The United States is a global leader with its world-class medical facilities and top-notch medical teams, especially in the fields of cancer, heart disease, and neurosurgery.
For many patients, traveling to the U.S. for medical treatment is not only about solving health problems but also about seeking the best possible treatment.
In this article, we will introduce you to the process of medical treatment in the U.S., appointments, and related costs, to help you better plan your trip to the U.S. for medical treatment.
First, we will discuss the process of medical treatment in the United States. Medical treatment in the U.S. usually includes the following steps:
Understanding The Condition And Choosing A Hospital:
Patients need to first understand their condition and decide whether they need to go to the U.S. for medical treatment.
Through initial diagnosis and consultation, patients can choose to go through a medical intermediary or contact a U.S. hospital directly to find out if they are suitable to receive a U.S. treatment plan.
There are several world-class hospitals in the U.S., such as MD Anderson Cancer Center and Mayo Clinic, etc., and patients can choose the most appropriate hospital according to their condition.
Medical Consultation and Appointment
Once the hospital is determined, the patient needs to have a medical consultation. U.S. hospitals usually require patients to provide detailed medical records, examination reports, and imaging data.
Visa Application
Patients traveling to the U.S. for medical treatment usually need to apply for a B2 medical visa. When applying for a visa, patients are required to provide a medical certificate proving that they need medical treatment in the U.S., as well as documentation of an appointment at the relevant hospital.
Going to the U.S. for Treatment
Once the visa is approved, the patient can travel to the United States for treatment according to the established schedule.
Post-Operative Follow-Up and Rehabilitation
After treatment, patients are usually required to undergo post-operative follow-up and rehabilitation.
Cost of Medical Treatment in the U.S.
The cost of medical treatment in the U.S. is usually high and consists of a combination of medical expenses, travel expenses, and visa fees.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are the largest expenses for medical treatment in the United States. The cost of treatment varies greatly by type of disease. For example, high-end medical services such as cancer treatment and heart surgery cost more.
In general, the cost of cancer treatment ranges from $5,000 to $30,000 per treatment, while the cost of heart surgery and plastic surgery ranges from approximately $20,000 to $100,000 per treatment.
The exact cost will vary depending on the patient's condition and treatment plan.
Travel Costs
Travel costs for medical treatment in the United States include airfare, lodging, and transportation.
Round-trip airfare will cost approximately $2,000 to $5,000, and lodging will typically cost $150 to $500 per night. Patients also need to budget for additional costs such as transportation and meals.
Costs of Medical Intermediary Services
Many patients choose to go through a medical intermediary to arrange for medical treatment in the United States.
Intermediaries usually charge a fee for their services, which include hospital appointments, visa processing, travel arrangements, interpreters to accompany the patient and other services.
Intermediary services typically range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the services provided.
Why is Traveling To The U.S. For Medical Treatment Not For Everyone?
Receiving treatment in the United States is a distant ideal for most international patients.
Challenge 1: High Costs and No Insurance Coverage
As mentioned above, treatment in a U.S. hospital costs at least $1-3 million for a single procedure, not including long-distance travel, lodging, and living expenses.
And 95% of international patients do not have insurance to cover these costs.
Challenge 2: Prolonged Stay in The U.S. Or Traveling Between China and The U.S.
Cancer treatment is a long-term process, and a stage of remission is not the same as a long-term remission. Depending on the stage of the cancer, some patients will be in the U.S. for an extended period or will be traveling between China and the U.S.
As Shi Yonggang, author of “Patients Without Borders,” mentions in his book, his choice was a 10-year ordeal, which was physically and mentally demanding.
Applying to Anderson Hospital - Your Two Choices
There are two ways to obtain medical services in the United States:
1. Direct Application to US Hospitals
This method is possible if you have already arrived in the US, have health insurance, and are fluent in English, or if you are proficient in English and have help in the US.
However, for most international patients, this route is more difficult.
Because you need to:
Choose the right hospital based on its area of specialization.
Deal with the complexity of the appointment system.
Fill out numerous forms in English.
Prepare and translate all medical records.
Process visa applications and travel arrangements.
2. Using Medical Tourism Agencies
This is a more common option for international patients. These organizations will assist with everything from choosing a doctor to booking an interpreter.
They usually provide:
Assistance in choosing the right hospital and doctor.
Medical visa assistance.
Travel and accommodation bookings.
Medical record organization.
Translation services.
Apply for maximum hospital discounts for patients.
Comparison of Medical Service Providers for U.S. Visits
There are many players in China's medical tourism industry, but two stand out: Centinel and Medebound HEALTH.
Founded in 2011, Sinox is a well-known medical tourism organization in China. It has offices in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and has links with hospitals in the US, UK, and Japan. Its high visibility is built in part on media and airport advertising.
However, its services are expensive, with fees ranging from RMB200,000 to RMB500,000, making it suitable for ultra-high-end clients who value prestige over cost.
In contrast, Medebound HEALTH, founded in 2015, offers a more cost-effective approach. Headquartered in New York City with branches in mainland China and Hong Kong, Medebound HEALTH has strong partnerships with top 500 financial insurers such as Ping An and Taikang.
