Yes, Mam... Yes, Pap (Tuesday 11/24/09)

I can’t talk about La Paz, or even Mexico for that matter, without mentioning the fabulous healthcare practices and prices! Dentists, Dermatologists, Internists... you name it.

DISCLAIMER: Okay Men, only read this if you’re understanding about women's healthcare or wear a long ponytail. There is nothing graphic in the content, but I consider not discussing this a sin. Consider yourself warned! Some men (Patrick) may get queasy (Patrick) with the mere idea (Patrick) of a pap or mammogram exam (PATRICK!).

This morning, I made up my mind... I was going to set up an appointment for my annual ‘well woman’ exams... a pap and mammogram. It’s been two and half years since my last pap and I have only had one mammogram... fourteen years ago! Armed with nothing more than a La Paz map, an address I got off the Club Cruceros services website, and a Spanish dictionary, I make my way through the unmarked streets and avenues of La Pa, occasionally asking passing locals directions.

 I come upon a lovely, outdoor courtyard with beautiful hibiscus flowers and cumquat trees. Inside, a professional office and laboratory peek out from behind a partially open large Spanish-esque door. A young lab assistant greets me and we determine right away that she speaks a little English and I a little Spanish. In three minutes, I have an appointment for a pap exam at 4:30pm that day for 400 pesos... about $31 US! Wow!

Next, a visit to a special laboratory for a mammogram. I walk twenty blocks through residential adobe homes until I reach a small, marble tiled office. I speak to the petite señorita about scheduling a mammogram. She speaks no English and so our conversation is a little bumbled, but I get an appointment for Tuesday, the very next day! The price? A mere 650 pesos or $50 US!

Okay... the next entry will be the aftermath following the exams. How professional could they be for that amount of money? How clean are the facilities? How accurate are the results? Stay tuned!