FAQs

We hope you will find answers to your questions below.

What is medical tourism?

A. Medical tourism is a term that has risen from the rapid growth of the industry where people from all around the world are traveling to other countries to obtain medical, dental, and surgical care while at the same time touring, vacationing, and fully experiencing the attractions of the countries that they are visiting. A combination of many factors has lead to the recent increase in popularity of medical tourism - exorbitant costs of healthcare in industrialized nations, ease and affordability of international travel, favorable currency exchange rates in the global economy, rapidly improving technology and standards of care in many countries of the world, and most importantly proven safety of healthcare in select foreign nations have all led to the rise of medical tourism. More and more people are traveling abroad as an affordable, enjoyable, and safe alternative to having medical, dental, and surgical procedures done in their home countries.

Who are medical tourists?

A. Medical tourists are generally residents of the industrialized nations of the world and primarily come from The United States, Canada, Great Britain, Western Europe, Australia, and The Middle East. But more and more, people from many other countries of the world are seeking out places where they can combine vacationing and obtaining their medical care at an affordable cost.

Where do medical tourists travel?

A. Currently medical tourists are traveling in large numbers to India, the East Indies, and South America - three places where the quality of healthcare is equal to anywhere else in the world and yet the cost is significantly lower. These regions also offer numerous options for touring, sight-seeing, shopping, exploring, and yes, even lounging on sun drenched beaches. Although India, the East Indies, and South America are currently the most popular choices for medical tourists, the industry is growing so rapidly that more and more countries and medical centers around the world are beginning to tailor services aimed specifically at medical tourists, and the expectation is that the options for where medical tourists can choose to travel will continue to increase at a rapid pace.

What kind of healthcare do medical tourists obtain?

A. Many options exist for medical tourists - from purely elective procedures such as rhinoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation, orthodontics, and LASIK, to more serious and life-saving procedures such as joint replacements, bone marrow transplants, and cardiac bypass surgery - medical tourists can now obtain essentially any type of medical or surgical procedure abroad in a safe and effective manner for a fraction of the cost that they would face in their home countries. For a complete list of options please see links to worldwide medical centers and/or contact them directly.

What are the cost savings for medical tourists?

A. The cost savings are enormous. For example, for the same price as a week long vacation for two in Hawaii that includes airfare and boarding & lodging, a couple can travel to the natural and lush beauty of Kerala on India's southeast coast to include airfare, boarding & lodging, personal tour guide/concierge, and LASIK corrective surgery for two. The average cost of private heart surgery in the United States is $50,000. That same operation with comparable rates of success and complications costs only $10,000 in the finest and most state-of-the-art hospital in Bombay. A bone marrow transplant that costs $250,000 in the U.S. costs only $25,000 in India. Large price disparities such as these exist across the board for numerous medical and surgical procedures. And because of favorable currency exchange rates for medical tourists, the costs associated with accommodations, food, shopping, and sight-seeing are similarly very favorable.

Is it legal to go outside the Canadian health care system in this manner?

A. Yes. It is illegal in Canada to "jump the queue," but perfectly legal to leave the queue and receive treatment outside the public system.

Doesn't this contribute to a "two-tier" healthcare system?

A. There is already a multi-tier system in Canada. Workers Compensation Boards, the RCMP, the Indian Affairs Ministry, insurance companies and the Federal Corrections Department regularly pay for their clients/prisoners to receive prompt medical care at private surgical clinics in Canada.

Isn't jumping the queue against the Canadian way?

A. Indeed it is. Inmates in Federal prisons and politicians (among others) routinely jump the queue and we agree that this practice is outrageous. Jumping the queue occurs when convicted criminals and politicians are given preference over the rest of us. When they jump to the head of the queue, Mrs Brown - who had been at the head of the list - is forced to relinquish her place in line. Our clients don't jump the queue; they leave the queue and obtain timely care outside the public health care system.

Won't my medical condition be treated, if I wait long enough, in the public system?

A. Sometimes not. Many Canadians wait unreasonably long for treatment of life threatening conditions. One of our clients was waiting for six months for surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurism. This condition is often likened to having a ticking time bomb inside one. Every year, scores of Canadians die while on long waiting lists for needed surgery. What some clients have told us is that the pain and discomfort they experienced while on the waitlist justified the expenditure. Others have told us that being able to return to an active lifestyle was what they needed. Still others learned from their doctor that waiting for a hip or knee replacement over an extended period of time increases the seriousness of the degeneration of the joint, resulting in a significantly longer period of rehabilitation. One 92 year old lady told us that at her age, she didn't have time to wait for a new hip in the public system. She wanted to be able to return to working in her garden for her last few years. And she has.

