How does BridgeHealth screen hospitals, physicians and dentists for the World-Class Provider Network™ ?
BridgeHealth carefully selects facilities which are accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) or organizations with equivalent standards. JCI is a division of Joint Commission Resources (JCR), the not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission, the largest accreditor of healthcare organizations in the US

In many cases, provider data is available for customers to perform healthcare comparison shopping and self-evaluate hospital services.

What is the level of medical training among international doctors and dentists?
Many doctors and dentists abroad have been educated and trained in the US or other Western countries. They have advanced schooling, skills, and experience equivalent to those of doctors in American hospitals and medical centers. Doctors in our network are often active participants in their professional organizations and many have published papers on the procedures they offer. They are well-respected by their peers and have successful track records. Additionally, we encourage clients to research, review and determine their level of comfort with an individual provider.

Do hospitals in other countries have the same type of facilities and equipment as Western hospitals?
Hospitals in the World-Class Provider Network™ are often as well-equipped and cutting-edge as modern US hospitals and other Western facilities. Many of them were designed and furnished by the same medical experts who set up hospitals in Western countries.

What types of medical procedures are available in other countries?
Virtually every type of medical or dental procedure from minor to complex is available through the World-Class Provider Network™ . Bypass surgery, knee and hip replacements, cancer care, dental work, plastic surgery, weight loss procedures and much more are available to today’s medical traveler.

What kind of complications or problems might arise if I travel abroad for healthcare?
Every surgical procedure carries with it risks for complications such as bleeding and infection. The risk of blood clots can be higher because of travel and associated dehydration. (See: Are there any concerns regarding air travel following a medical procedure? in the Travel section) Other complications that could occur abroad are the same ones that occur in hospitals in the US and are directly related to poor communication. Miscommunication or lack of communication about a patient’s allergies, health history, or treatment specifics is the number one reason for medical errors in the US, according to the Joint Commission.

Post-operative problems and complications often occur when clients take post-op care into their own hands. It is important to follow the instructions of your treating doctors. The serious impact of non-compliance applies to medicine worldwide, not just medical travel.