WHY TRAVEL TO MEXICO FOR SURGERY / MEDICAL?
Mexico is truly a new cultural experience but very American and Canadian friendly. The resort destinations and the major cities present you incredible sights and ancient history but also have very modern health facilities. The major Medical Centers are truly state of the art, and Board Certified. The practitioners and specialists spend time with you; they treat the patient, not just what the Insurance companies might pay. You don´t hear: we can´t treat or its not covered.
ARE THE FACILITIES MODERN? CAN I VIEW THE HOSPITAL?
Absolutely, equipment and installations are state of the art. The Mexican government provides social medical services, so the separate private hospitals can specialize, for example, in elective surgery procedures. Plastic Surgery is huge in Mexico, followed by Orthopedic Joint Replacement and Soft Tissue Reconstruction of Articulations, Bariatric Weight Control, Dental Crowns and Implants, GYN Female Surgeries, Male Urology Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery, and more.
You can view the hospital installations and read testimonials on this web site.
WHAT ARE THE ORTHOPEDIC PROCEDURES I CAN HAVE DONE?
Because the Orthopedic Specialist spends time with you there is a better chance of correct and complete diagnosis of your problem, and the most appropriate procedure can be contemplated. All Orthopedic procedures are done to American or Canadian standards, using same devices and prostheses, and same attention and consideration to product reliability. Complete Shoulder Repair, Partial and Full Hip Replacement, and same for Prosthesis of the Knee, and of course Arthroscopic Procedures in these areas and Meniscus repair. Also treatments for chronic Back Pain, Sports Injuries, follow up surgeries, and specific Foot and Hand problems. Importantly, all post surgeries are supported by Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.
IS IT TRUE NO LONG WAITING FOR SERVICES / SURGERY?
Well you do need to make an appointment, but the medical delivery process in Mexico is much more direct and immediate. Main reasons are that you can go directly to a Specialist, more focus on fixing a surgical problem NOW rather than “take this medication” and come back and see the doctor over and over again, costs are lower so doctor and patient don´t tend to put off surgeries and treatments, and the country as a whole has several levels of Hospitals & Health Systems going from full free Social Medicine to completely Private Pay Hospital environments and Specialized Surgical Centers.
CAN I GO TO ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIST DIRECTLY?
Yes! In Mexico, most specialists consult directly with general public – you simply make an appointment. At Ortho Vallarta we speak English as well as Spanish. Please know that your medical history will be reviewed if necessary by an Internist and Cardiologist, and Imaging and all Lab work can be done here also.
WHAT KIND OF PROTHESES / ARTIFICIAL DEVICES ARE USED?
The very same as in USA and Canadian surgeries. All the big name Manufacturers supply to Mexican hospitals and because of volume and direct cash purchase practices, less middlemen, the cost is lower. What particular brand, device design you need, is best discussed with your Specialist, but there is a big emphasis on time proven, patient satisfaction with materials and devices.
CAN A DIRECT OR THREE WAY CONFERENCE CALL APPOINTMENT BE ARRANGED?
YES. Mexico has very modern telecommunications. The Orthopedic Surgeon and/or our staff will take time to answer fully your pre surgical questions.
DOCTORS /SURGEONS BOARD CERTIFICATIONS / SPECIAL ACCREDITATION’S?
The Orthopedic Surgeons are Board Certified. Most Doctors and Surgeons attending Medical Tourism patients at the major Hospitals have top qualifications, are highly specialized in their field frequently with very recognized USA and/or European training. Remember these are private practitioners, whose patients choose and pay for elective procedures. There is a lot of pride and motivation to be state of the art and have a clientele based on good experiences.
TESTIMONIALS? / VIDEOS OF PROCEDURES?
Yes, most definitely view the film clips and testimonial videos from present and former patients. See what they have to say about warmth of patient handling, modern facilities, good communication with Doctor, follow up treatment, how they felt about traveling for a procedure, safety of area, how they enjoyed warm weather, the on the beach setting, etc.
IS ENGLISH SPOKEN AND UNDERSTOOD? ARE FORMS IN ENGLISH?
YES, English is spoken widely in Puerto Vallarta. Always if not the specialist a staff person is very fluent, or even a Canadian / American who is part of the medical team. All admission and procedure forms are available in English.
WHAT ARE MOST COMMON ORTHOPEDIC PROCEDURES?
Reconstructive and Repair of Degeneration in Worn out Articulations and Sports Injuries Medicine, and complicated fractures and joint soft tissue repair. Specialties: Careful full repair with return of motion of SHOULDER, Reattachment of Ligaments and Tendons, HIP PROTHESIS partial and full artificial replacement, KNEE meniscus repair, ACL, Arthroscopic, and Knee Replacement, and also FOOT surgeries. If interested SPINAL, SPECIALIZED HAND SURGERY and other treatments for Pain Management are available.
