You may contact us by phone, email or through our contact page on this website. Shortly after this initial contact one of our case managers will be available to gather your basic information and provide you with details of the services we offer. The case manager will be able to answer many questions you may have as well as outline a general timeline of events. We will provide general information about health care providers, facilities and recovery centers in the location of your choice. This information will include basics about the training, experience, affiliations and accreditations of multiple health care professionals. During this initial discussion we can usually provide a rough estimate of costs for your procedure including travel and aftercare. This is ONLY an approximation, not a customized quote. And, while we can give you a large amount of information, only you can make the decision about what is best for you. We do not provide any medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations. We also cannot guarantee a specific outcome. We do encourage you to discuss options and information with your regular physician.

If you wish to obtain a customized quote, we will need to get more detailed information from you. We will set up a HIPPA secure database for your information that will be submitted to healthcare practitioners and medical facilities in the region that interests you. This information will include a detailed health history and any imaging studies you have had, (X-rays, CT, MRI, cardiac catheterizations, etc.). Once this information is complete, we will securely transmit it to providers for assessment of your case and their recommended treatment options. The healthcare provider will then be able to present customized quotes for you surgery. There is a $95.00 charge for this step to cover our costs in setting up and securely transmitting your information.

While the health care providers and facilities are evaluating your medical information, we at BMCA will be researching travel options for your chosen time frame. We will then provide you with information and estimates about the travel and lodging portion of your trip.

At this point you may wish to speak directly with one or more of the surgeons/dentists. This will allow both of you to address any concerns you may have directly with each other. While every provider we work with has a different protocol for this initial personal contact, we work with all parties involved to make it as easy and convenient as possible. The contact could be made via phone or videoconference, and we have the ability to facilitate either. We will be happy to include your local healthcare provider in this conference call, at your request. Risks and benefits of your procedure will be discussed with you for your understanding. Any questions or concerns you have may be addressed at this time.

Once you have made the decision to go ahead with your trip, we work with you and the health care providers you have chosen to schedule a mutually agreeable time for your procedure. This may require coordination among multiple parties to insure that the providers you choose are available. There is a $250.00 non-refundable charge for scheduling your procedure.

Once your procedure is scheduled, we can assist you with your travel arrangements. We have many options for flights, hotels, recovery centers and local transportation. We can offer you options for local tours and help arrange them. We can also assist you with applying for a passport or visa, if needed. If you have frequent flier miles, credit card points, or can find a better deal, we definitely encourage you to take advantage of them. We do ask you to check with us before finalizing your arrangements. Some very popular accommodations simply may not be appropriate for your recovery, depending on your procedure. We are familiar with these arrangements and can help you avoid problems and disappointments before you leave home. We also provide a self-service travel website that you may use at any time – simply go to BMCAtravel.com.

After your arrangements have been finalized, we will help you prepare for your departure. This includes providing general information about the country you will visit, a packing list, a summary of what to expect and information on additional activities you or your companion may enjoy.

The day of your departure is here! When you arrive in your host country you will be met at the airport by a local representative. All in-country transportation has been arranged in advance and you will be taken directly to your hotel or health care facility to settle in.

Prior to your procedure, you will be picked up at your hotel and taken directly to the hospital, clinic or health care provider’s office. You will meet with your doctor/dentist for a pre-procedure consultation, receive an appropriate examination as well as a full explanation of the procedure. Any additional tests and evaluations you may need will be done at this time. Once both you and your providers are satisfied with your planned procedure, you will move forward to the procedure itself.

Following your procedure there are several options for the immediate recovery period. These will depend of the type of procedure you have as well as your personal preferences. You may need to stay in the hospital or clinic for a short period. If so, this is usually included in the cost of the procedure. You may choose to recuperate in a recovery center with medical personnel close at hand. Or, you may choose to simply relax in a local hotel and enjoy your privacy. Our case managers will discuss all of these options with you so you can pick the best option or combination of options for you. No matter what you choose, arrangements for regular post-procedure check-ups will be made in advance, including all transportation.

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure performed and your personal rate of healing. It is very important for you to follow all of your medical team’s instructions and we will help with any arrangements you need to do so. You will be in regular contact with your medical care team and provider during this time. Once you have recovered to the point that it is safe to travel, your provider will clear you to travel home. This is a very important step because traveling prior to this clearance could greatly increase your risk for complications. During your final appointment with your health care provider you should receive copies of all documents pertaining to your care. This may include your operative note and detailed discharge instructions.

After you return home, you will be expected to continue any rehabilitation or recovery program that your provider has recommended. You will need to check in with your regular doctor or dentist. If any issues arise during this period, we will take every reasonable measure to arrange additional consultations with your health care provider abroad.

This is a very critical time during your recovery. It is very tempting to try to immediately resume all of your regular activities. But, you have just gone through several major stresses. You need to take a few days off and give your body and mind a bit of a break. And, if you have any questions for us, we will always be happy to help you.