Colombia on forefront of Global Healthcare

Between September 12th and 14th, 2010, Medellin hosted the MedeSalud 2011, an international conference on Global Healthcare issues. FlyClinic participated at this event and would like to share some of the facts and main trends discussed by the experts in this field.

Medellin, Colombia, September 20th, 2011 -- Global Healthcare - Quo Vadis?

Globalization in Healthcare

Globalization does go far beyond your daily shopping experience, like getting fresh strawberries from South Africa, roses from Colombia, meat from Argentina or lychees from China. More and more educated patients, or ePatients, travel outside the comfort zone of their own city to access better, cheaper or more timely healthcare. Generally known as Medical Tourism or Medical Travel, the term Global Healthcare is more appropriate and should rather be used. Especially the term "Tourism" and its laissez faire association, does not coincide with the reality and the seriousness of medical procedures or cosmetic treatments.

A number of consulting companies have studied Global Healthcare in recent years and identified this market as a very promising one as well as an important brick in the "sustainable healthcare reform building". Asia has been on the forefront of this development. In recent years, however, especially South America has been waking up to this trend and is heavily investing into infrastructure and services - expecting to serve an increasing number of baby-boomers from Canada and the USA. Countries like Colombia, Costa Rica and Brazil are just a few flight hours away and within the same timezone - making traveling there much less painful than long-haul flights to Asia.

Global Healthcare in South America

MedeSalud 2011, is an annual congress (3rd), held in Medellin and organized by the Medellin Chamber of Commerce (Camara de Comercio Medellin) who has identified Health and Global Healthcare as one of the main pillars in their cluster strategy.

ProExport, Colombia's Trade Promotion Agency, is actively supporting this strategy, not only in Medellin, but in Colombia's main cities. By organizing and financially supporting events like MedeSalud 2011, "fam-trips" and participation of colombian healthcare providers at international trade shows, ProExport promotes Colombia as a top destination in Global Healthcare.

But MedeSalud 2011 went beyond a local or national strategy for Global Healthcare. Promoting South America in general as an attractive destination for Global Medical Services has been defined as a new strategic direction, strongly supported by various Medesalud participants from different south american countries.

Not being familiar with the quality of medical services in South America, a number of people are doubting that Global Healthcare will really take off and become a major GDP contributor in these countries. "Healthcare in developing countries doesn't just live up to the standards a US-American would expect!", is something mentioned frequently in those circles! "This couldn't be further away from the truth!", has been the unanimous statement at this conference. Some of the most advanced hospitals in the hemisphere, regarding equipment, services and care, are located in South America. The chilean publication America Economía shared the results of their recent study about the quality of medical services in 190 of South America's most advanced high-complexity hospitals. Identifying 45 of the best hospitals, 14 are in Colombia, proving that this country can compete with any hospital in the US regarding key concerns like patient safety, staff safety, technological capacity, knowledge management, efficiency and prestige. Doctors are often educated in South America's best universities with specializations in prestigious Medical Centers in the USA.

Going through publications, studies and forums, in order to identify hospitals or doctors appropriate to provide services to patients from the US or Canada is not only a time-consuming but also tricky process. It's not always the prettiest website that advertises for the best doctor. After all, what does "the best" really mean. Facilitators, like FlyClinic (www.flyclinic.com), are trying to help patients through this labyrinth. How? First of all, FlyClinic has clearly defined "the best" in this context as: "a provider of medical services, exceeding patient's expectations on at least two of four dimensions, defining a patient's experience with medical procedures or cosmetic treatments":
1. success in medical or cosmetic outcome
2. patient's general perception of outcome
3. patient's perception of communication and care throughout the process
4. human touch

Information and being informed is key for patients - Transparency the foundation of trust in any medical or cosmetic intervention. FlyClinic does not only provide detailed descriptions of each procedure on their website (www.flyclinic.COM) but also a forum on healthcare related issues (www.flyclinic.NET), where patient's questions are answered by specialists. Understanding the importance of transparency throughout the process, FlyClinic is withstanding the temptation to bundle flights, hotels and procedures into packages, but rather gives patients a choice to decide for themselves where and when to go abroad. Booking the flight and hotel you want through www.FlyClinicTravel.com is as easy as 1-2-3 and gives you a great deal.
With these services FlyClinic is bridging the gap and offers international patients a personalized, innovative solution and all necessary information to cut down their healthcare costs.

With new services and offerings, like FlyClinic, participants at MedeSalud 2011 would agree that trust still has to be earned and that patients should always be critical when it comes to their own health - not only for procedures or treatments abroad but also within their comfort-zone. Asking questions, reviewing ratings and medical certifications, reading doctor's publications and how former patients opinionate about doctors, clinics and facilitators provides strong indicators for the quality of a provider of Global Medical Services or Global Healthcare. Finally, general information from trusted sources on the quality of medical services in different countries might be the final prove patients need to decide traveling abroad.
It might come as a shock to many that the World Health Report 2010 ranked Colombia 22nd in “overall health system performance”, whereas the USA came 37th.

