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 the procedure you need may not be covered under your insurance...
maybe you are uninsured... or the ideal procedure you need is not
available in the USA ! Your doctor may already be familiar
with the Global Surgery Network of hospitals and doctors, but if not.
the American Medical Association (in which he is a member) is not only
familiar and supportive of overseas procedures, they have published
guidelines directing the procedures that USA primary care physicians
should be taking, when working with overseas hospitals
and surgeons.
The President of the American Medical Association is an Advisory
Director
in the Medical Tourism Association.
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 for procedures from
quality facelifts to open heart surgery using the most modern
techniques.
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 internationally
established hospitals and board certified physicians will be 60-70%
less than the fees typically charged in the U.S.
Plus, the savings will pay the hotel and travel arrangements for your
complete transportation and stay, AND pay companions to travel
along with you as well. All expenses, PLUS 24/7 guides, nurses,
and care, and you STILL save 50% of the cost of just the procedure
at home.
How can I reach Global Surgery Network 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 Global Surgery Network is some of the finest in the
world. We are connected with nothing but the most experienced physicians
and surgeons, many of whom have previously trained in top U.S., U.K.
Medical Schools, and practiced medicine in the United States and United Kingdom. Their
quality of care is equal to or better than that which is provided by
hospitals in this country, as they are not having to work for the
insurance industry. In addition, Global Surgery Network 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, not only the service, also
the rate of successful outcomes exceeds that for the identical
procedures performed in the USA. Remember, our Global Surgery Network
hospitals and physicians are selected from the highest rated JCI accredited facilities in THE WORLD!
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 from 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.
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, which
will cover all of your transportation and services provided by Global
Surgery Network and this can be by cash, bank wire transfer, any credit
card, or financed through our one of our lending partners. You will make
payment for your procedures directly to that facility.
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.
View Cost Comparison estimates for each country
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