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Home / Common Conditions / Orthopedic Surgery for the International Tourist Patient

Orthopedic Surgery for the International Tourist Patient

On July 2, 2010, MedicalTourism Magazine published an article by Dr. Alejandro Badia named “Orthopedic Surgery for the International Tourist Patient” which we are republishing here for your information. As you may know, Orthopedic Surgery is one of the reasons why an international patient comes to the U.S., as sometimes the expertise does not exist in their country yet, resulting in their travel to other countries for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment. This is often referred to as medical tourism. Also, many surgical procedures performed in medical tourism destinations such as in Miami/Doral, FL where Badia Hand to Shoulder Center (BHSC) is located, can cost a fraction of the price.

orthopedic

Orthopedic Surgery has often been considered a largely inpatient specialty due to the common association of this field with major reconstructions, such as hip and knee replacement. Since this process can require several days of hospitalization, patients seeking major joint replacement surgery or spinal surgery from the United States have often traveled abroad in order to control the associated costs.

Ambulatory orthopedic surgical procedures in the realm of medical tourism have been rarely discussed, particularly in the context of so-called “Inbound Medical Tourism” or “Reverse Medical Tourism”. This is largely due to lack of public awareness, even amongst medical professionals, as to what type of procedures are possible in bone and joint surgery, and the increasing feasibility of performing many of these surgeries on an ambulatory and/or traveling basis.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery is a minimally invasive surgery

The advent of minimally invasive surgery, such as arthroscopy, coupled with superior regional block anesthesia, has allowed traditionally major surgery to be comfortably performed in specialized ambulatory centers. This has benefitted domestic patients, and now, increasing numbers of international patients are traveling into the United States seeking high-level, innovative technologies or procedures that may not be available to them in their home countries. Furthermore, the use of post-operative pain pump analgesia, has allowed major surgeries to be performed with minimal to no post-operative pain, broadening the scope of surgeries that can be offered to the traveling patient. For example, Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery can be done via an interscalene block, followed by pain pump catheter delivery of anesthetic, allowing shoulder rotator cuff surgery, or even internal fixation of major fractures to be safely, and painlessly, performed on an outpatient basis.

The International Orthopedic Group, based in Doral, Florida, located minutes from Miami International Orthopedic Surgery for the International Tourist Patient

Airport, has been performing many of these surgeries on inbound medical tourist patients for several years with great success. The patient typically arrives on a Monday, often coming straight from the nearby airport via limousine service, and has all diagnostic studies at the time. They are evaluated by the Orthopedic Sub-Specialist. For example, a patient with wrist or shoulder pain would have a thorough physical exam during discussion with the orthopedic hand specialist, at Badia Hand to Shoulder Center, followed by fluoroscopic evaluation after digital radiographs are taken. If necessary, MRI imaging in an open magnet extremity machine might then be performed during the same visit with the surgeon directly explaining his needs to the imaging technician specialist. The results are immediately shown to the patient on a moniter in their exam room, coupled with an explanation by the surgeon and demonstration of patient education materials to explain the medical problem, even illustrating the surgery using an animated video or drawings.

Post-Op: after the patient undergoes the procedure

The very next morning, the patient undergoes the procedure, say the wrist or shoulder arthroscopic repair, at the Surgery Center at Doral, a 3 room federally certified ambulatory surgical facility. This includes 3 operating rooms, state-of-the-art arthroscopic equipment, and a family waiting room where updates are continuously delivered via plasma moniter, which also presents patient educational material. Any medical clearances are performed the night before at OrthoNOW, an immediate orthopedic care center which includes a family practice physician who evaluates the patients. Major surgeries are safely performed, evaluated by the cardiac anesthesiologist and well trained specialists to avoid complications. Nevertheless, virtually all surgeries are performed via regional block anesthesia and sedation which minimizes issues related to general anesthesia. Patients are often taken to the hotel, located 200 meters away, often accompanied by the recovery room nursing staff.

Most post-operative visits are done within 2-5 days, allowing follow-up xrays, patient and family questions addressed, and the subsequent treatment, including rehabilitation discussed at length. In many cases, the patient begins the rehab process at Integra, the inhouse rehabilitation center directed by a Physiatrist Physician, working closely with occupational and physical therapists.

IOG has far-reaching relationships with rehab specialists and Physical Therapists in multiple countries that facilitate post-operative management, the rehabilitation process and furthermore insure continuity of care. Integra team specialists will often communicate with the therapist abroad to ensure adherence to the protocol. The international patient coordinator directly addresses any questions, or concerns, before and after treatment, including travel logistics and arrangements. The vibrant Doral area has ample restaurants and entertainment options with a several kilometer area, including golf and tennis resorts, spas, and worldclass shopping malls to allow family members to enjoy this time and their experience away from home.

