Finding an Expert Orthopedic Surgeon in India, Costa Rica or Mexico
| It is estimated that from over 150,000 to 600,000 people from USA, Canada, and Europe travel overseas each year for medical treatments. Of these, a large number of people visit India, Costa Rica & Mexico for orthopedic surgeries, including knee, hip, and shoulder surgeries. Many elderly people with chronic problems, such as hip or knee osteoarthritis, need surgery to get back their quality of life. However, they cannot afford the cost of private treatment in their own countries and opt to visit hospital overseas where the cost is substantially lower. This article focuses on the factors you should consider when looking for an expert orthopedic surgeon in India, Mexico or Costa Rica for a hip, knee, or shoulder surgery. High cost in USA and long waiting times in UK and Canada are the primary reasons that drive patients to India for orthopedic surgery. |  |
While the cost of a total hip replacement in USA is around $40,000, the same surgery in India costs only $8,000 & $11,400 in Costa Rica. Similarly, a total knee replacement that costs around $45,000 in USA, costs only $7,000 in India, 10,600 in Costa Rica. Patients who need to go in for total shoulder replacement can also undergo the surgery for just $5,730 in India instead of the $20,000 they would need to shell out in USA.
But low cost is not only advantage that India provides as a medical tourism destination for orthopedic patients. Skilled surgeons, high quality of medical service, and clean hospitals are some of the other attractive features that make India one of the most favored destinations for medical tourists. India has impressive medical expertise with a large pool of US and UK returned surgeons.
When looking for an expert orthopedic surgeon abroad you should consider the following factors:
• Credentials of the orthopedic surgeon: The surgeon should have a formal degree in orthopedics. The surgeon should have undergone specialized training in hip, knee, and shoulder replacement. Ideally, the orthopedic surgeon should have at trained at a reputed hospital in USA, UK, or other developed country. The presence of an international qualification, such as Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in orthopedics from UK, in the surgeon’s resume confirms that the doctor is considered suitable for practicing as a surgeon in the country that issued the qualification.
• Surgical and teaching experience: Verify that the surgeon has at least 5 to 10 years of surgical experience. Find out about the success rate of the surgeon for the specific surgery that you require—hip replacement or resurfacing, knee replacement, or shoulder replacement. In addition, check whether the orthopedic surgeon has academic affiliations or serves as surgery faculty in a medical college. Such affiliations indicate that the orthopedic surgeon is considered as an expert and is invited to teach surgery to surgeons undergoing training.
• Past track record: Take feedback from existing patients of the orthopedic surgeon. You will be able to find contact numbers of patients in patient testimonials on the Web site of the surgeon or the associated hospital. Prefer orthopedic surgeons who already have experience in handling international patients. If past international patients are satisfied with the surgeon, you can go ahead with your travel and surgery plans.
• Knowledge of English: Check that your surgeon speaks and understands English. This is important so that you can communicate clearly with your surgeon and understand his or her instructions on post-operative care. As English is widely spoken in India & Costa Rica, getting an expert orthopedic surgeon who speaks English should not be a problem.
India, Costa Rica & Mexico have many Orthopedic Surgeons that will meet these criteria.
Also, keep in mind that there is nothing like a perfect doctor or surgeon. Don’t let your mind get cloudy by asking too many people and considering too many criteria. Look for someone who is experienced, meets the important things you are looking for and you feel comfortable working with.
Related: Finding Orthopaedic Surgeons in USA
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