Cancer Treatment in the US

Cancer diagnosis could be devastating on an individual and the family. When we talk to cancer clients it is usually because they want a second opinion or are unwilling to wait for a diagnostics or treatment.

We have access to one of the best cancer treatment centres in the US. Their locations are in all major parts of the country. They utilize an integrative approach to cancer. Such care not only addresses cancer with conventional treatment but offers support for the mind and body through dietary plans and spiritual therapies.

Cost considerations are always a concern for us and our clients. There is a set fee to get a diagnosis. It includes all the tests and evaluations. Once complete, the patient will have a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Then the plan can be taken to Canada possibly speeding up access to treatment.

Alternatively, the treatment can be done at the same facility. The cost will vary, however, Health Vantis is able to offer a discount for treatments to all of our clients. If you would like to find out more about cancer treatment and diagnosis in the US, please reach out at toll-free 1 877 344 3544.

Anterior or Posterior Approach to Hip Replacement: What Is Right For You?

We wrote about private hip replacements a few times in our blogs. As new techniques or robotic are introduced, our clients want to know their options. We explained the SuperPATH technique in hip replacement. In another blog, we talked about the use of robotics.

There are a couple of surgical approaches to hip replacement. In this blog, we mention both posterior and anterior approaches. In the past, there were studies claiming that the anterior approach had better outcomes.

A recent study of patients treated at HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) looked at 138 patients who had total hip replacements and were discharged the same day. Half of the group had an anterior and the other half had a posterior total hip replacement. Age, sex and body mass index of each group were matched. They found that the outcomes did not differ significantly. Time to walking, length of surgery, pain at discharge and rates of complications/readmissions at 90 days post-surgery were similar.

From our conversations with different orthopaedic surgeons, what matters is the surgeon expertise at a certain approach. The number of surgeries that she or he did in the past, years in practice and surgeries per year are usually the stats we look at and provide to our clients to help them make a better decision. We also set up a phone call with doctors so that they can better explain how they do surgeries.

In your initial consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, it will be determined if you are a good candidate for the same-day discharge and usually that depends on your general health. The doctor will also go over what is suitable for you and what to expect. This is an opportunity to ask questions about different approaches and what is right for you.

If you are interested in setting up a virtual consultation with one of the orthopaedic surgeons we work with, please give us a call toll-free 1 877 344 3544.

Is It Safe to Get a Private Medical Treatment in the US?

As medical wait times in Canada increase, more people are looking into their private options. Canada offers some private surgeries and diagnostic procedures. However, many more are available just across the border in the US.

With the current situation of rising COVID cases in parts of the US, there is understandable hesitation or outright refusal to travel across the southern border. So many things have to be considered while travelling today that many prefer to wait. Safety is of the most importance.

The US considers medical travel essential. With all the necessary documentation from a medical facility, a Canadian should not experience any issues entering the US. Self-isolation requirements are not existing in the US, so hypothetically speaking, one can arrive, check into a hotel and have surgery or procedure the next day.

The real picture is a bit more complicated. Some hospitals and facilities are not open to international clients due to COVID restrictions put in place by their state. Some states are getting overwhelmed with COVID patients and are postponing their elective surgeries even to the residents of their state. And some are open and put numerous precautions in place to minimize the risk of COVID infection.

Most doctors’ offices and medical facilities cut their patient load by half so that there is no crossing in the waiting room. Oftentimes, there is no one else in the waiting room. All physicians and nurses use PPE to protect both patients and medical personnel. In most places, all patients are tested for COVID a couple of days before the procedure and are asked to quarantine during that time.

After surgery, patients are asked to wear a mask in the recovery room. Most post-op check-ups can be done virtually by video chat. While in recovery in the hotel, patients are also asked to self isolate so that the potential for contracting COVID is reduced.

We continue to monitor the developments in the US and will inform our clients of any positive changes so that they can make the best decision regarding their private surgery. If you would like to talk about your private surgery options or diagnostics in the US, we are here toll-free 1 877 344 3544.

