Healthcare in Mexico, Without the Barriers
Chapala Med has been serving the English-speaking expat community of Lake Chapala from day one. Familiar standards. Zero language barriers. Real care.
Why Expats Choose Chapala Med
We built this practice for you. Every decision — from our EMR system to our specialist network — was made with expat patients in mind.
Bilingual Care — Zero Barriers
Dr. Hernández grew up in Chicago. English is effectively his first language. He understands American idioms, cultural references, and — crucially — US healthcare expectations. No translator needed. No miscommunication.
US-Based Electronic Medical Records
Your chart is stored in a US-based EMR system. Records are accessible at any hospital or provider in Mexico, the US, or Canada. Your healthcare follows you wherever you go.
Familiar Standards
US post-graduate training means Dr. Hernández knows exactly what American and Canadian patients expect — the thoroughness, the communication style, the unhurried appointments. You won't feel like a stranger in your own doctor's office.
An Expat Himself
Dr. Hernández understands the expat experience personally. He knows the concerns — navigating a foreign healthcare system, insurance questions, finding specialists you can trust. He built Chapala Med to solve those problems.
Insurance & Billing
In-Clinic Consultations
Routine consultations and office visits are paid directly. Clear, transparent pricing — no surprise bills.
Major Medical & Catastrophic
US and Canadian insurance accepted for major medical and catastrophic events. Prior approval required.
Veterans & TRICARE
TRICARE accepted (subject to verification of coverage). We participate in the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP), subject to verification of coverage. US and Canadian veterans and spouses receive 15% off consultations.
Insurance Partners
Best Doctors, MAPFRE, WEA, GNP, GeoBlue, AXA, MetLife, New York Life, and more.
Medical Records Portability
Your health records are stored in a US-based EMR system. This means your complete medical history is accessible to any provider — in Mexico, the United States, or Canada — when you need it most.
- US-based electronic medical records
- Accessible at any hospital in Mexico, US, or Canada
- Secure, HIPAA-compliant data management
- No paperwork chaos when traveling or relocating
Expat FAQ
Yes — fully and fluently. Dr. Hernández grew up in Chicago and has lived there for over 30 years. English is effectively his first language. Our front office staff is also fully bilingual. You will never face a language barrier at Chapala Med.
For major medical and catastrophic events, yes — with prior approval. In-clinic consultations are typically out-of-pocket. We accept TRICARE and participate in the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP), subject to verification of coverage. US and Canadian veterans and their spouses receive a 15% discount on consultations.
Yes. Dr. Hernández offers home visits throughout the Lake Chapala area, nursing home visits, and virtual telemedicine consultations. Contact us via WhatsApp or email to schedule a home visit.
We coordinate referrals through our vetted network of specialists across all disciplines. We are affiliated with Hospital Country 2000 in Guadalajara and have a remote consultation and second opinion referral pathway with University of Chicago Medicine for complex cases. Your care is coordinated — not fragmented.
Yes. Visit chapalamedgdl.com for our Guadalajara location. Dr. González Barba sees patients in Ajijic on Tuesdays and in Guadalajara the rest of the week.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Join thousands of Lake Chapala expats who trust Chapala Med for their healthcare needs.