Gastric Bypass: Travel to Guatemala or Loose my home? – Angels Abroad

Mrs. Margaret Mckenzie, a nurse from Grass Valley, California, made a trip to Guatemala. She contacted a company named, Angels Abroad, and through them, contacted Dr. Rodrigo Gonzalez Toledo, a bariatric surgeon trained in the US. She had an open gastric bypass on September 6th 2008, at Las Americas Hospital in Guatemala city.

What is interesting about this story is that, Mrs. Mckenzie has a health insurance, and they can cover a gastric bypass. The problem is that she didn’t had enough money to pay a co-payment and deductible. Co-payment was US $24,000.

It was cheaper to pay an air ticket to go to Guatemala, plus, ground transportation, cell phone, concierge service, meals, hotel, all medical expenses including 4 nights at a 5-star hospital, nurse service, a tour to a tourist attraction and she paid for her companion expenses. All these was less expensive than using her own health insurance. She saved US $10,000.

Due to her weight loss, Mrs. Mckenzie is going to be able to have a better life.

With tears in her eyes, she told that if she had surgery in the US, she probably had to mortgage, for second time, her house. This is a reality americans are considering, to travel abroad to have invasive surgeries, not just cosmetic. Though it is a hard decision to travel to a called “third world country”, and find physicians trained in the US, using state of the art technology, it is becoming necessary, for americans to survive and not loose all of their money in the process.

Please click here to request additional information from Angels Abroad.

Health & Wellness Tourism: The Next Great Healthcare Frontier

Have you ever traveled faraway to an exotic land? Have you marveled at their geography, their culture or way of life? Countries such as Thailand, India, South Africa, Poland, and even Costa Rica & Croatia have hidden treasures of which you may not be aware – treasures that once discovered can change your life and your health forever. This is why Health & Wellness Tourism (or Medical Tourism) is becoming one of the fastest growing industries of the decade. The dual experiences of addressing the needs of your body, mind and soul in locations that offer the lure of foreign and mysterious locales is irresistible. Add lower costs for procedures, cutting edge technology and physicians of the highest caliber, and a healthy, new you is just a plane ticket away.

Some may believe that going outside of the United States for surgeries is risky business, but did you know that many of the most technologically advanced medical centers are located outside of the United States? The growing trend of attracting international patients around the world has evened the playing field, so to speak, and patients around the world have more choices when it comes to choosing surgeons and physicians to treat them and their conditions. Especially in the medical field, borders are dissolving.

People are traveling out of country and even to places within their own country to seek both modern and alternative health services. Places like Singapore, Thailand and India (famous for all surgeries such as orthopedics, heart, cosmetic), Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica and South Africa (cosmetic and dental) use modern technologies and procedures while offering world class treatment for less money. This is because in places such as the United States, doctors have to pay such outrageous rent, medical insurance and licensing fees that they have to hike up their prices just to make ends meet. In other countries the cost for these items is much less and therefore doctors can charge less for their procedures.

For example, a heart surgery requiring the replacement of one or more heart valves costs around $200,000 in the United States. The same procedure is performed for under $15,000 in India or Malaysia–that cost includes the services of a highly skilled and trained heart specialist, transportation and accommodation fees and a few extra days to enjoy the sites of your planned vacation as well. Other procedures follow suit. Facelifts can cost $20,000 in the U.S. but are available in other global destinations for around $2,500. Dental bridges cost around $5,500 in the U.S. but only around $200 in India. The list goes on.

Read complete story on Medical Tourism at PlacidWay.com

UK pensioner selects Indian Orthopedic surgeon for knee replacements abroad – PRLog

– Jul 27, 2008 – British pensioner gets two new knees via replacement surgery in India.

Mr. Kenneth Perris, a pensioner from Welwyn Garden city, Hertfordshire, UK is overjoyed with his double full bending knee replacements in India. The 81 year old Ex British Rail employee and World war veteran underwent successful surgery by Dr. A.K.Venkatachalam in India at the spanking Chettinad health city hospitals near Chennai.

Hailing from Liverpool, Kenneth now lives in Welwyn garden city with his adoring wife after retiring from British rail. He has suffered from knee pains since long due to bow legs.

He had been placed on a British waiting list for knee replacements for the last couple of years. This year, after turning 81, he felt that he deserved better and wanted to enjoy a better quality of life. He was not keen on surgery in NHS hospitals. His daughter located a Knee surgeon in Chennai on the internet in her search for “Knee replacement surgery in India”.

The family checked out the surgeon’s credentials from a former patient in nearby Luton. The knee operations were performed under regional anesthesia 4 days apart. Exactly a week after his admission in the hospital, Mr. Perris is able to walk without any support after bilateral knee replacements.

