Article
Save thousands of dollars with surgery in Panama
Date: 10/03/2007By Catherine McCabe
"Americans are in the midst of a global shift in healthcare service: in a few short years, big government investments, corporate partnerships, and increased media attention have spawned a new industry-medical tourism-bringing with it a host of encouraging new choices, ranging from dental care and cosmetic surgery to some of the most costly procedures, such as hip replacement and heart surgery." Josef Woodman in his 2007 book, Patients Beyond Borders
Bangkok, Singapore, and India host tens of thousands of medical tourists each year. Their patients come mostly from Europe but, more and more, from the
|
The benefit from health travel *120 million Americans don't have dental insurance *250 million insured Americans have highly restricted coverage because of pre-existing conditions *According to 2005 statistics, 782,936 Canadians were forced to wait more than a year for necessary surgery
Travelers who seek medical care abroad are: *The "underinsured" whose insurance company has cut back on coverage while raising premiums, thus making some medical procedures cost prohibitive *Patients wishing to explore "alternative" treatments not covered by insurance *Baby boomers who do not yet qualify for Medicare and Medicaid benefits *People who find treatment abroad costs less than their insurance plan deductible payment *Those who have lost their company group coverage due to retirement and need a procedure not covered by Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid benefits *Travelers on vacation or business who decide to combine their trip with a medical procedure
Past patients saved thousands "Patient X" is a 28-year-old who came to Panama from St. Louis for a Gastric Bypass. The total bill was $14,716, which included the surgeon's costs, surgical assistants and nurses, anesthesiologist, all hospital fees, lab work, and medications. Average U.S. cost: $25,000. "Patient Y" is a 33-year-old woman from Washington D.C. who traveled to Panama for In Vitro Fertilization. She paid $5,250, which covered hormonal and follicle monitoring, anesthesia, follicle aspiration, oocyte recognition, all lab work, semen preparation, embryonic transfer, and hormone profiles. Average U.S. cost: $9,000 to $18,000. "Patient Z," age 57, came from Philadelphia for cataract surgery using a monocular lens at $2,500 per eye. This cost included the surgeon's fees, anesthesiologist, and lab tests as an ambulatory outpatient. Average U.S. cost: $5,000 to $6,000 per eye. |
U.S. and Canada. Previously, if you needed top medical attention, you went to the U.S. Now the trend is reversing with patients seeking the same excellent care abroad. Foreign countries are recognizing the need to provide medical care that is equal to, or surpasses, what is available in the U.S.-but at a much lower cost.
Panama is one such country. Pana-Health is an organization in Panama City which caters for tourists coming to Panama for cheaper medical care.
Pana-Health, which works hand in hand with IPAT (Panama Ministry of Tourism), has gathered a membership of nearly 100 physicians collectively specializing in: Assisted Reproduction, Cardiology, Dental Implants, Dermatology, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Gastroenterology, General and Oncologic Surgery, General Dentistry, Geriatrics, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology and Allergies, Periodontics, Plastic Surgery, Prosthodontics, Psychology, Urology, Speech and Language.
Dr. Richard Ford (Periodontist and CEO of Pana-Health) explains that all of their physicians are bilingual. They have received their specialist training abroad, mostly in the U.S., where many are also board certified. Dr. Ford became a Periodontist at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and is an active member of the American Dental Association. Keeping it in the family, Dr. Ford's wife, Natacha (multi-lingual and Swiss born), runs the Pana-Health office and coordinates all patient requests.
Because of Panama's historically long association with the U.S., potential patients find the country "Americanized," and especially friendly to visitors. "More importantly," Dr. Ford points out, "all the medical equipment and medicines we use come from the U.S. and Europe, and is top of the line."
The hospitals work a little differently here. In your home country you are probably used to your doctor working for a particular hospital. If you're having a procedure, he'll tell you which hospital to use. In Panama, it's just the opposite…the hospitals work for the doctors. This means your doctor has a choice which hospital he thinks most appropriate for the procedure you're having.
