The majority of medical malpractice complaints in Baja are made against dentists, gynecologists and cosmetic surgeons. But typically, these complaints are settled between lawyers and providers and never made public--that's about to change.
Mexico, especially border cities like Tijuana, have made a big push over the last five years to improve standards of care and medical infrastructure in order to attract patients from the U.S. Despite this, malpractice claims remain common.
"As more and more providers South of the border begin to participate with American-style carriers, they are going to have to bring up their quality of care and provide some degree of quality assurance," said Jeff Album, Vice-President of Public Affairs for dental insurance provider, Delta Dental.
The company provides insurance to Southern California residents who seek care in Baja. "Many of those Mexican providers will have to do some of the office auditing and claims auditing that we do here in the States, and I think that would have to have a positive impact," he said.
Delta Dental is one of a growing number of American insurers who are expanding into Mexican border states. Americans who face medical malpractice in Mexico and aren't represented by an insurer face few protections in either country.