Read complete story at PlacidWay.com

Milestone disc replacement surgery (4 level) performed for the first time in Asia at Artemis Health Institute

Gurgaon, August 2, 2008: Dr. Harshavardhan Hegde, Consultant and Head, Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery at Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon performed a 4 level disc replacement surgery on a 54 year American patient. Dr. Hegde in an 8 hour long surgery replaced two lumbar discs (lower back) and two cervical discs (neck). 

The patient was suffering from disc degeneration for the last 10 years and when he came to know about Dr Harshvardhan Hegde from a patient who had been treated by him earlier. One option was to have a fusion surgery and the other was to have disc replacement surgery which is more complicated but has a faster recovery.  He chose the latter. The patient was walking on the first postoperative day and is hoping to be discharged from the hospital in five days.  The cost for the surgery in India too was a big relief for him. It cost him USD 25,000 US dollars for a 4 level disc replacement at Artemis Health Institute, while in America he was given a budget of around 2,50,000 US dollars. 

Cervical disc replacement is a procedure where an artificial cervical disc is inserted between two cervical vertebrae after an intervertebral disc has been surgically removed in the process of decompressing the spinal cord or/and a nerve root. The intent of the device is to preserve motion at the disc space. It is an alternative to the use of bone grafts, plates and screws in pursuit of a fusion following such a disc removal, which necessarily eliminates motion at the operated disc space in the neck.

Lumbar disc replacement is a procedure where an artificial disc is inserted between two lumbar vertebrae after an intervertebral disc has been surgically removed in the process of decompressing the spinal cord or/and a nerve root. The intent of the device is to preserve motion at the disc space. It is an alternative to the use of bone grafts, plates and screws in pursuit of a fusion following such a disc removal, which necessarily eliminates motion at the operated disc space in the neck.

Read complete article at PlacidWay.com

Healthy Tips On Obesity | Sahara Medical India

Energy balances
Overweight or obesity develops due to an imbalance between energy intake and energy output. If intake is higher than the output, a positive balance results leading to weight gain. Regular exercise and eating a balanced diet will help you to stay fit and burn more calories. Avoid fat diets that offer unrealistic results and encourage eating (or not eating) specific foods. Remember, if you lose weight gradually you are more likely to keep it off.

Healthy eating

• Adopt a balanced diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grain products, low-fat and fat-free products (however take calories into account), unsaturated soft margarines and oils (such as sunflower, corn, rape-seed, olive), lean meat, fish and pulses
• Restrict salt and sugar intake
• Eat breakfast and make sure to have at least 3 meals per day
  Use healthier cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, grilling and baking instead of deep fat-frying and adding extra fat and develop healthy cooking skills within your family
• Avoid buying sweets and junk food
• Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day
• Expect temptation, so plan healthy meals in advance

Regular exercise

• For adults, even 30 minutes of brisk walking daily will help reduce your risk
• Children should have 60 minutes of physical activity per day
• Surround yourself and your family with supportive people who either participate with you or remind you to exercise
• Decrease family television viewing and increase your involvement in regular family sports and activities

Are you an apple or a pear?
Your health is at risk not only by the amount of body fat you have, but also by where the fat is located. You have an apple shape if you tend to gain weight mostly in the waist (stomach) area. Pear-shaped figures tend to gain weight around the hips and buttocks. Apple shapes have an increased risk of heart disease – so they need to take extra care to maintain a healthy weight.

Read complete Obesity Treatment article at PlacidWay.com

A Hearty Experience

For three years, Vietnamese Mdm Nguyen Thi Sen experienced shortness of breath and frequent coughing. When her symptoms worsened a year ago, Mdm Nguyen consulted a specialist in Ho Chi Minh City who informed her of an impending heart problem.

Mdm Nguyen’s daughter, Phuong Lee, decided to send her mother overseas for treatment. She felt that her mother’s condition was worsening and prompt treatment was required. Phuong Lee’s husband suggested that Mdm Nguyen be sent to the National Heart Centre in Singapore for consultation and treatment.

Mdm Nguyen underwent a percutaneous procedure  to correct a secundum atrial septal defect, commonly known as “a hole in the heart”.

The morning following the operation, Mdm Nguyen was up and about, and able to walk and eat as normal. Phuong Lee and her mother were visibly happy and eagerly expressed their satisfaction with the operation. “Look at my mother now. She is so healthy and very happy after the operation. The price of the operation is less in Singapore as compared to one in Australia or in America. The healthcare treatments in Singapore are as good as in America. The medical equipment are top-notch and the hospital facilities are first-rate too.”

