Dr. Clavel and Artificial Disc Replacement (Spain) & Other Surgeons Overseas

[KBear]

Dear Katie
Wow that's a lot of research in 4 years. How did Dr Pimenta know or diagnose which levels in your neck were affected and how many levels to operate on. I know for sure i have c6-7 but confusing if other levels are affected. You have been so helpful. Also is there a middle man that makes money when you use healthbase or whatever they're called or is it cheaper and better to directly talk with Dr Pimenta?
Margie

A little off subject, but I would avoid spine brokers at all costs. From what I understand, most everyone is able to deal directly with the surgeon they will be using and line everything up through them and it's very easy, with no fees to a spine broker (who may also be biased based off of dr's paying them for the referrals.) Just my opinion, as I'm sure some would swear by them.

[jss]

... Also is there a middle man that makes money when you use healthbase or whatever they're called or is it cheaper and better to directly talk with Dr Pimenta?

Margie,

The real value added benefit of organizations like Healthbase or PlanetHospital is that they can expose you to a lot of different options. For someone that is thoroughly uneducated about their condition and the different options out there, reputable medical tourism companies such as the two I just mentioned can be very beneficial. For someone that is already aware of most of their options, I don't think that really add a lot of benefit.

I don't know the business arrangements between medical tourism companies and medical providers, but I am absolutely certain that the providers pay some percentage or flat rate for the medical tourism service. And yes, that would result in the price that you pay going up by that amount.

As you are already intending to contact Dr Pimenta, I don't know that you'd receive much of a benefit by positioning a medical tourism company in between you and him.

Good luck, Jeff

[trkdoc714]

Margie,

I think medical tourism companies are harmful especially for those that don't understand their options. In the past we've seen these spine brokers direct patients to "their" choices of surgeons who convince patients into possibly unnecessary surgeries or procedures just to add to their bottom line with little regard for the patients' needs or well being. There is always a financial arrangement with medical tour guides and the professionals they direct patients to.

A travel agent can provide the same useful services a medical tour guide offers.

Bob

[Margie]

A little off subject, but I would avoid spine brokers at all costs. From what I understand, most everyone is able to deal directly with the surgeon they will be using and line everything up through them and it's very easy, with no fees to a spine broker (who may also be biased based off of dr's paying them for the referrals.) Just my opinion, as I'm sure some would swear by them.

ok cant agree more. how did you reach pimenta--email address?

[KBear]

ok cant agree more. how did you reach pimenta--email address?

Dr Luiz Pimenta BRAZIL

In the travel forums there are many other doctors listed with contact information too.