International Patients Welcome

Posted on August 5, 2016 | by Admin

International Patients

As you can see from previous blogs, we do things a little differently at ShimSpine. We provide personal service, don’t take health insurance and try to be our patient’s biggest advocate. I’m sure that a lot of people think that because we are in Florida, we would be unable to help them. This is not true at all. Some of our favorite patients have come from other countries and we are ready for more.

Let’s talk…..

We offer packages to many patients who have long waits for surgery, who want exceptional spine care or who want a completely discreet surgery with no electronic records. We pick you up from the airport and take care of all of the arrangements including a consultation with Spine Surgeon John Shim, hospital or surgery center costs, lodging, and your private medical team.

When you make your first call to us, you will speak to one of our clinical staff who will get your information, arrange to have Dr. Shim review any films or studies available and make sure you are a candidate for surgery.

We understand it can be scary to go to a different place to have surgery but our team is with you all the way. We will care for you and the significant other you bring with you. One of us is always available to talk and reassure. Our packages generally include a Monday to Friday stay and you can chose a Safety Harbor Spa package or a Dunedin/ Gulf of Mexico package. Surgery is done in either the hospital or the surgery center, depending on safety issues, cost and the patient’s preference.

I know, I know; how much is it??? Our usual surgery package range is from $15,000 – $30,000 depending what surgery we do. This includes your lodging, local transportation, hospital costs and surgeon costs. You will write 2 checks while you are here and will receive no further bills. You will know the cost before you leave home. Surprises are for birthdays and anniversaries, not surgery. You are our patient for 3 months and are welcome to call with any questions.

Spine Surgeries available to our International patients:

Anterior Cervical Discectomy with fusion (1 or 2 level)
Posterior Cervical laminotomy/foraminotomy
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression/ laminectomy
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy
Lumbar decompression with interspinous or interlaminar spacer

These are common surgeries done for herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, sciatica and other problems with the spine. Not everyone is a candidate for travelling to have surgery. The fact there would be a plane ride involved, and everything is done within 5 days, excludes certain patients.

Reasons not to have Surgery Away from home

Previous spine surgery in the same area
History of blood clots or use of blood thinners (Warfarin, Coumadin)
BMI greater than 35
Uncontrolled diabetes
History of Cardiac or Pulmonary disease
History of surgical infections i.e. MRSA

Hopefully this has given you or a friend (feel free to share) an option for your spine care. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and look forward to hearing from you.

Your only job is to get better. We’ve got everything else.

813-814-9251—–ShimSpine.com