IS IT SAFE? ARE THERE PROBLEMS IN YOUR AREA?
Medical Tourism Travel in Puerto Vallarta is absolutely safe. However for any traveler this is a good question and deserves a careful answer and some clear facts. Puerto Vallarta has been recognized as the Friendliest City in the world, and In general Mexican people are very friendly, accepting and receptive to visitors, even going out of their way to help you. In resort areas like Puerto Vallarta, authorities are hugely concerned with public safety there is a large presence of proactive police including specially trained tourist police, and the resorts and medical facilities have good private security. You are safe in your resort or condo, and going out walking around and visiting public places. The negative news press about violent problems in Mexico are really just scare editorials about world drug problems and gang interactions, mostly in other distant areas near the borders with the United States. This said: do use common safety sense like you would in your own city / town.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS – HOW MUCH CAN I SAVE?
Medical Treatment and cost of Surgeries can be much lower than USA or Canada. As much as a third or in some cases a fifth or better. How can this be, being that Medical Facilities are modern with the latest equipment? Several reasons: Medical delivery of services is much more direct, Operating costs and nurses pay are much lower, Doctors have malpractice coverage but there is no open ended liability exposure here, and most importantly they don´t have huge unpaid patient collections due, and traditionally most health professionals here don´t have large debts post schooling. Lastly due to competition and efficient packaging you get the benefit of group rates savings. You can thank the internet.
DO THEY TAKE USA / CANADIAN INSURANCE?
YES. All the Medical Facilities have an International Insurance Desk. There is paperwork and major procedures require authorization and subject to your policy or coverage terms… similar to back home. It is also good to know that many Accidents and Trauma incidents that take place here are handled very efficiently, and there are full services of Med Evac if necessary. Most patients with insurance pay up front for the medical service and then seek reimbursement when they get home with their insurance providers, we help provide all the necessary documentation.
Do consider purchasing some specific term medical travelers insurance, whenever you travel for best personal protection.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING ? MEDICAL REPORTS / IMAGES?
YES, Medical Reports, X-rays and Images are helpful in original format or on disc, or memory device. If necessary full medical evaluation and tests can be done in short time here. Likewise your information on medical conditions and medicines taken.
NON-MEDICAL QUESTIONS ABOUT AREA? WHAT TO BRING / WHAT TO WEAR?
Know where you are traveling to, climate, temperatures, possibility of rain, etc. In general bring comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Puerto Vallarta weather is fresh spring (warm to hot in the day and cool at night) in the fall winter months, and tropical warm/very hot humid in the summer. Forgot something… don’t worry in any event most items can be purchased locally, Walmart has almost anything you need. General info on the area can be gotten off internet, but for specific questions just ask. Example: transportation is easy as Vallarta is a compact area, many taxis & buses.
ARE THERE EASY DIRECT FLIGHTS? HOW ABOUT ACCOMODATIONS / HOTELS / CONDOS WITH COOKING KITCHEN FACILITIES? CAN I BE RIGHT ON THE BEACH?
YES to all these. We recommend you direct book your own flight or use competitive travel agents who comparisons shop. We also can help you find the best flights and we have special rates at various hotels in the Puerto Vallarta area that cost around $100us per night for a beach resort facility, and for those on a budget we have a special rate at the Holiday Inn Express that provides a great stay for less than $100us per night. Destinations like Puerto Vallarta have dozens of direct and easy connect flights a day from many Canadian and USA cities.
There are over 50 major resorts offering hotel packages, and a multitude of Condo rentals for extended stays over two weeks. For budget oriented travelers there are charming 2 – 3 stars hotels often right in town. Vallarta Bay is huge, many beaches and sights to see. Idea: getting an in suite kitchen or microwave and small refrigerator is a good plan.
POST SURGICAL CARE / PHYSICAL THERAPY REHABILITATION?
Post-surgical care is excellent, always with follow-ups. And Physical Therapy can be or is included in your package. In general you are a visiting patient, you will possibly comment and give testimonial, and plus the MEDICAL TEAM and the Orthopedic Surgeon really care about you. It is important to make this a good experience, and that you heal and get your life back.
CAN I GET A RECEIPT FOR TAX PURPOSES?
YES. A medical report and receipt for services is generated. They will be provided in English, and if necessary with proper medical codes and description of procedures. Please however, pre discuss any tax benefit or possible deduction with your tax advisor.
