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Q1 :

What's Surgical Trip?

We are an international medical network that specializes in arranging patient care at selected, qualified, and accredited hospitals and medical centers both overseas and in the US. For over 15 years, the executive officers and staff have been arranging medical care and related logistics for patients traveling abroad.  

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Q2 :

What type of accreditation or certification is require for a medical provider to be included in the Surgical Trip network?

Surgical Trip requires hospitals in its network to obtain an internationally recognized accreditation through the International Society of Quality Healthcare (ISQua) or its member organizaions, such as the Joint Commission International, (JCI).   

Accreditation by ISQua or JCI is recognized worldwide and indicates that a facility has met the rigorous standards for optimum quality in healthcare delivery and patient safety.  These standards were developed by healthcare experts from around the world and have been tested in every world region.

ISQua is in effect the independent international umbrella healthcare accreditation organization and JCI is the U.S. member.  (JCI is the international extension of the Joint Accreditation Commission for HealthCare Organizations, (JACHO), the accrediting agency of the USA.)

For a list of JCI accredited hospitals and information on JCI please see the following webpage:

http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/JCI-Accredited-Organizations/

Links to Other Accreditation Agencies:

International Society of Quality Healthcare (ISQua): http://www.isqua.org/

International Organization for Standarization (ISO): http://www.iso.org/iso/home.htm

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Q3 :

To what areas of the world is Surgical Trip looking to expand?

Surgical Trip is expanding its network to include hospitals in Asia, Latin America and the USA.

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Q4 :

Is Surgical Trip regulated by the Department of Insurance?

No, Surgical Trip is not an insurance company and therefore is not subject to state DOI regulations.

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Q5:

Is care coordinated between the personal physician and the international doctor/facility?

Yes, absolutely.  We make sure that the patient keeps his/her local physician apprised as to the process and timing of the surgery. We can set up a call between the local (personal) physican and international doctor/surgeon when needed.  We also ensure that medical records are sent to the international physician prior to the trip.  The patient returns home with the procedure results in order to provide them to his/her personal physician at the follow-up appointment.

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Q6:

Does Surgical Trip coordinate with the insurance carrier?

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Q7 :

How is coordination of care arranged between primary care physician and the international physician/facility?

Surgical trip arranges conference calls between the physicians and assures that the medical records are sent prior to surgery.  When leaving the international hospital, the patient is provided with a medical report and copy of his or her medical records.

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Q8 :

What languages does your staff speak?

Our Customer Care Coordinators speak English, Spanish, Portuguese and Tagalog (Philippines).

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Q9 :

Does Surgical Trip send patients to hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff and/or foreign patient service centers?

Yes, we only utilize hospitals with a high percentage of English-speaking staff and we make sure our patients are referred to English-speaking doctors.

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Q10:

What if the patient requires a longer hospital stay or more recovery time?

In cases where additional stay is needed, we will coordinate with the patient and/or insurance company covering the procedure. The hospital would inform the insurance company as to the additional expenses and request a guarantee of payment.

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Q11:

What information do you provide to a patient about the surgeons and the hospitals in your network?

We provide patients with the surgeon’s credentials which may include his or her Education & Training, Professional Experience and Affiliations & Achievements. When we can, we also provide an approximate number of surgeries performed by a particular surgeon.

With respect to hospitals in the Surigal Trip network, we provide general information as well as accreditation information. A listing of typical procedures (that is NOT exclusive) with estimated pricing and approximate lengths of stay is also available to patients and on the Surgical Trip website. 

We will do all that we can to answer any questions as completely as possible or address any concerns that you may have. 

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Q12 :

What documents do you provide to a patient before the patient travels?

Before traveling, patients are provided with travel documents and itinerary, a medical itinerary, standard destination country information (with seasonal tips), hospital information, all contact information, a recommended packing list for the patient and a list of suggested activities and tours for the companion.

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Q13 :

Do you assist patients with visa and/or passports?

Yes we do and it is important to start the processes as early as possible.  We know the standard procedures for passport and visa applications very well, so let us help you with tips and advice to facilitate and expedite the process.

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Q14 :

Is the cost of air travel included in the Surgical Trip packages?

Yes, it's included in the entire package cost.  The patient will be responsible for paying for the airfare portion of the cost at time of booking.

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Q15 :

Is the cost of lodging and meals included in the Surgical Trip packages?

Yes, our package price does include the cost of lodging and meals for a patient and companion.  It is based on the recommended stay for a particular procedure.  Surgical Trip’s travel department will assist with the reservations.  The patient is responsible for payment.

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Q16 :

What records or testing is required of patients prior to travel? Is this mandatory?

Depending on the procedure, most patients are required to provide Surgical Trip with diagnostic tests such as a blood panel exam, Cardiac exams and X-rays or CT scans before the procedure has been confirmed.  In certain instances it may also be possible to have some of the tests performed at the treating hospital. 

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Q17 :

Do you screen patients for Deep Vein Thrombosis or other clotting susceptibility before travel or upon arrival in the foreign country?

Yes, we do.  Patients are screened for clotting susceptibility through our medical questionnaire and the requested diagnostic tests.  This is done  both before and after arrival. 

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Q18 :

What is the process once the patient accepts the Surgical Trip quotation?

Once the decision to proceed with the surgery has been made, Surgical Trip will contact the insurance company or employer for a guarantee of payment. Surgical Trip will then proceed to coordinate travel details including flights and lodging arrangements.  We will also provide every assistance to help you with passport and country visa(s) where and when required. Finally, Surgical Trip will send the patient an itinerary describing all medical and related services.

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Q19 :

What happens once a patient arrives at the destination?

We are there for you!  We provide concierge services such as airport arrival and departure, and transportation to and from the hotel and hospital. This will be specified in the patient’s itinerary.  In most cases the patient will arrive and be transferred to the hotel or hospital to meet the doctor. 

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Q20:

Will a Surgical Trip representative be in contact with the patient while he or she is in the hospital?

A Surgical Trip Care Coordinator will be assigned to maintain contact with the hospital, patient, and family members before, during, and after surgery. The Care Coordinator will also follow-up with the hospital, patient, and family members during recovery at the hotel. 

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Q21 :

How does a patient contact Surgical Trip while in the destination country?

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Q22 :

How does the patient contact family back home?

All of the hospitals in our network provide patients with internet access in order for patients to contact their family by E-mail or an Internet calling service such as Skype or Messenger. 

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Q23 :

What types of facilities do you offer to patients following their release from the hospital?

Depending on the destination, we provide standard hotel options as well as health recovery facilities.  We will be glad to provide suggestions for recreational activities and to help you coordinate with the local concierge. Information and assistance  is also available through the International Patients (or Foreign Patients) services office.

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Q24:

How do you address physical therapy for patients staying at aftercare facilities?

The hospital will arrange for a physical therapist to go to the facility or the patient will be taken to the hospital.

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Q25 :

How long do you require patients to stay in the destination country following surgery?

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Q26 :

What happens once the patient returns home?

Once home, the patient will meet with his or her primary physician or specialist for a follow-up consultation. A Surgical Trip representative will follow-up with the patient by telephone and E-mail to make sure the recovery is going as planned. If there are any complications, Surgical Trip (and/or hospital) will communicate with the primary physician to coordinate appropriate care.

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