Remains the question of: "But why should I travel so far, if I can have a decent procedure or treatment here?". Well, cost might be a factor. Procedures in Colombia or other destinations in South America are between 30% - 90% lower than in the USA. Another strategic advantage is that Colombia is right around the corner, only three flight-hours away from Miami and less than 8 hours from New York. There are numerous direct flights from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and New York to the main cities, Bogotá and Medellín and Cali.

MedeSalud 2011 has been an excellent platform for the exchange of information within the Global Healthcare industry and will continue to shape Global Medical Services. Patients should certainly not easily discard the opportunity to receive affordable healthcare by traveling abroad.

A dentist appointment in Medellín (testimonial)

Hello readers!

We have received a great testimonial from one of our clients. We would like to share with you his insights about dentistry services in Medellín Colombia.

"After a brief explanation of the procedure, the doctor first performed a deep tooth cleaning (not mandatory for whitening). Then, the mouth area (lips and surrounding face) received an application of extreme UV protection cream, to avoid coloring. Next, opening my mouth, I received a plastic bracket keeping my mouth wide open while at the same time allowing me to relax more during the procedure. Before starting the procedure, my gum was prepared with a solution to protect it from the chemicals applied to the teeth. The actual whitening substance was applied last to the teeth. For the whitening process, a high energy UV lamp was pointed at the treated teeth, to activate the solution on them. For about 20minutes I received then this "sunbath" for my teeth. After cleaning my mouth of all dental substances later, I only received a fluoride cream on my teeth, to protect the teeth surface. The whole procedure was pain free, and the only recognizable effect afterwards (beside the whitened teeth) were slightly sensitive  teeth during the first subsequent day.

I think, having someone work for about 45min in your mouth is never an desirable experience, however, the doctor was very skillful and very able to relax me, explained each step and so I could fully enjoy the National Geographic movie on the flatscreen above my head (nice equipment for a dentist, distracts you from the actual procedure and lets time pass quicker). The professionalism and very kind doctor let me not really bother about what was happening in my mouth. Strong feeling of trust, anytime again!

I was advised not to have milk products until the next morning (as those could react with the freshly treated and yet sensible teeth surface.

Similarly I should avoid in the first weeks as much as possible colouring food and beverages, such as coffee, red wine, chocolate etc. Acidic food and cold beverages I was recommended to spare for the first 1-2 days, but rather for my own comfort than for damage to be caused.

My Nose Surgery! Jane's Nose Job Diary (Part 2)

Dear Reader,

As we promised, here comes the second part of “Jane's Nose Surgery”.

February 9:  Ten days left until my rhinoplasty!! I am really excited and a little bit nervous.  What a mix of feelings!  I have to control myself and think positive. Since  this is my first surgery, the fear is sometimes overwhelming. I will have my pre-surgery appointment one day before the actual procedure in order to check again the nose as well as the potential surgery plan. My doctor will decide which method he will use (open or closed surgery).

February 19: I am on my way to the Clinic. To my surprise I am very calm. It’s 6:00 a.m. and surgery will be at 7:00 a.m. I will have an open rhinoseptoplasty surgery with general anesthesia …

February 20:  I’m already at home. The surgery went pretty well. It lasted 2 hours and I did have to wait an additional  2 hours to recover from the anesthesia. I didn’t feel any pain and there aren’t any side effects from the anesthesia. My eyes are a little bit swollen and dark and of course my face is also swollen. The doctor used intranasal splints that allow me to breathe through the nose. It is very important to clean the nostrils every hour with a saline nasal spray to remove blood obstructions. The first night is not pleasant at all. I guess the antibiotics and the position (you have to sleep sitting for 2-3 nights) are preventing me to get some good sleep.

I’ve been eating “soft food”; mostly soups and chicken. I drink a lot of orange juice and water. Taking the painkillers and antibiotics as the doctor said.

February 22: I had my first post surgery appointment with the doctor. He took the cane off and checked how things are going. I saw my nose so straight and I am happy with the way it looks.

Do you want to know more about “Jane’s Nose Surgery”? Then stay tuned and come back to read the next article. Our next column will feature Jane’s recovery.

FlyClinic promotes Colombia as a medical travel destination

Colombia's FlyClinic, an exclusively online medical tourism facilitator is utilising its e-home to maximum capacity as it aims to spread its message in quick time around the world.

That message being its capacity to offer top quality services for international medical tourists when choosing Colombia as their number one destination for treatment abroad.

"FlyClinic's philosophy is based on transparency, honesty, and trust," CEO, FlyClinic, Thomas Treutler told MWT.

Read More at:  http://bit.ly/dT7I5O

What to look for in Health Travel? (part 3)

Our readers and followers are well aware of the importance that transparency and honesty of providers are playing in selecting medical or cosmetic services abroad and embarking on medical tourism or health travel. In our third column about "What to look for in Health Travel", we will cover "trust" as the underlying and deciding force, making a decision regarding a medical, dental or cosmetic procedure.


