by SAM Medical International The physicians’ skills All physicians are trained in at least one of the three countries’ medical schools. The medical schools are very renowned and reliable. Most of the physicians attend international meetings and congresses. They also have some complementary training in the U.S. or in other countries where they meet specialists with whom they work. It is also easy to check their skills on their websites where it is possible to read articles they have published. There always is a follow-up of the patients’ treatments and health when they are back in their home country. Physicians always take care of them until they completely recover, and they remain in constant relation with the physicians in the home country. The quality of hospitals University and private hospitals have the best possible equipment. There is a great custom in Europe of communication between all the specialists patients may need in order for the patients to have the most accurate treatments. The hospitals are also comfortable with a very professional staff with a great experience of foreign patients. It is possible to see their accreditation on their website. The accreditations are not the same than in the U.S.. Switzerland has the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS), France has the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) and Germany has the German Social Act (Sozialgesetzbuch, SGB). All hospitals in the three countries are evaluated according to very strict criteria such as:
- Infection prevention
- Complaints management
- Pain management
- Assistance to patients at the end of life
- Follow-up of the patient’s treatment
Services Hospitals are very comfortable. Some of them, such as the Geneva university hospital, have a special staff for foreigners. They guarantee services for international patients, such as multilingual nurses and food that is adapted to their religious habits or. The staff is also used to various cultures. Some companies such as SAM Medical International also provide services: interpreters, drivers, visiting the patients at the hospital, making appointments with the physicians, booking hotels, taking care of the family during the patients’ stays at the hospitals, etc. Some of the hospitals really look like four-star hotels with “Ã la carte” meals. Patients must feel that they are taken care of and at home, which is part of their recovery. Environment The environment is also very important for patients to recover. The Geneva Lake and the Alps are very healthy and beautiful landscapes. Paris is also an unforgettable and attractive city. Germany has very good rehabilitation hospitals in the country where patients can relax and recover in a quiet place. It is also easy to fly from one big city to the other for shopping or for sightseeing. Price The price is also a big issue in medical care. European hospitals are charging an average half the price of American hospitals, which makes it really worth having medical treatments in Europe. The price of the plane ticket doesn’t make a big difference when it comes to medical costs. Europe may not be the closest destination for Americans. but it remains one of the safest place for high-quality medical treatments. Once you’ve decided to fly abroad for an operation or for medical care, it doesn’t make a big difference whether you travel four or seven hours once you’re in the plane. The main point is to be sure you’re going to have the best treatment. Europe also has the advantage of having a culture that is very close to the American culture, which makes it easier for patients to get along with the hospital staff. Europe is also much closer for patients from the Gulf Countries and they usually appreciate to be in a beautiful mountain landscape.