Woman’s Vancouver family fights Mexican hospital over her care

“It was a nightmare. They were lying to us,” she said. “We were just praying God would intervene.”

Tortora said Brandi Gallagher’s boyfriend, Brian, flew to Cabo San Lucas on Monday and gave the hospital his credit card number. But hospital staff kept demanding more money and refused to let anyone see Gallagher until the family paid. She said the hospital locked Gallagher in her room and stopped all communication with her family.

Gallagher — a mother of three — received no treatment or pain medication, Tortora said, and the hospital wouldn’t let her get up to use the bathroom.

“They were demanding more money. I mean it was a hostage situation,” she said.

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a warning in spring 2016 about complaints received from U.S. citizens about predatory business practices and billing by hospitals in Los Cabos. As a result, Mexican federal authorities ordered four hospitals, including Saint Luke’s, to suspend operations and stop admitting new patients. However, the agency advised that some hotels and resorts in the area may have existing contracts with the hospitals and may be unaware of the government’s action to close them.

Gallagher’s parents flew to Mexico on Tuesday and reached out to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico, which sent lawyers to intervene and demand Gallagher be transferred by ambulance to BlueNet Hospital. However, as Gallagher was being transferred, the ambulance was stopped mid-travel because Saint Luke’s wanted more money, Tortora said.

Between Saint Luke’s and a deposit to BlueNet, the family has paid more than $33,000, according to a Facebook post by Debi Gallagher.

Tortora said that Brandi Gallagher is now receiving treatment at BlueNet and is safe. The family plans to get her stabilized and then fly her out of Mexico to receive treatment in the United States.

“Now that we know she’s safe, we can breathe. We want to get her out of that country,” Tortora said.

Health vs. travel insurance

Gallagher has medical insurance, but Saint Luke’s wouldn’t take it, Tortora said. “None of this would have happened if she had travel insurance,” she added.

According to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico, most Mexican health care facilities require payment up front before treatment and do not accept U.S. domestic health insurance. Many hospitals only accept cash, credit, debit card or bank transfer.

Gallagher and her family want to get the word out about her horrific experience, Tortora said, because they don’t want anyone else to go through it.

In a Facebook post on her page, Gallagher said she is grateful for the outpouring of support she’s received.

“Today was one of the most terrifying days of my life, but people kept calling, texting, messaging and posting messages of hope, love and support. Strangers that know nothing about me were willing to jump in and help. Friends and family worked all night and all day to ensure my release from the hospital safely,” Gallagher wrote late Tuesday.

“I cannot begin to express how humbling this whole thing has been for me. I love all of you and want you to know how special you are,” she added. “I am exhausted beyond belief, but I wanted everyone to know how absolutely grateful I am to have so many amazing people around me.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Gallagher and her family pay the medical bills.