Read the whole article: http://www.squidoo.com/what-to-look-for-in-health-travel-part-3-

My Nose Surgery! Jane's Nose Job Diary

Dear Reader,

Recently I received a “surgery diary” from one of our patients. This is the first article of a series of three, where FlyClinic is publishing excerpts of this diary. We want to thank Jane* for sharing her experience with us.

January 5: Well, there I was in front of the mirror, asking myself: “Should I or Should I not?”. My nose, being the human’s face most distinct feature, has captured the attention of many people who have known me for long time. My nose is “beautiful, don’t get me wrong, it's “ethnic”, it’s “unique”, many have told me. So, Why the surgery? For reasons, that maybe others can't see, my nose does not satisfy me. However, it was not an easy decision. 

Many people don't know or even understand the pressure and the anxiety one experiences when deciding whether to change a part of your body that has been with you for 32 years.  It took me 15 years to make my mind, and even now I have doubts. But hey, "when in doubt, do it", right? Now, here I am, writing my diary to let people know what I felt, how I did it and how I recovered. 


After two years of changes in my personal life, I decided to add more to the pile: “go for the Nose Job!”. This was the last thought that ended my inner battle. After making the decision, I told my parents: “I will get a rhinoplasty”. It was actually great relief for me that they did not discuss, they didn’t try to convince me with the “Inner-Beauty-Speech”, but simply backed me up! I was expecting more reluctance - but it didn’t happened. I took it as the final sign from the universe to go ahead with my plan.


January 12: I contacted two plastic surgeons to set up appointments. Not any Plastic surgeon!!! I did a lot of research and knew exactly what kind of surgeon was the most appropriate for my case. I learned that the only surgeons who are qualified to do a Rhinoplasty are Othorhinolaryngologists specialized in Facial Plastic Surgery and Rhinology. Yes, I did my homework!


January 20: After having met two surgeons, I chose the more experienced one. I don’t have to explain why, right? But, in case you wonder: I think 10 years of experience weighs more than five years.  What did I feel?  What happened in the consultation? What questions did they ask? And more importantly, what questions DID I ASK?  Well, I went with tons of questions. Of course, I already knew possible answers, but still I wanted to hear it from them.


I felt anxious! I felt excited and very curious whether their answers would satisfy me or if they would be able to make me feel safe and relaxed.


First question: “Will it hurt?”  
Straight answer: “No! Usually, what you feel afterwards is like a Cold.” Besides the analgesics, the doctors prescriptions will do the task of keeping you pain-free. 
Second Question: “How would you proceed? Will you make an open or closed procedure?” (For those who don’t know you can check here) 
Answer: The doctor I chose told me that he was going to use the closed procedure, since at first sight my case was not difficult. However, in case something unexpected would occur in the OR and he would have to change the plan, he also explained me the differences between the two. Nevertheless, I understood that at the end the decision is made by the surgeon.

Do you want to know more about Jane’s surgery? Then stay tuned and come back to read the next article.
Next week’s column will feature the surgery and Jane’s recovery.

Other interesting articles:

What is the general health advice for travelers visiting Colombia?

3 Effective Ways to Overcome Your Fear of Surgery

How many times have you heard of people who don’t get a surgical procedure because of their fear of surgery? The very idea of being thrown onto an operation table for a few hours, in an unconscious state during the procedure, is a distressing situation that causes much anxiety and fear in the person who undergoes a surgical procedure. If you are afraid of having a surgery you need or want, here we tell you what to do to combat your fear of surgery and take control. Don’t let the fear stop you!!!

1. Inform yourself
In some cases, anxiety occurs when the patient has no idea of what the surgery entails and is left to imagine what the procedure and the result will be like. So, become as well informed as possible regarding your procedure and post-operative care. But don’t get crazy!  You can find so much information that can confuse you even more. By all means, be educated, but try your hardest not to examine every little complication that could ever happen. It definitely adds to the fear complex.

looking information on procedures? Click here

2. Ask, Ask and Ask your doctors
It is essential to have a space to clear doubts and fears with your surgeon and especially the anesthesiologist in charge of your case. Ask about the risks, the benefits, and what you will experience before, during and after the procedure.
Ask about the anesthesia, its functions, the security that it offers, what are the risks of using it, and the solutions in case problems arise.
Most people are scared to have general anesthesia and of being totally knocked out. But don’ be afraid! While it’s true that all surgeries have a risk of death, some surgeries have a much higher risk than others, resulting in you pondering your own mortality. Therefore, for your sanity: Ask, Ask and Ask.

3. Talk, Talk and Talk about your fear with your doctor and/or friends and family
Share your fears with everyone! Even if you fear the pain of the needle that will deliver the anesthetic or whether or not you will ever wake up, when you share you are channeling energies. You are helping yourself. 
These are just few ideas on how to overcome your fear of surgery. I am sure there are more, but these are in my regard the most valuables. It’s natural to be afraid, what’s not natural is to allow your fear to block you.

Further Interesting Articles
What to look for in health travel. Part 1

Resource Box
Tatiana Lozano
Business Development Analyst
www.flyclinic.com