The popularity of receiving treatment overseas in exotic locations such as Mexico is worrying home grown surgeons. Industry authorities in both the US and the UK have issued statements warning people of the dangers of medial travel, but the fact of the matter is that patients have no more concerns about going abroad than they would have if they were undergoing surgery in their own country. To put your mind at ease we have put together a list of frequently asked questions about surgery in Mexico, together with the answers.
What is the standard of medical treatment in Mexico?
Most clinics used for travel tourism are regulated by the Joint Commission International Organzation (JCIO) to ensure that facilities meet the approved standards to give medical treatment. The Commission effectively ensures that the medical treatment you receive in Mexico is every bit as good as the treatment you would expect to receive at your local clinic.
Are the clinics clean? What are the facilities like?
Hygiene is something the JCIO take very seriously and clinics are thoroughly checked for cleanliness and tested for their sterilization procedures. The majority of clinics in Mexico that are used for treating overseas patients are modern and use the latest hygiene and care procedures. The facilities are also equipped with state-of-the-art technology so you do not have to worry about not getting the best treatment available.
Will I be able to understand what the medical staff is telling me?
If you can speak English or Spanish, you will not have any problems with language barriers. The majority of Mexican practitioners actually received their medical training in the US so have a good command of English. Nurses that work in clinics that are used for medial tourism are also required to speak English. There is also a strong possibility that your doctor is American so you do not have to worry about cultural differences either.
Will I get any aftercare?
The majority of clinic provide excellent aftercare, but you should check with the medical travel agent to make sure this is included in the price. If you are organizing your treatment independently, make sure this is one of the questions to ask your clinic. The usual procedure is for a nurse to attend your hotel as and when required and the doctor who performed your surgery will also make check-up calls. In rare occasions, you may be asked to attend the clinic for check-ups.
What happens if there are complications?
It is very rare that complications arise after surgery, but in the unlikely event that you need additional treatment once you return home your travel insurance will cover costs provided your policy covers it. Make sure it does just in case. If you suffer from complications in the few days following surgery and you are still in Mexico, you will be treated post-haste most of the times at no extra cost.
If you have any questions that do not appear on our list please feel free to send us a message and we will get back to you with the answer.