If my doctor has put me onto a waiting list, she must believe that the wait won't affect my health? Mustn't she?

A. Doctors don't establish waitlists- governments do. The Fraser Institute has reported that "specialists now believe over 90% of waiting times are beyond clinically reasonable times". Ask yourself if it is reasonable for Canadian men in some jurisdictions to wait 9 months for the commencement of treatment for prostate cancer after the initial diagnosis? Is it reasonable for an elderly person with kidney stones to wait 8 weeks to see a urologist? Should a woman diagnosed with breast cancer wait 18 weeks before beginning radiation therapy? Clients of Medhelp can access immediate care for all of the above and, in fact, any medical condition. The sooner treatment begins; the more likely it will be that the patient will have favorable results. That's just common sense and why we say "Can you afford to wait?"

Once I'm on an official waitlist, am I not guaranteed to get treatment on a specific date?

A. It isn't possible to determine, with any accuracy, how quickly anyone will rise to the top of the list. Even when a surgical date is eventually established, our clients report being "bumped" time and time again by more urgent cases.

What does the government think about Canadian residents leaving the country to get timely medical care?

A. Who knows what governments really think? Realistically, they are happy when anyone leaves the 875,000 person waiting list-or at least they should be! The bad news is that Canada is one of only 3 countries where citizens are forbidden, by federal law, to pay a care giving medical facility for treatment. Hence the long waitlists. The good news is that, unlike the other two - Cuba and North Korea - Canadians are still free to seek care beyond the borders of their home country.

Aren't hospitals in the U.S. only interested in my money-in profiting from my circumstances?

A. Not at all. We have identified a highly rated hospital (one of the top 100 in the country) which is owned by the Catholic Sisters of Peace (originally founded in Nottingham England). They built this hospital in Washington State in 1890 and it has been in continuous operation since that date. Significantly, this is a not-for-profit organization. And, unlike most US hospitals, they know how to make a proper pot of tea! In other areas of the country, we have referral agreements in place with equally rated hospital in near-border cities. Our clients are regularly surprised at the level of compassion and care the receive in these first rate hospitals.

Is the cost of outside medical services tax deductible?

A. There is a legal way to deduct up to 100% of your medical costs from your ordinary income if you are incorporated. Otherwise, your tax relief is limited to the amount by which your costs exceed 3% of your income. Ask your accountant for further details.

Is there financing available?

A. Yes. Medhelp has negotiated a special financing package for our clients at a major Canadian bank.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor?

A. No, an official referral is unnecessary. You will, however, need to provide the care giving facility with any diagnostics you have.

Does Medhelp Inc. charge a separate fee for their services?

A. No. Our function is to facilitate the provision of timely medical care by a select group of medical professionals who have expressed a particular interest in helping Canadians avoid long waitlists. In almost every case, the care giving facility pays our fee and, in fact, we rebate a portion of our fee to our clients.

Will the governments (federal or provincial) repay any part of the cost of my treatment?

A. Generally no, except under certain rare circumstances.

Could we not go to the U.S. hospital directly? Why do we need to utilize the services of your company?

A. Yes, you could go directly. What we provide to our clients is: · reduced fees; less than you would pay by going directly to the hospital · fast-track, preferential scheduling for your surgery · help with logistics (loans, currency conversion, obtaining diagnostics in Canada)

How do I know that the surgeon, to whom I am referred, is qualified to help me?

A. We don't normally refer our clients directly to physicians. Instead, we refer to the care giving facility (i.e. the hospital). The hospital ensures that their admitting physicians are licensed and board certified. Prior to your consultation you will have an opportunity, should you wish, to speak with clients of Medhelp Inc. who have received care from the physician with whom the hospital has arranged for your consultation. In the very few cases where we do refer directly to Canadian physicians, our clients are always able to review their credentials prior to the surgery.

What about surgical complications?

A. All hospitals associated with Medhelp are aware of the Canadian medical system. In the unlikely event of a complication during surgery, which is unrelated to the reason for traveling to the U.S. or India for medical care, the hospital will stabilize the patient and send him/her back to Canada by ambulance. At that point the Canadian medical system will pay for further care.

