Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is the Clinic located?
A: Alpha Medical Clinic is located about six miles from the border in an area referred to as Playas (meaning beach in Spanish). The Real del Mar hotel is located along the coast a few miles south of the international border. Transportation between the clinic and hotel is provided on all treatment days.
Q. How will I get there?
A: Transportation is provided and arranged by Sunray Marketing Group in Chula Vista, California. It is recommended that patients arrive in San Diego, California before 1:00 p.m. on the day of admission. There is no charge for patient transportation that is scheduled during regular business hours. Patients are allowed one guest, without cost. The fee for extra guests and/or travel during nonbusiness hours is $60. A: Please provide Sunray with your flight itinerary so they can meet you at the Traveler's Aid desk located near baggage claim at the airport in San Diego, California. If you are traveling by other means, arrangements will be made to pick you up at a mutually convenient location.
For your return trip, you should make your flight time no earlier than 1:00 p.m. This will allow adequate time to cross the border and return you to the San Diego airport.
Q. What if I am driving?
A: Please note that for patients not arriving by air, you can arrange with your reservation representative for pickup at other locations in San Diego. If driving, you may arrange parking in Chula Vista. If you wish to drive to the clinic, we can assist you with directions and give you information about Mexican insurance for your car.
Q. Is it safe to go to Mexico? I've heard a lot about border area crime lately.
A: A number of the staff at both the clinic and Sunray Marketing have been involved in cross border healthcare for over 20 years. In that period of time, none of our patients have experienced any problems, nor have they expressed any feeling of being threatened. Some may feel nervous because they are traveling outside of the U.S., possibly for the first time, but rest assured that your comfort and safety are our foremost concerns. Both the clinic and the hotel are located in safe areas. We recommend that when patients and guests are not at either of those locations that they use good judgment in choosing the areas they visit, staying in areas that are well traveled. Keep in mind that a high percentage of victims of crime in Mexico are either gang or drug related, or both. American citizens traveling in Mexico have not been signaled out as a target for these groups.
Q. Do I need a passport?
A: YES. Beginning June 1, 2009, all travelers returning to the U.S must present a passport, passport card or an enhanced driver's license.
Q. What can I bring into and out of Mexico?
A: Whether crossing the border by foot, bus, or in your own car, you may bring your personal items without a problem. Food and medicines are regulated. Most prescription drugs are available over the counter at approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of US prices. It is a good idea to obtain a prescription any time you are bringing anything other than over the counter medications back to the US. There is a duty free limit of US $400 on goods and medications.
Q. What about money?
A: The official currency in Mexico is the Peso; however , the US Dollar is readily accepted for almost all purchases and services. Sometimes however you may find that the exchange rate is not as favorable as that issued by a local bank. There are several banks and money exchange houses where you can exchange either Pesos or U.S. Dollars. If shopping, you will find that many established businesses accept credit cards; however if you are making purchases from local vendors, you will need to pay for purchases with cash.
Q. Can we go to the beach, is it safe to swim in the water?
A: Patients are encouraged to walk on the beach and enjoy the fresh sea air. Although the water is safe and clean, some may find it too cold for swimming until mid-summer.
Q. Do I need to bring any medication I am taking with me?
A: Yes. It is recommended that you bring a supply of any prescription medications with you. Although you may not need all of them once you begin your treatmet program, it is best to have them available.
Q. Does Alpha Clinic treat HIV patients?
A: We do not treat HIV positive or AIDS patients. It is our opinion that such treatment should be offered in an isolated environment, for the benefit of both the HIV patient and for our cancer patients who may have compromised immune systems.
Q. What kind of doctors will I be seeing?
A: The medical staff is comprised of licensed medical doctors, trained to administer both allopathic and wholistic therapies.
A: No, there is no problem with communication. Professional staff members are bilingual and ancillary staff members, while not 100% bilingual, manage basic communication though they may not be able to carry on a lengthy conversation in English.
Q. If I am staying in the hotel and receiving treatment during the day, how are meals managed?
Breakfast and lunch are both served at the clinic. Two restaurants at the hotel serve evening meals. No meals are provided by the clinic on Sundays.
Q. Does the clinic accept installment payments for treatment?
The clinic accepts all major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover Card) as methods of payment, however it does not carry any credit accounts for direct payment.