In many ways Doug’s story is representative of the situation many people in North America find themselves in. Self-employed or running a small business, they live a reasonably comfortable life yet they are unable or unwilling to pay for healthcare insurance. When disaster strikes or their health deteriorates, they are usually faced with a tough choice: either find the financial resources to cover the cost of treatment, or delay treatment with potentially dire consequences.
Doug runs a small business installing air-conditioning and central heating units in Minnesota. Years of lugging around heavy fixtures and moving up and down ladders have taken their toll on his body, leading to a limping gait and other musculoskeletal problems. Doug had been putting off the inevitable for as long as he could, but things had gotten so bad that it impaired his ability to work and therefore earn an income. The people who saw him walk would invariably say “You need a hip”, and it wouldn’t be long before it got too late.
Like more than fifty million Americans Doug doesn’t have health insurance, and he is still years away from qualifying for Medicare. For people without health insurance, a total hip replacement will cost $40,000 on average in the United States. So Doug started looking for alternatives outside of his home country, and after a process of elimination that took into consideration total cost, reputation, safety, and other geopolitical factors, he decided that he would travel to Taiwan for hip surgery. After contacting and dealing with various hospitals there, he elected to have the procedure done at Min-Sheng General Hospital in Taoyuan.
Min-Sheng General Hospital has long been a leader in the field of medical travel in Taiwan, and has acquired a lot of experience dealing with patients from western countries. Moreover, the hospital’s proximity to the country’s main international airport makes it a convenient choice for those traveling from abroad. The International Healthcare Center at Min-Sheng made all the arrangements for and coordinated Doug’s stay and treatment in Taiwan. Before proceeding with a total hip replacement, Doug who hadn’t seen a doctor in a while and is overweight had a comprehensive health screening. He also met with his surgeon and anesthesiologist to discuss the procedure and the type of implant that would be used; Doug was impressed that the artificial hip that would be used was one of the latest models of a famous American brand.
The surgery and ensuing recovery went very well. Patients undergoing invasive surgeries are advised not to fly for a period of at least two weeks after surgery to minimize the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) associated with long periods of immobilization, and since Doug had travelled to Taiwan alone the staff at Min-Sheng had insisted he stay in the hospital until his departure. Doug was a model patient and followed his doctor, nurses, and physiotherapist instructions scrupulously. He also endeared himself to everyone by showing a keen and genuine interest in the local culture and customs.
By the time Doug left the hospital and Taiwan, he was already walking steadily. He was also convinced that he had made the right choice by traveling to Min-Sheng for treatment. Things were looking up for Doug and before leaving he announced:”I will see you again in a few years…for the other hip!”
