European vs. US surgeons: Is the trip worth it?

[Chevalier]

Thanks for the answers.

My only concern was: Are surgeons in the US really better? The reason for this assumption is that this operation is performed much more frequently per capita there than elsewhere, and that there is something like competition between surgeons, which in turn should have a positive effect on quality. In addition, the US has medical malpractice laws that we patients in Europe can only dream of.

These are the positive aspects, which are certainly offset by negative aspects.

This can also be seen in health insurance: on the one hand, US insurance companies sometimes cover more than European insurance companies, but on the other hand, you are literally screwed if something happens that is not covered: they will let you go under without batting an eyelid.

Roughly speaking, you can get high-quality surgery in the US for around €30,000, including ancillary costs, and in the EU for €20,000. The question now is whether the €10,000 difference (plus the uncertainties) is worth it. And that would only be the case if the top surgeons in the US were really that much better than those in the EU.

With all due respect, I would not consider traveling to an emerging country like Turkey for such a delicate operation. I would rather stay in Germany, Italy, France, or the UK.

This also applies to innovative brands like Rigicon.

[slckgg]

In Turkey, you can have an excellent operation for around €10,000. The healthcare sector here is far more advanced compared to Italy, France, and the UK. I think it’s definitely worth looking into.

[UpNorth]

As far as who pays for it -- that would be via high taxes

- Chuck

Actually, your remark is not correct. I'm in Tokyo. The government regulates what big pharm and hospitals charge. In the USA, anything goes. This is why, for a simple operation in the US, prices can range from $5,000 to $150,000 -- for the same thing, dependent upon which hospital you go to. There is no standardized, common sense pricing. And if they can charge more, they will. This is probably also why if you pay for surgery in the US out of pocket, it can cost literally a tenth of its costs if insurance pays.

I say this because many of my US friends also head abroad to get their procedures / non-critical / critical surgeries done. My taxes in Japan are far, far lower than in the US. For dental, I regularly get my teeth cleaned and cavity filled for under $25. Few years ago, had an MRI completed for less than $80. After, I had procedure to correct two hernias (both sides of the groin) done at St. Lukes, Tokyo with an overnight stay for $1,400. The way it works for all medical, I pay 30% and the State pays 70%.

While not perfect, overall, I love my state healthcare.

I do believe you are a bit mislead to a degree. On EOB it is quite frequently posted max charge that insurance pays to medical team.

My implant cost me two $40. Co-pays.
My deductible is $600. A year plus co-pays and it was just raised last year. At my age it’s not hard to run through a deductible.
Twenty five years ago i don’t believe i had a deductible.
Many have better and many don’t have this good and I’m not sure how this ranks between best and worst.

[body2body]

With all due respect, I would not consider traveling to an emerging country like Turkey for such a delicate operation. I would rather stay in Germany, Italy, France, or the UK.

Especially Turkey is well-known for good surgery, especially about hair transplant and penile-implant.

I am from Germany and flew into Turkey to have it done, just because these clinics are specialized in that kind of surgeries and do about 5x more implants than German clinics and in my opinion experience cannot be beaten.

Apart from that "our" countries like Germany, USA etc still have a good reputation from the good old days, but by now, those "emerging" countries are passing by in the fast lanes.

I had a retinal detachment happen to me in Thailand this year on a Thursday. So I called my friend home (he works in a high-classs clinic) and he said "when you catch the next flight on Friday, you will be here on Saturday noon but only small peronal on the weekends and many emergencies, so they will NOT do any surgery before Tuesday........stay in Thailand if possible!"

I did so and my surgery was done Friady night 9 pm. Perfect hospital, professional doctors and an aftercare that was outstanding compared to Germany!!!