The Medical Travel Process in Costa Rica

The following steps briefly describe the services you can expect from SurgicalEscape from the moment you visit this website, to your arrival in Costa Rica, and finally when you get back home feeling anew.

1. Browse our website to learn about the various procedures and services SurgicalEscape provides.

2. Contact SurgicalEscape
Please call 1-866-205-8855 or complete the online Request and Estimate form, informing us about the medical procedure(s) and services you are interested in, as well as about your current diagnosis and/or symptoms (if applicable). One of our Health Care Assistants (HCA) will be happy to answer your questions and, if requested, he or she will review your case and promptly send you a preliminary price estimate and details related to the procedures and services you are interested in.

3. Complete the Medical Summary request
In order to determine the real needs and related costs involved in your case, the physicians may need to see your transcripts, MRI's, x-rays, photos, etc. The Medical Summary will be in a brief checklist format, and may require you to submit diagnosis, pathology reports, photos and local physicians' treatment plans.

4. HCB reviews your Medical Summary
Your HCA will coordinate a review of your Medical Summary with one of our physicians in order to produce a final quote for the services required. In this process your HCA will keep in constant communication with you in case our physicians require any additional information. During this step, we encourage you to ask us as many questions as you deem necessary in terms of the medical services and travel related advice and services. We can also arrange for your chosen physician to speak to you over the phone or by web cam from our office.

5. Receive an official Price Quotation for the procedure(s) and services
Once we have the necessary medical information we can then proceed to schedule the surgery and pre-operative consultation with the physician. You will receive an information package with price quotation for the procedure(s) and services you requested, additional information about the procedure(s), and our recommended doctor to provide this service to you.

6. Review the price quotation and discuss potential travel dates
During this period, you will be able to discuss details related to your procedure and travel dates with your HCA. Payment can be made by credit card or certified check.

7. SurgicalEscape confirms itinerary for the hospital and doctor services
Once your surgery date is agreed upon your HCA will submit to you a formal itinerary confirming all medical services for your review. We will make all the arrangements and send you your receipts (for hotels or if payment has been made previously) and your patient information packet with pre-operative instructions, a packing list, phone numbers and everything else you need to properly plan and execute your trip. Your HCA will make sure you understand all information enclosed, especially the details related to medical services timelines involved in your trip.

During this step, we encourage you to ask your HCA as many questions as you deem necessary in terms of HCB medical services. All travel related advice is channeled to official sources with which SurgicalEscape maintains relationships.

8. Arrival in Costa Rica and Pre-Surgery Consultation
At your arrival at the airport in Costa Rica, a representative will meet you outside of immigration and assist you through customs. Once outside you will be met by one of our representatives who will put you on a comfortable mini-bus that will take you directly to your chosen hotel/retreat (if you have arranged for your own lodging, then make sure to arrange transportation with your hotel).

9. Arrival at Clinica Biblica Hospital
On the day of your appointment our representative will pick you up and take you to your Pre-Medical Procedure Consultation (detailed in your itinerary) at the Clinica Biblica Hospital. A representative will welcome you and accompany you to your pre-operative exams followed by your doctor's appointment. During this meeting, the doctor will review your medical transcripts and may conduct additional tests to ensure that you are ready for your procedure. In cases where the contracted services do not involve a surgical procedure (such as Botox or Dental Bleaching), the pre-Medical and Procedure execution might take place in the same session. Once this is complete you will be taken back to your hotel or you may prefer to go shopping or on a sightseeing tour.

Our International Department is located on the first floor of the hospital's Omega building (across the street from the hospital emergency entrance). Here patients and family members can make free international calls and access the internet (complimentary access to the internet is also available throughout the hospital). Please note that your representative will personally assist you throughout your stay at the hospital, accompanying you to appointments and assisting you with tests, admissions, or pretty much anything you need.

10. Medical Procedure
You will be picked up by our representative an hour and a half before your scheduled procedure and taken to the hospital where you will be greeted by your representative and assisted with admittance into the hospital. At this time you will be required to sign some consent forms and make payment unless payment has been arranged previously. A nurse will then take your vital signs and you will be taken to the surgery ward or a waiting room to be prepared for surgery.

11. Post treatment and recovery
After your surgery has been completed our staff and nurses will check on you in your hospital recovery room. You will then be taken to a private room or released from the hospital depending on the procedure. If you are staying overnight, you will be in a comfortable private room with 24 hour nursing care. Once the doctor is satisfied with your condition, you will be released from the hospital and driven back to your hotel to begin the recuperation process. Our price estimate includes additional nursing visits and assistance at your hotel. The recovery retreats we use have staff on 24 hour call in case you require any immediate assistance. Your representative will visit you periodically as well.

Depending on the nature of the procedure and if your physician is satisfied with your progress, you will be given authorization to enjoy some of the beautiful attractions Costa Rica offers. We can make arrangements for you to visit and enjoy a wide variety of Costa Rica attractions with a private guide and in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus.

12. Return home
On your departure date a representative of the Clinica Biblica Hospital will pick you up at your hotel/retreat and take you to the airport. Depending on the procedure and how well you feel, we strongly suggest that you request wheelchair service. This will make your trip much less stressful and relaxing. Upon your arrival home, our staff will provide periodic follow-up service via phone and email, and will be available to assist you with any questions you may have.