Last week, we discussed my scouting walk for navigating Cuenca, Ecuador, in a wheelchair (Part 3c). This week, as promised, I will share our trip up the block to the doctor, the lab work afterward, the follow-up, and the new medication. As U.S. residents, we are not used to paying out of pocket for a doctor’s visit or medication because we often go through a lengthy, sometimes complicated process to use our insurance. This week, we had an adventure seeing a doctor for routine blood work and to establish care while we are in Cuenca.
Luckily, we found a reliable, attentive college student (Kurt’s new caregiver) to help us get to Kurt’s doctor’s appointment. Without him, I would have had to call a taxi for the short, one-block trip because of the hill and obstacles on the sidewalk. We ended up at the edge of the one-way street for part of the walk because of the sidewalk conditions. Fortunately, I had scouted the doctor’s office the week before and contacted them about Kurt’s wheelchair access. I informed them in advance that we were coming, and they opened the building’s parking garage for us. Then we used an elevator and a series of ramps to reach the waiting room for his appointment.
I obtained this doctor’s contact information from other expats who highly praised her, and she didn’t let us down. She was professional and thorough, spoke English (essential for us right now), and had a pleasant bedside manner. We couldn’t have been more satisfied with our visit and felt comfortable being here, knowing there was a capable healthcare provider familiar with Kurt’s health history and conditions who could help if needed while we are in Cuenca.
She ordered the necessary bloodwork, and the lab technician arrived at our apartment at 7:30 AM the next morning to complete Kurt’s fasting blood tests. By afternoon, we received his blood test results via WhatsApp and email. By evening, the doctor messaged us directly, and we discussed a new medication and dosage. Our lovely pharmacist delivered the new medicine the next day. We were impressed by the service here, which reminded me of how I think things used to be in the U.S. a long time ago, before I was born (think Andy Griffith’s Mayberry but in a big city). The total cost for all three services and medication was less than an office visit alone in the U.S. The friendliness and quality of service here are amazing!
We enjoyed masa pizza (masa is unleavened corn flour) at the plaza next to our apartment building with Kurt’s caregiver and received excellent service. They had a lift to take Kurt and his caregiver to the second floor of the plaza. While this level of accessibility is uncommon in other parts of Cuenca we have visited, it’s a welcome benefit to have it right next door. Choosing the right neighborhood for our stay has been priceless, and we are very grateful.
What have your experiences been like when accessing medical services while traveling or living abroad? Please share with us in the comments. I’d love to hear from you all!
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PS: The bulk of a delivery of 400 water filters for a village (La Calera) in Ecuador was stolen at the airport. The Winchana Foundation is a charitable organization that helps provide healthcare, education, and support for the cultural preservation of indigenous groups in Ecuador. If you feel moved to do so, please use this GoFundMe link to help replace the stolen water filters. La Calera needs your help to have clean water! Thanks.
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