Is it safe? Can I get my cosmetic surgery done without waking up in a hotel bathroom with a kidney missing? Will they take care of me? Is the level of care the same as the USA?
Let’s use the facts and back those up with more facts and common sense. Just because you are traveling to Colombia in search of that dream cosmetic surgery or possibly a much needed medical procedure that your insurance doesn’t cover does not mean that you are skimping on quality and proper care. Colombia has it’s own board certifying and credentialing body which is known as the “Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica Estética y Reconstructiva” located here http://www.cirugiaplastica.org.co/. They are also a global alliance partner of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Many doctors, surgeons and popular websites like RealSelf.com will tell you to make sure you find surgeons that fall under these certifications before making your final choice.
Via a large sum of major reports, Colombia has an exceptional healthcare system in place as well as award-winning and internationally certified hospitals and clinics where your surgeon or doctor will operate out of.
Note: If you are traveling to any foreign country normally you read up on the destination, current events, browse social media, take a look at Trip Advisor or even ask around if people you know have already been. That due diligence will keep you from making the mistake of choosing unqualified doctors or surgeons for your procedure.
We have a solid checklist below that will put your fears to rest about medical tourism in Colombia.
#1 – Prepare ahead of time. This means looking up your surgeon(s) or using an agency that will look multiple doctors or surgeons specifically for your needs & research and communicate with them in the native language. For example, in Colombia the main language spoken is Spanish. This means no long distance calls to a foreign country hoping they speak English or trying to communicate about something that is very important to be clear about. No wait times, no missing office hours due to timezone differences and no issues with communication.
To save yourself from being frustrated sometimes it’s advisable to use the resources in place that can make your life easier which is why MEDtour Colombia exists today.
Information that we provide for our clients prior to confirming the surgery date:
– Clinics and/or hospitals that have zero (0) deaths. Meaning no fatalities under the knife.
– Doctors/Surgeons with zero (0) fatalities under their belt.
– Certifications and/or accreditations of the facilities where you procedure/surgery will be held.
– Review the Before and After photography from the surgeon you are researching.
– Certifications/Qualifications of the board certified surgeon you decide to choose.
#2 – Pre and Post Surgery needs. Prior to your surgery you will need an evaluation from the surgeon you choose. A virtual consultation is what we use for face to face chats with the surgeon along with a translator that will ensure you are able to understand everything the Doctor is saying. This will include necessary medical documentation, to aide the doctor in his evaluation. When sending your blood work tests and/or any other applicable medical documents he/she may need it is wise to have these documents scanned for a much easier and faster way to get your virtual consultation scheduled.
If you have an extensive procedure done like Liposuction or Knee Surgery, you won’t be jumping out of the operating room ready to travel back home right away. Staying in a hotel is an option, however they hotel will not provide you care for when you need to go to the bathroom or clean up the blood from your bandages.
When abroad in Colombia the ideal setting for surgeries that require a recovery time that is more than a few days is a Care Plan. At MEDtour Colombia we provide a care plan that covers the needs of our clients.
Including:
- Research of the procedure.
- Choosing the right surgeon.
- Travel reservations to Colombia.
- Transportation while in Colombia.
- Translation/Interpreter for non-spanish speakers.
- Luxury 5-star apartment suite accommodations for your stay.
- 24/7 nurse care for post-surgery needs.
- A personal chef for your meals while you are recovering.
- Spa services that include massages and pampering before you return home.
This level of service should be the standard for any individual making the trip to Colombia for medical tourism. Our goal is to place the level of service at the same level as what you may find in the United States or higher.
You as the patient/client should keep your standards high as well.