The Center is directly across from The Surgery Center at Doral , an elite , state-of-the-art ambulatory center . Having these services under one roof really works to reduce the stress and financial strain for patients and their families from having to visit multiple locations once here for treatment .
Approximately 20 % of my patients are international patients and represent an even higher percentage of my surgical cases , and while they come from around the world , most are from Latin American and the Caribbean which , as the gateway to Latin America , Miami is a preferred location . These patients travel from abroad , and seek the newest and most technologically advanced treatment methods . In most cases , they don ’ t have family in the area , and to alleviate that burden , we have an international coordinator that takes them through the process step by step and , an important part of that is recommending lodging at one of our partner hotel properties . Once there , they will rely on the partner to then recommend area shopping , restaurants and activities . These often wealthy medical tourists represent a true untapped opportunity in the luxury hospitality market .
Luxury hoteliers have a great opportunity for growth with this sector as many medical tourists may want to combine traveling for a procedure with a vacation . The first step is connecting with your local medical community . Here are a few tips for consideration :
1 . Research the local medical communities that already cater to international patients , specifically , executive physicians or surgery centers that offer outpatient procedures . Stop by and introduce yourself , and begin to nurture those relationships . Many health care providers have concierge programs in place to help ease the burden traveling patients face . These programs and its coordinators assist with travel arrangements , hotel recommendations and coordination of initial medical visits , treatment plans and recovery after medical procedures .
2 . Explore the Medical Tourism Association web site for relevant and helpful tips and ideas . And , reach out to them if you have a particular query .
3 . Offer special amenities that will entice not only the surgeon or concierge coordinator to refer their patients to you , but also entice the patient to choose your brand . Some of the services that we provide to our patients --is 24-hour assistance or care . Most of the time , patients travel with a caregiver , but there are instances when they travel alone . So , it is especially important to have easy access to the surgeon or medical team in case they need to be contacted . That can be as easy as placing the phone close by in the recovery area or in the patient ’ s room . Or , a personal concierge can be assigned to be in constant contact with the medical coordinator for any special needs or instructions the patient might have .
4 . Tap into local healthcare providers and medical centers for “ go to expertise ” and to establish partnerships . Train personnel , especially concierges , on tips that help in the recovery process . The relationship between the patient and the health care professional is very personal , and it ’ s important for the patient to feel that the hotel staff and the medical staff are well connected with each other and provide an extra personal touch with guests .
5 . Curate a “ Get Well Soon ” menu . Patients are already burdened with traveling away from their home country for medical care , and sometimes they do not know the area well enough to choose restaurants that offer and deliver healthy and delicious food options .
6 . Offer transportation or a shuttle service to and from the surgeon ’ s office . This is very important as patients can ’ t drive after surgery , and this will facilitate the commute and bring reassurance to the patient when making their decision on which hotel to choose .
There is a famous Chinese proverb , “ He who returns from a journey is not the same as he who left ,” this is very important as that ’ s exactly what medical tourists seek by traveling abroad . They want to fix the health problem , have a more positive medical opinion and enjoy the trip just like any other vacation . The goal is to offer extraordinary medical care , make the experience convenient , and as comfortable as we can . We aim to deliver a first class experience from start to finish .
About the author Dr . Badia , a two-time South Florida Business Journal Top 100 Power Leaders in Healthcare and a Top 100 Under 50 Diverse Executive Leader by Diversity MBA Magazine , has also been honored with Legacy Awards from Today ’ s Work Comp Professionals and The Doral Business Council . OrthoNOW ® was named a “ Top Ten Franchise Opportunity ” in healthcare by Entrepreneur Magazine and featured in the following media : Franchise Times , Orthopedics This Week , South Florida Business Journal , Franchise USA Magazine and The Miami Herald .
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