Traveling Patients II

So, you have gotten a consult with a doctor who is a plane flight away and you are trying to decide whether to travel to the rhinoplasty surgeon who you perceive to be more accomplished, or to stay local with a surgeon who you think is also good. Lets assume that you would choose the distant doctor if he was in your town, and the issue must at least in part come down to some practicalities. Do you have a relative in the distant city with whom you can impose yourself upon for 7-10 days  or do you have to stay in a hotel [we have an arrangement at a  very clean 5 star kitchenette type hotel 1/2 mile away for around $125 a night and we have a nurse or aide who can stay with you and we actually lower our fees to offset in part the extra cost]. In any case, the comfort of home may be missed. The first 7-10 days are the most important and whether you are in your own town or distant city, I  [and I assume most other plastic surgeons, but it is a good question to ask] am available around the clock for any concerns.  I don’t think the initial recovery process of being seen the next day and then as needed for reassurance or minor cleanings and then for splint removal at 7 days is significantly different except for ease or transportation. In our situation, we will pick you up or you can take a cab if your friend or relative that accompanies you does not rent a car. If you are traveling alone, we have someone stay at least the first day with you and my friendly staff talks to you daily prn. More to come next post.

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