I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Traveling Tips and Stories => Topic started by: debra on October 12, 2012, 01:35:21 PM

Title: Charging U S dollars for supplies picked up in Central America
Post by: debra on October 12, 2012, 01:35:21 PM

So, husband and I are travelling to Panama for two weeks.  It has been a nightmare dealing  with Baxter International.  Husband and I are picking up his supplies in Panama City, Panama - mind you,  Baxter is not shipping the fluid from the U.S., we are picking them up from the distribution center. All Baxter had to do was order the supplies my husband needed, and let them know what day we would be picking them up.

So, we pay Baxter our $100.00 fee for their incompentant services.   No problem.  However, we wanted to pay for our supplies out of pocket, in Panama - the supplies in Central America are much, much cheaper than what we are charged in U.S. 

Of course, this was AGAINST THE LAWS OF BAXTER!  Not only can we not purchase them ourselves, but we will have be charged at U.S. prices.  Does this make sense?  No delivery to Panama, nothing but phone calls for coordination, we use our time and vehicle to pick up.

Good news is he has an appointment with a U.S. educated Nephrologist in Panama City.  She works at Punta Pacifica Hospital, which is affiliated with John Hopkins University. Since we are planning to retire there, we are starting to establish doctors there.  Get this!  The price to meet with this highly trained specialist?  $40.00!  Incredible! 

TALK ABOUT BEING GAUGED IN OUR MEDICAL INDUSTRY! I think we are being screwed Americans!

Thanks for letting me vent!!!!