Atlanta / Houston for Medical Travel

[Courage]

Anyhow, it's coming down in my head to Clavell or Hakky. Saw both. Liked both. Just depends on which concerns I'll put a bit higher.

Anyone who traveled to one of these cities have any advice about where to stay and, if I can't find a friend to go with me, getting post-op transport and care for whatever brief time I'd need it? Do their offices help with this stuff?

Thanks in advance.

[ElbowRoom]

I also consulted with Clavell and Hakky, I'm scheduled with Hakky in October -- I'm close to Atlanta so that made the choice easier (both surgeons are great).

The area of Atlanta where Hakky's practice is located is called Buckhead, but he does surgeries at Northside hospital in Lawrenceville, which is probably 25+ miles north of there. Ask their office if it would be better to get a room near the hospital or near their office. Buckhead's a pretty high-end area so rooms there might be pricey. If his office can't help with transport then getting a taxi or Uber should be easy at either location. A better solution is to have somebody there with you, rent a car, and let them drive you around for a few days.

[alans4570]

I traveled from Wisconsin to Houston for my surgery with Dr. Clavell. It was a long haul but well worth it. I went online and booked an Airbnb close to the hospital. You'll want to get there couple of days early as your surgeon will call in medication that you will need to take prior and after surgery. Dr. Clavell wanted me to stay a couple days after surgery just to make sure all was well before the long journey home.

[2435tjklAS]

Yes their office sets you up with transport and care. My first time with Hakky was with a black woman named Terry who had the ATL-vibe and seemed to mostly go out and do her errands. I planned to contact her again but Hakky said she doesn't do this anymore and her phone is out of service now, ouch. So they gave me this:



It's not cheap. Like $250 just for transport and something hourly for care.

And if you're like me and feel this is completely and totally unnecessary, a friend is cheaper, or options to cheat the system with craigslist or something might be possible, which I've done for local procedures but probably shouldn't for these.

[Courage]

I also consulted with Clavell and Hakky, I'm scheduled with Hakky in October -- I'm close to Atlanta so that made the choice easier (both surgeons are great).

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm on the fence--they're recommending different approaches, and I have worries about both.

If I might ask, why wait 'til October?

[Courage]

And if you're like me and feel this is completely and totally unnecessary, a friend is cheaper, or options to cheat the system with craigslist or something might be possible, which I've done for local procedures but probably shouldn't for these.

Thanks for the response, man. Yeah about expense. If i hadn't been through two surgeries already I'd stay local--never thought I'd be a medical tourist!

[Courage]

I traveled from Wisconsin to Houston for my surgery with Dr. Clavell. It was a long haul but well worth it. I went online and booked an Airbnb close to the hospital. You'll want to get there couple of days early as your surgeon will call in medication that you will need to take prior and after surgery. Dr. Clavell wanted me to stay a couple days after surgery just to make sure all was well before the long journey home.

Thank you for the response! My trip to Houston for the consult was a bit of a nightmare. I ended up spending the night at the airport because my flight got cancelled really late.

[ElbowRoom]

I also consulted with Clavell and Hakky, I'm scheduled with Hakky in October -- I'm close to Atlanta so that made the choice easier (both surgeons are great).

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm on the fence--they're recommending different approaches, and I have worries about both.

If I might ask, why wait 'til October?

I fly a small airplane for recreation, and Summer months are prime flying time. I thought I'd wait until the fall when I don't have as much incentive to be out of the house. Plus there's a good chance I'll have to pay out-of-pocket, so I'm putting off writing fat checks a bit. I've been re-thinking that and I might move up the date, my insurance is changing as well and might improve the situation.

[prguy3]

I also consulted with Clavell and Hakky, I'm scheduled with Hakky in October -- I'm close to Atlanta so that made the choice easier (both surgeons are great).

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm on the fence--they're recommending different approaches, and I have worries about both.

If I might ask, why wait 'til October?

I travelled to Clavell, and I was extremely satisfied with everything. I stayed in a local hotel that his team recommended. The staff in the hospital were great, and his surgery scheduler was very professional and attentive at all times. I wonder, what was the difference in their approaches and what worries you? Wish you the best!