I contacted a clinic asking for the quotes for a series of procedures. What followed was a series of lies, smoke and mirrors and fast-talk.
Outlined are a couple of things subsequent consumers should be wary off:
The company asked for ALL CASH payment upfront before even seeing the doctor. They also delayed in letting me meet with the doctor operating on me and discouraged any direct contact between me and the doctor.
I paid partially in cash and insisted the rest be credit. They settled for credit only because the bank refused to withdraw such a large amount.
Blood work was done minutes before the surgery and despite me almost passing out, I was rushed to the hospital for surgery (where the credit card machine awaited). When I almost passed out, the owner (Andre Silva) did not even go to catch me until the nurse prompted him.
After I came to, I was rushed to the hospital. We did not wait for the results. This is unethical and dangerous to do. I still did not get to see the doctor performing the surgery for my consultation.
I was not informed about removing the nail polish on my toes. If something would have gone wrong with the anaesthesia, the toes turning blue would be the indicator. However, the owner failed to tell me to remove it probably because he was to busy rushing me to pay ad sell me more procedures.
I questioned the amount he told me and asked to discuss it because I did not even meet with the doctor to see what procedures he was going to do. I did not want to pay for procedures I was not even getting. He assured me it was fine so I did not sign it so that we can discuss later. The credit card company sent me a SIGNED receipt. Not my signature.
I finally got to talk to the doctor after I was undressed and on the gurny. He told the doctor what I wanted and as suspected, the doctor said many of the procedures were unnecessary that he was trying to sell me.
He advertised a cell-phone for my use that I never received. I paid a hefty price to the hotel for my own calls. He also advertised rides to where ever you need. Again, false. I paid for my own taxis. He says you get a day of touring and a 5 star restaurant. No, no tour. Just some food at a restaurant.
LASTLY AND WORST OF ALL! The credit card company sent me the statement of their affairs (the delayed it because it was such a huge amount). The surgery itself (all fees, blood works, anaesthesia, post, hospital fees) was about $3,500. Andre took it upon himself to tack on another $4,500 for himself which he was NEVER authorized to do. I agreed to pay the hospital with my card (once I would receive the bill). I never authorized for Mr. Silva to use my credit card for whatever reason and I do not know how he could have done this. I paid him for his services in cash before hand.
He also swindled me by taking me to a dentist that I am sure pays Andre a kick back. Her fees were astronomical and now that I see what he did with the hospital, I am sure he is doing the same scam with her with Americans.
I spoke to someone in Colombia who said what I was charged for my procedures was not at all in standing with what they should be. I was basically scammed. I am reporting him to the Fiscalia for unethical and unsafe medical procedures.
He also injected me with Restalyne and I am not sure if he is qualified. He missed on one side and now it looks like I was punched on my mouth. I may have to pay a huge fee to have someone correct it in the USA.
The doctors themselves were good. He, however, is a fast talking scam artists who will try and fleece you out of all your hard-earned cash. He also goes on forums posting as various people to promote his services. You can tell it is him because they are written in bad English and appear everywhere unchanged.
Buyer beware!!! Do your research! Talk to the doctors who will work on you!!!
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