Diagnostic Imaging in Mexico

Diagnostic imaging, also known as medical imaging, describes a variety of techniques to look inside the body to diagnose the cause of an injury or illness, as well as to find any signs of a health condition. It is also used to see how well your body responds to treatment for an illness or fracture. 

Many diagnostic imaging tests are noninvasive and painless. Some tests use a small amount of radiation exposure. Some require you to remain still inside a machine for a long time, which may cause little discomfort. 

Other diagnostic tests involve the insertion of a small camera attached to a thin, long tube (often referred to as a “scope”) into your body. These types of diagnostic tests are invasive and require anesthesia.

Some of the most common types of diagnostic imaging tests are as follows:

• X-ray is among the most well-known diagnostic imaging tests. It generates images that allow your doctor to see if there is any damage or injury to the bones.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan, also known as “cat scan,” is a test that combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles. It is often used to quickly examine people who could have internal injuries. It can help doctors evaluate the brain, spine, abdomen, chest, and neck.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet to obtain an image of the body instead of radiation. It is most commonly used to examine spinal cord and brain anomalies, joint abnormalities, and tumors.
• Ultrasound, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is most commonly used to examine a fetus during pregnancy. However, it can also be used to examine a wide range of body parts, including the heart, joints, and bladder.
• Mammography is a type of x-ray image of the breast. It can be used to check for early breast cancer signs that cannot be felt through the use of a low-dose x-ray.
• A diagnostic biopsy is the main method doctors use to diagnose most types of cancer. It involves the removal of a piece of tissue or cell sample to be analyzed in a laboratory.

• Endoscopy, laparoscopy, and colposcopy involve the insertion of a thin, flexible scope with a video camera attached to its end through a passageway or bodily opening to look at the inside of a particular organ, such as the colon or the lungs.

How Long Should I Stay in Mexico?

You can usually leave the hospital straight away after diagnostic imaging tests. However, it is advisable that you stay in Mexico for 5 to 7 days to wait for the results. Once the results are ready, you will have to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor explains the results and discuss the treatment plan, if needed.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Most diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound and CT scan, do not require any recovery time. However, you may need to take one or two days off work and avoid strenuous activities for several days after some types of diagnostic biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, and colposcopy.

What Aftercare is Required?

There is usually no special aftercare or restrictions after diagnostic imaging tests. You may be advised to drink plenty of water immediately after, especially if contrast was used. If the procedure is invasive, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to care for the wounds. 

What's the Success Rate?

Diagnostic imaging tests have high success and accuracy rates. The continuous improvement and advancement of diagnostic imaging technology have transformed healthcare, allowing for earlier diagnosis of many medical conditions, reduces the need for invasive processes. The side effects of diagnostic imaging tests are very minimal, such as slight discomfort, pain, swelling, and bruising.

Are there Alternatives?

There are no alternatives to diagnostic imaging. It is vital for the diagnosis of medical conditions, allowing your doctor to decide the best treatment or management plan.

Diagnostic Imaging in and around Mexico

About Mexico

The Country of Mexico forms a part of the North American continent and lies directly south of the United States and is the fifth largest country in the Americas. It comprises 31 states and a Federal District. The capital of Mexico City lies in the Federal District. Mexico is dominated by several mountain ranges and the more well-known ones are the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra Madre Occidental. It is famous for its amazing beaches, and the best-known Latin American pyramids include the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacán in central Mexico,

Mexico ranks among the top five locales for medical tourism worldwide, consistently attracting those seeking not only medical care but luxurious, boutique-styled facilities for recovery as well. The distinct appeal to choosing Mexico as a destination for medical procedures is not solely based on the accommodation standards, but also the notably lower costs contrasted with those in the United States. With a price tag that usually amounts to 70-80% less than what you'd expect to pay in the US for the same procedure, it's no wonder why Mexico is such an attractive option for medical tourists.

In terms of the economic value, medical tourism in Mexico has proven to be no small industry. According to the data gathered in 2016, the industry is worth a whopping $4.8 Billion. Moreover, it is not an underused resource, as can be seen in the influx of medical tourists that the country welcomes each year. An astonishing 1 million individuals travel to Mexico annually, seeking different varieties of treatments and procedures.

Geographically, it's noted that the majority of these medical tourists hail from nearby US states. In fact, states that border Mexico, such as California, Texas, and Arizona, make up approximately 70% of the medical tourists that arrive in Mexico.

Tijuana, Cancun, Mexicali, and Monterrey are some of the more popular cities in Mexico for medical tourism and the flowing procedures:

• Dental treatments including dental surgery
• Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
• Bariatric Surgery
• Other medical procedures like dermatology, orthopedics, gynecology, and ophthalmology.

