Any recommendations for a Breast biopsy?

[Marleny]

Hi everyone, I’m feeling quite anxious and would really appreciate your thoughts and advice.

I need to have a breast biopsy done. I usually go to CERIM for my annual mammograms and ultrasounds, and I’ve always trusted them, especially since my OB-GYN refers to them as a “reference clinic.” My assumption was that if anything concerning ever came up, I would feel comfortable having any follow-up procedures done there. However, after my recent experience, I’m starting to question that.

Earlier this month I went in for my routine annual screening - a mammogram and a 3D ultrasound. About a week later, I received a call asking me to return because the radiologist wanted to obtain additional images via a manual ultrasound. After the exam, I asked her directly whether she had seen anything suspicious. She responded, “No, nothing, don’t worry,” and told me the full report would arrive later that day or the next.

I didn’t receive the report that day or the next (it was a Friday), and since she had reassured me, I tried not to worry. A full week later, I emailed the clinic to ask about the report. They immediately sent it — and in it, the doctor recommends that I have a biopsy.

Now I am deeply confused and concerned. I don’t know whether this report was drafted before the additional manual ultrasound, or afterward. Reports here don’t seem to include clear dates, and that makes it very hard to understand the timeline. I’ve had a similar experience before at another clinic, where it took over a month to receive an MRI report that my specialist later considered incomplete. That report also lacked basic identifying information.

What troubles me most is the reassurance I received from the radiologist. Being told there was “nothing suspicious” only to later receive a written recommendation for a biopsy feels very unsettling. If I hadn’t followed up myself, I might have delayed further action. That worries me.

I’m trying to remain calm, but I do feel uneasy about proceeding with the biopsy at the same clinic under these circumstances. I would really value hearing from anyone who has had a positive experience elsewhere. I’ve heard that Fleming may be a good option — does anyone have insight?

Thank you very much in advance for any guidance.

 

[VINO]

I ultimately chose to have my breast biopsy done at Hospital Italiano after receiving a concerning BI-RADS result from imaging performed at an independent clinic. Before conducting her own evaluation, the surgeon asked me to send her the original scans, which I appreciated. She was also accessible via WhatsApp for follow-up questions, which made communication much easier and more reassuring.

Overall, I had a positive experience at Hospital Italiano, despite experiencing some complications related to the procedure. The cost without insurance was also reasonable.

 

[Silvia]

I have had a very negative experience with misdiagnosis and similar experiences with testing in Argentina. If you are in doubt, definitely get another opinion.

 

[citygirl]

I have had a very negative experience with misdiagnosis and similar experiences with testing in Argentina. If you are in doubt, definitely get another opinion.

I totally agree about getting a second opinion. Tests are cheap here and always worth getting a second doctor to give their opinion. I had a core breast biopsy done at Hospital Britanico a few years ago. The doctors are very professional at the British Hospital.

 

[Marleny]

I totally agree about getting a second opinion. Tests are cheap here and always worth getting a second doctor to give their opinion. I had a core breast biopsy done at Hospital Britanico a few years ago. The doctors are very professional at the British Hospital.

Thanks everyone! @citygirl do you have any recommendations for physicians there? I heard good things about Hospital Brítanico. I will check them out. Thank you.

 

[citygirl]

Thanks everyone! @citygirl do you have any recommendations for physicians there? I heard good things about Hospital Brítanico. I will check them out. Thank you.

Yes the doctor that did my biopsy and ultrasound was Dr. Valeria Vidales and a good breast specialist is Dr. Santiago Acevedo. Both are at the British Hospital. Good luck.

 

[Esposas]

Yes, unfortunately I’ve had several similar experiences, and it has left me deeply concerned about the reliability of the medical system here in Argentina. I say this carefully, but if you have the option, you may want to consider receiving treatment in the USA if you have coverage there.

I have private insurance with Swiss Medical, which is supposed to be one of the better plans available. Despite that, my experience has been plagued by repeated errors, conflicting diagnoses, and a troubling lack of organization.

For example, one endocrinologist told me I had Hashimoto’s disease. When I sought a second opinion, another endocrinologist informed me that I did not have Hashimoto’s at all. Another time, I went in for back pain. Within seconds, a doctor diagnosed me with a “contractura” and sent me to physical therapy. Only after I began therapy did they order an X-ray, which showed I did not have a contractura but rather scoliosis — so I was referred to a specialist. Then that specialist told me I did not have scoliosis either. The sequence of events was unsettling; basic imaging should have been done before prescribing treatment. Many things here are ass backwards.