DO YOU DO (this) _____________________________________ PROCEDURE?
This question is left open, because the Orthopedic Surgeon does so many procedures. In some cases new techniques are in practice here before approved Stateside, from European or other advanced medical centers. The focus of this web site is ELECTIVE SURGERIES, and the huge cost savings of coming to Mexico. New types of surgeries are standardized and done in professional responsible manner. If you don’t see something listed, just ask we will let you know if we can get it done.
SHOULD I HAVE MY LAB WORKUP MRI’S DONE THERE? BETTER COSTS?
Some knowledge of your medical profile is useful prior to arranging surgery, but all the tests can be executed here and in short notice. The costs are usually quite a bit lower than in the United States. All blood work, clotting times, Imaging, X-rays are available locally, often right in the same hospital.
I HAVE HEALTH PROBLEMS (HEART / HIGH BLD PRESSURE /DIABETES)?
Medium and higher risk patients have to be carefully reviewed and stable in any condition but surgeries can still be performed. The key is that you know that the Medical Facility is top level Hospital capability and Trauma Intensive care rated. Internists and Cardiologists, and other Indicated Doctors must monitor and help determine suitability. Of note, many procedures are done outpatient, minimal invasive, local anesthesia, with little or no blood loss. Please get good information and make the proper decisions. That said if you are a high risk patient, the doctors may ask that you see a local cardiologist prior to coming down and have them run a few tests to clear you for surgery, this is for your safety and to promote a successful surgery.
CAN I GET A FULL MEDICAL PHYSICAL DONE? / REPORT IN ENGLISH?
YES. A full health physical and a complete executive checkup can be arranged. Several specialists are involved, and the entire accompanying Lab work done on site or nearby. Comprehensive report generated in English.
IS A PARTIAL HIP / KNEE REPLACEMENT BETTER?
This is an individual question and depends largely on origin and extent of damage, whether from degeneration or was it accident caused, and even age and physical condition of patient. The partial hip can be a little less cost, but that is not the deciding factor. All in all it is important that the patient be involved in seeking remedy to their problem and knowing that very good surgical repair will return mobility and quality of life.
DO YOU DO STEM CELL THERAPY? IS TISSUE BANK AVAILABLE?
YES to both. Stem Cell Therapy is a practice and a theory that your body cells and tissue can reconstitute themselves better with the presence of stem cells. Tissue matching and Tissue Bank are available. Like in Plastic Surgery, and Dermatology, Orthopedic modern practices seek to use your own body parts first to rebuild tissue, and bone. These are issues and topics of advanced vanguard medical procedures that need to be researched by you and discussed with the proper specialist.
HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN RETURN TO WORK? / NORMAL ACTIVITIES?
Surprisingly in some cases almost immediately. Elective Orthopedic surgeries for one are performed very carefully respecting muscle and tissue. Minimum or virtually no blood loss. Specific medicines are used to avoid inflammation and pain control. In hip and knee replacements the problem is eliminated and rehab starts right away. Next to zero infection problems. All patients are encouraged to get up and move the next day. Realistically there is a two to four week or so healing curve, but movement and appropriate exercise is prescribed, only some extreme sports and activities be avoided.
IS THE HOSPITAL EQUIPPED FOR INTENSIVE CARE / BLOOD BANK / EXTREME EMERGENCIES?
Absolutely yes. Medical Facilities are fully contained Surgical, Trauma, and Intensive Care operations. Even though elective surgical procedures are very controlled and usually no near life experiences, it is good to know the level of care available. All the modern equipment and trained personnel are on site. Importantly most Med Tourism hospitals have strict operations protocol, and have to keep up with local, national and even international certification standards.
WHAT IF MY DOCTOR OR FRIENDS SAY “DON’T GO TO MEXICO – YOU GOT TO BE CRAZY TO BE CONSIDERING THAT”
So, you need to ask yourself what do they really know? Are they really saying they care about you, and want you to make an informed decision? Do they know about the very modern facilities here? Have they considered, or do they know that many American Doctors went to Medical School in Mexico, and that most of the top specialists here in any field have USA and sometimes importantly cutting edge European training. What about medical technology, the private clinics and hospitals here have the latest advanced equipment, and cannot one be impressed at the cleanliness, and neatness of operation room environments? Importantly, you the patient need to be comfortable about coming to another country & place. Gather information, and weigh your feelings. Do the pros and the cons. Then if you are like many before you, the decision to proceed will come easy.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions. You may also always call us TOLL FREE: 866.509.0571 or +1817.405.2778 or SEND US AN EMAIL to info@orthopv.com