Bayawan Best Posts in Thread: What a great little town

I have medicare and pay for an "F Plan" supplemental insurance policy, plus "Part D" of course. Medical care in or out of the hospital in the USA costs me nothing. No deductible, No copay, and the "F Plan" even pays what they consider "excess charges". (the Dr's bill is too high). I don't need a consult to see a specialist either. The Supplement pays 60 per cent here but I have to pay and get reimbursed. I've never filed as my bills here have been small. It is with United Health Care and is expensive but I don't like having to do all that copay and keeping up with deductibles, etc. I am trying to stay safe and healthy until I go back to the US for good in another year or two so I go back periodically to get "tuned up".

 

I know this thread is not about health care but there are many posts about it here. There is really not much to discuss about health care in the Philippines. I have been treated at Chong Hua in Cebu as an outpatient and as an inpatient at Silliman here. Both hospitals used 1950's US equipment, 1980's methods, and charged 1950's US prices. At Silliman they gave me a choice of a private room in the new building or the old building and were very accommodating. Contrary to one post elsewhere on DI, they do provide personal items to the patients, however, you have to ask for the "Convenience Pack", and you have to pay for it, just like in the USA. Difference is in the USA they just give it to you and put it on the bill. Here they are surprised you are willing to pay the 2 or 300 for the items. I had a good experience at both facilities, possibly due to having very cooperative Dr's. Some expats have found Dr's whose treatment they are delighted with but for the most part it will prove out that this is a Third World Country, with Third World facilities, and Third World training for Dr's and nurses. I have a couple of Dr's that I rely on for meds and I get my blood work at Precision in Cebu, they are owned by LabCorps in the USA and their work seems to be ok. I get a full blown, all the bells and whistles physical once a year in the US. If I feel pain, I get on a plane. I have had a couple of illnesses here that the Dr's could not cure so I returned to the US and got proper treatment. One visit required a hospital stay. I know that I may have an accident or some unforeseen trauma but I do what I can to minimize my risk. I know that some on this forum have had life saving experiences with the medical treatment here and I applaud that. The reality is, however, that those stories are the exception rather than the rule. Sorry to reiterate but it is a Third World Country. Tuberculosis and rabies, (often from rat bites), are still common here and the medical training, care and treatment are way, way down the list in any world ranking you want to look at. I would say to try to protect your health and have an exit plan if you develop a problem. Your body often gives you warning. Last tip. I did fly once with a noncommunicable disease that still caused fever. If you have fever don't fly through Tokyo as they scan your forehead to see if you have fever and if you do you will be detained. Good health and luck to all, including myself. Stay aware and safe.

 

That's an interesting study. It's too bad they didn't use time vs survival rate. 10 Km on a highway in the UK is probably about 5-6 minutes. 10 Km across Dumaguete could be 30 minutes.

 

Plus: " a 10‐km increase in straight‐line distance is associated with around a 1% absolute increase in mortality."

 

Wrye, on my 220cc cruiser, I make the trip in about 2.25 to 2.5 hrs. Given the quieter pipes and my slower driver reflexes, my trip is less exciting, but safer (for me). I agree the scenery is spectacular, especially that overlook about 7kms this side of Siaton. Unfortunately, a great place for lunch before getting to Siaton---Buy the Way--looks like it is no longer in business.
The road to Pamplonia is a great ride also, but the last time I took the ride (6 months ago) the smiles from the locals had changed to expressionless stares or looks that I did not interpret as welcoming or friendly. Dont know what changed, but the "vibe" seemed quite different to me.

 

I did street viewed and looked pics from Bayawan. And I'm quite surprised how clean (even cleaner than Davao) that city is. Wondering if this is still true. One bigger positive point for Bayawan and the city is on my list for retirement. Even if I got frightened by the big flood from 2013. But that can happens nearly everywhere. And there are even some upgrades upcoming to Bayawan (see separate thread), lowering the necessary to make Dumaguete runs for shopping.

 

Me thinks you are trying to trying to encourage people to stay away from Dumaguete so you have have it all to yourself.