Patients Beyond Borders: Monterrey, Mexico Edition

Paul was so impressed with his hos-
pital in Monterrey that, when he decided
he needed hand surgery, he didn’t hesitate
to book it there. This time, he was
in considerable pain. “It got to the point
where my finger was locking down like a
money clip. So they went in and snipped
it and relieved it. That second trip went
as well as the first one. I flew in Sunday,
had the surgery Monday, and flew out
Tuesday. Very personal service.”
Why should US visitors choose
Monterrey? “Mexico has a geographical
advantage over other destinations,” says
Paul. “Medical travel is limited in who’s
going to want to do it. It’s not for every-
featured hospitals
body. People have to have an extremely
open mind and attitude toward travel. I
mean, I’ve talked to some people, even
my doctor friends, and they’re like, ‘Oh,
Mexico’s really dangerous right now,’ and
I say, ‘Well, so is Philadelphia and so is
Dallas—it depends where you hang out.’
I was escorted around, and they said, ‘If
you need anything, a car, whatever, just
call us the night before.’ ”
Medical travel is right for him, Paul
concludes. “All I did was talk to the international
patient department, book
my surgery, and book my own airfare.
Simple. Two very short flights, and I was
there.” n
Monterrey, Mexico Edition 45