Popular Parts of Mexico

Six Cities in Mexico that should be on your itinerary:

1. Mexico City – This enormous capital city is the most populous city on the North American continent. The metropolitan area of the city is home to a staggering 21.2 million people. El Zocalo, the main public square is a famous landmark in Mexico City. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Cancun –Is a major resort city with turquoise blue waters and striking white sandy beaches. It has a population of about 628,000 people. You can take day trips to the Mayan ruins, the unspoiled jungle habitats of Coba, and Chichen Itza from Cancun.
3. San Miguel de Allende –Is one of the most popular cities in Mexico. The must-visit sites in this city are the San Miguel Arcangel Parish, the archaeological zone of Canada la Virgen, and the handicraft market.
4. Guadalajara – It’s the second largest city in Mexico and has a population of 5.1 million. The city has a more relaxed feel and a distinctly Mexican flavor. The historic center is impressive with a cathedral and colonial architecture. Guadalajara Cathedral, Instituto Cultural de Cabanas, and the Expiatory Temple are famous sights to visit.
5. Oaxaca – Is a southern Mexican city and is situated in a valley. It is home to 4.2 million inhabitants. Oaxaca Cathedral, Zocalo and Mercado Benito Juarez, and The Rufino Tamayo Museum are a few of the interesting places to see in this city.
6. Tijuana – Is a border city in Mexico and shares its border with California. Because of its location, this city is very popular with American medical tourists. The Avenida Revolucion is the main street and is lined with Bars and Restaurants. Popular landmarks include Jai Alai Fronton Palace, Centro Cultural Tijuana, and Estadio Caliente. It has a population of 1.3 million people.

Other important cities are Merida, Acapulco, Puebla City, Taxco Puerto Vallarto, and Playa del Carmen.

Weather and Climate in Mexico

Mexico, in its vastness, doesn't possess a uniform climate throughout the nation. Various regions exhibit distinct weather patterns, which are inextricably linked to their geographical features. Given Mexico's immense size, it's unsurprising that the climate varies significantly across different locations. The periodic patterns across the nation are not homogenous, as one would expect in a smaller, less diverse country. Instead, Mexico’s topography, which is incredibly varied, heavily influences the country’s diverse weather and climate.

In terms of seasonality, Mexico traditionally experiences two major seasons - the rainy season and the dry season. Each of these seasons presents its own unique set of conditions and weather patterns, shaping the climate across the country in distinctive ways. The shifts between these periods of rain and periods of drought are quite pronounced, showcasing the climatic dualism that shapes the Mexican landscape. This cyclical pattern of rainy and dry seasons is a key part of Mexico's climatic identity, having profound effects on both its environment and the livelihood of its inhabitants.

• Rainy Season – Most of Mexico experiences rain from May to September or October. The weather is hot and humid in these months, especially in Southern Mexico. The average temperature in the summer months is around 83 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, the temperature averages between 68- and 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Dry Season – October to May there is hardly any rain and it happens to be the most popular time to visit Mexico. During the winter months of December to February, the non-coastal regions have cold weather. At times, it reaches freezing temperatures. June to November is the hurricane season and hence it is better to avoid traveling during this time.

Getting Around in Mexico

The easiest way to reach Mexico is through Mexico City International Airport, which is also referred to as Benito Juarez International Airport, which is the busiest airport in Mexico. The airport links 52 domestic cities and 50 international destinations in Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia. Aeromexico is the largest carrier serving many Latin American cities, domestic and international cities. Other prominent Mexican airlines are Interjet, Volaris, and Aeromar. Major American carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air also operate flights to Mexico City.

For travel within Mexico, air travel is the best mode considering the vast size of the country. Budget airlines like Avolar, Azteca, Interjet, vivaAerobus, and Volaris offer competitive and cheap airfares for domestic travel.

You can navigate between cities via local buses and rental cars, making the journey a part of your Mexican adventure. However, for a quicker commute, the metro system prevails as the fastest mode of transport. This web of fast trains bridges the gap between major cities including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, ensuring convenient and expedient transportation.

Navigating through Mexico City is fairly simple and cost-effective, courtesy of its inexpensive public transport system. You can choose from a variety of transport modes, including the Metro, first and second-class buses, colectivos, and Nissan Tsuru libre taxis.

However, if you prefer sitio taxis, it is advised not to hail one from the street after dark for safety reasons. Furthermore, for those not fluent in Spanish or unfamiliar with the city's layout, it is highly recommended to use taxis from Taxi Ranks, ensuring a smoother and more secure journey.

Tourist Visas in Mexico

Traveling to Mexico as a tourist, you need to apply for and get a tourist visa well in advance. Your passport must be valid to cover at least three months beyond the duration of your visa. A Mexican tourist visa is for a single entry and is valid for only six months. You should travel within 90 days of the visa being issued.

Mexico has a waiver for the tourist visa requirement for the citizens of 67 countries including the USA, European Union, Latin America, and Australia. Under this privilege, you can visit Mexico for a period of 30 to 180 days without a tourist visa. However, you need to get an online Electronic Authorization before traveling to Mexico.

Nationals of Russia, India China and a few other countries need to get a visa in advance before entering Mexico.

Additional Information

1. The currency of Mexico is Peso and has a $ symbol like the US Dollar. So, MXN is an alternative symbol to avoid confusion. Shopkeepers accept US dollars but refuse Euros. The conversion rate of a US dollar to Mexican Peso is 17.97 as of Mexico 2023.
2. You can use debit and credit cards within city limits in Mexico, but many retailers levy a surcharge for credit cards. Small shopkeepers insist on cash. ATMs are present everywhere and have bilingual options with English as a choice.
3. Spanish is the first and the main language spoken in Mexico. People also speak English in tourist areas and along the Northern border. However, it is always better to learn a little Spanish when you travel to Mexico.
4. Mexico does not have a national religion, but Roman Catholicism is a major faith.
5. Constitution Day (Feb 4), Benito Juarez’s Birthday (Mar 18), Independence Day (Sep 16), Revolution Day (Nov 18), and Christmas (Dec 25) are some of the statutory public holidays in Mexico.