General:

Who is mostly using Global Med Network services?
If you or your loved one belongs to one of the following categories, the Global Med Network and its network of doctors and hospitals are ready to serve you.

	Uninsured, under insured, pre-existing/non-covered treatments in the current health insurance in United States
	If you are uninsured and you do not want to go to E.R for every basic treatment and winding up huge medical bills, eventually declare bankruptcy
	Self-insured patients, self-funded employers, corporate employers
	Long waiting lists for surgery in countries offering socialized healthcare
	If basic health care procedures/treatment is not available
	Would like to have specialized healthcare services (see under procedures)

How can my Primary Care Physician help me with this process?
Your primary care physician or specialist wanted to help you but unable to help you because that procedure may not be covered under your insurance or do not have that procedure available at the hospital. Since all doctors are committed to helping patients in any way they can, the doctors are looking elsewhere for the treatments. By being part of the Global Med Network, your doctor may already be familiar with our network hospitals and doctors. Your physician will be glad to offer an excellent alternative for you to receive treatment that is otherwise may be out of financial or physical reach.

What is medical tourism or health tourism or medical travel?
Medical tourism is a term that describes the rapid growth of international healthcare treatments where people are traveling to other countries to obtain general medical surgery, cosmetic/plastic surgery and dental surgery at a fraction of the cost of healthcare in the United States, Canada and Europe. Overseas medical treatment/surgery is quickly becoming affordable, safe, high quality and viable option to healthcare in the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa and Middle East for uninsured and under-insured population.

What are the savings if have operations done overseas?
The savings will vary by procedure, but typically the cost of medical care provided by Global Med Network of hospitals and doctors will be 60-80% less than the fees typically charged in the U.S health care system.

How can I reach GMN when I am abroad?
You can use our 24 hours a day and 7 days a week service calling our direct international number 001-734-421-6388 and our case manager will get back to you right away.

Should I take a companion with me?
We encourage every patient to have a relative or loved one accompany them on their trip. Companions can remain with you throughout your stay at the hospital during the procedure and recuperation. Also, we can assist with arrangements for accommodations, food and transportation for your companion.

Quality of Care:

What about the quality of care in overseas hospitals? Is it as good as American hospitals?
The medical care provided through the Global Med Network of hospitals is provided by board-certified physicians, many of whom have previously trained in top U.S, U.K and other developed medical programs and practiced medicine in the United States and United Kingdom etc., Their quality of care is equal to and in many cases exceeds that available in this country. In addition, Global Med Network hospitals are among the best in the world and boast an excellent professional staff, as well as the most modern facilities and the state of the art equipment available. In most cases, the success rate for medical procedures performed in our Network hospitals exceeds those of U.S. institutions.

What about the nursing care overseas?
Nursing care in our network hospitals is some of the best in the world. Most of the U.S hospitals rely heavily on LPN and medical assistants, where as our network hospitals utilize 100% registered nurses (RN’s) who give utmost patient care 24 hours a day and the nursing ratio for international patients is usually 1:1.

Process related:

Can I become familiar with my overseas physician before the treatment?
Yes. We will arrange the telephone conversation with the doctor prior to leaving your country as well as an option your Primary Care Physician can also talk to the doctor about pre and post operative procedures and follow-up.

Who will be dealing with details of my case during my trip?
Every patient will be assigned to a professional case manager who has medical background will take care of the details of your trip and medical care from day one to the end.
We will make necessary arrangements for each

What about the before and after follow-up medical care?
As an option, our medical staff can coordinate your pre and post operative care with your primary care physician. We will follow-up with your physician/physical therapist after you come back your procedure.

What happens if something goes wrong?
As with all medical treatments, there is a possibility that any of the medical outcomes may not be optimal. For the instances if there is a medical mistake or malpractice is believed to have occurred, patients have the right to seek justice in the host countries judicial system similar to the procedure followed in U.S or in your home country.

Cost of Care:

Why is medical care cost so much less overseas compared to industrialized/developed countries?
It is because of our network hospitals healthcare cost structure. Hospitals, doctors, nurses and medications are less expensive and there are no additional costs (such as malpractice insurance and the paper work associated with HMO’s) borne by doctors is passed onto the consumers through increased fees, staff salaries and other overhead costs are significantly lower.

Costs associated with the frivolous lawsuits result in significant high costs in insurance in the U.S compared to the rest of the world.

Is it expensive to travel overseas for treatment?
There are more than 10 major Airlines having non stop daily flights to India and cost of travel is significantly came down. The cost of travel to India and other Asian countries is now competitive with the cost of travel between major U.S cities. For example, a patient would find it expensive to travel to Houston mid-week than to travel to New Delhi.
Also, a heart valve replacement or hip replacement would be $ 9,000 rather than $150,000 in US.
Now there are many price advantages.

How much money can I save by going abroad?
The savings will vary by procedure, but typically the cost of medical care provided by Global Med Network of hospitals and doctors will be 80-90% less than the fees typically charged in the U.S health care system.

What is included in the cost of care through Global Med Network?

It includes

1. Internal transfer by private car to and from the hospital to the airport on arrival/departure
2. Initial consultation with the surgeon/physician on arrival at the hospital
3. Standard pre-surgery tests including any x-rays, scans etc., as required
4. Standard pre and post surgery medications
5. Standard pre and post surgery preparations such as anesthesia etc.,
6. Stay in AC room for the number of days required for surgery as indicated. One companion can always stay in the room, which is equipped with TV/cable, DVD player and internet surfing etc.,
7. Our International patient coordinator provides priority facilitation for every day to day activity.
8. A personal dietician who will advise you throughout the stay and advise

While tourism and other outside discretionary costs are not included, we will provide you all the tourism services with a comprehensive package.

When are payments due?
We request an upfront refundable payment of $100 to start the process, which will be applied towards our concierge fee. We request NO up-front deposits or payments for your surgery for North American patients. You simply pay our hospital in India on admission. Payment can made in Cash or bank wire transfer or any credit card.

How do I make a payment?
You can use any major credit card, cashiers Check or Cash for the initial deposit.

Can I arrange financing or get a loan?
Yes. Please contact our network financing partner.

What if I changed my mind after the consultation with the doctor?
After consultation with the doctor, if you change your mind and decide not to receive your surgery, the only costs you will be responsible for will be your airfare and hotel expenses in the destination country before you return home. Your full deposit will be refunded.