Orthopedic and musculoskeletal issues can almost all be addressed in a single multi-disciplinary center that does not have the cost and hassle of major hospital enviroments. The International Orthopedic Group works within OrthoNOW and Badia Hand to Shoulder Center to facilitate this process, beginning to end. Patients can benefit from all diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative procedures under one roof. Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques, coupled with regional block anesthetic techniques allow international orthopedic patients to enjoy the same treatments traditionally performed in tertiary hospitals in a more customized and convenient fashion and often ensure superior outcomes.

Please call (305)227-4263 to request an appointment with Dr. Alejandro Badia.

Reference:

Badia, A. “A Growing Trend: Reverse Medical Tourism in South Florida” Commentary published in South
Florida Hospital News, November 2007.
www.Hospitalnews.org


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18:00 25 Jan 21
Not good for pediatric patients . Long wait time, so had a lot of ppl waiting. Would not let me wait on chaira... outside of xray room but rather in the outside waiting room even though my child was only 10. Don’t take pediatric patients if you can’t properly accommodate one guardian.read more
Maria Santos
Maria Santos
01:45 06 Nov 20
I am really satisfy with my hand surgery that was done by Dr. Alejandro Badia, and I want to thanks all the... professional personal and staff that always are very kind. I highly recommended!read more
Najlaa Bayram
Najlaa Bayram
03:45 02 Nov 20
Dr. Badia is an outstanding Dr and surgeon. I first sought his expertise, in late 2013, after a misdiagnosis and a... botched surgery by another Dr that left me with unbearable pain and unable to move my right hand for months. After doing some research online, looking for some excellent hand surgeons, a lot of articles came up praising Dr. Badia's expertise and competence. I sent him an email explaining what happened, how the pain started and asked for his opinion. To my surprise, I received a thorough response the same day with detailed information. I right then decided to drive 4hours to go see him; I must say it was the best decision I made. From the 1st visit, Dr. Badia performed surgery to fix the initial issue and later did another surgery to correct the botched one; I couldn't be happier with the results. Earlier this year, I slipped and injured my left wrist. I made another trip to Miami and once again Dr. Badia came to the rescue. He did surgery on my left wrist after the conservative treatment didn't fully help and at the same time did a cubital nerve release on my right elbow that instantly stopped the pain I've been having. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Badia; he's a true expert and an outstanding surgeon. His staff is very kind, professional, friendly and truly cares.read more
danadenni
danadenni
21:18 17 Oct 20
My husband and I contacted Dr Badia for my hand issues. I had researched approximately five hand specialists in... Florida and one in New York city before I found Dr Badia about an hour away from us. My husband and I went to Doral, Florida and the minute I met Dr Badia I knew he was going to do my surgery. He has personality plus !!! and loves what he does. He is kind, patient and listens to his patients. He respects your hands ! Dr Badia was highly recommended and I am so glad that we found him. He did the surgery on my hand and with a bit of rehab it healed better than I expected and my pain was gone ! Dr Badias office personnel are wonderful ! It is quite obvious that they love working there with him and that they love their jobs. My husband and I have never experienced an office with so many helpful and caring people. We both recommend Dr Badia. We still drive to his office for anything to do with hand issues and he takes care of whatever it is. We both trust our hands ONLY to him ! He is a gem.read more
Yohann Dessureault
Yohann Dessureault
02:25 01 Oct 20
I first contacted Dr. Badia's clinic after I injured my hamate bone. I needed a surgery and someone in my family that... knew Dr. Badia convinced me that he was one of the best if not the best hand surgeon in the world. I am a high level Baseball player so I needed treatments in order to get back on the field as soon as possible. I have been able to book an appointment the next week which was great. I'm Canadian which made it tougher with my insurance company, but Dr. Badia's team has been really helpful with that, they sent numerous emails and even made some calls with the company to make sure I would not have any fees related to the consultation and surgery. The surgery went really well, without any complication and I don't think it would have been as quick and easy with anyone else than Dr. Badia and his team. I would definitively recomand Badia Hand to Shoulder Center to anyone in the need of treatments.read more
David Carvallo
David Carvallo
15:29 31 Aug 20
