Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ’s and answers are provided by our founder and two time India major surgery patient Tom Hiland. He first journeyed to India in July 2005 for mitral valve replacement and then in June 2008 for Total Knee Replacement. Tom experienced exceptional results and saved over $200K compared to US self pay costs.
WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO CONSIDER MEDICAL OUTSOURCING TO INDIA?
You or your loved one who is uninsured, or otherwise self-pay, facing an outrageous cost if you can even afford it, or even bankruptcy when having it done at home; or, because it's too long a wait in Canada or because the treatment is not yet available in the US, because of FDA approval requirements.
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER INDIA?
A journalist by education, I researched the World before choosing India and found the deciding factors to be the combination of cost, language compatibility (English is the business and teaching language for the educated); state of the art technology; procedure volumes; infection, mortality and success rates; and, the clincher, a telephone call Saturday night from New Delhi from my lead cardio-thoracic surgeon. What doctor in the United States would return your phone call directly, let alone on a Saturday night?
HOW MUCH CAN I SAVE COMPARED TO US PRICES?
The short answer is 80 to 90 percent over comparable US prices. If you are self pay, the problem in the US is even getting a quote from a hospital and/or physician because they are so reliant on the health insurance contracts for their bread and butter. They will require written contracts and substantial down-payments ($79,600 in my case) before scheduling the surgery. The final cost will vary depending on the procedure and length of stay.
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE SUCH INEXPENSIVE TREATMENT?
The cost of living differential! It would take $1,000 US dollars in America to buy the same level of living as $200 US dollars in India. My Indian surgeon likes to say: "I make 1/10th what I made in New York, but I am ten times happier in New Delhi!"
ARE THE HOSPITALS CLEAN, MODERN AND SAFE?
Yes! Our partner hospitals are the most modern state-of-the-art in India. From my personal experience twice now, I can attest to them meeting or exceeding international benchmarks. Certainly they surpass the minimum standards of JCI accreditation. JCI is the international arm of a hospital-quality overview body in America. Based on my experience and other patients, you could eat off the floor of your room, they are so clean. I found them to be gated, with guards on duty and the equal or better of the newest American hospitals I have visited. Visits to patient rooms are strictly controlled and children are not permitted in order to limit the possibilities for infection. Infection and mortality rates are less than one percent! Remember, you are going to a private, for-profit hospital, not a public hospital run by some government entity for the masses.
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HOW CAN INDIAN HOSPITALS AFFORD THE LATEST, STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT?
 To compete on a global or regional scale they must! In some cases, global medical device manufacturers offer discounts or incentives to get their latest equipment into use in India, while it is still the subject of clinical trials and approval by the FDA in America. I personally found my Indian Hospital to have been using the DaVinci robotic surgery unit and CT-angio for three years before the first machines were introduced in Denver. DaVinci is the product of a California company. I was amazed! |
WHAT'S ALL THE BUZZ ABOUT MINIMALLY INVASIVE?
More and more medical surgeries and treatments can now be done minimally invasive, meaning tiny slits in your skin where it used to require lengthy, open incisions. These endoscopic techniques (port access for valve replacement) offer a cosmetic advantage with shorter hospital and recovery times. In the case of heart valve replacement, it can mean going in through the ribs instead of sawing a patient’s sternum. Indian doctors are on the leading edge of these treatments. My surgeon has been the president of the International Society of Minimally Invasive Surgeons and is well-known in international medical circles.
ARE INDIAN DOCTORS THAT GOOD?
From my personal experience, I would now prefer treatment by an Indian doctor to most American doctors I've encountered. Sure, there are great American doctors. But, the vast majority of US doctors stick to only their discipline, while Indian doctors consider the whole body. My cardiothoracic surgeon was an assistant professor at NYU medical school. He practiced in New York City. Listen to what he says about "
passion for the patient" in the video clips. You will find many Indian doctors work twelve hour days, six days a week, even the senior docs. Our system and our doctors would no longer tolerate such a work schedule. Yet, these Indian doctors seem to thrive on it. My Indian doctors not only do clinical work, but teach, write papers and deliver those papers at weekend conferences! Oh yes, they also come to America to engage in research for medical devices being developed by American companies! When's the last time you heard of an American doctor traveling to India to see what's going on in medicine?
