The value of the Medical Facilitators patient screening process
As a US consumer wrestling with the idea of traveling abroad and becoming a medical tourist, many questions about which destination is best suited, what type of doctor and what type of facility are just a few of the primary issues that need to be addressed.
One of the benefits of utilizing a medical tourism facilitator is that many carry out a rigorous process of screening the medical tourist in order to assist them in choosing the appropriate services. If you are a consumer considering your options, a good first question to ask the facilitator is their experience with the countries, hospitals and doctors that you are considering.
A qualified medical tourism facilitator will need to determine the extent of your prior experience in traveling abroad. This will be helpful in determining which country would be a better fit. Fluency in languages other than English is also another factor. The locals in certain countries and cities, may be more provincial in their tolerance to communicate in a foreign language and the terrain may be more adventurous than others.
Outside factors such as time of year you are considering and if you are traveling with a companion may also impact the decision-making process. Climate and altitude issues may also change the length of stay.
To ensure a good outcome, a qualified medical tourism facilitator should also be assisting you in gathering a full profile of your medical background, including any pre-existing conditions, age, BMI evaluation and determining what type of laboratory work-up and diagnostic studies will need to be carried out. It is important that this information is
prepared and provided to your chosen doctor for evaluation prior to departure.
Understanding what your experience is with surgery prior to traveling abroad is another factor to consider. Your experience with being in a hospital environment as well as any surgical procedures at a clinic should also factor into your decision-making process.
While the decision and choice remains with you, the medical tourist, medical tourism facilitators screening process is a very important aspect of the process. It may or may not provide additional details that may have been left out during your research process, but either way, it will help you in making the experience a positive one.