What do Canadian doctors think about Medhelp Inc.?

A. We get many referrals directly from Canadian Physicians. These doctors place more importance on the timely treatment which their patients will receive on the private system, than they do in "keeping" their patients in the public system. For every referral we receive from a Canadian physician, Medhelp Inc. makes a financial contribution to the Canadian hospital of that doctor's choice.

Will my Canadian G.P. or specialist care for me once I return from the U.S. after my surgery?

A. It's a good idea to ask him or her prior to traveling south for your procedure. On rare occasions, we have encountered doctors who refuse to help their patients after U.S. surgery. In every case, we have been able to set the client up with a more compassionate doctor who is willing to follow their recovery.

What do you mean by "Timely"?

A. In general, we can arrange surgery in the U.S. within 17 days. We can arrange diagnostic scans (MRI's and CT scans) within days in Canada.

What is an Ambulatory Surgery Centre?

A. Ambulatory Surgery Surgical Centres are multi-specialty facilities that provide personalized surgical services for generally healthy patients requiring day or overnight stay procedures. These facilities make use of highly advanced equipment to minimize the invasive surgery and reducing post-operative pain and complications.

Q. Do you have a charge for consultations?

A. For cosmetic consultations it is a one-time fee only. You meet directly with the Plastic Surgeon and the fee is $100. SPECIAL! For a limited time your cosmetic consult fee can be applied towards the cost of your approved cosmetic surgery if booked within 4 weeks of consultation. For non-cosmetic consultations costs please discuss with our advisors.

Q. How long is the consultation?

A. Consults are dependent upon the patient's needs. Generally they last between 30 - 40 min.

Q. Do you offer financing?

A. Yes. We offer financial programs.

Q. When do I pay for elective surgery?

A. We require full payment two weeks prior to surgery. Various pay methods are available.

Q. How soon after the consultation can I have the surgery?

A. Anywhere between 1 to 6 weeks.

Q. How long have the Surgeons been practicing?

A. Our highly skilled surgeons have a range of experience and expertise. Please ask one of our advisors for more information about a specific surgeon.

Q. Where does the surgery take place?

A. Surgery takes place at our facility. We have 3 state of the art operating rooms, a large post-operative recovery unit and five overnight stay rooms.

Q. How do I choose the best surgeon?

A. Depending on the type of surgery the facility will place you with the surgeon that specializes in that particular procedure.

Q. Can I see more than one surgeon?

A. Yes, we offer 2nd-opinion consultation for peace-of-mind.

Q. Where can I check on the Surgeons past history?

A. All Surgeons are accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons in order to perform surgery at this facility. If you'd like to find any information beyond what is available from our advisors, you may reach the College of Physician and Surgeons. A detailed bio of the treating physician can be provided upon request.

Q. Can I see a specialist without a referral?

A. Yes, however you should always see your general practitioner first in order to decide what kind of Specialist you should be seeing.

Q. If I'm an injured worker with a Worker's Compensation Claim (WCB), can I request my general practitioner to refer me to a specialist at your network?

A. Yes, it is your right to seek expedited medical advice from whomever and where ever you choose.

Q. How fast can I get surgery done?

A. Following their expedited consultation, we can usually book surgery for patients within one to four weeks.

Q. How many times before surgery will I have to come and see the Surgeon?

A. You may come as many times as you feel necessary, however, most patients come twice; the first consultation appointment usually follows up with a pre-operative appointment. If you are from out of town or the country, you may do the pre-operative consultation at the time of the first consultation.

Q. Do I need to have blood work done, or any other tests?

A. For patients that are 50 or older or patients with problems relating to high blood pressure we require an ECG test as well as hemoglobin and other blood work. Blood work is required with any surgery taking 3 hours or more. Other tests might be required depending on the physical history of the patient.

Q. Do you do MRI or CT scans at your facility?

A. We do not have any MRI or CT equipment here at Medhelp offices. We have tie ups various diagnostic imaging centers in our network. Most Health Care providers have all the latest technology for diagnosis.

Surgery Questions (Cardiac Related)

Question : Is stair climbing allowed after the surgery ?

Answer: - Yes, from the day of discharge patients can climb stairs slowly to avoid getting tired. It would not lead to angina or heart attack.

Question: When and how much a patient should walk after surgery ?