Mdm Nguyen was discharged after 14 days in the hospital and Phuong Lee took her shopping the day after, using a wheelchair.  She exclaimed, “I like Singapore.  The shopping is great.  We were out from early morning till late night yesterday.”  Phuong Lee added, “We will tell the people in Vietnam about the high standard of healthcare facilities and medical treatments in Singapore. A lot of people in Vietnam are ignorant on treatment options.”

“My mother wants to help the people in Vietnam who do not know about the types of medical treatments offered overseas.  She wants to tell them about the National Heart Centre .” Speaking in Vietnamese, Mcm Nguyen said, “I hope that people with this same problem will know about the National Heart Centre and visit Singapore for treatment.”

Read complete story at PlacidWay.com

Understanding JCI Credentials

What is JCI?
JCI stands for Joint Commission International. The organization is an accrediting organization, which is a process of assessing a medical facility to make sure it meets basic standards and requirements involved in providing quality of care.

Throughout the United States and the world, undergoing the accreditation process is voluntary and provides a means of gauging the commitment of any healthcare facility or a provider to ensure a safe environment as well as reduce risks to both patients and staff members. The most commonly used evaluation and management method around the world, JCI credentials are an important measure of the credibility and quality of a multitude of medical facilities.

What is JCI’s Function and Mission?
The Joint Commission International supports quality care among healthcare organizations around the globe and works with the World Health Organization, and with national accreditation programs and agencies, in a multitude of countries.  JCI standards as well as evaluation methods are created by health professionals in a multitude of health sectors, and can be tested in all world regions. The standards of the Joint Commission International apply to health care organizations and systems and are designed to support and sustain improvement in patient care and safety.

The JCI governing body includes experts from around the world and bases its decision on an international committee of health care experts as well as standard revisions offered by advisory councils from different regions.

The goals of the Joint Commission International are to reduce risks, adverse effects, and consistently improve healthcare methods and procedures. The JCI works with hospitals, health providers, medical consultants, government agencies, and patients to provide standards, rules, and processes for medical facilities.

Read complete article at PlacidWay.com

TRSC International LASIK Center: Asia’s Leader in Refractive Surgery

LASIK is the most advanced laser vision correction surgery today and is capable of correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  The ability of the modern excimer laser to remove tissue with sub-micron precision has created a sudden interest and over a million people will have LASIK performed this year.

Over half of the world’s population is affected by these traits and are reliant on spectacles or contact lenses to view the world clearly.  Glasses can be bothersome and uncomfortable while contact lenses are equally problematic.  They dry out your eyes, are sometimes painful, and starve your eyes of precious oxygen.  With contact lenses there is also the constant and sight-threatening risk of infection (about 1 in 2000 per year) which increases with poor hygiene.  With improved technology and greater experience, LASIK surgery has now become far safer than contact lens wear.  When performed by a corneal expert, the one-time sterile procedure has been shown to be much healthier for the eyes than decades of uncomfortable contact lens use. 

During LASIK, the surgeon creates a corneal “flap” with a cutting instrument, called a microkeratome.  The flap is lifted and the underlying cornea is reshaped using a “cold” excimer laser.  The flap can then be carefully replaced and the tissue heals itself within a couple days without sutures, adopting the new shape and providing improved vision within weeks and sometimes overnight.  Overseas patients can stay in Bangkok just five days for the whole process, including the preoperative exam, the surgery itself, the one day and the 1 week postoperative exam.
 
Some Background on TRSC
 
TRSC International LASIK Center is a private refractive surgery center specializing in the surgical correction of vision problems (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism) using LASIK as well as PRK, ICL, PRL, and cataract surgery.   Founded in 1997 by Ekktet Chansue, M.D., Refractive Surgery Specialist, and Wanida Chansue, Managing Director, TRSC International LASIK Center believes in selecting the best technology in the industry and combining it with professional expertise to achieve the highest standards in service excellence.    

TRSC International LASIK Center is the largest stand-alone LASIK facility in Asia. It consists of over 1,700 sq m of VIP-style servicing area, 5 modern operating theaters, seminar rooms, private consultation rooms, computerized data processing and parking facilities.

Read complete article on PlacidWay.com

High Flexion Total Knee Replacement – Dr. A.K. Venkatachalam

A welcome boon for patients with Knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of knees affects predominantly the senior citizen age group. Total knee replacement is a permanent solution to the aged suffering to provide permanent pain relief. The elderly become pain free and the quality of life improves.

However there has been a universal feeling amongst south Indians that the majority of implants available in India and Chennai do not allow more than 100 degrees of knee bending. The patients say that they are unable to squat on the floor or climb stairs easily with the operated leg going up first and have to drag it behind the good one.  Even computer assisted surgery cannot achieve these unless the prosthesis is designed to provide this extra bend.

They may have difficulty in climbing stairs, using Indian toilet and squatting on the floor. This is a great disadvantage to majority of South Indians who prefer to squat on the floor for prayer, social activities and meals. So, many people refrain from undergoing the surgery and suffer in silence.

