Process
In this section, we briefly outline the process so that you know what to expect. At Global HealthQuest, we encourage you to exercise great care in selecting a foreign physician, hospital, and destination location. It is important that you perform due diligence – review written materials including physicians’ CVs, references, speak directly to former patients who have had the same procedure, etc.
This can be a daunting task; one you are not prepared to undertake. That’s where we fit in. At Global HealthQuest, we take care of the details while keeping you informed and involved in every step of the way.
The First Step
If you think that Global HealthQuest might be of service and would like more information, please email us at info@globalhealthquest.ca or call us at 647.260.4879 or toll free at 1.888.542.1054.
Initial Consultation
After contacting us, a Medical Travel Specialist will be in touch. This will be your opportunity to get to know more about Global HealthQuest and our services.
Intake Interview
If you decide to go ahead with your medical travel plans and would like the assistance of Global HealthQuest, a Medical Travel Specialist will set up a face-to-face meeting or telephone interview called an intake interview.
During the intake interview, the Medical Travel Specialist will ask you for more in-depth information about the procedure/treatment you are seeking, your expectations and goals, your financial strategy as it relates to this procedure/treatment, any special considerations for your trip such as limited mobility, etc. Further, the Medical Travel Specialist will take a medical history, and get your written consent.
Confer with Our Medical Partners
Once we have a clear understanding of your needs and goals, Global HealthQuest will work closely with our contacts in the destination countries to locate the most suitable physicians and hospitals for you and your particular situation.
Weigh the Options
When the research is complete, the findings will be presented to you. Depending on the nature of your situation, you will have one or several options from which to choose. In order for you to make an informed choice, Global HealthQuest will arrange for you to speak to others who have had similar treatments and/or professionals at the treatment centre as necessary.
Preliminary Estimate
Once you have decided on a treatment facility or wellness sanctuary, we will prepare a preliminary estimate including lodging and accommodations; transportation service while away; your medical procedure/treatment; hospital fees, medical supplies, leisure activities etc.
Collect & Forward Medical Documentation
Global HealthQuest will gather the pertinent medical documents from your/your local doctor(s) and forward them to your doctor in the destination country. If necessary, Global HealthQuest will facilitate any follow-up communication between you and your doctor there, and/or your doctor in the destination country and your doctor in North America.
Global HealthQuest cares greatly about confidentiality and goes to great lengths to protect your privacy. This includes the encryption of medical documents where applicable and adherence to Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Finalize the Details
Once all of the medical documents have been reviewed and all final decisions have been made, we will confirm your arrangements, accommodations, ground transportation, and concierge services, etc.
- While we do our best to make this treatment plan quotation as all-inclusive and accurate as possible, please be aware that there may be unforeseen expenses e.g., longer hospital stay etc. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you allow for such an occurrence in assessing the feasibility of your medical travel plan.
- It is recommended that you book any and all leisure activities through your Global HealthQuest Travel Specialist. By booking your activities through Global HealthQuest, we can ensure that programs can be planned with considerations made to your special needs. Any excursions that are pre-booked and cancelled due to doctor recommendations will receive a refund.
Arrive at Your Destination
Upon your arrival, you will be met by an English-speaking Attendant who will help you throughout your medical travel experience.
Consultation with Healthcare Team
Once in the destination, you will meet with your doctor for a final consultation. This is an opportunity for you and your doctor to identify and discuss anything that might have been overlooked in the medical documentation, and for either party to make a final decision about the procedure/treatment.
Procedure
On the day of your procedure/treatment, your Attendant will be available to facilitate communication between you and your medical healthcare team, and keep a designated family member at home informed of your progress, if necessary.
Recuperate
You will remain in hospital until such time that your doctor feels you are ready to be discharged. Your assistant will be available to help with your non-medical needs, and will continue to facilitate communication between you and your medical team. Your assistant will also help you schedule any additional excursions that you would like to participate in during this time. Special considerations will be made when booking excursions for travellers with special needs. Recommendations will be made to ensure that you do not over exert yourself and that support is first obtained by medical staff.
Follow-up
At Global HealthQuest, we do our best to ensure a smooth transfer of care. We make sure that your medical records are transferred either to your family physician or local specialist, and we continue to follow-up with you to make sure you are doing well. Global HealthQuest can also arrange for a variety of support services upon your return as necessary.
Should you or your local doctor have questions/concerns and would like to consult with your doctor in your destination country during the follow-up period, Global HealthQuest will help to facilitate this communication.
