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.