Money Matters – because it does Matter!
Transparency is our goal in providing Total Patient Care™.
We hope this will give you a clear understanding of Money Matters here, and answer questions that you may have. If we have missed some matters that you wish to ask about, please feel free to call toll-free or email to our Patient Representative Olger Gonzalez on 1-877-285-0959 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Olger will reply to you quickly and completely.
• Your initial meeting with Dr. Coto for examinations and evaluations will be without charge to you. He will clearly discuss with you what he believes your procedures should be, and he will give you a detailed cost estimate for what he proposes. You are free to accept, change or reject his recommendations and he will discuss these with you. If you have changed your mind, or if you do not wish to proceed, for whatever reason, that is fine and The Clinic will transport you back to your lodgings without charge – you will have no further obligation to The Clinic.
• After his examination, Dr. Coto may suggest that you see a specialist, such as for 3D X-rays, Periodontal examinations, sinus lift, etc. He will give you their estimates for your initial visit for X-ray, examinations, etc., and if you agree, he will arrange the appointments. The Clinic will transport you there and return without charge. (Without charge if you are purchasing $1,000 or more in dental work, otherwise it can be provided for a reasonable fee.) You will pay the specialists directly for the services they provide. The Clinic does not receive any part of these payments – they are completely separate. If you require subsequent trips to the specialists, The Clinic driver will collect directly from you for these trips. The fare will always be less than a taxi will charge, and The Clinic does not share in these taxi payments.
Some specialists will recommend to Dr. Coto for further procedures, and they will confer with Dr. Coto about the details, the time and the costs. Dr. Coto will discuss these recommendations with you, and if you approve, he will arrange the appointments for you.
• When you have agreed upon procedures, normal payment method to The Clinic and to the specialists is: If one day procedures, payment in full upon completion. If procedures extend over several days, one-half is due on completion of the first day, with the balance due upon completion of the procedure(s). You will be given a clear receipt for each payment.
• Payments may be made by US Dollars or may be charged in whole or in part to most credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard, and other major cards. Some places do not accept American Express. If you plan to use a credit card, you should call your card company in advance, telling them you will charge in Costa Rica. Some card companies may not approve charges outside of the US if they are not notified in advance. Many card companies add a service fee of about 3% to foreign charges.
• The Clinic’s estimates and bills will assume payment by credit card. If you pay cash with US Dollars, The Clinic will give you a 5% Discount. Specialists and other places usually do not give a discount for cash, though all will accept US Dollars.
• The Clinic does not accept checks, nor will it file claims with insurance companies.
• If you are concerned about carrying large sums of cash with you for the time you are here, The Clinic will keep it in a secure place for you, give you a receipt for it, and it is available to you at any time. There is no charge for this service, and it is completely safe.
• Currency in Costa Rica is the Colónes. While the exchange rate does vary, in mid 2010 the exchange rate is approximately 530 Colones to one US Dollar. Colones come in coins and bills – the smallest bill is 1000 Colones – worth approximately $2 (actually about $1.89). Prices in Colones are MUCH larger numbers than the Dollar equivalent. One quick way to approximate the US dollar amount is to multiply the thousands colones numbers times 2, i.e.: c9500 = 9 X 2= $18. c44,372 = 44 X 2 = $88. c326,400 = 326 X 2 = $652. This method will be a few dollars off, but not much, and is a fast way to understand your cost.
• This is a suggested US currency mix for US citizens planning a 7 – 10 day visit in Costa Rica: 50 - $1.
50 - $5. 20 - $10. 20 - $20. $100 in whatever number you think you will use.
• Many visitors use credit cards at Pharmacies, for X-rays, restaurants, shops, etc.
• Some patients have been pleased with their use of a money pouch sold by www.concealwear.com. One for $10.95, three for $26.95 including shipping. Instructions are complete. One patient added a safety pin through his shirt and his pouch “just in case”. The Clinic is not recommending these – merely sharing the remarks of some patients.
• This website is widely used in the US, but the world wide web is truly that. The US dollars are used in examples above. Other currencies may be used and our Patient Representative Olger Gonzalez will be glad to assist you with these.
• San Jose has many branches of international banks. If you anticipate using your bank, we suggest you verify its branch location in Costa Rica.
• There is a Departure Fee at the airport of approximately $26 per person. Credit cards are accepted.
• If other Money Matters questions come to your mind, please feel free to call toll free 1-877-285-0959 for our Patient Representative Olger Gonzalez who will give you answers. His email is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Thank you for reading all of this. You will be dealt with openly, fairly honestly and safely by The Clinic in YOUR Money Matters.
by Tom Hails.
