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The Role of Technology in Modern Health Check-ups

19/02/2024

Advancements in technology have revolutionized modern healthcare, including the way health check-ups are conducted. From digital health monitoring devices to telemedicine platforms, technology has made health check-ups more convenient, accessible, and effective than ever before. Here's how technology has transformed the landscape of health check-ups:       Digital Health Monitoring Devices       Wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitoring apps allow individuals to track various health metrics in real-time. These devices can monitor heart rate, activity levels, sleep patterns, and even detect irregularities in vital signs. By providing continuous health data, digital monitoring devices offer a comprehensive picture of an individual's health status between check-ups.       Telemedicine Platforms       Telemedicine platforms enable remote consultations with healthcare providers via video conferencing, phone calls, or secure messaging. This allows individuals to access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for in-person appointments for routine check-ups. Telemedicine facilitates timely consultations, especially for individuals with limited mobility, busy schedules, or living in remote areas.       Mobile Health Apps       Mobile health apps offer a wide range of functionalities, including appointment scheduling, medication reminders, symptom tracking, and access to health information. These apps empower individuals to actively participate in their healthcare management, facilitating communication with healthcare providers and facilitating adherence to treatment plans. Some apps even offer virtual check-ups or consultations with healthcare professionals.       Remote Monitoring Devices       Remote monitoring devices enable healthcare providers to monitor patients' health remotely, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those recovering from surgery. These devices can track vital signs, medication adherence, and symptom progression, providing valuable data for healthcare providers to assess patients' health status and intervene as needed.       Electronic Health Records (EHRs)       Electronic health records digitize medical records, enabling seamless sharing of patient information among healthcare providers. EHRs consolidate medical history, test results, prescriptions, and other pertinent information in a centralized database accessible to authorized healthcare professionals. This streamlines communication, reduces duplication of tests, and enhances continuity of care during health check-ups.       Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning       AI and machine learning algorithms analyze vast amounts of health data to identify patterns, predict health outcomes, and personalize treatment plans. These technologies can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing diseases, identifying risk factors, and recommending preventive measures during health check-ups, leading to more accurate and timely interventions.       Remote Diagnostic Tools       Remote diagnostic tools, such as home blood pressure monitors, glucometers, and EKG devices, enable individuals to perform diagnostic tests at home and transmit results to their healthcare providers. This reduces the need for frequent clinic visits and allows for more timely monitoring of chronic conditions between check-ups.       In conclusion, technology has significantly transformed the way health check-ups are conducted, making them more convenient, accessible, and effective for individuals seeking to maintain their health. From digital health monitoring devices to telemedicine platforms and AI-driven diagnostic tools, technology empowers individuals to take proactive control of their health and enables healthcare providers to deliver personalized and efficient care during routine check-ups.       To find out more about the health check-up services we offer, visit our check-up center.       *Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Your Ultimate Medical Tourism Checklist

10/08/2023

Embarking on a medical tourism journey is a unique experience that combines healthcare with travel and cultural exploration. To ensure a seamless and successful trip, careful planning and consideration of various factors are essential. This comprehensive checklist covers everything a medical tourist needs to consider before, during, and after their journey, ensuring a safe and rewarding experience. Pre-Travel Preparations Medical Assessment: Consult your primary healthcare provider to determine if you are medically fit for travel and the intended medical procedure. Research: Thoroughly research your medical condition, treatment options, and potential destinations to make informed decisions. Medical Records: Gather all relevant medical records, including test results, prescriptions, and treatment history, to share with the chosen medical facility. Consultation with Specialists: Schedule online or telehealth consultations with potential medical providers to discuss your case, treatment options, and expectations. Travel Arrangements: Book flights, accommodations, and transportation well in advance, considering factors such as proximity to the medical facility and post-treatment recovery needs. Selecting the Right Medical Facility Accreditation and Certification: Ensure that the medical facility is accredited by recognized organizations and adheres to international healthcare standards. Doctor Qualifications: Research the credentials and expertise of the medical professionals who will be treating you. Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients to gauge the quality of care and the facility's reputation. Treatment Costs: Obtain a detailed breakdown of treatment costs, including medical procedure, hospital stay, medications, and post-treatment care. Communication: Confirm that the medical staff can communicate effectively in your language or provide translation services. Understanding Local Laws and Regulations Visa Requirements: Check the visa requirements for your chosen destination and ensure you have the necessary travel documents. Health Insurance: Review your health insurance policy to understand coverage for medical treatment abroad and consider purchasing additional medical travel insurance. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Familiarize yourself with local medical laws, regulations, and ethical practices to ensure a safe and compliant experience. Consent and Privacy: Understand the facility's policies regarding informed consent, medical privacy, and data protection. During Your Medical Journey Arrival Preparation: Arrive a few days before the scheduled procedure to acclimate to the new environment and time zone. Facility Visit: Prior to the procedure, visit the medical facility in person to meet the medical team, tour the facility, and address any concerns. Communication: Maintain open communication with the medical staff, asking questions and seeking clarification as needed. Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions, as well as medical staff's practices, to foster a positive and respectful relationship. Post-Treatment Care Recovery Period: Allow sufficient time for post-treatment recovery before traveling back home. Follow-Up Appointments: Schedule follow-up appointments with your local healthcare provider to monitor your recovery and address any concerns. Medications and Instructions: Follow prescribed medication and post-treatment care instructions meticulously. Contact Information: Keep contact information for the medical facility and treating doctors for any post-treatment queries or emergencies. Share Feedback: Share your experience and feedback with the medical facility to contribute to their ongoing improvement and help future patients. Final Thoughts Embarking on a medical tourism journey requires thorough planning and consideration of various factors. By following this ultimate medical tourism checklist, you can ensure a safe, rewarding, and transformative experience that blends healthcare, cultural exploration, and personal growth. Remember, informed decisions and thorough preparation are the keys to making the most of your medical tourism adventure. Of course, you could save yourself the time and hassle associated with many of the above points by partnering with a reputable company like France Surgery. Contact us today to find out more. *Image courtesy of Photo by Porapak Apichodilok via Pexels

