Traveling for Surgery ?

[readytworoll]

   I've been contemplating getting surgery for over a year now. I'm wondering if I can I travel for a consultation and if things go well have the surgery in the next few days ? I would like to take  a vacation and get some shit off my chest all in one trip.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Your concept of appearing for a consultation and having surgery a few days later sounds ideal -- but it is not practical.

Gyne surgery is real surgery.  You have to be evaluated by the surgeon and many times may need some simple (or elaborate) blood testing.  And then the surgeon has to fit you into his busy schedule -- which may not be open with just a few days notice.

When I correspond with out of town patients, I will offer an online consultation for initial evaluation.  Tentative surgery may then scheduled and the patient has the necessary tests, which are faxed to my office for review.  Finally, I meet with the patient at least the day prior to surgery to confirm the physical exam and recommendations for surgery, answer questions, etc, etc.  It is most important that both the surgeon and the patient be comfortable with one another.

The surgery is usually done the next day.

Dr Jacobs

[Litlriki]

I follow the same sort of protocol as Dr. Jacobs.  Much can be done in advance of the surgery, so that travel time is limited to arriving the day before surgery, and then remaining in the area for a few days afterwards.  The consultation process is done using photographs and a phone call or two.  It's always a good idea to start early on this process if you have specific dates in mind for your procedure.  This will guarantee getting the date desired and also being able to arrange for less expensive travel by purchasing airline tickets early.

Good luck.

Rick Silverman

[DrPensler]

I do not think that it is realistic to see a surgeon for the first time without any prior communication and have surgery within a very short period. I often evaluate patients via emails with photos etc and will speak with individuals via telephone. In order to reserve a spot on the operative schedule a deposit is required. I just do not believe it to be reasonable for a surgeon to block off operative time for someone who may or may not be a surgical candidate.

[Miguel Delgado MD]

I agree with all of the above statements. A patient will send me photos and we will have a discussion. Sometimes it will be a complicated revision and i will insist on see the patient in person. Prior to coming we have blood test ordered.  I insist on a normal pt/ptt and cbc which will give a general sense of the blood clotting ability. The patient comes a day before and stays at least 5 days.  Drains are placed in mostly all my patients and removed at 3 days, observed for 1 day and can return home. I have experienced blood clots from one patient flying home so i always have them wear ted stocking and walk frequently on the plane.
We offer a travel package to help with the cost.

[readytworoll]

^
 
Now this sounds reasonable, but can a price be determined for this procedure with photos and bloodwork results ?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Yes, a fee can usually be determined after an exchange of medical information, photos, etc.  Of course, a pre-op face to face meeting is absolutely essential in order to confirm everything.  Assuming there are no last minute surprises, then usually the quoted fee will be honored.

Dr Jacobs

[Litlriki]

I agree with Dr. Jacobs.  The fee is pretty standard, and if photos are accurate, the likelihood of any sort of change is low.  The fee in my practice is slightly higher if skin excision is required, but otherwise, it's the same for nearly all patients.

RS