Uniquely, they are backed by a 30+ year network of renowned US doctors. Medebound HEALTH's fees range from RMB 80,000 to 200,000, significantly lower than their competitors.
They focus on providing high-quality customized professional services at affordable prices so that more clients can enjoy the top medical services in the United States.
How Does Medebound HEALTH Save You Money?
1. Negotiate With Hospitals: We often obtain additional 10%-30% discounts from U.S. hospitals. Our strong network and direct contacts will work in your favor.
2. Smart Use of Telemedicine: Get expert advice without the expense of traveling. Sometimes you can make an informed decision with just a video consultation.
3. Customized Packages: Instead of expensive “one size fits all” deals, we create a plan that fits your needs and budget. You pay only for the services you need.
4. Efficient Process: Our direct contact with reputable doctors means faster appointments and less wait time, saving you money on longer stays.
Our Real Patient Stories
While we cannot disclose specific names, our success stories include:
Saving a heart patient over 400,000 RMB finding a previously unknown clinical trial and applying for reduced medical and clinical fees.
Obtained a complete treatment plan for a cancer patient via telemedicine that could be followed by a domestic doctor, avoiding 300,000 RMB in expensive overseas fees.
A patient with a rare disease was connected to a textbook U.S. specialist for the disease in question and was able to speak with the U.S. specialist and begin treatment locally within 1 week, all from the comfort of his home.
The Power of Second Consultations
Many people must realize that you do not have to travel to the United States in person to get top medical advice. Medebound HEALTH offers remote second opinions via video consultation.
If you've used “Good Doctor Online” or “Dr. Clove's” graphic/voice/video or private doctor, you can now talk to a top U.S. specialist via voice/video through us as well.
The service:
Save you unnecessary traveling expenses.
Helps you decide if treatment in the U.S. is right for you.
Gives you access to top U.S. doctors from the comfort of your own home.
Provide professional advice from the top 3 hospital directors to help you get the best treatment options.
Ensure follow-up treatment and give you access to clinical trials or new therapies
Many patients find that a remote second opinion may be just what they need. Evaluate your condition before deciding on the need and best time to travel to the United States.
This is a smart first step in the process of seeking treatment overseas.
Tip: Medebound HEALTH, a U.S.-based overseas medical service provider that has served thousands of international patients, has found that 10% of patients who come to us for a consultation at Anderson are able to travel to the U.S., and 60% end up opting for a telemedicine option.
There are geographical and cultural reasons for this, but more than anything else, it's a cost consideration.
From the above comparisons, it is easy to see that for international patients whose income is not at the top of the income pyramid, telemedicine brings convenience to patients who desire overseas medical help.
Telemedicine saves patients a great deal of cost, financial and emotional stress, as well as the physical and mental challenges that come with it.
Why Medebound HEALTH is Different
Medebound HEALTH is a U.S.-based overseas medical service provider based in New York City, not an ordinary medical broker.
Compared to other overseas medical service providers, Medebound HEALTH is unique in the following ways:
1. Direct Access to Doctors:
Unlike organizations that only connect you with hospitals, Medebound HEALTH gives you direct access to top U.S. doctors. This means you can get an appointment faster and get better treatment.
2. Relationships Are Critical:
While some organizations only connect you with hospitals, Medebound HEALTH has built strong relationships not only with U.S. hospitals but also with their top doctors. This ensures that you will have continuity of service and access to new treatments or clinical trials if needed.
3. The Speed Advantage:
Need to see a top specialist fast? Medebound HEALTH can often arrange for you to meet with a director-level professor online faster than other organizations.
4. Cost Savings:
By cutting out the middleman, Medebound HEALTH offers a more cost-effective service than many of its competitors. You don't have to pay for layers of agencies.
5. Customization:
Unlike some agencies that offer one-size-fits-all packages, Medebound HEALTH will create a plan that is tailored to your specific situation, saving you from unnecessary expenses.
6. Recognized in the United States:
While some organizations are more reputable in China, Medebound HEALTH is listed on many official U.S. hospital websites. This shows that US medical organizations trust and value their services.
7. Direct Provider Model:
Medebound HEALTH is a direct provider of healthcare services, not just an intermediary. This means we have more control over the quality and speed of our services.
8. Focus on U.S. Healthcare/Headquartered in New York:
Unlike organizations that spread their efforts across multiple countries, Medebound HEALTH focuses on U.S. healthcare services. This focus gives it deeper expertise and deeper ties to U.S. hospitals.
What's Next?
Medebound HEALTH is committed to providing patients in Asia with direct access to top-name doctors.
When faced with a serious health issue, you should seek out the best possible organization. Medebound HEALTH provides you with:
1. Direct access to top U.S. doctors
2. Faster hospital appointments
3. Better follow-up care
4. Cost savings
5. Customized services
6. Remote secondary care
Whether you need a second visit or complete treatment in the U.S., we're here to help.
Take Action Today
Don't wait - every day counts. Contact Medebound HEALTH now:
Website: https://www.medeboundhealth.com/
Toll-Free US Number: +19173101780
Let us connect you with the USA's top doctors, whether through video consultation or treatment in the US. Our team is ready to help you access world-class care at manageable costs.
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