From virtual consultations to digital diagnostics: How telemedicine is revolutionizing healthcare

08/05/2023

Telemedicine, the practice of using technology to provide medical care remotely, is changing the way we think about healthcare. With telemedicine, patients can access medical care from the comfort of their own homes, saving time and money while improving access to care. One of the most common forms of telemedicine is virtual consultations. Through videoconferencing, patients can connect with healthcare providers to discuss their symptoms, receive a diagnosis, and even receive a prescription for medication. Virtual consultations are particularly useful for patients who live in rural or remote areas, or who have difficulty traveling to appointments due to mobility issues or other health concerns. Telemedicine is also transforming how diagnostic tests are performed. With digital diagnostics, patients can perform certain tests at home, such as monitoring blood sugar levels or taking blood pressure readings, and then transmit the data to their healthcare provider for analysis. This allows doctors to monitor their patients' health more closely and make more informed decisions about their care. Another area where telemedicine is having a significant impact is in mental health care. With telemedicine, patients can access mental health services from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly important for people who live in areas where mental health services are scarce or who have difficulty accessing traditional mental health care due to stigma or other barriers. While there are many benefits to telemedicine, there are also limitations to be aware of. For example, telemedicine may not be suitable for all medical conditions or situations, and there may be limitations to the types of treatments that can be provided remotely. Overall, however, telemedicine is an exciting development in healthcare that has the potential to improve access to care, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes for patients around the world. *Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay 

A fifth of hypertension patients take drugs that actually increase blood pressure

30/11/2021

A new study has, worryingly, revealed that one in five people who have hypertension (high blood pressure) take medication that actually increases blood pressure. This revelation is particularly pertinent considering that nearly half of US adults have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Medical advice says people's blood presasure should, ideally, be under 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Now, researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, United States, a Harvard-affiliated teaching hospital, have discovered that a significant proportion of people with hypertension are actually taking medication that may raise blood pressure. Indeed, according to the team's research, which looked at data relating to some 27,599 US adults, nearly one in five with hypertension were on medication that could raise their blood pressure. In fact, the authors found that a total of 15% of all adults were on these medications. While it was expected that some of the individuals would be taking prescription medications that could raise blood pressure, the researchers were surprised to find that there were so many. Speaking to Medical News Today, letter co-author, Dr. Timothy Anderson, said: “In some cases, these medications are appropriate, as they are treating an important issue without a better alternative. However, in many cases, I think the risk of raising blood pressure is simply overlooked, particularly for patients using these medications for many years.” The results of the study cited in this article appear in a research letter in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. *image courtesy of Image by Gerald Oswald from Pixabay 

France to relax rules on prescription glasses, contact lenses

26/10/2021

France will soon allow people aged 16-42 who need to renew a prescription for glasses or contact lenses to do so without requiring a trip to an ophthalmologist. MPs voted in favour of the move, which is designed to reduce waiting times and, ultimately, afford a better service for patients, last Friday. Under the new rules, the scope of orthoptists’ work will increase and they will also be able to prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Supporters say it will make access to eyecare easier for the public and reduce waiting time but critics say it will reduce the quality of care. Up until now, anyone wishing to get a prescription for glasses in France needed to visit an ophthalmologist – a medical doctor and surgeon specialising in eye diseases and varied complaints. This is in contrast to countries such as the UK, where people can get a prescription for glasses and contact lenses by visiting a high street optician, instead of a doctor. In France, ophthalmologists are often based in hospitals. As a result, there can be delays getting appointments. In contrast, orthoptists are specialists in vision, eye movements, and how the eyes work together, and may not be based in a hospital. They are less likely to deal with urgent cases. *Image by Nicola Giordano from Pixabay 