SHOULD I EXPECT TO RECEIVE THE ENDORSEMENT OF MY US OR CANADIAN DOCTOR TO TRAVEL TO INDIA FOR TREATMENT?
It's highly unlikely. I didn't receive an endorsement from either of two Denver cardiologists. One of them was a top-notch researcher at the University of Colorado Medical Center, who I really like and respect. American doctors are for the most part unaware of the World Class treatment available in several countries outside the US. When you suggest such an option, they politely express surprise and skepticism. And, they may express concern about follow-up treatment once you return. Some will use scare tactics such as expressing concern about infection, the possibility of complications, etc.
They haven’t been to our hospitals! Upon my return, I was invited to appear before a Grand Rounds luncheon of the University of Colorado cardiology department to relate my experience. It's safe to say my successful treatment and improved condition raised "eyebrows" among both clinical and research medical professionals.
Now my knee replacement success is also raising “eyebrows.”
WHAT ABOUT MALPRACTICE INSURANCE IN CASE SOMETHING GOES WRONG?
An Indian doctor pays about $4,000 US dollars in annual insurance premium. The quote from a Denver heart surgeon included a line item for $4,245 in liability premium for just my one surgery. Sure, something could go wrong in India. If it does, you would be subject to the jurisdiction of the Indian court system. It is founded upon British common law as is our system in America.
SHOULD SOMEONE ACCOMPANY ME TO INDIA?
I believe it is imperative that a spouse, relative or close friend go with you. My hospital required it. Heart surgery is serious and complicated. It is likely that your heart condition has already weakened you physically. You need someone to help you navigate airports, handle baggage and make incidental arrangements both to and from India and while in India. During your hospital stay, the patient needs moral support. There is nobody better than a spouse, friend or loved one to provide support! It helps you through your recovery!
For lighter surgeries such as joint replacement, even though complex, some of our patients have gone it alone without incident.
WHERE WILL MY TRAVELING COMPANION STAY?
The choices are a western style hotel a guesthouse or in the same room with the patient. My son stayed in my room on a sleeper sofa, when not making short side trips overnight. He received the same meal choices I did and there was no additional charge for providing him with a place to sleep or his meals. The hospital even did his laundry! Speaking of meals, the food was really good, prepared in the hospital kitchens, which were the equivalent of a three star restaurant. You will have your choice of Indian or continental dishes, and then either veg or non-veg.
You don’t get dessert, but lots of fruit, instead. Some hospitals are strictly vegetarian. Beef is out because the cow is sacred in the major religion, Hindu. Chicken is in. While the dieticians frowned on this, it was possible to obtain a slice of chocolate cake from the public food court, when the urge struck me. And, Diet Coke was provided regularly. I needed the fizz, something my Indian caretakers had difficulty comprehending!
The newest hospitals have a Subway in their lobby areas.
HOW WILL I COMMUNICATE WITH RELATIVES BACK HOME?
Via the internet and cell phone, of course! I recommend taking a laptop, if you have one. The hospital will provide a direct internet connection in your room or nearby. Or, a hospital computer can be used. I sent regular email progress reports. The hospitality staff at the hospital will provide you with an Indian cell phone for making local calls. You can purchase a sim card for international calls from the cell phone. The charges are about 13-cents per minute and the sim card can be recharged with $10, $20, $30 worth of minutes from your credit card.
People we called in the States' couldn't believe the clarity, nor could we. This is just one of the advantages of fiber-optic cable in our new connected world.
WHAT ABOUT TOURISM? IS THIS REALLY "MEDICAL TOURISM?"
The press and broadcast journalists have coined the phrase "
Medical Tourism" to describe such medical outsourcing. It's become a catch phrase now. When such medical treatment is less serious, and a patient can truly balance 50% of the time touring and 50% being treated and recuperating, I feel the term applies. In the case of serious, life-saving treatment, I like to call it "
Medical Necessarism." If you don't have the treatment, you will be a goner, sooner rather than later!
