Choosing a provider

When choosing a hospital or clinic it is a good idea to consider the following when making your decision:

• Success rates for your treatment: Obviously the higher the better! Compare their success rates with clinics/hospitals in your own country. For major surgery such as heart operations, 98% or more success rate is what you should expect.

• Morbidity rates: The lower the better. This should definitely influence the provider you choose.

• Number of procedures carried out: A high number will mean your surgeon has experience and expertise in this field.

• Accreditation: Check if the hospital has JCI accreditation or at least has some form of local accreditation. (See section on is healthcare overseas safe?).

• Affiliations: Many overseas hospitals and clinics have close relationships with universities/medical centres in the US or UK. This is considered a good thing.

• Education/Professional History: Most hospitals display where their surgeons have trained and what qualifications he/she has achieved in their career so far.

• Certification: You can easily ask the hospital if they are certified with their local and national health organisation.

• Testimonials: Contact the hospital/clinic and ask to see testimonials they have received. This is a great way to help improve your confidence and trust of a particular hospital or surgeon

Having researched all the hospitals that you are considering, the final decision of choosing a provider often comes down to your instinct. Choose the hospital and doctor that you feel most comfortable with.