France to offer state-funded therapy in bid to improve mental health

30/09/2021

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the state will fund psychology appointments in the country starting next year. Speaking about the policy on Tuesday, President Macron acknowledged the psychological impact of government Covid restrictions, as well as past failures to make mental health a priority. President Macron announced several measures during a conference with professionals who work in the sector. As the coronavirus proliferated across France, “we didn't want to see the importance of mental health, and we got hit in the face with the fact that health is all-encompassing,” Macron said. “The consequences of the pandemic are just as tangible in mental health” as in physical health. He highlighted a spike in the number of children seeking psychological treatment, as well as a growing number of attempted suicides, notably among teenagers. According to President Macron, around 20% of French people suffer from depression, Under the new plans, free therapy sessions for children and young adults -- which were announced earlier this year -- will be extended to everyone with a doctor’s prescription. Psychiatric treatment is already largely reimbursed by the state. State healthcare systems in Britain, Germany and some other countries already fund therapy sessions. French health professionals say a national effort to improve access is long overdue, especially as the coronavirus pandemic has caused and aggravated psychological distress. *Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Free access to contraception to be extended to more young women in France

09/09/2021

Women in France aged up to 25 years old will get access to free birth control from January 2022 onwards. The initiative is part of the country’s plans to combat young women not taking advantage of contraception for financial reasons. The new measure, which covers the pill, IUD devices and contraceptive implants, reportedly cost the state around 21 million euros ($24.8 million) per year, French Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Thursday. Olivier Véran said those under 25 would not be charged for medical appointments, tests, or other medical procedures related to birth control. “This will cover hormonal contraception, biological tests that goes with it, the prescription of contraception and all care related to this contraception up until the age of 25. "There is a decline in contraception use among some young women and it is mainly for financial reasons," Veran told France 2 television. "It is unbearable that women cannot protect themselves, cannot have access to contraception if they want to make that choice because it is too expensive," he added. At present, the age limit for free access to contraception in France was 18 years. The policy announcement comes as President Emmanuel Macron's government prepares for the 2022 election campaign. *Image by Gabriela Sanda from Pixabay

How telehealth can help this cold and flu season

15/10/2020

The US is entering its annual cold and flu season, but this year there’s the added danger of Covid-19 to contend with. Healthcare providers often struggle to meet the needs of their patients at this time of year, mainly because of increased footfall at their facilities. Add to this the strict social distancing guidelines that are in place across the world and the difficulty of the situation becomes clear. The good news is that more and more care providers are turning to telehealth solutions to help alleviate the flu season rush, as well as adhere to social distancing rules. With telehealth, doctors and physicians can carry out consultations with patients without either having to travel. When diagnosing a patient with the flu, physicians look for the two most common symptoms: a cough and fever. At the height of the flu season, almost every patient presenting with these symptoms will have the flu, which often means an in-person consultation is not necessary in the first instance. Care providers can quickly assess a patient’s symptoms via a virtual consultation and arrange to have a prescription sent to them, saving time and money. While every patient’s case is unique, the ability of telehealth to enable physicians to carry out initial consultations for individuals with flu-like symptoms remotely means the facility’s resources are not impacted. This frees up vital appointment slots for those who need them most and reduces wait times, all the while eliminating the chances of someone contracting Covid-19 or spreading flu while out of their house. If you’d like to find out more about the telehealth services provided by France Surgery, please get in touch.

Term ‘painkillers’ should be banned, says UK government adviser

10/02/2020

A government adviser in the UK is calling for the term ‘painkiller’ to be dropped as it is inaccurate and can lead to people have unrealistic expectations about the drugs the medications they take. According to Professor Jamie Coleman, who is part of a working group analysing the use of opioid medication for the government in England, the term ‘painkiller’ should be replaced by the term ‘pain reliever’. Professor Coleman said he is also in favour of ending the over-the-counter sale of low-dose codeine drugs in pharmacies, which he says can lead to people becoming dependent on prescription drugs, even addicted. He said even in low doses, such medication can cause serious side effects, including vomiting and nausea. Meanwhile, research suggests that just one in 10 people taking strong painkillers for long-term pain actually experience any benefits. Professor Coleman says the key to combatting people misusing opioid medication, such as codeine and morphine, is to make it prescription-only, as well as encourage a cultural shift away from GPs prescribing such drugs for long-term pain control. A report released last year by Public Health England (PHE) warned that people were getting hooked on opioids, anti-depressants and sleeping tablets. The same research revealed that more than 5 million people are given opioids every year, with 1.2 million taking them for at least 12 months. The bottom line, according to Professor Coleman, is that there is no such thing as ‘painkillers’ and that opioids just mask symptoms.

