Medical tourism for bariatric surgery

Undergoing bariatric surgery abroad is a much more viable and preferred option for citizens of first world countries. Several factors, of which cost is the most important, play a role in this phenomenon of medical tourism. With the prospect of surgery in a foreign country, there are so many questions that a patient can have and the most important of all is to get the right surgeon. How can you do that being thousands of miles away? What should be the criteria to select one?

Criteria for selecting the best surgeon

The criteria to select the best bariatric surgeons abroad are the following:

Does your insurance cover this?

Most insurance companies have a list of affiliated hospitals and selected surgeons or specific qualifications and accreditations needed to cover the surgery. This is a great place to start as it will help you select some names. However, it is worth considering traveling abroad to obtain cost-effective and safe surgery. A medical tourism destination offers affordability, safety, and exceptionally good quality in terms of well-qualified bariatric surgeons and the best hospitals.

consider references

Referrals are the easiest and most reliable way to choose a Bariatric Surgeon abroad. Referrals are possible through your current hospital or doctor or through friends and family. Accreditation agencies are also a type of reference that lists hospitals and surgeons abroad that meet the criteria of established standards and norms. There are many renowned surgeons in the country who have had previous experience with hospitals in the US or are already working in conjunction with surgeons in the US on medical cases. With the doctor-to-doctor network, it’s not uncommon for you to be referred to another doctor in a different country.

check history

So you’ve zeroed in on some suckers, start exploring some more to learn their background. It is essential to know whether or not your chosen bariatric surgeon has experience with the type of surgery you are seeking. Do you have the necessary staff and resources? Are you actively participating in groups like ASMBS (American Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeons) and improving your knowledge in specific bariatric surgeries? Is the board of surgeons board certified in general surgery? Are you a fellowship trained bariatric surgeon? How many bariatric surgeries does the doctor perform? What is the mortality rate? Were there complicated surgeries? Has the surgeon ever performed an exact surgery like the one he needs? How renowned is the surgeon? Is he affiliated with a hospital or does he have his own clinic? Does he have a favorite surgery and why? The answers to all of these questions will help further narrow down the list of surgeons for you.

ease of communication

Let’s say you finally choose a well-known surgeon, but you can’t make contact while in a different country. It won’t serve the purpose. The surgeon needs to study your case. He must be aware that he is traveling from abroad to obtain medical help. An ideal surgeon would be one who is likely to have a team of assistants who can be reached by phone, email or Skype sessions.

patient satisfaction

The experience and background of a bariatric surgeon can be clearly understood from the experience that previous patients have had. He can request records and reviews from previous patients. He may also ask if she can chat with past patients. This will help further solidify her decision.

Estimated costs

Although you can have a clear idea of ​​the expenses involved, it is always advisable to take quotes from the hospital where the surgery will be performed. There may be some difference between cities, labor costs, exchange rates and the reputation of the surgeon. A sucker of your choice may not be available, so it’s always recommended to shortlist a couple of them for a backup plan.

Engage a Medical Tourism Facilitator

When you travel to a new country for medical care, you need the support and guidance of a trusted partner who can help you all the way. From providing the list of certified and recognized surgeons and recommending the best hospitals to planning your trip, a medical facilitator is a great support for medical travelers. They can even plan your treatment alongside a vacation (just like a vacation planner who takes care of hotel booking, travel booking, visa and other paperwork) and make sure you have someone to turn to throughout the day. travel until you are safe and happy. home.

So don’t wait any longer and start your search for a bariatric surgeon for your bariatric surgery abroad today. Online resources are full of valuable information, while a medical facilitator path will save your precious time, helping you with all of the above and more. With the right information, you can be sure the healthcare solution is right for you.