Traveling For Private Joint Replacement: Top 3 Considerations

So, you chose to travel to get your private hip or knee replacement. Now let’s get to planning to ensure your travel is as comfortable as it can be and as smooth as you are able to make it for yourself. Nowadays with all the travel interruptions and staff shortages, chances are you will experience some setbacks such as delays or cancellations. However, you should still be able to prepare yourself for this so that you do not miss your surgery or a pre-op consultation.

Plan to arrive 24 to 48 hours prior to your pre-op consultation

This one used to be not such a big deal, but in the past year or so, we have seen travel delays and cancellations, rescheduling our clients’ flights to the next day. We, therefore, advise booking a flight to arrive at the city of your surgery 24 to 48 hours prior to your pre-op appointment. This way if your flight gets delayed or rescheduled for the next day you will not be stressed out about your appointment.

Avoid leaving too soon

Your surgeon will be able to tell you when you can go home. This is the question to ask during your phone consultation with a doctor before you do all the planning. If you are not feeling well after the surgery, allow yourself to stay an extra day or two. When purchasing your airline tickets go for the fully refundable fare so that you can make changes to your flight without incurring major costs.

Make your trip as comfortable as you can

Pack essentials in your carry-on, such as your medications, blankets, pillows, reading materials, and snacks. On your flight back, choose your seat with as much legroom as your money can afford. Select an aisle seat so that you can get up and move a little bit. Flights over 4h have an increased risk of DVTs, so moving around is essential. It is also wise to have anti-nausea medication with you as many people experience motion sickness especially after being under anesthesia.

If you need assistance planning your medical travel, Health Vantis can help. Contact us toll-free at 877 344 3544 or info@healthvantis.com and we would be happy to assist.