Osteoporosis drugs linked to 34% lower risk of premature death

15/08/2019

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bone quality and density to decline over time. As a result, people with osteoporosis are at greater risk of fracturing bones. And it’s often not until a fracture occurs that an individual realises they have osteoporosis. That’s because the disease affects bones silently and progressively, with few symptoms. Following a fracture, osteoporosis patients are often prescribed medication to help support their bone health. Common osteoporosis drugs include etidronate and nitrogen bisphosphonates (usually alendronate and risedronate). Now, new research has revealed just how effective these drugs are. According to two different studies conducted by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Darlinghurst, Australia, osteoporosis drugs not only reduce the risk of further fractures, but also decrease a person’s risk of premature death. In the first study, the research team analysed data relating to over 6,000 osteoporosis patients aged 50 and over. They found that people taking alendronate had a 34% lower risk of premature death. For the second study, the researchers looked specifically at how nitrogen bisphosphonates impact bone loss and mortality risk in women aged 50 and over. They found that patients who took nitrogen bisphosphonates had both a lower rate of bone loss and a lower mortality risk. However, the studies also revealed that many osteoporosis patients do not follow their drug prescriptions and neglect to take the necessary drugs. Speaking about the findings of the two trials, lead author Dana Bliuc, Ph.D. said: “For many individuals with osteoporosis, bone health isn't front-of-mind. We hope our study results will encourage people with osteoporosis or at risk of a fracture to seek treatment — and commit to taking it.” So the advice is clear: if you have been prescribed osteoporosis drugs, make sure you take them as directed.

Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics commonplace in US - study

17/01/2019

Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics is commonplace in the United States, a new study has found. According to the analysis of prescription data for 19.2 million people by researchers from Northwestern University in Chicago, IL; the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor; and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA, 23.2% of all antibiotic prescriptions written in 2016 were inappropriate. The findings of the research published in the British Medical Journal reveal that colds, coughs, and chest infections – all of which are usually caused by viruses - were the top conditions that antibiotics were inappropriately prescribed. Antibiotics are only effective when used to fight illnesses caused by bacteria, not viruses. The problem with taking antibiotics inappropriately is that it can lead to antibiotic resistance. This is where bacteria are able to survive drugs that once killed them. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approx. 2 million people in the US every year acquire antibiotic resistant infections. As a result, more than 23,000 die. Speaking about the findings of the research, lead author Kao-Ping Chua, M.D., Ph.D., said “Antibiotic overuse is still rampant and affects an enormous number of patients. “Despite decades of quality improvement and educational initiatives, providers are still writing antibiotic prescriptions for illnesses that would get better on their own.”

Doctors told to only ‘rarely’ prescribe antibiotics for coughs

27/08/2018

Coughs can be extremely unpleasant and leave many people in search of fast relief. But newly proposed guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Public Health England (PHE) in the UK say honey and over-the-counter medicines should always be the first port of call. In fact, the new guidelines go as far as to say antibiotics should only be prescribed by doctors on rare occasions, as they actually do little to alleviate symptoms. Most of the time, within two to three weeks, a cough will clear up on its own. The new recommendations for doctors are designed to tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, which is making some infections harder to treat and leading to the emergence of drug-resistant superbugs. Patients are being advised to have hot drinks with honey and ginger, as well as cough medicines containing pelargonium, guaifenesin or dextromethorphan and wait and see if their symptoms improve before going to see their doctor. The bottom line is most coughs are caused by viruses, so antibiotics actually have little to no effect whatsoever. Dr Susan Hopkins, a deputy director at PHE, said: “Antibiotic resistance is a huge problem, and we need to take action now to reduce antibiotic use... “These new guidelines will support GPs to reduce antibiotic prescriptions and we encourage patients to take their GP's advice about self-care.” [Related reading: New Superbug-killing antibiotics found in soil]

Travellers risking fines and even imprisonment by taking medications abroad

14/06/2018

How often do you pack to go on holiday and include some prescribed medicines in your luggage? While it might not seem like a big deal, you could actually be breaking the law in the country you’re visiting and that’s why the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising British citizens to check the rules ahead of time. Even painkillers that are commonly prescribed in the UK are classed as “controlled drugs” in some countries, which means holidaymakers could unwittingly find themselves in hot water abroad. In Japan, for example, some common cold remedies are banned, while certain types of sleeping pills require a special licence in Singapore.   The FCO warned that travellers could be slapped with a fine or even imprisoned if they break the rules. With nearly half of the UK population currently taking prescribed medication, millions of individuals could potentially fall foul of foreign laws. In China and Costa Rica, visitors are required to show an accompanying doctor’s letter with any medication they bring, while in Indonesia, codeine, sleeping pills and treatments for ADHD are illegal. The FCO recommends that travellers check destinations on its own website’s travel advice pages or the Department of Health’s TravelHealthPro website.

