Guadalajara Reporter

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Written by GR Staff
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Dear Sir, You recently ran an important article about IMSS (the Mexican Social Security Institute) that we all need to know about, except the information about where you apply for the Chapala area was incorrect. We signed up for IMSS health care in November and went through an office here. Then we received our cards with photos and the office but they didn't tell us anything else. We just found out that if you do not open a file for your IMSS it is just like not having it. Can you do a follow-up story, saying what you do next after you receive your IMSS info. That would be very helpful for us newbies who do not know what to do. Julie and Wayne Alex Gesheva replies: The Chapala IMSS office is indeed an option for signing into IMSS, but as none of the head honchos at IMSS Jalisco seemed aware of this, the safest route in my story seemed to be to follow their advice and advise readers to head to Guadalajara. It's great that you managed to avoid that trip and congratulations on making it through the application process and into IMSS. As you've already found out, opting into IMSS, or buying seguro facultativo (SF) means that you are in a slightly different situation from that of locals who receive IMSS health care through their employer. While they are fully covered from the moment they begin working, those who individually purchase IMSS go through a provisional period, just as they would with any other private insurance provider. During this period, not all medical conditions are fully covered, and, if you promptly develop a serious ailment, the IMSS can choose to drop your coverage, arguing that you had preexisting conditions that you did not disclose. Your "trial" period begins from the time of your first check up (which essentially counts as your screening). This is why it is important to head straight to the family doctor and get a check up, even if (actually, especially if) you have no real medical complaints. Here is what to do: - Go to your family clinic, assigned based on your home address. This is the only location that can serve you. If you do not know your assigned clinic, call the IMSS office and confirm. - Bring your IMSS card, ID (passport, FM2, FM3, drivers license, etc.) and two photos (tamaño infantil) with you. Because employees don't commonly deal with opt-in IMSS clients, they may at first be puzzled by you. Your best bet is to also bring every piece of paper the IMSS has ever given you, in a neat file. - At reception, ask for "Archivos," the filing area. Explain that this is a first appearance, show them everything you have (card, papers, etc.) and say that you would like a cita for a consulta general. They will assign you a specific doctor's office (consultorio) and, if you don't already have one, give you an appointment booklet (tarjeton). Note: If you don't have a tarjeton, make sure to ask here at Archivos – the IMSS cards are relatively new, and not all employees are used to them. You will need to present both your IMSS card and the tarjeton each time you receive medical attention, so keep them safely together. - Ask for the clinic's switchboard telephone number, and the specific extension of your consultorio so that you can call them at any time. IMSS always sets up regular appointments for you, but if you have a complaint between appointments or want to change, you can make a cita by phone. The first cita is the only one that MUST be made in person. You can also show up at the doctor's office without an appointment, but risk very long waiting times, as you will be served only after everyone with an appointment. - Show up for your cita. When you have further physical compliants and feel that you need a specialist, ask your family doctor. IMSS specialists will not serve you without a referral from your primary care physician. Remember that IMSS is a very large institution. Have patience with employees who may occasionally seem confused, uncertain or just plain unhelpful.