Answers
to Medical Travel Questions
How can my Primary Care Physician help me with overseas surgery?
Your primary care
physician or specialist may have wanted to help you but was unable
because that procedure may not be covered under your insurance or that procedure
may not be available at the hospital. Since all doctors are
committed to helping patients in any way they can, the doctors are
looking elsewhere for treatments. Your doctor may already be familiar with
the Surgical Travels of hospitals and doctors. Your physician will be glad to offer an excellent
alternative for you to receive treatment that otherwise may be out of
financial or physical reach.
Medical tourism is a term
that describes the rapid growth of international healthcare treatments
where people are traveling to other countries to obtain general medical
surgery, cosmetic/plastic surgery and dental surgery at a fraction of
the cost of healthcare in the United States, Canada and Europe. Overseas
medical treatment/surgery is quickly becoming an affordable, safe, high
quality and viable option and has become the fastest new growth area for
tourism in Thailand and India, where some of the world's most respected
medical facilities cater 90% to international patients.
What are the savings if I have operations done overseas?
The savings will vary by
procedure, but typically the cost of medical care provided by
international medical providers of hospitals and doctors will be 60-80%
less than the fees typically charged in the U.S. health care system...
and this typically involves longer hospital stays and sightseeing during
your recuperation period.
How can I reach
Surgical Travels when I am abroad?
You can phone us 24 hours a day and 7
days a week, and speak with a real person. We monitor every client
continually, and you will be provided with an international cell phone
while you are away so that you can stay in touch with us, and your
family as often as you wish.
Should I take a travel companion with me?
Absolutely... we
encourage every patient to have a relative or loved one accompany them
on their trip. Companions can remain with you throughout your stay at
the hospital during the procedure and recuperation. Then during your
recuperation period tour, you will have your own driver and private
vehicle to do healthful sightseeing. You'll want to share this
experience with someone close to you, as these touring experiences are what sets us apart from other USA companies who also arrange surgery
abroad.
The medical care provided
through Surgical Travels is some of the finest in the
world. We are connected with nothing but board-certified physicians,
many of whom have previously trained in top U.S., U.K. and other developed
medical programs and practiced medicine in the United States and United
Kingdom. Their quality of care is equal to and in many cases
exceeds that available in this country. In addition, Surgical Travels only works with hospitals that are among the best in
the world and boast an excellent professional staff, as well as the most
modern facilities and state of the art equipment available. In most
cases, the success rate for medical procedures performed in these
facilities exceeds those of U.S. institutions.
What about the nursing care overseas?
Nursing care is some of
the best in the world. Most of the U.S. hospitals rely heavily on LPN and
medical assistants, whereas our network hospitals utilize 100%
registered nurses (RNs) who give unparalleled patient care 24 hours a day and
the nursing ratio for international patients is usually 1:1 - rather
that 8, 10, and sometimes 12 to 1 in the U.S.
Can I become familiar with my overseas physician before the treatment?
Yes. We will arrange the
telephone conversation with the doctor prior to leaving your country as
well as an option your Primary Care Physician can also talk to the
doctor about pre and post operative procedures and follow-up.
Who will be dealing with details of my case during my trip?
Every patient will be
assigned to a professional case manager who has a medical background and
will
take care of the details of your trip and medical care from day one to
the end.
We will make the necessary arrangements for each.
What about the before and after follow-up medical care?
As an option, our medical
staff can coordinate your pre and post operative care with your primary
care physician. We will follow-up with your physician/physical therapist
after you come back your procedure.
What happens if something goes wrong?
As with all medical
treatments, there is a possibility that any of the medical outcomes may
not be optimal. For the instances if there is a medical mistake or
malpractice is believed to have occurred, patients have the right to
seek justice in the host countries judicial system similar to the
procedure followed in U.S. or in your home country.
Why does medical care cost so much less overseas
compared to more industrialized or developed countries?
It is because of our
network hospitals' healthcare cost structures. Hospitals, doctors, nurses
and medications are less expensive and there are no additional costs
(such as malpractice insurance and the paper work associated with HMOs)
borne by doctors and passed on to the consumers through increased fees.
Overseas staff salaries and other overhead costs are also significantly lower.
Is
it expensive to travel overseas for medical treatment?
There are more than 10
major airlines providing non stop daily flights to India and Thailand. The
cost of travel to these countries is often competitive with the cost of
travel between major U.S. cities. For example, a patient would find it
more expensive to travel to Houston mid-week than to travel to New Delhi.
Also, a heart valve replacement or hip replacement would be $9,000
rather than $200,000 in US... this savings will certainly offset a lot
of 1st class travel expense.
What is included in the cost of care
through Surgical Travels?
It includes
-
Internal transfer by private car to
and from the hospital to the airport on arrival/departure
-
Initial consultation with the
surgeon/physician on arrival at the hospital
-
Standard pre-surgery tests including
any x-rays, scans etc. as required
-
Standard pre and post surgery
medications
-
Standard pre and post surgery
preparations such as anesthesia etc.
-
Stay in AC room for the number of days
required for surgery as indicated. One companion can always stay in
the room, which is equipped with TV/cable, DVD player and internet
-
Our International patient coordinator
provides priority facilitation for every day to day activity.
-
A personal dietician who will advise
you throughout the stay and provide advise.
While tourism and other outside
discretionary costs are not included, we will provide you with all the
tourism services as part of a comprehensive package.
When are payments
due?
We request NO up-front deposits or
payments for your surgery for North American patients. You will make
arrangements for payment shortly before your departure, and this can be by
cash, bank wire transfer, any credit card, of financed through our one
of our partners.
How do I make a
payment?
You can use any major credit card,
cashiers check or cash for the initial deposit.
Can I arrange
financing or get a loan for medical travel?
Yes. We can provide you with contact
information for one of our financing partners.
What if I change my mind after the consultation with the doctor?
After consultation with
the doctor, if you change your mind and decide not to receive your
surgery, the only costs you will be responsible for will be your airfare
and hotel expenses in the destination country before you return home.
Your full deposit would be refunded.
Call Today and speak with
a Travel Professional or discuss your procedure with a Nurse. We do
not collect any deposits from you until your program is approved
,organized, and you are ready to go. You and your doctors here will even
have the opportunity to speak internationally with your surgeon as you
make your arrangements and decision.
You can even purchase
International travel Insurance to protect your investment in the event you must cancel
your trip.
Join the
thousands worldwide that have clearly found a Better Way to Total Health
!
Call
Toll-Free: 877-866-8558
Complete this short questionnaire to receive more confidential
information from our Medical and Travel Professionals
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