Deciding to have orthopedic surgery abroad is a significant decision, and being well-prepared can make your medical tourism journey smoother and more successful. This article provides a comprehensive checklist for Canadians planning their orthopedic surgery journey to Mexico.

Medical Records and Documentation

1. Medical History: Have a detailed record of your medical history, including any allergies, past surgeries, and existing medical conditions.
2. Current Medications: Provide a list of all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements.
3. Orthopedic Records: Include all relevant orthopedic records such as X-rays, MRI scans, and any reports from your orthopedic specialist in Canada.

Pre-Travel Consultation and Planning

1. Consult with Your Canadian Doctor: Discuss your plans with your primary care physician or orthopedic specialist in Canada. They can provide valuable advice and help coordinate with your medical team in Mexico.
2. Choose a Reputable Medical Tourism Facilitator: A medical tourism facilitator can significantly ease your planning and coordination efforts. Choose a reputable facilitator like My Orthopedic Vacations who can provide end-to-end services, from coordinating appointments to post-operative care​¹​.
3. Insurance: Check with your insurance provider to understand what costs are covered in case of medical tourism. Some medical tourism facilitators also offer financial and insurance advice​¹​.
4. Travel and Accommodation: Plan your travel dates, book flights, and arrange accommodation. Your medical tourism facilitator can assist with these logistics​¹​.

Preparing for Surgery

1. Pre-Op Instructions: Follow all pre-op instructions from your surgeon in Mexico. This may include dietary restrictions or changes to your medication regimen.
2. Packing: Pack all necessary items, including comfortable clothing, personal hygiene items, and copies of your medical documents.

Post-Operative Care

1. Follow-Up Appointments: Ensure you have a clear understanding of the follow-up care plan, including any appointments with your surgeon in Mexico and continuity of care when you return to Canada.
2. Rehabilitation: Understand the rehabilitation plan post-surgery. Your facilitator can assist in coordinating any physical therapy or rehabilitation services needed​¹​.

Conclusion

Thorough preparation is key to a successful orthopedic surgery journey to Mexico. By following this checklist, Canadians can ensure they are well-prepared for their orthopedic procedure abroad.

In our next blog post, we’ll discuss “Recovering from Orthopedic Surgery in Mexico: What Canadians Can Expect”. Stay tuned!

Sources:

• Medical tourism facilitators: Ensuring smooth medical travel​¹​.