I’ve also experienced administrative and diagnostic mistakes that feel completely avoidable. A gynecologist once ordered bloodwork but forgot to include the specific hormone tests in question. When I returned for the follow-up appointment, the necessary information wasn’t available, making the entire visit a waste of time and money.

Patients here are also expected to manage an unusual amount of administrative work. You must bring a written “orden” (doctor’s order) for tests, often handwritten and difficult to read. Sometimes they’re emailed; sometimes they’re scribbled on small sheets of paper. There’s no consistency. I’ve had to photograph orders and use tools just to decipher what they say. On one occasion, I was scheduled for an echocardiogram when it was supposed to be an electrocardiogram, simply because the handwriting was illegible.

Even when you upload the order through the app to schedule the test, you’re often asked to provide it again in person, as if there is no record of the upload. In another instance, I scheduled a urine test and received an email reminder the morning of the appointment stating that, because hormones were being tested, I needed to come before 8:30 AM. But the clinic had scheduled me for the afternoon. That critical detail had not been communicated earlier. I had to cancel and reschedule.

For urine samples, you are required to purchase your own container at a pharmacy and transport the sample from home to the clinic. There is no verification process confirming the sample’s origin. That alone raises concerns.

I’ve also had imaging done where I received only the images but not the written report. With a follow-up appointment approaching, we had to go in person, speak to customer service, send emails, and try to track down the technician who performed the exam. Only after insisting were we able to obtain the report.

Any one of these situations would likely prompt a formal complaint in the United States. Here, however, these kinds of issues seem to be treated as minor inconveniences rather than serious systemic problems. That is what worries me the most.

 

[JonJLA]

Yes, unfortunately I’ve had several similar experiences, and it has left me deeply concerned about the reliability of the medical system here in Argentina. I say this carefully, but if you have the option, you may want to consider receiving treatment in the USA if you have coverage there.

I have private insurance with Swiss Medical, which is supposed to be one of the better plans available. Despite that, my experience has been plagued by repeated errors, conflicting diagnoses, and a troubling lack of organization.

For example, one endocrinologist told me I had Hashimoto’s disease. When I sought a second opinion, another endocrinologist informed me that I did not have Hashimoto’s at all. Another time, I went in for back pain. Within seconds, a doctor diagnosed me with a “contractura” and sent me to physical therapy. Only after I began therapy did they order an X-ray, which showed I did not have a contractura but rather scoliosis — so I was referred to a specialist. Then that specialist told me I did not have scoliosis either. The sequence of events was unsettling; basic imaging should have been done before prescribing treatment. Many things here are ass backwards.

I’ve also experienced administrative and diagnostic mistakes that feel completely avoidable. A gynecologist once ordered bloodwork but forgot to include the specific hormone tests in question. When I returned for the follow-up appointment, the necessary information wasn’t available, making the entire visit a waste of time and money.

Patients here are also expected to manage an unusual amount of administrative work. You must bring a written “orden” (doctor’s order) for tests, often handwritten and difficult to read. Sometimes they’re emailed; sometimes they’re scribbled on small sheets of paper. There’s no consistency. I’ve had to photograph orders and use tools just to decipher what they say. On one occasion, I was scheduled for an echocardiogram when it was supposed to be an electrocardiogram, simply because the handwriting was illegible.

Even when you upload the order through the app to schedule the test, you’re often asked to provide it again in person, as if there is no record of the upload. In another instance, I scheduled a urine test and received an email reminder the morning of the appointment stating that, because hormones were being tested, I needed to come before 8:30 AM. But the clinic had scheduled me for the afternoon. That critical detail had not been communicated earlier. I had to cancel and reschedule.

For urine samples, you are required to purchase your own container at a pharmacy and transport the sample from home to the clinic. There is no verification process confirming the sample’s origin. That alone raises concerns.

I’ve also had imaging done where I received only the images but not the written report. With a follow-up appointment approaching, we had to go in person, speak to customer service, send emails, and try to track down the technician who performed the exam. Only after insisting were we able to obtain the report.

Any one of these situations would likely prompt a formal complaint in the United States. Here, however, these kinds of issues seem to be treated as minor inconveniences rather than serious systemic problems. That is what worries me the most.

Thank you for sharing your information. I am planning to retire in BA in the future and I have heard mixed things about the medical there compared to the USA. Others have told me positive things about having kids there in the hospital and other things but I have heard complaints like yours @Esposas. Sorry you went through that. Sounds frustrating.