My son and I did two days of touring before checking in to the hospital. If your destination is Delhi, I recommend a day trip to the Taj Mahal and a day trip around Delhi to get a feel for your surroundings. I strongly recommend a Monday hospital check-in. Don't waste a weekend in the hospital, if you can avoid it! Sunday is a day of rest for your doctors and many staff! Your traveling companion should take some side trips away while you are hospitalized.
If you are going for heart surgery or major orthopedic intervention, don't expect to do any touring after the procedure. None of us bounce back like we did in our 20's or 30's. You will need the rest. I slept 15 hours straight on the return flight home without sleeping pills!
HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT AND WHERE DO I LEAVE FROM?
It depends on your departure point and the best air fares available at the time you go. Current gateway North American cities are Chicago, Newark and Toronto, for non-stop flights, which usually take 14-15 hours. Economy class fares are generally $1,400 to $1,800 with business and First Class fares north of $5,000 per person. Seasonal fluctuations may result in lower or higher fares. Passports and Visas are required. Don't sweat the small stuff! Our professionals will make the arrangements and handle all details.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?
It depends on your condition and how urgent the need for treatment. The Indian subcontinent has many weather zones. Generally, October, November, December and January constitute the "high season" for tourists because of the cooler temperatures. But, hotel availability is difficult during this "high season" and prices higher. The lowest prices will be found in May, June and July. The summer months are hot and rainy because of Monsoon season. Remember, if you are going primarily for major medical treatment, you'll be in an air-conditioned hospital most of your visit, so it doesn't really matter for you, the patient.
I WANT TO DO THIS, WHAT'S THE PROCESS?
You will need to submit your details on the form provided elsewhere on our site. A patient advocate will contact you and provide more specific information and answer further questions.
We will need current medical records and diagnostic images to share with our partner hospitals in India. HIPPA is a uniquely American constraint, which will not apply to your submission of information for evaluation of treatment in India. However, you will be asked to sign a waiver allowing us to transmit your medical records to India.
You will be matched with the best facility doing the highest volume of treatments specific to your need. The more procedures a doctor does, the better for you the patient. You will have the opportunity to discuss your case with a lead doctor in the Indian hospital. You may have initial difficulty in understanding the doctor's English as some speak with a thick accent. Most Indian doctors will speak at least three different languages, one of which is English. The same holds true for Indian nurses. Indian names can be simple, Nurse Danny Jose, or difficult, Dr. Yugal Mishra. With difficult names, I just shortened them to a nickname such as Dr. Yugal. It was much easier to remember and say.
WHAT ARE YOUR 10 BEST MEMORIES, A YEAR AFTER YOUR MEDICAL ADVENTURE?
- The completely World Class Care I received from kind, caring, gentle, dedicated Indian medical professionals;
- The lengthy, late-night conversations with several doctors discussing world politics, American and Indian customs, and differences in our cultures;
- The 24X7 in-room nurses who attended to my needs, many expressing the goal of coming to America to practice their profession;
- The special attention I and other international patients receive, because India wants each patient to carry good "word of mouth" thoughts back home;
- The attentiveness my son and I received from the hospitality staff who made sure our needs were addressed, picked us up at the airport and delivered us to the airport at the end of our stay;
- The three or four English language newspapers delivered to my room daily at no extra charge;
- The daily shaves from "Shiv" the barber the old fashioned way with lather and a very sharp razor;
- The 40-inch Sony TV in my New Delhi hospital room with Indian and international channels to watch, including Earth TV, where I saw sunrise "live" at Beaver Creek ski area in Colorado;
- The final cost of my valve replacement surgery and 23-nights in the hospital, $15,000 US Dollars;
- The offer of a 20% discount, which I declined, knowing full-well I received much more than I was charged!
WOULD YOU TRAVEL TO INDIA AGAIN FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT?
Yes, definitely! In a heart beat!
And in June 2008, I returned to Delhi for a cardiac checkup and Total Knee Replacement. My heart is doing well and now, my new knee has given me mobility like ten years ago. Most importantly, the pain an ache of osteoarthritis is gone! I even shared a 5-star dinner with one of my favorite doctors—Dr. Vikram, his wife and two lovely daughters!
Would I go again? You know the answer from above!
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