One of my friends has some medical issues and will be travelling to Guatemala soon. He hasn't met his deductible so may have to pay a lot of expenses out of pocket if he gets tests his doctor recommended: echocardioagram and stress tests. Maybe the tests will turn out great or maybe he will need follow up work, too, which could be even more expensive. Of course the doctor in the US can't/won't even tell him how much the tests will cost. I can help him find doctors in Guatemala City but wondered if someone had any good experiences. I know there are at least a few private hospitals in Guatemala City that have cardiologists. I'm not sure if there are any with the equipment to do the testing in Antigua, San Lucas, Mixco, Chimaltenango, or somewhere not too far from Guatemala City. He's not looking to pay gringo prices, and he does not care if the doctor speaks English. Most Guatemalans I know don't have much experience with doctors, and the experience they do have is generally limited to the public hospitals. Thanks everyone.
Sorry, not a specific answer to your questions but rather a referral. When looking for 'local' information in France,
I used expat forums. I was able to locate local events, find advice from people (English speaking) living there about
common subjects (best laundromat? supermarket that carries baby products? --not that I needed things like that)
and I did see questions and referrals about medical situations.
Of course it's going to be very different in Guatemala but English speakers will still be concerned about basic issues
and usually provide help when asked.
Here are links to some forums I found online:
http://www.expatexchange.com/ctryguide/4177/49/Guatemala/Expat-Guatemala-10-Tips-for-Living-in-Guatemala
http://www.okantigua.com/guatemala-expat/
One site didn't have a forum but did have this: "The standard of healthcare facilities in Guatemala is varied; the major cities boast state-of-the-art facilities while hospitals in rural areas are underfunded. Expats will find it more convenient to use private hospitals in Guatemala City, where waiting times are short and doctors speak English."
And Thorn Tree/LP has:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/americas-central-america/guatemala/english-speaking-doctor-on-call-24-hours-antigua-Guatemala
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/americas-central-america/guatemala/can-anyone-recommend-a-clinic-or-doctor-in-antigua-guatemala?page=1#post_20536685
and there is this:
http://guatemalamedicaltravel.com/providers.html
https://apps.allianzworldwidecare.com/poi/hospital-doctor-and-health-practitioner-finder?TRANS=Hospitals%2C+Doctors+and+Health+Practitioners+in+Guatemala%2C+Guatemala&CON=Central_America&COUNTRY=Guatemala&CITY=Guatemala&PROVTYPE=HOSPITALS&_csrf=eea9dbcd-8a3c-4dca-8e3a-8d45727b71e6
http://www.theantiguaguide.com/category/services/health-services/
Quite the opposite, but cautionary advice is good if it helps people
avoid problems:
https://guatemalachronicle.wordpress.com/2015/09/19/guatemala-the-hermano-pedro-private-hospital/
Hope this gets your search started.
There are forum members who either live in or travel in this area so you'll probably receive advice from
those who have personal knowledge. The links are meant to broaden your knowledge. Good luck.
I'm afraid I can't give you a referral based upon first-hand experience. However, whenever in Guatemala, should I become seriously ill, my plan is to head to Hospital Las Américas in zona 14. It's generally on any list of the best private hospitals in the country. I see on line that they specialize in cardiology, among other branches of medicine. Happily, I haven't had to go there -- yet.
I year ago, I did have the need for an ER visit while in Merida. I used my fall-back plan for the Yucatan, which is the Clinica de Merida, and was totally satisfied with the treatment which I received. An ER visit came to under US$100, inclusive of the doctor's fee, the hospital fee, and two prescription medications.
Good luck!
This will be a pretty strange suggestion but I don't think a bad one. Check out http://www.lakeatitlanwellnessclinic.org/. It's actually a free clinic and I mostly know about it because I just donated my house in Panajachel to the clinic. Last week Dr. Louis (Louis de Peña but everyone calls him Dr. Louis or, actually, Dr. Luis) was showing me some of the stuff he has. That includes an ultrasound and an EKG machine.
I also think he is an excellent doctor -- he is not a pill pusher like so many or someone who wants to cut you open. Clearly he can do the EKG and is likely to offer good advice.
Now, should you feel guilty going to a free clinic for locals? The answer is no. There are lots of locals with zero money that he helps. Part of the way that is possible is that some people with a bit of money (including Gringos as he does speak English well) can pay a bit which then pays for medicines for those with no money.
The clinic will be moved to Callejon Weyman, just off Calle Santander (main tourist street) later this month. Or call him at +502 4105-8055.
Update: my friend went to Hospital Herrera Llerandi in the capital to have tests done and then had a consultation with one of their cardiologists. It is probably on the high side price-wise for Guatemala. It cost him $400+ total for both tests plus another $65 for optional consultation with a different cardiologist a block away. He was pleased with everything, but I am sure there are other places that are fine as well.
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