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typically have questions they would like answered by the physicians
usually relating to the doctor’s qualifications, questions about the
hospital, the type of pre-op tests involved, accommodation issues,
and what the price estimate involves. “We are seeing patients taking a
much more proactive approach to their medical care and performing
their due diligence since they are traveling out of their comfort zone,”
says Cook. “Patients traveling abroad for healthcare are in some cases
asking more questions and doing more research on their physicians
than they would actually do at hospitals in the U.S. and this is a very
good thing, as they are taking control of their healthcare,” he added
Over the course of several days many emails and calls are exchanged
between the international department staff of Clinica Biblica in order
to make the patient feel completely at ease about the decision. The
staff generally will make arrangements for the doctor to speak with the
patient by phone or by web cam from their office.
Once the decision to travel to Costa Rica for the surgery has been
made, the staff sends the patient a formal itinerary confirming all medical
services. If the patient desires, staff will meet the patient and any
companions at the airport and assist them through Customs. From
there, air-conditioned vans driven by bilingual guides deliver the patient
to their prearranged hotel accommodations.
“On the day of the pre-operative consultation we arrange for patient
pick-up and transfer to the hospital and personally assist the patient
every step of the way,” affirms Cook. A staff member escorts the
patient through pre-operative tests and doctor’s appointments, assisting
with translation if required. The international staff generally matches
a prospective patient with an English speaking physician, unless, of
course, the patient requests a specific surgeon based upon referral,
specific experience of qualifications for a certain procedure, or if the
patient is bilingual. Costa Rica receives a large number of Spanish
speaking patients from the United States.
On the day of the surgery the patient is picked up and transported to
the hospital where our staff meets the patient for admission. After the
surgery, staff periodically visit the patient to assure all needs are being
met and will then transport the patient to a hotel with a bilingual
registered nurse escort. This registered nurse will then continue to visit
the patient periodically over the next few days to assist with bandages
or injections if required, administer medications, and to monitor the
patient’s recovery process.
A day or so before the intended departure, the patient is escorted to
the hospital for final evaluation before returning home. A complete
medical examination is performed to assure the patient is ready to
travel. Then, on the day of departure, the patient is transported to the
airport where the staff assists with procuring a wheel chair, if needed.
Cook says that even after the patient returns home, their staff continues
with a close follow-up to make sure the patient is recovering according
to plan.
The international staff can also schedule tourism events for friends
and family traveling with the patient if requested. “Arrangements and
transportation can be provided to visit some of Costa Rica’s exotic
attractions,” says Cook, “but generally this is done before the surgery.”
Cook informs patients that their surgery procedure can be scheduled
very quickly. Once the decision is made, and unless there are extenuating
circumstances such as the need for extensive medical records or
X-rays, the surgery can usually be scheduled in a matter of days.
All surgery procedures require a medical consultation where the patient
is present with the surgeon before the actual procedure is done. For
very delicate procedures such as open heart surgery, a long distance
consultation with the surgeon may be requested. What are the recovery
times suggested by the international staff? “It all depends on the
medical procedure and the health condition of the patient,” states Cook.
“We recommend the following general guidelines which may be adjusted
according to each patient health situation. Cosmetic surgery may take
7-14 days, Bariatric surgery 5-7 days, Orthopedics 7-10 days, dental
procedures require usually no more than 24 hours,” he added.
Does this mean you can get a new smile in less than two days?
“Definitely,” says Cook.
Brad Cook, is founder and director of Medical Tours Costa
Rica and Segrupex S.A. Brad has more than 13 years experience
coordinating medical services for international patients at
Clinica Biblica Hospital in Costa Rica where his company runs
the International Department for the hospital.
Under his direction, the International Department has been
instrumental in forging relationships with insurance companies
throughout the world positioning Clinica Biblica Hospital as a
premier destination for international travelers. Mr. Cook is
frequently contacted by local hospitals and international billing
agencies for assistance and services in regards to international
insurance billing.
Mr. Cook launched the Medical Tourism initiative for Clinica
Biblica Hospital orchestrating an aggressive service oriented
model that has helped position Clinica Biblica Hospital as one
of the premiere destinations in the region for medical services.
His marketing efforts have been successful in attracting local
and international media outlets for segments and stories
regarding Medical Tourism. He has also been proactive
contracting with and hosting medical tourism companies from
around the world.
DECEMBER 2007 37