I injured my shoulder right as we entered into a lockdown due to a pandemic. It was next to impossible to get anyone to... see me and assess my injury. Dr. Badia and his team, following carefully laid out safety protocols, were able to bring me in, have x-rays, MRI and thorough review of the findings all in ONE visit!!! I was given an interim treatment plan to bridge the gap as surgeries were restricted due to COVID-19. As soon as surgeries resumed, I was scheduled for my procedure. To say that both Dr. Badia and his team are amazing is an understatement. They helped me handle a difficult insurance approval process to ensure I had the best surgeon treating me and my procedure at The Surgery Center at Doral and communication with my PCP and Cardiologist was excellent. Everyone made me feel very safe and confident that I was in the best possible setting where I wouldn’t be exposed to needless risk in a traditional hospital. The results of my surgery so far have been amazing. I’ve had next to no pain post-op and my recovery is coming along at lightning speed thanks Dr. B’s amazing talent and the dream team he has at OrthoNow where I have been undergoing physical therapy. I couldn’t say enough good things about him and the team. His expertise and dedication to providing the best possible care using cutting edge technology make for patient centered care and well being vs. insurance driven red tape so often seen today. Highly recommend Dr. Badia!read more
Ruth Rheaume
Ruth Rheaume
22:34 11 Aug 20
I went to Dr. Badia with a bad infection in my nail. He is so good at what he does and took care of me with such... concern. Gigi is the sweetest, cutest thing ever, who also made sure that I was comfortable and helped so I would not be nervous. The whole staff makes you feel like family. Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart and I would recommend Dr. Badia's expertise and his office to anyone. So, if you have an injury or a problem, please go see him.read more
Mark Ferry
Mark Ferry
20:51 05 Aug 20
Tele-med conference with Dr. Badia and staff regarding "golfer's elbow"
Richard Chung
Richard Chung
11:49 23 Jul 20
Staff was very welcoming and accommodating.. Dr. B. was very professional and caring.He seems to be a driving... innovator and in improving the lives of patients in the South Florida area.read more
julio hernandez
julio hernandez
17:05 15 Jul 20
Dr Badia is the best orthopedic surgeon in Miami hands down. I need surgery because of a multiple fracture in my left... forearm. Went to other doctors (UM, mount Sinai) and they didn’t promise me I would recover 100% of my injuries and told me I would not be able to do sports again. Dr Badia did tell me I would heal 100% and it’s true. I did a much simpler surgery and fixed me in no time. Would recommend to anyone. Two thumbs upread more
Deb Duro
Deb Duro
17:19 07 Jul 20
Wonderful practice very welcoming staff and amazing service with top notch technology. I was a patient and I am a... colleague of Dr Badia and had the best treatment for my hand injury got diagnosed in the spot with a 3D Ultrason super modern technology and treated at the same moment. Really superb experience being a physician I absolutely recommended Dr Badia Hand and Shoulder Center at OrthoNOW!read more
Leonard Wolfson
Leonard Wolfson
19:42 04 Nov 19
Excellent visit. I injured my finger yesterday and was seen today by Dr. Badia. The staff was friendly and very... efficient and the doctor spent more than enough time explaining what was going on and explaining my options. Truly a great experience.read more
Luisa Alfonso
Luisa Alfonso
16:25 06 Sep 19
The Dr and staff are professional and friendly. I’m happy I came here and I received the attention and answers I... needed. I had injured my hand and I left the office feeling better. Thank you all for everything!!!read more
Robledo Aybar
Robledo Aybar
16:30 09 Aug 19
Due to a fall, I fractured my wrist in late Nov. 2018. Dr Badia and his team helped me overcome this issue and today... I’m working, and back on my bike and running. The best service and experience!read more
Ellen Westbrook
Ellen Westbrook
23:08 29 Jul 19
Staff displayed professionalism and caring. Dr. Badia was as enthusiastic as I was about this surgery to improve the... function of my hand. The surgical day process was smooth; I was kept informed every step of the way. I felt comfortable and safe.read more
victor mendelsohn
victor mendelsohn
02:37 30 May 19
From the first call I made to Dr. Badia‘s office I was impressed by the professionalism of the person who answered... the phone. When I arrived at the office for my appointment I was once again greeted in a professional manner. This professionalism radiated through all of the team. I hadn’t seen Dr. Badia for over 10 years and he greeted me as if we’ve been in contact with each other for years.read more
Alexander Aguiar
Alexander Aguiar
18:19 24 Apr 19
From my first visit the staff as well as the Dr. Badia have been exceptionally professional and caring. I had an injury... to my pinky finger, the required a placement of a rod in order to align. The surgery went well and was scheduled right away. The office staff has been amazing with scheduling and confirming appointments. Overall I am very happy with the care i received as well as the results. My finger healed and my range of motion has also gotten much better. Thank you Dr. Badiaread more
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