Rest not antibiotics, say health officials

26/10/2017

According to health officials at Public Health England, more patients should be advised to go home and get some rest, rather than be prescribed antibiotics. In fact, the health body says that up to a fifth of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary and many conditions get better on their own. Overusing antibiotics runs the risk of bugs developing an immunity to certain drugs and developing into so-called superbugs in the future, which cannot be treated with current medicines. While antibiotics are, of course, vital for treating sepsis, pneumonia, bacterial meningitis and other severe infections, they are not essential for every illness. For example, common coughs and bronchitis can take up to three weeks to clear on their own and antibiotics only reduce that timeframe by literally a few days. Prof Paul Cosford, medical director at PHE, told the BBC: "We don't often need antibiotics for common conditions. "The majority of us will get infections from time to time and will recover because of our own immunity." He said patients should not go to their doctor "expecting an antibiotic". So don’t be surprised if your doctor isn’t quick to prescribe you antibiotics the next time you’ve got a cough or a cold. They will actually be doing you a favour in the long-run and helping to prevent the rise of drug-resistant superbugs that we all should be concerned about.

Antibiotics: do you really need to take the complete course?

01/08/2017

An opinion piece that was recently published in the BMJ has triggered a debate about whether the guidelines for antibiotics should be updated. Advice from doctors has always been that people should continue taking a course of antibiotics until they are all gone, even if they started feeling better a few days in. But now, writing in the BMJ, a team of researchers from across England argues there is not enough evidence to support the idea that stopping a course of antibiotics early encourages antibiotic resistance. In fact, they say that using antibiotics for longer than necessary could increase the chances of antibiotic resistance occurring. Prof Martin Llewelyn, from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, together with colleagues, says that more research is needed so that antibiotic prescriptions can be given that are tailored to the infection and the person. However, many experts have come out urging people not to change their attitudes towards antibiotics in light of one study. Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard, leader of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said that just because a person’s symptoms had improved it did not necessarily mean the infection had been completely eradicated. "It's important that patients have clear messages, and the mantra to always take the full course of antibiotics is well known - changing this will simply confuse people."

Buying meds online puts health at risk, says health watchdog

07/03/2017

People should be cautious when purchasing medications online after an investigation uncovered "widespread failings" at some Internet-based providers, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has said. The independent regulator of health and social care in England inspected 11 internet prescription services in the country and found some "potentially presenting a significant risk to patients". Despite some providers being well-run, others were cutting corners, according to the CQC investigation. For example, two online providers - Treated.com and MD Direct - did little or no checking of patients' identities. In addition, they were guilty of inadequate prescribing and gave no assurances that the clinicians working behind the scenes had the qualifications or relevant skills for the roles they were performing. Talking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Prof Steve Field, the CQC's chief inspector of general practice, said: ""Some of these websites prescribed unlicensed medicines and - even more worryingly - medicines for diabetes, Parkinson's disease, heart disease and Lithium for bipolar disorder." The CQC has now drawn up a set of clear standards for online pharmacies. Going forward, all Internet-based providers must: verify that a patient is who they say they are, such as through a Skype check obtain a comprehensive and up-to-date medical history ensure patients truly understand what medicines they are being given seek permission to contact a patient's GP One of the biggest problems cited with antibiotics being sold online is that some people treat them like sweets. More discipline is needed if we are to prevent the so-called antibiotic apocalypse - where bacteria become resistant to more and more drugs - from happening.

