Best medical treatment in the world: Costa Rica Hospitals

Costa Rica is said to be one of the world’s best health care system as rated by the World Health Organization. According to the World Health Organization’s, World Health Report 1995, Costa Rica is rated 3rd in life expectancy in the world behind Japan and France. The Costa Rica hospitals are said to have obtained high class honor and accreditation from the Costa Rica government.

Some of the hospitals have the Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation which provides assurance in terms of hospital standards and patient care that comply with international benchmark.  And the JCI accreditation is given only to the world’s finest hospitals. Not limiting to that, the cost of medical treatment in hospitals of Costa Rica is one third of what it would cost in North America. That is the reason San Jose is observed as a hub for medical tourism. Many people from North America and European countries fly down here for all kinds of surgeries and medical treatments.

One such hospital is the CIMA Hospital, San Jose, Costa Rica, which provides superior technology, infrastructure and best trained international professionals comprising North American standards. You will find that more than 25% of patients at CIMA are foreigners, the percentage of which is said to be growing. Moreover 15% of tourists in Costa Rica comprise of medical tourists. Another most popular for medical consultation and specialized services here is the Hospital Clinica Biblica, San Jose, Costa Rica, which has more than 40 specialties along with sub-specialties. Clinica Biblica is a JCI accredited hospital.

The cost of surgeries and treatments in these hospitals is just a fractional amount when compared to the US costs while providing superior results. Not to limit with that, these hospitals are a world class when compared other international standards, luxurious facilities, localities and high standard care.

Resources:
Costa Rica Medical Tourism
Costa Rica Doctors, Physicians & surgeons

Costs of medical procedures in the US and UK can often be too high and seem unaffordable, especially for the un-insured or for procedures not covered by insurance. Same is the case with gall bladder surgery or cholecystectomy. But you can achieve significant cost savings if you opt for gall bladder surgery in Mexico, India, or Costa Rica – all well-established and trusted medical tourism destinations. More about that later; first, a brief medical overview of the condition.

What is gall bladder surgery?
Gall bladder surgery essentially involves the removal of stones from the gall bladder or the gall bladder itself. It is one of the most frequently done operations throughout the world as the gall bladder is thought to be an inessential organ in the body.

How is gall bladder surgery done overseas?
The surgery can be done in two ways: (i) conventional gall bladder surgery; (ii) or laparoscopic surgery.

What are the benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy or gall bladder surgery?

• The conventional surgery involves a large incision on the abdomen and a few days of hospitalization. The laparoscopic method means usually four small incisions that will hardly leave any distinguishable marks and quicker recovery time.
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy also means lesser pain for the patient and lesser risk of infection.
• Recovery time in the conventional method can be up to four weeks, whereas in the laparoscopic method, most patients return to their normal work routine in a week.

Can I get insurance coverage for gall bladder surgery?
Well, yes and no. That’s because some health plans cover gall bladder surgery, and some don’t. So, you need to check on your specific plan. Also, some plans classify gall bladder surgery as a non-emergency and elective procedure. Hence, it requires pre-surgical certification. This, of course, means some hassle for you. Yet other health plans cover a limited portion of the cost, like $2,500 per coverage period per insured person.

Cost of gall bladder surgery
The cost of gall bladder surgery in the US can vary widely from $ 7,000-$ 15,000 and in the UK from £ 3,500 – £ 5,800. This can seem a huge obstacle to the un-insured and even to the insured whose plan does not cover or has limited cover for gall bladder.

This is why more and more people from the West are turning to medical tourism in India, Mexico, and Costa Rica for cheaper alternatives.

In India, Mexico, and Costa Rica, you can get the same gall blader surgery or cholecystectomy done at about half or even one-fourth the price. The cost of gall bladder surgery abroad is cheaper not because of inferior medical care, but other factors like lower cost of labor, infrastructure, etc.

Doctors in India, Mexico, and Costa Rica are most often educated in the US or UK and have also gained some work experience there. Top hospitals in India, Mexico, and Costa Rica follow strict standards on hygiene and embrace the latest technology.

Hence, if you are contemplating gall bladder surgery or cholecystectomy in India, Mexico, or Costa Rica, there is not much room for concern. Go ahead and enjoy a healthier life, and it wont cost you the earth!

General Surgery Resources

Hernia Surgery Overseas

Many patients from the West (United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland) these days travel to India for sleeve gastrectomy surgery,mainly because of the low cost, experienced bariatric surgeons, quality hospitals and no wait times.

This weight loss surgery is also known as Gastric Sleeve Surgery, Gastric Sleeve Resection, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy , Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Tube, Vertical Gastroplasty, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction, and Sleeve Gastroplasty to name a few.

This surgery reduces stomach size, so the individual feels full quickly with a small meal. Â It also restricts the production of the hunger-causing hormone.

Some reasons why this surgery is becoming so popular is the positive clinical feedback from patients who have had this procedure in the last few years. Unlike a lap band there is no need for repeated doctor visits for any device adjustments or fills, absence of mal absorption unlike a gastric bypass, and the weight loss surgery patients in this case are allowed most foods (although in small quantities). A country by country cost comparison for sleeve gastrectomy cost comparisons:

(only the best bariatric surgeons and hospitals are considered for the below prices):

India: US $7,000 (Harvard Medical-affiliated JCI-accredited hospital)

Costa Rica: US $9,500 (Tulane Medical School-affiliated JCI-accredited hospital)

Mexico: US $5,500 to $11,500 (Top hospitals; more than 50% of WLS patients are from the US)

Not only is the cost of obesity surgery lower in India, but the level of service is also very high. For example, good bariatric centers in India keep the patient in the hospital for three to four days after the gastric sleeve procedure with close monitoring. In other countries, the patient is usually sent home or to a hotel a day or two after the sleeve surgery.

Why would anyone want to settle for a clinic or a surgery center for a gastric sleeve surgery in the USA, UK or Canada, when paying a fraction of that amount they can avail the procedure at a JCI (Joint Commission International)-accredited quality hospital in India. Also, when that hospital is affiliated to Harvard Medical in the USA.

Why would anyone not want an experienced bariatric surgeon who has performed thousands of advanced laparoscopic weight loss surgeries at a fraction of the price in the West? When the surgeon also happens to be trained in France and the US and is a Preceptor (Proctor) of American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, the choice becomes all the more easier, doesn’t it?

When you compare the high costs and long wait times in many Western countries with the advantages of getting the surgery done in India, you will see that the latter is a very good alternative for patients looking abroad for Sleeve Gastrectomy. Other countries where you get similar advantages are Mexico and Costa Rica. These are countries with an abundance of bariatric experts, highly accredited hospitals and a track record of satisfied and happy patients from all over the world.

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery in India is poised to gain more popularity with the growing worldwide epidemic of obesity. Also, the demand for this bariatric procedure will grow within India too as changing lifestyles and dietary habits (moving towards Western lifestyles) is making way for obesity.