MAMMOGRAM SERVICES IN QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO

It was time for my annual mammogram, and I was a little nervous about finding an imaging center here in Quintana Roo, Mexico.  After a short internet search and reading a couple of local forums, I was able to identify four facilities:

1.  CostaMed

2. Galenia

3. Hospiten in Cancun (the Playa del Carmen location does not provide this service)

4. Radiology and Ultrasound Riviera

Under “normal” circumstances I would take the colectivo to Playa del Carmen and then a different bus to Cancun.  However, with COVID-19, I decided to schedule a taxi for the afternoon and make a Costco trip after my appointment.  This worked out perfect, because Galenia needed about 30-40 minutes after my exam to process my film.  Going shopping at Costco provided time for them to do that, which meant I could go back to Puerto Aventuras with my film in hand.  But I digress.  Let me get back to my mammogram.

I selected Galenia Hospital and contacted them by email.  Two primary concerns for me were, did they have female technicians, and was their English better than my Spanish.   The receptionist of the imaging department emailed back immediately informing me that they did indeed have female technicians and spoke English.  In addition, she provided the cost of $655 pesos and asked me to bring my order and any past films with me.  Although I did not have my past films, I did have the results of my last several mammograms and my 2020 order, which I emailed, along with a date and time that I preferred to have my exam.

They emailed me back confirming my appointment date and time (currently, they only schedule mammograms in the afternoons from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Monday through Friday).  And the receptionist gave concise instructions for the day of my appointment:

• No creams, deodorants, body lotions from neck to abdomen 

• Shaved underarm area  

• Bring previous studies of mammography and doctor’s order

• Full name, date of birth and phone number

• Wear my face mask

I arrived approximately 30 minutes before my appointment (wearing my mask) and checked in at the main reception desk in the lobby.  The person there spoke perfect English and provided directions to the radiology department.  Once I arrived in radiology and checked in at the desk, I was given a patient intake form (similar to the one I complete in the United States).  After completing my form, they provided me with an invoice and directed me to the billing department to pay my bill in advance.  Once I received my receipt and checked back in, I was escorted by a female technician to the exam room for my mammogram.  The procedure is identical to the United States, so no surprises.  They cleaned all the equipment in front of me, took the images, and asked me to wait before I got dressed again, just to ensure that the images were perfect.  

A female doctor came to the room to tell me that my film looked good and to remind me to give my doctor in the United States my film and documentation, so that they can compare my film, and track and trend any changes.  She further explained that if I come back in about an hour, she would process my film with documentation, and I could take it with me.  All in all, it was a positive experience as far as mammograms go, and everyone I encountered was wearing their masks.  No complaints.  I will certainly go there again if the need arises.  But I do like trying different facilities to gauge the level of service provided.

Side note about Galenia: the building is incredibly beautiful and modern. In addition, they have a genuinely nice cafeteria with several tables and chairs, with large windows and plenty of bright light streaming through.  I could have sat there all day and just relaxed.  However, I found the imaging department sterile in appearance.  In terms of their English skills, the front desk when you enter the hospital nailed it.  But the imaging department was a different story.  Their English was not that good, and the technician that took my images told me she did not speak any English.  The doctor that read my films and provided me with documentation for my doctor in the United States spoke perfect English.  So, if you need a mammogram, you can certainly schedule one at Galenia Hospital, but do not expect any bells and whistles.

To be perfectly honest I am a little spoiled.  In the United States, the facility I attend is for women only and is very warm, welcoming with over-sized comfy chairs. It is also painted in bright cheerful colors, with educational reading materials about breast health. The philosophy is that as women, we are deserving of a beautiful environment.  Especially since the exam itself may be uncomfortable, the ambiance makes up for the discomfort.