Patients Beyond Borders: Monterrey, Mexico Edition

part one
Ten “Must-Ask” Questions for Your Candidate Physician
Make the following initial inquiries, either of your health travel agent or the physician(s)
you’re interviewing:
1. What are your credentials? Where did you receive your medical degree? Where was your internship?
What types of continuing education workshops have you attended recently? The
right international physician either has credentials posted on the web or will be happy
to email you a complete résumé.
2. How many patients do you see each month? Hopefully, it’s more than 50 and less than 500.
The physician who says “I don’t know” should make you suspicious. Doctors should be in
touch with their customer base and have such information readily available.
3. To what associations do you belong? Any worthwhile physician or surgeon is a member
of at least one medical association, and many Monterrey doctors and facilities have sister
offices in the US. Your practitioner should be keeping good company with others in the
field.
4. How many patients have you treated who have had my condition? There’s safety in numbers,
and you’ll want to know them. Find out how many procedures your intended hospital
has performed. Ask how many of your specific treatments for your specific condition
your candidate doctor has personally conducted.
5. What are the fees for your initial consultation? Answers will vary, and you should compare
prices to those of other physicians you interview.
6. May I call you on your mobile phone before, during, and after treatment? Most international
physicians stay in close, direct contact with their patients, and mobile phones are
their tools of choice.
7. What medical and personal health records do you need to assess my condition and treatment
needs? Most physicians require at least the basics: recent notes and recommendations from
consultations with your local physician or specialist(s), x-rays or scans directly related to your
condition, perhaps a medical history, and other health records. Be wary of the physician who
requires no personal paperwork.
8 Patients Beyond Borders