Answer: - Usually by the 3rd or 4th day of the surgery patients are allowed to walk. He/She should not get tired.

Question : When can a patient join office/Work?

Answer: - You may gradually return to work in approx. 8 weeks after discharge.

Question : Do patient's need bed rest after surgery?

Answer: - Not at all. Infact patients are encouraged to start light activities like walking reading watching TV soon after the surgery.

Question : Are steel wires which are put in the chest after the surgery taken out after a period of time?

Answer: - There is no need to remove them, they can remain there.

Question : Can a patient have normal sex life after surgery?

Answer: - The exertion reached by a patient during intercourse is similar to walking approx. half a mile at a brisk pace or climbing one or two flights of stairs. When you can perform these activities without becoming fatigued or short of breath, sexual activities can be resumed.

Question : Is it safe for a woman to conceive after surgery?

Answer: - Yes it is completely safe but they must inform their gynecologist that they are on anticoagulants.

Question : How soon the patient can understand long distance journey after the surgery?

Answer: - Normally patient can undertake journey right after the stitch removal, i.e. 15 days after the surgery. But the final decision is taken by the doctor after assessing the patient over all conditions

Question : Is it safe to travel by air?

Answer: - It is safe to travel in air crafts which have pressurized chambers.

Question : Can I smoke/ drink after surgery?

Answer: - It is important that you must stop smoking and do not resume it. Never drink alcohol during the recovery period after that the patient is advised to consult their doctor.

Question : Can I assume side way position while sleeping?

Answer: - Patients are allowed to take sideways position but not for long (5-10 minutes) but always with the support of pillow. It is alright to take left side position also, if the patient is comfortable.

Question : What kind of food or diet can I take after surgery?

Answer: - The dietician will guide you about the quantity and quality of food at the time of discharge and subsequent follow-ups. Birth defects of heart

Question : My sister, 28yrs, newly married was by chance diagnosed having A.S.D. OSTIUM SECUNDUM type. Is treatment necessary? Is any non invasive technique available?

Answer: - Yes, there are non surgical ways of closing an ASD. If the hole is suitable, then we can close it by catheter based techniques. To determine the suitability, we have to do a transesophageal echocardiography. Complaints

Question : Six months after angioplasty with a stent on my RCA, I have been diagnosed as "reversible perfusion defect in the interior wall of myocardium" through Stress Thallium test. Normal perfusion in rest of myocardium. Is repeat angioplasty indicated?

Answer: - A reversible perfusion defect in the inferior wall of Myocardium indicates blockage in the RCA. I would suggest a repeat angiography.

Question : My mother is 61 years and in fairly good health though she has Diabetes for last 20 years. 2 days back she went through angiogram revealing 2 blockages of 80% each. What are the chances of recovery after surgery and how soon she should proceed with surgery? What will be the apprx total charges if By pass is done in Escort? Can we buy blood ( A+ve) in Delhi from your prescribed banks as it expensive to bring in donors from Bangladesh? How long will it take to complete the whole thing from admitting in Escort to fly back?

Answer: - Chances of recovery after the surgery are 95-98%. The approximate charges would be 2 lakhs Indian rupees. It will take total 15 days stay in Delhi. General

Question : 1.What would be approx. total expenses for investigation, surgery and hospital package for CABG? 2. Total days of stay in hospital and in Delhi after surgery 3. Does the hospital accept Senior Citizen Unit Plan issued by Unit Trust of India for payment of charges? 4. Whether prior appointment is required for consultation, invest. and CABG?

Answer :- 1. 10 day stay in hospital and 1 week in Delhi after surgery. 2. Yes. 3. Yes, you require prior appointment for consultation.

Question : Please tell me about the best medicines for the heart blockage? Also the best and the convenient way for knowing how much blockage is there and its treatment. Answer: - There is no such "Best " medicine for heart blockage. Infact just medicines can not open the blockages in the heart. The best way of knowing extent of blockages, is coronary angiography. The treatment can be either a balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery, depending upon a severity of blockage.

Question : Does blood donation lead to any kind of weakness

Answer: - No it does not lead to any kind of weakness or impotency.

Question : How much blood can one person donate at a time and how long does the body need to make up for it?

Answer: - 300ml can be donated at a time and the volume of blood is made within 24 hrs in the body.

Question : What is the suitable time gap between two donations?

Answer: - Three Months.

Question : What are the prerequisites to donate blood?

