Are you scared to have WLS outisde the US?
Hi Everyone I was reading in “Budget Travel" magazine a very interesting article written by Fran Golden. I thought some of this might help some of you who are sitting out there reading these posts trying to make up your mind about having WLS and how safe is it to go outside of the USA.
1.6 Million –The estimated number of Americans expected to travel abroad in 2012 for medical procedures. Now these are NOT all WLS. They include Heart Bypass, WLS, and Cosmetic, Dental, Orthopedic, and Cardiology procedures.
This is what Fran Golden says “If you wouldn’t drink the water in some foreign countries why would you consider going overseas or to Mexico for a risky procedure—with a doctor you’ve never even met?" I know that is what so many of you are thinking because I thought the very same thing. Here is her answer, and I learned a lot from this article.
“First of all, we’re not talking backroom surgery here. More than 400 health-care organizations in 47 countries are accredited by the international division of the joint Commission, the same nonprofit that accredits U.S. health-care facilities. In addition many top American programs have aligned with international clinics: Harvard Medical School Dubai Center is a prime example. In general it isn’t all that hard to find a doctor overseas or Mexico who follows U.S. standards and if you’d prefer who was trained at a medical school in the U.S." Check out MTA Medical Tourism Association: www.medicaltourismassociation.com Here are some examples of the cost of surgery in the US vs. Overseas and Mexico
LASIK Eye Surgery US both eyes $4,400 Outside of the US $500 both eyes
Heart Bypass Surgery US $144,000 Outside the of US $5,200
Hip replacement Surgery US $50,000 outside the US $7,000
Knee replacement Surgery $50,000 Outside the US 12,297
Sleeve WLS US $25,000 to $35,000 outside the US $8,700
Please be careful— the MTA website lists 33 medical-travel facilitators also knows as Brokers, Agents or concierges. They all earn a fee. Be careful of the. You want someone who is a Patient Coordinator. They get NO fee and work directly for the doctor and they will honestly answer ALL your questions. That is what I had and felt like I was getting the honest answers I wanted and need.
Many large companies are actually self-insured except for the most catastrophic medical costs; they typically pay the first several thousand dollars of an employee’s claim, with the insurance provider picking-up the rest. It’s obviously very much to the company’s advantage it its employee gets his surgery done outside of the US where the costs are a LOT less. Sometimes this large company pays for air travel for the patient and a companion says David Boucher, the president of Companion Global Healthcare which is a subsidiary of BlueCross Blue Shield of South Carolina and works with the companies and individuals to set up medical-tourism trips. Some insurance companies have not only waived your deductible fee and the patient gets to pocket 10% of the savings. NOW NOT all insurance companies are doing this. I think this is very rare.
So many of you worry about AFTER you have had the surgery outside of the US and what will you do. Please consider how long they give your to recover in their facility before you fly home. The length of the flight is something else to consider. Surgery does increase the risk of blood clots. You can help this also by getting up about every hour and walking while flying. Most Doctors who do your surgery will NEVER allow you to fly home until they feel it is safe for you to fly. So that is part of asking questions and finding out what kind of a facility you are having the surgery in. Where will your recovery take place? PLEASE do not have surgery in some Clinic because it cost less—you will go to a Recovery House and most of the time they do NOT have the Recovery House staffed with anyone that is medically trained.
“It is particularly important to see your doctor at home before you get on the plane both to make sure you’re fit for the trip and to inform him/her that you’re undergoing surgery. You don’t want to be in a situation where you arrive home and have to confess: “Guess what Doc?!" You will want them to be aware of what you are doing and if they are on board with what you are about to do. If they aren’t then you need to find a doctor who will be supportive of what you are doing.
Many of us do not have the luxury of having our Insurance Company paying for our surgery. I am always encouraged when I hear that someone has been approved to have WLS by the Insurance Company. To me that means that these Insurance Companies are finally getting it.
For me I feel so very blessed that I didn’t get mine paid for. I found the perfect doctor for my WLS, who had so much more experience than many US doctors. I wish you get success with what every kind of WLS you are going to have. Protect yourself ask a TON of questions and expect nothing but the best for you. There are some doctors out there that are NOT that great. Always check out the doctors credentials of the surgeon. Ask about his/her record with the type surgery you’re considering.
Check his/her ability to explain things in English on the phone to you and get a clear understanding of services and what your expectations are. It is also a good idea to contact some of his/her former patients for testimonials. Read all the posting you can on the WLS Boards about this doctor.
Hugs,
Suzanne
1.6 Million –The estimated number of Americans expected to travel abroad in 2012 for medical procedures. Now these are NOT all WLS. They include Heart Bypass, WLS, and Cosmetic, Dental, Orthopedic, and Cardiology procedures.