Newsletter July 2020

As medical wait times in Canada increase, more people are looking into their private options. Canada offers some private surgeries and diagnostic procedures. However, many more are available just across the border in the US.

With the current situation of rising COVID cases in parts of the US, there is understandable hesitation or outright refusal to travel across the southern border. So many things have to be considered while travelling today that many prefer to wait. Safety is of the most importance.

US considers medical travel essential. With all the necessary documentation from a medical facility, a Canadian should not experience any issues entering the US. Self-isolation requirements are not existing in the US, so hypothetically speaking, one can arrive, check into a hotel and have surgery or procedure the next day.

The real picture is a bit more complicated. Some hospitals and facilities are not open to international clients due to COVID restrictions put in place by their state. Some states are getting overwhelmed with COVID patients and are postponing their elective surgeries even to the residents of their state. And some are open and put numerous precautions in place to minimize the risk of COVID infection.

Most doctors’ offices and medical facilities cut their patient load by half so that there is no crossing in the waiting room. Oftentimes, there is no one else in the waiting room. All physicians and nurses use PPE to protect both patients and medical personnel. In most places, all patients are tested for COVID a couple of days before the procedure and are asked to quarantine during that time.

After surgery, patients are asked to wear a mask in the recovery room. Most post-op check-ups can be done virtually by video chat. While in recovery in the hotel, patients are also asked to self isolate so that the potential for contracting COVID is reduced.

We continue to monitor the developments in the US and will inform our clients of any positive changes so that they can make the best decision regarding their private surgery. If you would like to talk about your private surgery options or diagnostics in the US, we are here toll-free 1 877 344 3544.

 

 

 

 

During the uncertain times of COVID-19 pandemic, we want to avoid travelling if we can. Elective surgery, diagnostic treatment such as EGM or MRI, and non-urgent cancer treatments have all been postponed back in March. Canadians have done a good job following the Public Health guidelines and the number of new deaths and cases is going down in all provinces. In May and June, as restrictions are being gradually lifted, those Canadians that experienced medical delays are eager to get timely access to their medical treatment.

We are getting quite a few inquiries about private medical care. The request is to stay as close to home as possible, and definitely stay in Canada. While some provinces have an easy drive into the US, with many private options available we are yet to help a client who will take this option up.

Most asked questions for us right now is – can I have a private option here, in my home town or at least province? Most private medical facilities are located in BC and QC. There are a few in between, such as ON, but ON private surgeries covered by OHIP are not available to ON residents. If you are able and willing to take the risk of leaving your home province, then there are facilities that are starting to see private clients in Canada.

We would be happy to help set up a remote specialist consultation or remote second opinion for you. We charge a small administrative fee for it and collect and transfer your medical records in a secure way. If you would like to find out more information about private medical care available to you, please give us a call toll-free 877 344 3544.

 

Can I Get a Private Surgery in Canada?

During the uncertain times of COVID-19 pandemic, we want to avoid travelling if we can. Elective surgery, diagnostic treatment such as EGM or MRI, and non-urgent cancer treatments have all been postponed back in March. Canadians have done a good job following the Public Health guidelines and the number of new cases and deaths is going down in all provinces. In May and June, as restrictions are being gradually lifted, those Canadians that experienced medical delays are eager to get timely access to their medical treatment.

We are getting quite a few inquiries about private medical care. The request is to stay as close to home as possible, and definitely stay in Canada. While some provinces have an easy drive into the US, with many private options available we are yet to help a client who will take this option up.

Most asked questions for us right now is – can I have a private option here, in my home town or at least province? Most private medical facilities are located in BC and QC. There are a few in between, such as ON, but ON private surgeries are covered by OHIP and are not available to ON residents.

We would be happy to help set up a remote specialist consultation or remote second opinion for you. We charge a small administrative fee for it and collect and transfer your medical records in a secure way.  If you would like to find out more information about private medical care available to you, please give us a call toll-free 877 344 3544.