maybe level 3 would be more challenging.

Jeff Andrews, May 2007
Florida, USA
Comprehensive Medical Check-up

 

Dear Clinica Biblica Hospital,

My wife and I arranged, through Bill Cook at Biblica Clinica, a complete physical examination during our last vacation to Costa Rica.  Bill helped us with a hotel, provided transportation to and from the hospital and made sure we were practically taken by the hand by a nurse from specialist to specialist.  It was a very thorough exam which included visiting seven specialists not including an anethesiologist for the colon and gastric exam, bloodwork performed at their lab, and an hour plus consultation with a doctor explaining all of the test results to us.  We accomplished this all in one day at a fraction of the cost of what we would have paid in the US.  The staff at Biblica Clinica were very friendly. 

Thank you Bill - see you next time.

Kay Meinrath, April 2007
USA
Comprehensive Medical Check-up

 

Hello Bill,

You and your staff do a great job, I am your advocate for everyone who asks about the medical services.It was a most memorable trip.

Gail Mays (Friend who accompanied a patient during their stay at the hospital)
Tennessee, USA

 

Dear Bill,

Thank you for the follow up information.

The medical staff and facilities were above my expectations and I expected a 1st class facility based on recommendations I received.

What made it such a good experience was your coordination and follow up of all the various aspects of our hotel, transportation, attention by the numerous specialists, etc..

Thanks for all your help.I'm singing your praises to whomever will listen up here.

I expect to see you on our next medical trip.

Best regards,

Tim Meinrath, April 2007
USA
Comprehensive Medical Check-up

 

 

Dear Bill,

At this time, I have chosen another doctor to work with for my surgery.  I will definitely consider Mr. Chavarria if something falls through with my chosen doctor. 

Thank you for being so kind and helping me throughout every request of mine.  Please do not change the high level of customer service that you provide because it makes people feel very comfortable while they go through the hard task of choosing a doctor.  Once again, I appreciate everything. 

Sincerely,

 Rachael Stoyer