For foreigners from non-English-speaking nations, communicating health issues to physicians is not an easy task and a deterrent to seeking medical care. In addition, the health care system is confusing and the cost not transparent.

To mitigate resulting adverse effects on their nationals' health, Latin American nations are now instituting medical services at consulates in the United States, the Washington Post reports on November 19, 2007. Mexico is said to plan the provision of health care to all Mexcians regardless of where they are, the Post notes.

This development may raise interesting issues under the FSIA when the patients are not diplomatic personnel. -- Clemens Kochinke, Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe, LLP, Washington.