This is what Fran Golden says “If you wouldn’t drink the water in some foreign countries why would you consider going overseas or to Mexico for a risky procedure—with a doctor you’ve never even met?" I know that is what so many of you are thinking because I thought the very same thing. Here is her answer, and I learned a lot from this article.
“First of all, we’re not talking backroom surgery here. More than 400 health-care organizations in 47 countries are accredited by the international division of the joint Commission, the same nonprofit that accredits U.S. health-care facilities. In addition many top American programs have aligned with international clinics: Harvard Medical School Dubai Center is a prime example. In general it isn’t all that hard to find a doctor overseas or Mexico who follows U.S. standards and if you’d prefer who was trained at a medical school in the U.S." Check out MTA Medical Tourism Association: www.medicaltourismassociation.com Here are some examples of the cost of surgery in the US vs. Overseas and Mexico
LASIK Eye Surgery US both eyes $4,400 Outside of the US $500 both eyes
Heart Bypass Surgery US $144,000 Outside the of US $5,200
Hip replacement Surgery US $50,000 outside the US $7,000
Knee replacement Surgery $50,000 Outside the US 12,297
Sleeve WLS US $25,000 to $35,000 outside the US $8,700
Please be careful— the MTA website lists 33 medical-travel facilitators also knows as Brokers, Agents or concierges. They all earn a fee. Be careful of the. You want someone who is a Patient Coordinator. They get NO fee and work directly for the doctor and they will honestly answer ALL your questions. That is what I had and felt like I was getting the honest answers I wanted and need.
Many large companies are actually self-insured except for the most catastrophic medical costs; they typically pay the first several thousand dollars of an employee’s claim, with the insurance provider picking-up the rest. It’s obviously very much to the company’s advantage it its employee gets his surgery done outside of the US where the costs are a LOT less. Sometimes this large company pays for air travel for the patient and a companion says David Boucher, the president of Companion Global Healthcare which is a subsidiary of BlueCross Blue Shield of South Carolina and works with the companies and individuals to set up medical-tourism trips. Some insurance companies have not only waived your deductible fee and the patient gets to pocket 10% of the savings. NOW NOT all insurance companies are doing this. I think this is very rare.
So many of you worry about AFTER you have had the surgery outside of the US and what will you do. Please consider how long they give your to recover in their facility before you fly home. The length of the flight is something else to consider. Surgery does increase the risk of blood clots. You can help this also by getting up about every hour and walking while flying. Most Doctors who do your surgery will NEVER allow you to fly home until they feel it is safe for you to fly. So that is part of asking questions and finding out what kind of a facility you are having the surgery in. Where will your recovery take place? PLEASE do not have surgery in some Clinic because it cost less—you will go to a Recovery House and most of the time they do NOT have the Recovery House staffed with anyone that is medically trained.
“It is particularly important to see your doctor at home before you get on the plane both to make sure you’re fit for the trip and to inform him/her that you’re undergoing surgery. You don’t want to be in a situation where you arrive home and have to confess: “Guess what Doc?!" You will want them to be aware of what you are doing and if they are on board with what you are about to do. If they aren’t then you need to find a doctor who will be supportive of what you are doing.
Many of us do not have the luxury of having our Insurance Company paying for our surgery. I am always encouraged when I hear that someone has been approved to have WLS by the Insurance Company. To me that means that these Insurance Companies are finally getting it.
For me I feel so very blessed that I didn’t get mine paid for. I found the perfect doctor for my WLS, who had so much more experience than many US doctors. I wish you get success with what every kind of WLS you are going to have. Protect yourself ask a TON of questions and expect nothing but the best for you. There are some doctors out there that are NOT that great. Always check out the doctors credentials of the surgeon. Ask about his/her record with the type surgery you’re considering.
Check his/her ability to explain things in English on the phone to you and get a clear understanding of services and what your expectations are. It is also a good idea to contact some of his/her former patients for testimonials. Read all the posting you can on the WLS Boards about this doctor.
Hugs,
Suzanne
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Personally, I wouldn't go to Mexico for any reason right now, even if you paid me. But that's not b/c I think Mexican surgeons are bad. I just think Mexico is a dangerous enough place that I'd prefer not to be there. Not for surgery. Not for vacation. Not for a business trip.
Amy
VSG on 2/1/12 with Dr. Halmi
VSG on 2/1/12 with Dr. Halmi
Hi,
I can understand your feelings. I will tell you that I know for a fact that Mexicali, Mexico is a VERY safe boards to cross and there are not the problems with the Drug wars that there are in many areas of Mexico. There are many place that I would NOT go to in Mexico myself. But, I have been the Mexicali many times and find it a very safe place.
I appreicate your feeling and if you feel this way, you should not got there for anything.
