Diagnostic Imaging in Mexico City

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 City?

You can usually leave the hospital straight away after diagnostic imaging tests. However, it is advisable that you stay in Mexico City 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 City

About Mexico City

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and is the largest and populated city with a population of around 9 million, whereas the greater metropolitan area has around 21.2 million.

Mexico City is not only the political, administrative, and financial center of Mexico but also a major center for medical tourism within the country. It is a popular destination for affordable and quality medical care for many US and Canadian citizens and recently has started to attract Europeans and some Asian medical.

The City offers health care facilities and procedures at international standards and at a fraction of the cost when compared to the US and other countries. According to the Ministry of Health in Mexico, the competitive cost of medical care in the country allows an average saving of about 50% to 70% in various treatments and surgical procedures, and with the added benefit of small waiting times.

Mexico City offers state-of-the-art medical care in Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, Cardiology, Orthopaedic, fertility treatments, and dental procedures. It has many famous hospitals with well-trained and board-certified doctors, and advanced medical equipment. Medica Sur, Hospital Espagnol, and Hospital Angeles, Dentalia Mexico City, and Ortopedia DF are some renowned hospitals and clinics in Mexico City. They have private rooms with all modern facilities and offer high standards of nursing care and the hospital staff all speak good English, which makes communication very easy.

Popular Areas in Mexico City

The City is located in the valley of Mexico and is surrounded by Mountains and two stunning snow-covered volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl tower above it. Though the city is very large, most of the popular attractions are in the historic city center, ‘Centro Historico de la Ciudad’. This is a 5.8 square mile UNESCO World Heritage site that has more than 14,000 important structures from the 16th to 19th Century.

Some important landmarks to visit in Mexico City are –

• Zocalo – The Constitution Square is right at the heart of the city. It measures around 240 meters in each direction and is the largest square in the world. The three major tourist attractions, the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor dominate this area.
• The National Palace –is the official seat of power of the President and is situated on the east side of the Zocalo, The combination of history, beautiful architecture, and the best Diego Rivera murals in Mexico City make it a must-visit destination.
• Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral – Made out of basalt and grey sandstone, this structure rests on top of the old Aztec temple precinct. It is one of the oldest and largest churches in the western hemisphere. Its prominent features are the bell towers and the statues of Faith, Hope, and Charity on the Clock Tower.
• Templo Mayor – It comprises the remains of the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan (of the Aztec period). It includes the finely sculpted circular disc which is more than three meters in diameter and weighs eight-and-a-half tons.
• The National Museum of Anthropology – One of the famous museums in the world and is in Chapultepec Park. It is very prominent due to the large monolithic figure at its entrance. It has a vast and impressive collection of archaeological discoveries and information about the life of the contemporary Indian inhabitants of Mexico.

The Palace of Fine Arts, Chapultepec Park, National History Museum, and Paseo de la Reforma and the Angel of Independence are other important landmarks of the city.

Weather and Climate in Mexico City

Mexico City has a subtropical climate because of its location in the high plateaus. It experiences mild and pleasant weather throughout the year. Summers are warm and winters are mild. The annual average temperature is 64°F. The temperature does not vary much throughout the year but the warmest month is May and the coldest is January. The average maximum temperature in summer is 77°F and the average winter temperature is 45°F.

The average annual rainfall of Mexico City is high at 33.31 inches (846.0 mm). June to September is the rainy season, with July being the wettest month. During the summer, there can be a few spells of rain.

The City has dry periods from January to April and November to December. February is the driest month of the year.

Getting Around in Mexico City

You can reach Mexico City by flying into Mexico International Airport which is known as Benito Juarez International Airport. It is the busiest airport in Mexico and serves many airlines. The major Mexican airlines Aeromexico and Aeromexico Connect operate flights to many Latin American cities and domestic and international destinations from this airport. Many American Carriers also have direct flights to Mexico City. Domestic carriers like Interjet and Volaris also operate out of the airport, connecting Mexico City to other domestic cities. The other airport in the city, Licenciado Adolfo Lopez Mateos International Airport (TLC) services low-cost domestic airlines.

There are many bus operators that offer bus service from US cities to Mexico City. The City also offers a well-planned transportation system to get around in which is the metro system, the downtown rail, light rail, normal buses, BRT (bus rapid transport), minibusses, and trolleybuses. Public transportation is very cost-effective and efficient, but can also be very crowded.

If you don’t want to travel by public transport, then you can choose Uber and other private taxi services. They are a bit more expensive but are stress-free.   

Tourist Visas in Mexico City

Foreign Nationals wanting to enter Mexico must get a visa in advance unless they belong to any of the 67 eligible visa-exempt countries like the United States, UK, Canada, and Australia, or one of the three Electronic Authorization System eligible countries. Mexico also offers visa exemption to the people of any nationality who have a valid visa from the US, UK, Canada. They can travel to Mexico with their valid passports and can stay for up to 180 days.

However, citizens of countries like India, Russia, China, Sri Lanka, and many other countries need to apply and get a visa in advance to travel to Mexico for tourism.

Additional Information

• The currency used in Mexico City is the national currency of Mexico, the Mexican Peso (MXN). You can exchange your national currency for Pesos at any of the banks, or at Foreign Exchange Bureaus. The currency value of one US dollar is 18.84 MXN. You can also use your debit, credit, and travel cards in the city.
• Mexico City has all the major national and international banks. In such a large city, there are no shortages of ATMs.
• Spanish is the language widely spoken in Mexico City. Nahuatl, Otomi, Mixtec, Zapotec, and Mazahuaare are other commonly spoken indigenous languages. Due to the large expat population, English is also popular in the city.
• The family community is an important aspect of Mexican life. The locals are very conscious of their responsibilities towards their family members.
• Catholic Christianity or Roman Catholicism is the major religion in Mexico City. 83% of the population follow this religion.
• You will find the City celebrating Mexican holidays, both historic and religious throughout the year. Some of the important holidays are the –
  • Constitution Day – First Monday of February
  • Benito Juarez Day – Third Monday in March
  • Independence Day – September 16
  • Revolution Day – Third Monday in November
  • Navidad (Christmas) – December 25