Undergoing a major medical treatment like surgery is a big decision. As a patient, we seek answers to several questions before making a decision. Some of them are very common.
If I have a medical problem then what is the right medical treatment for me ?
- What is my medical problem ?
- Is surgery really required to address the problem ?
- Is the diagnosis right ?
- Can it be cured only by medication ?
- If at all surgery is only the option then is it a minor or major surgery ?
- Is the surgery minimally Invasive or open surgery ?
- Are there any conservative options in alternative medicine ?
- Is hospitalization really required ? If yes then how long ?
- Do I have to undergo a redo surgery after few years ?
- How long the implant or the device (if any ) may last ?
If surgery is only the option then what is the cost of surgery ?
- What is the cost of the surgery ?
- Is it a one-time or recurring cost ?
- What does the cost include or exclude ?
- Are there any ways to reduce the cost?
- Would the cost be cheaper in another hospital?
- Would the cost be cheaper in another city or country ?
- Is it covered by my insurance ?
- What will be my actual out-of-pocket costs?
- Where can I get the best care for my money?
- What if I can’t pay my hospital bills ?
- If my doctor ordered this test or drug, does my insurance cover it? If not then why not?
- Do I have more affordable and better options?
- Does the cost include hotel and travel expenses?
- Does the cost include post-treatment medicines?
- Does the cost include my attendant’s food and stay during hospitalization?
- Does the cost of surgery include implant or prosthesis or device charges?
To undergo the surgery, which is the right type of facility for me ?
- Smaller or bigger center ?
- Older or newer center ?
- Single or multi-specialty center ?
- General or super specialty center ?
- Secondary care or tertiary care or quaternary care center ?
Who is the right person for surgery ?
- Specialist ?
- Surgeon ?
- Super Specialist ?
Should I consider traveling to another city or a foreign country for my surgery ?
- Is the destination country safe to visit?
- Is the destination country clean?
- Is the destination country politically stable?
- How far is it from my home country?
- Does it have good flight connectivity?
- Do I need a medical VISA?
- Is it easier to get a medical VISA?
- Would there be any long waiting queue for foreigners?
- Can local travel and stay be expensive?
- Do they accept foreign patients?
- Do I have language barrier in destination country?
- Do international patients really travel to the selected destination country?
- What about follow-up care ? Do I need to re-visit the destination country for follow-up care ?
What should I check before making a choice ?
- What are my other options?
- Do I really need to travel abroad for surgery?
- What options are closer to my home?
- What options are more affordable?
- What options offer better quality?
- What options offer overall better value in terms of care and money spent?
What will be the quality of the surgery ?
- Is the hospital accredited?
- Are the surgeons skilled and experienced?
- Is the hospital clean and hygienic?
- Are the staff well trained?
- Is the quality of medicines, and implants of international standards?
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.