Now with the advent of a new type of prosthesis, patients in South India undergoing a knee replacement need not be functionally impaired.  A new design of prosthesis allows knee bending up to 155 degrees.  The patient has to be motivated to regain high knee flexion and participate in early and aggressive physiotherapy.  They should not be obese and the pre operative knee bend should be above 90 degrees.

This prosthesis is implanted by special instrumentation which is minimally invasive and does not damage the tissues. Hence post operative pain is less and rehabilitation is faster. This prosthesis is different to the many claims of rotating platform prosthesis.

To read remaining article, click here…

Go Safari or Taj Mahal with Global Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery Abroad
The trend for international medical procedures, treatments and surgeries abroad are expanding among the American and British healthcare markets. Medical tourism has provided an avenue for Canadians, Britons, and Americans fed up with the high costs of healthcare services to travel cross-border and exotic destinations to reduce medical costs and wait times.

According to the United States Census Bureau, nearly 47 million Americans had no medical insurance as of 2005. Statistics in Britain and Canada are alarming as well.  Global healthcare has become a very viable option and alternative to address those seeking orthopedic treatments and surgeries.

Why Go?
Orthopedic surgeries are a specialty that deals specifically with the correction and repair of injuries to bones and their associated muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The rising cost of surgical procedures, especially those involving orthopedics, prevents many from receiving necessary and often life-changing treatments and surgeries. 

More than 500,000 Americans traveled outside of the country in 2007.  The National Coalition on Health Care determined that orthopedic surgical procedures comprised the bulk of those numbers.

Norway, South Africa, Thailand, India, and Panama are becoming popular tourist destinations for those wishing to undergo various orthopedic surgeries, including but not limited to:
• Partial knee replacement
• Total knee replacement
• Total hip replacement
• Hip resurfacing
• Shoulder joint replacement
• Anterior cruciate ligament repair

Wait times for orthopedic surgeries in the United States and Britain can last months. Overseas and abroad, wait times are decreased because there is less “red tape” between health care professionals and medical insurance providers to deal with.

Dollars and Sense
World-class medical services, state-of-the-art facilities, and certified and accredited physicians and surgeons are available in many countries around the world to address the specific needs of not only those wishing to undergo surgical procedures, but wanting to combine such services with recuperation and recovery in an exotic location.  Websites such as PlacidWay.com provide extensive resources to help one choose procedure and location of orthopedic treatments.

Hip replacement surgical procedures in the United States can cost up to $43,000. Cost for the same procedures in Thailand or Singapore run roughly $12,000, and $9,000 in India. In South Africa, the cost is approximately $10,700.

Knee replacement surgeries in the United States run up to $40,000 apiece! The same procedure in India will cost $8,500, and roughly $10,000 in Thailand, and $13,000 in Singapore. In South Africa, the same procedure will cost roughly $12,600.

Cautions and Security
When combining medical procedures with exotic travel and vacation destinations, it is suggested that consumers deal with reputable companies specializing in such business. As always, consumers are responsible for doing their homework, researching options, and checking on source reliability.

Medical tourism is here to stay, and as with anything else, there are pros and cons in this field. One thing that medical travelers should be advised is that any orthopedic surgical procedure requires ample recuperation, sanitation, and rehabilitative therapies. When searching for a facility to meet specific needs, consumers should find out and understand both pre-and post-op requirements and expectations.

Whether you want to safari in Africa or explore the jungles of Thailand or experience breath taking beauty of Taj Mahal, medical tourists must allow ample time for recovery when venturing to such exotic locations. Ask plenty of questions, and make sure that answers are obtained before making arrangements to travel.

Well-known universities and hospitals in the United States, Britain and Canada abroad often train orthopedic surgeons. Training in the latest techniques and methods of orthopedic surgical procedures have thrust many International surgeons to the top of their fields.

Are They Qualified?
When seeking the professional services of any physician or facility, consumers need to be aware. Physicians should, of course, have a medical license as well as board-certified credentials in their area of expertise. Board certifications ensure that physicians and surgeons have met qualification requirements to practice in their field.

Belonging to a professional membership, organization, or association is not enough to assure that an individual or facility is licensed or credentialed. They do however, standardize quality and hold to certain requirements that must be met by members.  Physicians and surgeons are certified by boards of specialists in the area they want to practice in.

Consumers are responsible for researching and understanding the different titles and certifications as well as requirements in countries abroad to ensure that they meet standards for quality care and expertise. Referring to professional organizations or to the Placidway.com references will help guide consumers to locate the best-qualified professionals in the field.

 

Click here to learn more about Orthopedic Surgeries Abroad.