FAQs

04/07/2016

Frequently Asked Questions (GENERAL)   ·         Why should I come to France for an operation? W.H.O ranked the French health system no. 1 in the world. In France you can find elite doctors who are some of the best at their practice, for an affordable rate: Experienced and world-renowned surgeons Clinics carefully selected for their state-of-the-art technologies and the best level of care and safety Highly-personalised services Complete and appropriate medical treatment An excellent recovery environment Short waiting times: 7 weeks on average (as of validation of your file) The best value for money In addition there is the fact that France is the most visited country in the world. Why not use your recovery period to spend time with your family to discover France and all its richness: culture, food, architecture, etc.   ·         Why should I put my trust in France-Surgery as opposed to than another facilitator? France-Surgery has more than 20 years of expertise in the French and international medical industry. These decades of experience allows us to keep contact with the best professionals and select only the most suitable health professionals, for the most precise medical or surgical treatments. We have received the Award for Best Medical Travel Agency in London, April 2015 and are the only certified medical facilitators in France.   At France-Surgery all your requests will be dealt with professionally for your peace of mind and that of your loved ones. We subscribe to the rules of best practice enforced for medical tourism, including the selection of partners accredited by the French Department of Health: Clinics and Hospitals offering the highest level of security, evaluated and accredited by the French National Authority for Health (HAS), Elite surgeons and doctors are members of the French Medical Association (Ordre National des Médecins). They participate in scientific development of their specific medical fields which are subject of scientific publications both in France and abroad. France-Surgery is an all-inclusive, one-stop service, our services include: Personalized information and professional advice to help you in making your decision Administrative procedure support Negotiation of preferential rates with clinics and partners Putting you in direct contact with the clinic and the specialist Support and assistance throughout your stay (clinic and post-operative care) from collection on arrival and drop-off Management of transfers, visits, accommodation, catering for patients and their loved ones     Do all the doctors within France-Surgery’s network work on the same campus?    France-Surgery’s extended medical network spans 120 clinics and hospitals all over France.   France-Surgery will put you in direct contact with any of our 1500 recommended specialists and surgeons.  It is the patient who usually gets to choose which French city would please them most.   All hospitals within our network are renowned for their excellence. Partners within our network are in located dynamic cities that also have a wealth of culture and activity  - including, Toulon, Bordeaux, Monaco, Béziers, Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and Marseille.   What types of license and credentials do your doctors have? Our team is composed of several reputable physicians and healthcare professionals with over 20 years of experience in the French medical sector. Aside from the obligatory and rigorously strict national qualifications, France Surgery recommended surgeons and doctors are elite members of the French Medical Association (Ordre National des Médecins).  They participate in scientific development of their specific medical fields, which are the subject of scientific publications both in France and abroad. Many of our doctors teach their peers at hospitals around the globe (eg. In USA, India, the UK) the newest techniques which have been developed within their specific field. What training and licensing do French nurses, pharmacists, imaging technicians and lab technicians receive?   French nurses, pharmacists, imaging technicians and lab technicians of go through rigorous, high quality training in order to pass examinations so as to obtain licenses to practice in France.  Nurses are re-certified every few years. Furthermore, intensive care nurses must receive higher training in specialized areas.   What is the rate of infection in France?   Out of the millions of patients treated at French hospitals each year, the rate of infection is less than 7%. This very low rate is because there is an extremely strict and thorough national infection control programme, which is re-evaluated every 4 years; in order to reduce hospital acquired infections in France. Under French law, clinics and hospitals have to collect data for this 4 yearly evaluation, data that includes (but is not limited to): - Yearly consumption of antiseptic hand-wash products for 1000 hospital days, - Incidence rates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, - Incidence rates of surgical site infections, - Monitoring antibiotic consumption. This information is then required by law to be made available to the public.   The objective is to constantly strengthen and monitor infection control and to improve the quality of care provided in health care institutions.   How do the international patients communicate with doctors and medical staff?   English is widely spoken by most of the doctors within our network. The France Surgery team can also provide French - English (and vice versa) interpretation both linguistically and of documents in situations where it is necessary.     How do I begin / make an appointment?   If you are interested in our offer you can contact France-Surgery directly at (+33) 953 02 03 09 to make an appointment or email us to request a free quotation.   You can also visit our website at www.france-surgery.com where you can then create your medical file in a secure area. This is where where we invite you to specify your pathology and you can upload your medical history and fill in the pre-diagnostic questionnaire intended for the surgeon or doctor on this highly secure eHealth platform.   Then you will be invited to pay the €50 administrative charges, which will be directly credited to your travel account. The eHealth platform secure area will allow: You to transmit your medical file directly to your doctor The surgeon or doctor can contact you directly You can discuss with your doctor or surgeon, the diagnosis and the organization of your future treatment. When you fly back home, you have the ability to send X-rays or other examination documents, for a more thorough post-surgery follow-up. The definitive cost of your treatment will be determined by the healthcare team, after the analysis of your medical file and the first meeting by telephone or videoconference.     How would you recommend the most suitable doctor?   If you request it, we can make a recommendation for you based on your pathology, the medical information you provide us, your desired city, and the appointment date. Otherwise we will send you profiles of doctors of which you can choose.   ·         How do I organize my stay? Once your medical file has been validated, the France-Surgery team will take over, through your secure area, to assist you in organizing your trip: administrative assistance, travel bookings, etc. Our team will contact you to discuss the organization of your travel as well as for the persons accompanying you, and will make proposals corresponding to your wishes and your budget. All your tickets, vouchers, reservations, information, etc. will be sent via this area.     Does France-Surgery make accommodations for the patient’s family members or friends etc.? Should you and your loved ones consider staying at a near-by hotel, France-Surgery would be happy to help you with reservations at hotels near to your clinic. Generally (for a small fee) one relative may accompany a patient in the single rooms at the hospital.  * It is highly recommend that patients travel with a family member or loved one with whom they are comfortable sharing a high level of privacy. *   Are there fun activities we may participate in outside of the hospital stays and appointments?   Based on the type of surgery you have received, your interests and your doctor’s prescription, France-Surgery can help you and your accompanying loved ones find cultural activities (festivals, museums etc) that are available in the city of your surgery. Other wise, each city in France has its own official website. For suggestions of activities happening in your city at the time of your surgery, you may also visit your cities website (eg. Cannes.com), Which will detail the calendar of events happening in that specific city all year. ·         How is the post-operative follow-up organized? After your procedure and during the recovery period in France, your surgeon may wish to see you again (once or twice) for post-operative consultations. During this time, a nurse will provide necessary care, e.g. changing dressings, medications, etc. directly at the hotel where you may be recovering.   When you return home, your surgeon will remain in contact with you by telephone if necessary, and may even contact your general practitioner to make sure your recovery is going well.   Two new check-ups by your French surgeon will take place at the 2-month mark and at the 6-month mark, by exchanging of X-rays/Images and other examinations through your secure area on the France-Surgery’s eHealth platform (login to your account at france-surgery.com)   Should the recovery be unsatisfactory, the surgeon will indicate to you the procedure to follow, and will consider a possible return for another procedure.  In this case, all healthcare costs (consultation and procedure by the surgeon as well as the recovery stay) will be at the expense of the surgeon and clinic. Transport expenses remain the responsibility of the patient. Do you have a pick-up service and drop off service for the airport? Yes! Based on the patient plan you have selected, France-Surgery can pick you up at the airport, and at the end of your trip ensure your safe and timely arrival at the airport for your flight.  Please provide us with your flight arrival time and patient information, prior to your travel date. Additional service charges may apply.     Where is France-Surgery located and what is nearby?   Our offices are located in Toulouse (south-west) France, which has the affectionate nickname ‘la ville rose’ (the pink city) due to the architecture made of pinkish bricks.   Toulouse is conveniently located just a few hours drive from Spain and our international airport provides easy direct access to many major cities including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels and Munich. Toulouse is a stop on the trans-European network of trains, so you can also easily hop on the train for a more scenic trip to any of these cities. Within walking distance of Toulouse city-centre are many of the most popular hotels, embassies, restaurants and major shopping destinations.   For map information click here.   Does France-Surgery offer cost estimates?   Yes, simply to click the "free quote" icon and fill in the questionnaire at www.france-surgery.com to request a quote and inquire about treatment costs. The total in-patient and out-patient cost estimate includes surgical fees, doctor’s fees, lab tests, medicine, and room fees. It also includes (based on the patient plan you have selected) the assistance of France-Surgery. We assist patients with issues such as translation services (both documents and linguistic), transportation logistics, hotel stays, arranging post-surgery follow-ups by nurses at your hotel, post-surgery comfort packs to help with long flights home, guarantees that you can stay in touch with your French doctor even after you arrive back to your home country. Can my medical costs be covered?   It all depends on the health system of your country. If you are from a country within the European Union, after your treatment stay, you will be given an invoice in English. When you return home, this invoice must be sent to the health care received abroad form that has been duly filled in – this form is available from your health insurance fund – which you send to your insurance company to obtain reimbursement for the health care.   France-Surgery International tel. no.: +33 953 02 03 09 E-mail: contact@france-for-health-surgery.com   ·         Can I pay in several installments? To make your trip easier, France-Surgery allows payment in 3 installments at no additional charge. ·         What are the administrative procedures to follow? For EU citizens – http://europa.eu/index_fr.htm For non-EU citizens – http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/   We can also support you in the entire administrative process.     What happens should I decide to cancel my procedure?   You have the right to change your mind! If you decide to cancel or postpone your trip, you have up to 15 days in relation to your arrival date, to modify or cancel without charge. After this 15-day period, 100% of the paid amounts will be retained due to late cancellation.   What is the legal recourse to take should something happen during my medical treatment? France Surgery is a medical facilitator; we assist with medical travel and accommodation plans. We furnish information about the best health specialists, hospitals and clinics for specific pathologies and conditions. We do not provide medical services ourselves. Although we use a reasonable level of skill and professionalism in choosing our medical network, France Surgery cannot be held responsible for any errors of the doctors, hospitals / clinics (third parties). In case of medical misconduct by any member of a medical team, the patient is directed to contact the third parties directly. By law all French doctors and clinics have to publicly list the details of their insurance (the number etc should be attached to all invoices). Should something happen during surgery, patients should make note of the insurance contact details of the medical professional or institution. Disclaimer: In terms of liability the medical facilitator (France Surgery) is not legally responsible for the actions of the medical staff.      

