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Global MD strongly encourages you to take your time to review the answers to the frequently asked questions below. Patients like you have similar questions. We value and encourage an open dialogue and have done our best to provide you with the most up-to-date information available in response to your likely questions. If you have questions that are not answered below, please contact us and a Global MD Case Manager will work with you to help you decide whether medical travel may be right for you.
Questions about Medical Tourism
- What is medical tourism?
Medical tourism is the practice of traveling to another country to receive the highest quality of medical care available at the best price set by the global market. For generations people around the world have traveled beyond their home country in search of the best medical care available. Recently, Americans have joined the quest for the world's elite physicians providing medical care that would be either unavailable or prohibitively expensive at home. Aside from availability and price, Americans travel abroad for care in search of anonymity and luxury accommodations during their recovery.
- Is medical travel safe?
Doctors practicing within Global MD's network of providers are monitored by national medical boards. Global MD has critically reviewed the credentials of each of its partners. We will provide you with information that will help you decide which doctor and medical facility are right for you and ensure yourself comfort and peace of mind with your choice. It is imperative to us that the doctors and facilities within Global MD's network conduct their practices to the highest international standards. Most of the facilities in Global MD's network are accredited by the Joint Commission International (the international arm of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) which is the leading organization responsible for accrediting US hospitals) and are among the elite medical professionals in the world. Most of Global MD's hospitals are closely affiliated with leading US medical institutions such as Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins Medical Center. No one can ever guarantee the outcome of any medical procedure no matter where it is performed. But we can tell you that given the same indicators used to evaluate US hospitals, Global MD's partners stand out for their patient safety records, patient outcome satisfaction, use of state of the art medical technology and warm bedside manner.
- How did Global MD select its network of doctors and hospitals?
Global MD began by targeting those countries that are established in the global medical market and experienced in providing international patients with the highest quality of care. Next, we identified those countries whose governments are committed to the development of the medical travel industry and investing significantly into building up the medical travel infrastructure. These enormous investments are translating into tremendous advancements in medical technology, transportation, and communications. Global MD then critically analyzed hospitals and physicians operating in those countries and selected those that we believed to be of the highest caliber and reputation. Once Global MD identified our ideal network, we met with the doctors and executives of the hospitals and clinics, reviewed the facilities and contacted references. Since then, we continue our close relationship with our partners with regular communication and visits.
- How do I understand the qualifications of the doctor I am considering?
One of Global MD's important services to you is our commitment to provide you with the most accurate and complete information about the physicians in our network to enable you to make an informed decision about your care. We are committed to providing you with the most value and service available. To further help you in your decision making, Global MD is happy to facilitate direct communications between you and your doctor via email, telephone and/or video conference. Our goal is to give you all of the information you will need to make an informed decision. Global MD cannot make your decision for you, but we will facilitate your research and answer your questions.
- How do I know the hospital I am considering is safe?
Part of Global MD's commitment to you is that we have personally traveled to visit the facilities in our network, met with the doctors and hospital administrators, and are confident in their high standards of safety, hygiene, patient service, and use of industry leading technology. Our partners can provide you with up-to-date statistics on all topics concerning patient safety.
- Why should I consider medical travel for my procedure?
Value. The quality of care in Global MD's network is stellar. Global MD is very proud of our partners, their records and our unique ability to facilitate seamless continuity of care from your diagnosis at home through treatment abroad and back home again. The prices are equally impressive. Prices for medical procedures with Global MD's partners are on average, 50% to 75% lower than consumer rates for the same treatment in the US. Even after including the cost or travel and luxury recovery accommodations, most patients realize approximately 50% savings on important life saving or improving procedures.
- Why are the prices for procedures so much lower outside of the United States?
It is important to understand that our partners' lower prices do not reflect or impact the quality of care at their facilities. There are many reasons why the price of healthcare in certain countries is so much lower than it is the US even though the quality is just has high. First, the cost of labor is significantly cheaper. Second, the cost of providing medical care is not layered with the heavy cost of insurance administration. Third, because patients generally do not sue doctors in other countries, and when they do, recovery is limited, medical care providers are not required to carry and pass on the costs of expensive liability insurance policies.
- What if my family doctor advices against medical travel?
Global MD is happy to provide you and your doctor with information about the accreditation of the facilities and the credentials of the doctors you are considering. Global MD's partner hospitals are accredited by Joint Commission International (the international arm of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) which is the leading organization responsible for accrediting US hospitals) and are among the elite medical professionals in the world. Most of Global MD's hospitals are closely affiliated with leading US medical institutions such as Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins Medical Center. No one can ever guarantee the outcome of any medical procedure no matter where it is performed. But we can tell you that given the same indicators used to evaluate US hospitals, Global MD's partners stand out for their patient safety records, patient outcome satisfaction, use of state of the art medical technology and warm bedside manner. We are happy to help provide you and your doctor with any additional information that you would like to see to help you make this important decision. We encourage your family doctor to let us arrange a conference call between you, your family doctor, your physician abroad and your Global MD Case Manager.
- Are there treatments offered abroad that are not available in the United States?
Yes. For example, it is now well known that India offers hip resurfacing as an alternative to hip replacement. Hip resurfacing has produced tremendous results for thousands of patients, but was only recently approved in the United States. In Costa Rica, patients can receive stem cell therapies that are not available in the United States for a variety of serious ailments. Patients undergoing stem cell therapy have obtained fantastic results.
- How is it safe to travel by airplane after surgery?