Answer :- a) Donor should be between 18-55 years of age b) Should not be suffering from hypertension, diabetics, thyroid dysfunction, epilepsy psychiatric disorder, jaundice in last 20 years, malaria, typhoid or viral in last 6 months. c) Should not have had surgery in the last 6 months d) Should not be under weight or anemic e) Pregnant, lactating and menstruating women are not advised to donate blood.

Question : How many units are required for surgery?

Answer: - 2-6 units depend on the type of surgery.

Question : Does one need to keep stand by (fresh blood) donors?

Answer :- Yes, if the patient is having redo surgery or if he or she is having negative blood group. In such cases it is recommended that the stand by donor should give a sample of his or her blood at least 24-48 hrs before. Surgery for testing for cross matching and infection.

Question : What should be the blood group of the donors?

Answer: - If the patient's blood group is positive A, B, O or AB then the donors could be of any group. In case of negative blood group A, B, O or AB then the donors should preferably of the same group or a part of the donations should be of the same group.

Question : Can the families get blood from professional donors or from other blood banks?

Answer: - No it is not advisable to get blood from professional donors as they are not healthy. They donate blood very frequently against the stipulated time period of 3 months. In view of prevalence of AIDS/Hepatitis B & C professional donors should NEVER be engaged. Recognized licensed blood banks could be approached.

Question : Can a patient be given O Positive blood during surgery if the family is not able to arrange the donation of required blood group?

Answer: - The concept of Universal donor and recipient is no longer held by medical science. However O Positive blood is given in extreme cases.

Question : Is blood transfusion serious after surgery?

Answer: - It is not serious but it is sometimes done to make up for the volume and coagulation factors.

Question : Does Medhelp test the blood donated by the donors in their blood bank?

Answer :- Yes Medhelp carries out tests for AIDS/Hep B/Malaria/VDRL

Question : How does anti-coagulant medicine affect the menstrual cycle?

Answer: - By and large it doesn't affect the cycle.

Question : What is the difference between open and closed heart surgery?

Answer: - Open heart surgery is a technique where during the surgery where the circulation of blood through the body is taken over by the heart lung machine. Most types of cardiac surgeries eg. bypass surgery, valve replacement and some other cardiac defect repair can be performed by using this approach.

Question : Does taking out suphenous vein leads to weakness in the limb? Are there any restrictions on the movement?

Answer: - No it does not lead to any kind of weakness and there are no restrictions on the movement also but in the initial 3 months after surgery, patients are advised to wear crepe bandage, not to sit cross legged. And not to keep the leg in the hanging position for a long time.

Question : Is it possible that the blood which is donated by the family members is given to the patient?

Answer: - Yes, if the donors are healthy and are of the same blood group as of the patient and the blood cross matches.

Question : What kinds of valves are used in surgery?

Answer: - Both Mechanical and Biological valves are used. The surgeon would decide which one would be best suited for you

Question : Do they last life long?

Answer: - The life span is around 10-15 years but they may last longer also if all necessary precautions are taken. Instructions

Question : Instructions on how to access the Medhelp.com to track progress ?

Answer: - 1. Click on the browser on your computer after connecting it to the internet through an ISP service 2. Log on to Medhelp.com 3. Click on "Guests" section. 4. Under "Interact with Medhelp Online", click on "Track an Inpatient's Progress". 5. Follow next instructions on the site using the IPD No. and Password.

Question : Download software to view Angio CD ?

Answer :- ACOM.PC Lite 2.0 - the basic functionality of ACOM.PC now available for free! To download the software copy the following address in your browser
http://www.medical.siemens.com/siemens/en_INT/gg_ax_FBAs
/files/multimedia/pclite.exe

or click on the follow hyperlink ACOM.PC Lite

Question : Does a surgeon change the diseased coronary artery during the bypass surgery?

Answer :- No the arteries are not changed but as the name suggests a new route for the blood to flow is constructed by interposing a pieces of blood vessel between the parental artery (arota) and the remaining healthy part of the narrowed coronary artery.

Question : Is Bypass Surgery possible in the limbs?

Answer: - Yes. The risk factors (Diabetes Mellitus, Raised Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure) that cause blockages in the arteries of the heart can and do cause similar blocks in the arteries to the limbs. Lower limbs are affected in a majority of cases. In indicated patients peripheral angiography followed by Bypass surgery or Angioplasty is successful in a high percentage of patients.