Suzanne
I can understand your feelings. I will tell you that I know for a fact that Mexicali, Mexico is a VERY safe boards to cross and there are not the problems with the Drug wars that there are in many areas of Mexico. There are many place that I would NOT go to in Mexico myself. But, I have been the Mexicali many times and find it a very safe place.
I appreicate your feeling and if you feel this way, you should not got there for anything.
Suzanne
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
I would not be the least bit scared to go to Mexico for WLS. I have in fact researched revision in Mexico. My first surgery was done in the US. Good Dr. Crappy band. You know the story!
I would be cautious as to where I went in Mexico. One of the cheap "hospitals" there has had a **** load of infections and leaks, so I would never go there. I don't care how much cheaper they are!
Aceves would probably be my first choice, Alvarez my 2nd. Feedback from both of them seem great.
I do however disagree with you about your statement about the "patient coordinator". Some may be straight pay, others are on commission. Even in the states "patient coordinators" are NOT the best source of info on their particular clinic/hospital!!!
Hi,
I guess I have heard too many of the people on these boards talk about the different answers they get and sometimes someone else takes over and they get an entirely different set answers from the new agent and the doctor, the amount and the hospital.
I can only speak about what I experienced and that was a patient coordinator. She was consistent with her information from the first day I spoke to her. I agree that Dr. Aceves is one of the best. But again I am speaking from my own experience. I hope that you will have great success with your revision. You will love the sleeve if that is what you are going to have.
Hugs
Suzanne
I guess I have heard too many of the people on these boards talk about the different answers they get and sometimes someone else takes over and they get an entirely different set answers from the new agent and the doctor, the amount and the hospital.
I can only speak about what I experienced and that was a patient coordinator. She was consistent with her information from the first day I spoke to her. I agree that Dr. Aceves is one of the best. But again I am speaking from my own experience. I hope that you will have great success with your revision. You will love the sleeve if that is what you are going to have.
Hugs
Suzanne
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
B4 u get surgery abroad, ask your local general surgeon if he will care for your post op. I gotten negative answers from surgeons who did abdominal surgery on me for my hightail hernia in the past and took care of my my diverticulitis and i had my wls in Nebraska.
remember there is no chance of malpractice recovery abroad. or unlikely at best.
remember there is no chance of malpractice recovery abroad. or unlikely at best.
Amy Farrah Fowler
on 11/29/11 7:28 am
on 11/29/11 7:28 am
Not only did I have my WLS abroad, but all my elective surgery since. The biggest drawback is aftercare, and know that your pcp or whomever you choose is on board if you have issues. Plan on staying abroad for a bit afterward, so the stuff that can happen immediately post op happens while you are near the surgeon.
There are good and bad surgeons in every country, so research them, regardless of where you go. I have learned that many hospitals outside the US cater to those that travel for medical care, and the accommodations are often like a 5 star hotel, with the latest in medical care, and often have a place for someone to stay with you.
If it's not an emergency and I have a choice, I prefer not to be in US hospitals any more.
There are good and bad surgeons in every country, so research them, regardless of where you go. I have learned that many hospitals outside the US cater to those that travel for medical care, and the accommodations are often like a 5 star hotel, with the latest in medical care, and often have a place for someone to stay with you.
If it's not an emergency and I have a choice, I prefer not to be in US hospitals any more.
Hi
I happen to agree with you about all the things you say. They kept me for a total of 5 days in a fully equipped hospital with staff that were excellent--and spoke English. I had my sleeve surgery on day 2 and was given 3 different tests to make sure I had NO problem or leaks. I know without a doubt that they would have NEVER sent me home unless they thought I was just fine and it was OK to travel. Yes, I spent day one in a 5 star hotel and I could have spent more nights if I wanted too. I felt that the care and how I was cared for is so much better than any experience I have ever had in any US hospital. The doctors actually check on you --I saw 2 doctors 3 times a day--when was the last time you had that kind of care in in US hospital??
Thanks for you comments, I appreciate everyones point of view!
Hugs,
Suzanne
I happen to agree with you about all the things you say. They kept me for a total of 5 days in a fully equipped hospital with staff that were excellent--and spoke English. I had my sleeve surgery on day 2 and was given 3 different tests to make sure I had NO problem or leaks. I know without a doubt that they would have NEVER sent me home unless they thought I was just fine and it was OK to travel. Yes, I spent day one in a 5 star hotel and I could have spent more nights if I wanted too. I felt that the care and how I was cared for is so much better than any experience I have ever had in any US hospital. The doctors actually check on you --I saw 2 doctors 3 times a day--when was the last time you had that kind of care in in US hospital??
Thanks for you comments, I appreciate everyones point of view!
Hugs,
Suzanne
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
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