The best time of year to visit France for surgery

03/07/2014

France is a year–round destination that attracts a steady flow of visitors throughout the four seasons of the year. But if that’s the case, when is the best time to travel there for surgery? Well, the summer months are inevitably the most popular and afford the warmest weather. However, the low seasons draw fewer crowds and, therefore, can be a more pleasant time to visit; especially for surgery with its inevitable recovery period. Weather As we’ve said, summer months in France offer the warmest weather, but the country actually enjoys a pleasant and relatively temperate climate all year. Certain regions have their own microclimates, which can cause temperature fluctuations from town to town. For example, an oceanic climate with high humidity is afforded on the Atlantic and Channel coasts, while Paris and the central regions have an intermediate climate with relatively warm summers and cold winters. The south of France, as everyone knows, enjoys a Mediterranean climate that sometimes allows for super-hot summers and calm winters. Crowds School holidays and warm weather mean that May to September is often the busiest time to visit France. Remember though, that France has a reputation for romance and Paris in particular sees a large influx of visitors on and around Valentine’s Day. Two notable French sporting events that attract large numbers of visitors are the Tour De Franceand French Open tennis championships that are held in July and May to June respectively. Furthermore, the Paris Auto Show often entices huge numbers of car enthusiasts. The event, that takes place in October each year, is the pinnacle of the French automobile calendar and gives manufacturers an international audience to which to showcase their unique styles to. France really is a year-round destination, so anytime you are thinking of travelling there for surgery will be fine. However, it’s also worth noting that many small shops and restaurants in Paris and elsewhere, for that matter, often close for part or all of August, when residents take their yearly holidays. Remember though that large crowds may not be the perfect post-surgery prescription, so choose your dates with that in mind. Photo credit: Flickr

L'ÉQUIPE

02/05/2014

L'ÉQUIPE France Surgery est une plateforme d’accès au système de santé français pour les patients internationaux et les expatriés. France SURGERY est une société française privée dont le siège est situé à Toulouse et possède plus de 20 années d'expérience dans le secteur médical français. Notre équipe est composée de plusieurs médecins, spécialistes et professionnels de la santé. Nous vous mettons en contact avec les spécialistes les plus appropriés et veillons à ce que l’organisation de votre traitement médical ou chirurgical soit la plus confortable possible pour votre tranquillité d'esprit et celle de votre famille. Nous mettons notre expérience à votre service et vous proposons : La meilleure Qualité de soins Aux meilleurs Coûts Dans les meilleurs Délais Forte d'une expérience de plus de 20 ans, dans le monde médical, l'équipe de France Surgery vous offre un accès direct à son réseau d’établissements de santé et de spécialistes de renommée internationale sur tout le territoire français. France Surgery - Un guichet unique " all inclusive ": Informations et conseils personnalisés pour vous permettre de prendre votre propre décision Assistance aux démarches administratives Elaboration de devis personnalisés Accompagnement et assistance tout au long de votre séjour Gestion des transferts, de l'hébergement, accueil des patients et de leurs accompagnants … Dans ce cadre, France Surgery a choisi son équipe et ses partenaires selon les principes d'un code déontologique et d'éthique le plus strict. Nos atouts: Nous proposons la plus grande plate-forme en ligne d’accès au système de soins français pour les patients internationaux, avec environ 120 établissements de santé et plus de 1500 spécialistes hautement expérimentés à travers tout le pays ... Accès direct à des spécialistes français de renommée internationale Plate-forme sécurisée pour l'échange de données médicales : Votre espace sécurisé totalement confidentiel permettra au chirurgien ou au médecin: D'accéder facilement à votre dossier médical : historique médical, prescriptions en cours, radios, IRM, groupes et tests sanguins complets… D’échanger directement avec vous ou votre médecin généraliste de manière strictement confidentielle pour pouvoir mieux prévoir l'organisation de votre traitement. Une sélection de centres d’excellence composés d’équipes médicales hautement expérimentées selon un code éthique très strict de la pratique médicale. Une estimation financière réaliste et complète avant votre départ.- Un suivi postopératoire régulier : Envoi automatique de questionnaires médicaux et scoring pour permettre au chirurgien de suivre l’évolution de votre convalescence, suivi grâce à la plateforme France SURGERY. Vous restez en contact direct avec votre médecin même après retour à la maison: vous ne vous sentirez jamais seul! Ce que nos patients pensent de nous : cliquez ici

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