 

[Vero]

Yes, unfortunately I’ve had several similar experiences, and it has left me deeply concerned about the reliability of the medical system here in Argentina. I say this carefully, but if you have the option, you may want to consider receiving treatment in the USA if you have coverage there.

I have private insurance with Swiss Medical, which is supposed to be one of the better plans available. Despite that, my experience has been plagued by repeated errors, conflicting diagnoses, and a troubling lack of organization.

For example, one endocrinologist told me I had Hashimoto’s disease. When I sought a second opinion, another endocrinologist informed me that I did not have Hashimoto’s at all. Another time, I went in for back pain. Within seconds, a doctor diagnosed me with a “contractura” and sent me to physical therapy. Only after I began therapy did they order an X-ray, which showed I did not have a contractura but rather scoliosis — so I was referred to a specialist. Then that specialist told me I did not have scoliosis either. The sequence of events was unsettling; basic imaging should have been done before prescribing treatment. Many things here are ass backwards.

I’ve also experienced administrative and diagnostic mistakes that feel completely avoidable. A gynecologist once ordered bloodwork but forgot to include the specific hormone tests in question. When I returned for the follow-up appointment, the necessary information wasn’t available, making the entire visit a waste of time and money.

Patients here are also expected to manage an unusual amount of administrative work. You must bring a written “orden” (doctor’s order) for tests, often handwritten and difficult to read. Sometimes they’re emailed; sometimes they’re scribbled on small sheets of paper. There’s no consistency. I’ve had to photograph orders and use tools just to decipher what they say. On one occasion, I was scheduled for an echocardiogram when it was supposed to be an electrocardiogram, simply because the handwriting was illegible.

Even when you upload the order through the app to schedule the test, you’re often asked to provide it again in person, as if there is no record of the upload. In another instance, I scheduled a urine test and received an email reminder the morning of the appointment stating that, because hormones were being tested, I needed to come before 8:30 AM. But the clinic had scheduled me for the afternoon. That critical detail had not been communicated earlier. I had to cancel and reschedule.

For urine samples, you are required to purchase your own container at a pharmacy and transport the sample from home to the clinic. There is no verification process confirming the sample’s origin. That alone raises concerns.

I’ve also had imaging done where I received only the images but not the written report. With a follow-up appointment approaching, we had to go in person, speak to customer service, send emails, and try to track down the technician who performed the exam. Only after insisting were we able to obtain the report.

Any one of these situations would likely prompt a formal complaint in the United States. Here, however, these kinds of issues seem to be treated as minor inconveniences rather than serious systemic problems. That is what worries me the most.

People always say the healthcare here is good but I know many people here that had the same problems. It can be chaotic here. I don't really trust the system here for any serious issues. And you must get 2nd opinion. I have family that are doctors here and they told me it is very unorganized and not efficient here. Too much red tape, doctors are not trained as good as they should, technology is terrible compared to USA.

Thank you for sharing your information. I am planning to retire in BA in the future and I have heard mixed things about the medical there compared to the USA. Others have told me positive things about having kids there in the hospital and other things but I have heard complaints like yours @Esposas. Sorry you went through that. Sounds frustrating.

If you can keep your US coverage it may be worth it to do that.

 

[JonJLA]

People always say the healthcare here is good but I know many people here that had the same problems. It can be chaotic here. I don't really trust the system here for any serious issues. And you must get 2nd opinion. I have family that are doctors here and they told me it is very unorganized and not efficient here. Too much red tape, doctors are not trained as good as they should, technology is terrible compared to USA.


If you can keep your US coverage it may be worth it to do that.

That is what I was worried about. I honestly don't want to pay for an expensive policy in both countries. Fortunately I am healthy but I will probably keep coverage a few months from my US policy while I start with a local policy.

 

[Avocado]

We are far behind compared to USA. I am a doctor here. Sometimes I am ashamed at our system. Always follow advice for second opinion on anything serious. Sometimes here even when you think they go well they do not. You are lucky if you have good private insurance. If not forget about it.

I am ashamed to admit it but many unprofessional doctors here.

 

[Joe]

My wife had similar issues that some of you have had where doctor made a mistake. There is no urgency here at all. At times it feels like they don't really care and now I can't imagine how bad it would be with them getting squeezed. I would recommend you check out CIMA who were great.

CIMA – Centro Integral de Mastología

cimamastologia.com.ar

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