Because you are traveling primarily for medical care, your travel plans will be directed by your physician. Global MD will help you and your physician select the most appropriate schedule for your trip that allows you sufficient time to fully recuperate before returning home. Of course, you will be under the care of your physician, whose advice should be followed to ensure your full recovery and safety.
Questions about the Global MD Experience
- What services does Global MD provide?
Global MD offers you a wide array of services that will assist you from the first stages of your decision making, through planning your procedure and trip, while you are on the ground receiving treatment and recovering and when you return home. We will get you started as soon as you contact us with information that you can use to start evaluating hospitals and physicians abroad. Please follow this link to learn more about Global MD's premium service offerings.
- What if I don't find the procedure I am looking for on your website?
That does not mean it is not available. If you are considering or require a procedure that is not limited on Global MD's website, please contact us so that we may assist you. Global MD's partners offer a broad menu of advanced medical services.
- Will I be able to communicate with my doctor before I travel?
Global MD is happy to connect you directly with your physician for an initial consultation and additional communication via email, phone and/or video-conference.
- How is it safe to travel by airplane after surgery?
Because you are traveling primarily for medical care, your travel plans will be directed by your physician. Together, Global MD will help you and your select the most appropriate schedule for your trip that allows you sufficient time to fully recuperate before returning home. Of course, you will be under the care of your physician, whose advice should be followed to ensure your full recovery and safety.
- Why choose Global MD?
While at first glance the prospect of traveling abroad for medical care may appear daunting, Global MD stands ready to make your medical travel experience safe, pleasant and comfortable at every stage. Our experienced staff and partners along with our tightly-knit network of Care Coordinators, Destination Concierge, physicians and nurses are committed to ensuring that you receive the best medical care and service available. By providing you with detailed and verifiable information about hospitals and doctors and facilitating direct communication with your doctor, Global MD will ensure that you are comfortable and confident with your selected surgeon and hospital before your departure. We guarantee that you will be educated and confident in your choice and comfortable throughout your journey to better health with Global MD. In fact, Global MD guarantees that if after you meet with your doctor in person, for any reason you are uncomfortable proceeding with your planned surgery, Global MD will refund your deposit immediately upon your return home. We are so convinced that you will be as impressed and confident as we are with our partners that we stand behind our word.
Global MD's service does not stop there. From the first time you contact Global MD, our experienced professionals will great you with customized, personal service and attention. Our goal is to exceed your expectations at every step. Before you depart, you and your Global MD Care Coordinator will work closely together to arrange every detail of your trip to your specifications. You can sit back and relax while Global MD arranges everything for you from securing a passport and visa, confirming your procedure, arranging appropriate recovery accommodations, airline bookings, wheelchairs, and anything else you will need to ensure a seamless medical travel experience. From the moment you arrive at your destination you will feel the difference in the Global MD VIP experience. You will be greeted by your personal Destination Concierge who will be available to you 24 hours a day throughout your stay, and transported by private car to your hotel and your initial consultation. Your Destination Concierge will accompany you to your medical appointments and be a personal point of contact for anything you need throughout your stay.
Please review a testimonial from a previous Global MD client for a demonstration of our commitment to service in our client’s words. » Testimonials
- Will my doctors and nurses speak English?
The most important part of your relationship with your doctor and nurses is the ability to communicate. Global MD understands this. All of Global MD's partner physicians speak English. In fact, by browsing our Destinations Facilities page you will find that most of our partner hospitals employ entire international departments whose sole goal is to accommodate and serve international patients like you.
- Can I bring a companion?
Of course. Traveling abroad is certainly more enjoyable with a loved one. Global MD encourages you to bring someone close to you for support and company throughout your treatment and recovery. If your companion requests diversion, your Destination Concierge will happily arrange local tours to keep them busy and even accompany them if requested.
- What if something goes wrong?
Global MD's satisfied clients will attest to the fact that our premium concierge service is the best in the industry. Our network of experienced Destination Concierge service providers are prepared to handle any emergency. You can rest assured that you are in the most capable hands in the industry. They are trained to make sure that nothing goes wrong and that you are comfortable and safe throughout your stay. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong, your Destination Concierge will ensure your comfort and connect you with the appropriate medical professionals.
- Why do you not require a deposit and offer a "Money Back Guarantee?"
We believe in Global MD's service and our network of professional partners. We do not ask you to commit a deposit until you have had a full opportunity to research Global MD's network of providers and determine that one suits your needs. You do not pay a deposit until you have communicated directly with your chosen physician and decided to confirm your procedure.
Global MD offers a Money Back Guarantee to every client. We guarantee that you will be educated and confident in your choice and comfortable throughout your journey to better health with Global MD. In fact, Global MD guarantees that if after you meet with your doctor in person, for any reason you are uncomfortable proceeding with your planned surgery, Global MD will refund your deposit immediately upon your return home. We are so convinced that you will be as impressed and confident as we are with our partners that we stand behind our word.
- What are my options for follow-up care after I return from my trip?
Our commitment to you continues even after you return home from your trip. Upon your return, Global MD remains at your service to help in any way that we can as you continue to recover to full health.
- Do you have a privacy policy?
Global MD vigorously protects the security of the medical information that we obtain from you in order to facilitate your medical travel. We hold ourselves and our partners to the most stringent standards concerning confidentiality of medical information. Your information is secure and kept in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Do you charge for your services?
Yes. Global MD charges a $199 service fee. The fee covers our administration expenses associated with facilitating your customized medical travel experience and 24 hour support while you are abroad. For more details please contact us. » Intake Form
