With healthcare costs skyrocketing, more and more Americans – both insured and uninsured – are looking for high-quality care outside of modern US hospitals abroad that offer the latest cutting-edge procedures performed in the US including orthopedic procedures such as knee or hip replacement surgery. International hospitals also offer American patients the advantage of providing procedures not yet available in the United States, such as the Dynamic Lumbar Spinal Fixation procedure, which is a non-surgical alternative to the more common, risky, and less effective spinal fusion.
Before trusting one’s health to hospitals or hip replacement surgeons abroad or locally, it is wise to research all options and ensure that the care provided meets the highest standards of medical treatment available.
Following these three steps will help ensure that medical travelers receive the best care when shopping for quality orthodontic care away from home.
First Step: Request a quote
Even when quality medical care abroad is prioritized, it is still important to plan treatment and travel within a budget. Seasoned professionals can provide a quote tailored to the unique needs of the medical traveler.
There are a number of reputable medical travel agencies for treatment travelers to choose from, however, more and more international hospitals are starting to offer medical travel coordination services so that the patient and insurance company can address all issues and questions regarding the procedure through “one stop shopping”. Hospitals providing medical travel services will bundle surgeon fees, anesthesia, other hospital fees, hospital stays, and lab tests into the rates and add the hotel and airline separately so that the patient has complete transparency in cost distribution. After narrowing down the selection of hospitals, the next step is to submit your medical history and records to get the most accurate quote. Some hip replacement surgeons may require a consultation, depending on the complexity of the individual’s needs, but this consultation should be arranged free of charge.
This first step will provide a clear forecast of the cost of surgery and hospital care, without unpleasant surprises. This is why it is smart to have a full team of trustworthy professionals who look out for the best interests of the medical traveler, and provide peace of mind.
Second Step: Medical Travel Coordination
The first step in planning your medical travel is to decide on a hip replacement surgeon and have a telephone consultation with the surgeon. A full discussion of your case should be given, including information about the prosthesis, the length of the procedure, preoperative instructions, and full details of what to expect during the recovery period. After the surgeon reviews the medical records and approves the medical traveler to perform the surgery, the next step is to meet with a travel coordinator who will simplify the tedious tasks of arranging travel, lodging, and any additional costs or accommodations required while traveling.
The travel coordinator must provide an itinerary that includes a detailed schedule, travel information, important contact numbers, and other relevant details. All transportation must be arranged upon arrival, so treatment can begin as soon as possible. Reputable companies arrange travel itineraries for all travel companions as well.
Step three: surgery and quality after care
In some cases, hip replacement surgeons may request a follow-up consultation before the medical traveler leaves to travel home. If this is the case, then the medical travel company should have access to low rates on hotel rooms near the hospital where the traveler can stay in the meantime.
After hip replacement surgery, your surgeon will recommend the use of compression stockings to prevent blood clots. This requires special attention when the individual returns home. Special arrangements may be required for post-travel surgery, which is another daunting task that is made easier when working with a dedicated and professional medical travel agency or hospital.
The difference is quite simple: when trusting the correctness of a hip replacement surgeon, there is a lot of stress and emotion involved. It can often be difficult to choose a high-quality hip replacement surgeon in a foreign country while trying to plan the details of travel.
However, a good company will prioritize the unique needs of the medical traveler before, during, and after surgery. Professionals work on behalf of the individual, taking into account specific medical needs, to find the best hip replacement surgeon, arrange medical consultations and procedures, as well as provide quotes for the cost of medical travel and even make arrangements for a less stressful experience.