Panama has many hospitals and clinics scattered throughout the country, but the top four private ones are in Panama City. All four hospitals measure up to the highest U.S. standards in terms of quality of care, sophistication of medical procedures and equipment used, and up-to-date technology.
You may find that some medical procedures are less expensive in Bangkok, Singapore, or India…but when you compare the price difference in airfares and long travel times, Panama becomes a far more reasonable alternative. Continental, Delta, and American Airlines fly nonstop to Panama from the United States. So does Copa, the national airline of Panama, which has daily nonstop flights from L.A., San Francisco, Houston, Miami, New York, and Washington.
Of course, when choosing medical or dental procedures, regardless of where you opt to seek care, always ask a lot of questions and devote much thought before making your decision.
Pana-Health can coordinate your doctor appointments and consultations, hospital or clinic services, hotel or apartment arrangements, airport pickup, and mountain, beach, or rainforest vacations. They also provide a 24-hour hotline for all your medical questions and guidance while in Panama. After you explain the procedure you want, they will provide a complete quote of anticipated medical charges to include expected hospital time (if needed) and when you can plan on traveling. For more information, contact Natacha at Pana-Health; tel. (in the U.S.) (305)675-7306; or (in Panama) (507)223-6766.
e-mail: info@pana-health.com www.pana-health.com.
Average medical and dental costs in Panama
When reading the following cost comparisons, keep in mind that because Pana-Health has nearly 100 physician members, there will be price variances which underscores the importance of reviewing your chosen doctor's resume and asking questions. However, the estimated Panama costs do include doctor fees, preliminary medical tests, anesthesiologist, operating room, hospital (if needed), nursing care, and whatever follow-up is prescribed…which is something we can't always say about the U.S. Try pricing a procedure in New York City, Omaha, and Los Angeles and you'll get estimates all over the map (literally). So, the following U.S. figures are ball-park and may be considerably higher where you live. IL
| Procedure | Cost in the U.S. | Cost in Panama |
| Cardiology: | ||
| Angioplasty with stent | $20,000 | $10,000-$15,000 |
| Pace Maker | $5000 plus | $1,500-$2,300 |
| General & Oncologic Surgery: | ||
| Laparoscopic Hernia | $7,000 | $4,000 |
| Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass | $25,000 | $15,000 |
| Plastic Surgery: | ||
| Face/Neck Lift | $11,000 | $6,800 |
| Rhinoplasty | $4,900 | $3,100 |
| Breast Augmentation | $5,400 | $3,900 |
| Breast Reconstruction | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Liposuction (multiple areas) | $6,500 | $4,400 |
| Dermabrasion | $3,100 | $1,500 |
| Chemical Peel | $1,000 | $600 |
| Gynecology & Obstetrics: | ||
| Intrauterine Insemination | $1,500 | $850 |
| In Vitro Fertilization | $9,000-$18,000 | $5,000 |
| In Vitro Fertilization with donated egg | $16,000-$20,000 | $7,500 |
| Dental Implants & Periodontics: | ||
| Dental Implant | $2,000-$2,500 | $1,000 |
| Periodontal Regeneration | $1,200-$1,500 | $600 |
| General Dentistry: | ||
| Porcelain Crown | $950-$1,200 | $550 |
| Porcelain Veneer | $1,200-$2,000 | $600 |
| Root Canal | $500-$900 | $200-$400 |
| Orthopedics & Traumatology: | ||
| Hip Prosthesis | $20,000 | $12,000 |
| Artroscopy | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| Knee Replacement | $20,000 | $12,000 |
| Herniated Disc | $20,000 | $6,500 |
| Carpal Tunnel Release | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Ophthalmology: | ||
| Cataract Surgery | $5,000-$6,000 | $2,500 |
| Glaucoma Surgery | $5,000-$6000 | $2,000 |
| Blefaroplastic Surgery (eyelids) | $6,000 | $2,500 |
| Refractive Surgery (Eximer Laser) | $5,000 | $2,000 |