FAQs and Tips
Surgical Procedure FAQs in Costa Rica and Puerto Rico
Why should I consider medical tourism?
The cost of healthcare is unaffordable for many, even with insurance, due to high out-of-pocket costs and high deductibles. Our pricing is 50-70% less than average prices in the USA, often even inclusive of travel and accommodations. Another reason to consider medical tourism is that some treatments and procedures, although proven to be effective like stem cells, are not available in the USA.
My family objects to me considering a procedure outside the US. What do I tell them to help them feel secure about my choice?
We have patients who enjoyed their trip overseas, especially to Costa Rica, and found it surprisingly easy to get around. If you have specific concerns, BACMT can connect you to a previous patient who already experienced it to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.
Are the doctors and hospitals outside the USA safe?
All hospitals in the BACMT preferred network are accredited by the Joint Commission International. Joint Commission is the gold standard of hospital credentials and the same one used in the USA. Most physicians have trained in the USA and continue to attend training sessions periodically.
Do I need a passport?
Not necessarily. Our locations in Puerto Rico allow for Americans to travel from within the USA without the need for a passport. If you want to go outside the USA, you will need a passport. Should you need to obtain an expedited medical necessity passport, BACMT can point you in the right direction. Typically, passports cost about $130.00 (additional cost for expedited services) and last for 10 years (five years for minors). A passport must not expire within six months of a trip, or you will be required to renew it prior to departure.
How long will I be in the hospital/recovery?
That depends on the procedure. Most procedures take one to four hours to perform and a patient will be kept in the hospital for one to three days. Afterward, the patient will be transferred to a resort recovery facility for a period of five to seven days. Your medical team will determine this.
Can I take someone with me?
Yes, you can bring a companion. The cost of flight, lodging and any covered meals will be added into your quote.
Will there be anyone to help me during my recovery with medical issues?
Each BACMT patient has a patient advocate assigned to him / her for his / her entire stay. This advocate will make sure that everything you need from the medical team is provided and that all of your needs are met while you are recuperating.
Will anyone be able to speak English or Spanish with me?
Almost everyone you come in contact with, from your patient advocate to your doctor, will be fluent English and Spanish. Your patient advocate will translate should the need arise.
What if something goes wrong before I get to my overseas destination?
If something interferes with your trip and you have to cancel or postpone, BACMT will consider a refund based on the time until your departure, treatment / procedure and travel that can be canceled, and all expenses that are non-refundable, such as airfare. Please understand that people spend considerable time booking the operating room, limo service, travel, etc. and that there are costs associated with these functions. There is a minimum 20% non-refundable fee (of total expenses) for canceling or postponing your trip and procedure.
What medical records will I need to provide?
You will receive instructions from your medical team as to what records are necessary, based on your treatment / procedure. Generally, these will include records from your doctor, including medical history, physical exam, lab work, x-rays or other diagnostic tests. BACMT can help acquire your medical records, once you sign the medical release form. This will be sent to you for signature. BACMT is serious about your privacy and we use all measures to assure that privacy.
What if I want to take a tour before / after my treatment / procedure?
Adding on time to extend your stay is simple enough. BACMT will gladly assist you in finding tours as part of the planning for your trip. Extended stays and associated expenses are not included in the price of your medical tourism.
What if I want to stay and have another treatment / procedure done before I go home?
You may decide to have another treatment / procedure done after you complete your first one, as long as the second treatment / procedure does not interfere medically with the first one. Ideally, this will be planned ahead of your trip so that it can be properly quoted and scheduled. Of course, discussion with your treating physician will be needed.
How do I get to the hospital in the destination country and how much will that cost me?
When you arrange your trip with BACMT, we will take care of all your transportation needs related to your trip, including transportation from the airport to your hotel, transportation from your hotel to the hospital, your transportation from the hospital to the recovery facility after your treatment / procedure, and your transportation from the recovery facility to the airport. All costs for this transportation are included in your package pricing from BACMT, which you will receive before you agree to proceed.
Will you accept my health insurance from work or my individual policy, or Medicare?
Medical tourism is generally a Pay-As-You-Go voluntary benefit. This means that most insurance companies will not cover procedures associated with medical tourism. That said, this concept is gaining traction, and it might be worth exploring with your insurance company or employer. BACMT may be able to help you review your policy options, and can provide you with necessary documentation to seek reimbursement or pre-approval, however, we do not accept insurance. Note that for most medical tourists, the cost of having medical or dental work abroad is still considerably less than out-of-pocket co-pays required by most healthcare plans.
The cost of healthcare is unaffordable for many, even with insurance, due to high out-of-pocket costs and high deductibles. Our pricing is 50-70% less than average prices in the USA, often even inclusive of travel and accommodations. Another reason to consider medical tourism is that some treatments and procedures, although proven to be effective like stem cells, are not available in the USA.
My family objects to me considering a procedure outside the US. What do I tell them to help them feel secure about my choice?
We have patients who enjoyed their trip overseas, especially to Costa Rica, and found it surprisingly easy to get around. If you have specific concerns, BACMT can connect you to a previous patient who already experienced it to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.
Are the doctors and hospitals outside the USA safe?
All hospitals in the BACMT preferred network are accredited by the Joint Commission International. Joint Commission is the gold standard of hospital credentials and the same one used in the USA. Most physicians have trained in the USA and continue to attend training sessions periodically.
Do I need a passport?
Not necessarily. Our locations in Puerto Rico allow for Americans to travel from within the USA without the need for a passport. If you want to go outside the USA, you will need a passport. Should you need to obtain an expedited medical necessity passport, BACMT can point you in the right direction. Typically, passports cost about $130.00 (additional cost for expedited services) and last for 10 years (five years for minors). A passport must not expire within six months of a trip, or you will be required to renew it prior to departure.
How long will I be in the hospital/recovery?
That depends on the procedure. Most procedures take one to four hours to perform and a patient will be kept in the hospital for one to three days. Afterward, the patient will be transferred to a resort recovery facility for a period of five to seven days. Your medical team will determine this.
Can I take someone with me?
Yes, you can bring a companion. The cost of flight, lodging and any covered meals will be added into your quote.
Will there be anyone to help me during my recovery with medical issues?
Each BACMT patient has a patient advocate assigned to him / her for his / her entire stay. This advocate will make sure that everything you need from the medical team is provided and that all of your needs are met while you are recuperating.
Will anyone be able to speak English or Spanish with me?
Almost everyone you come in contact with, from your patient advocate to your doctor, will be fluent English and Spanish. Your patient advocate will translate should the need arise.
What if something goes wrong before I get to my overseas destination?
If something interferes with your trip and you have to cancel or postpone, BACMT will consider a refund based on the time until your departure, treatment / procedure and travel that can be canceled, and all expenses that are non-refundable, such as airfare. Please understand that people spend considerable time booking the operating room, limo service, travel, etc. and that there are costs associated with these functions. There is a minimum 20% non-refundable fee (of total expenses) for canceling or postponing your trip and procedure.
What medical records will I need to provide?
You will receive instructions from your medical team as to what records are necessary, based on your treatment / procedure. Generally, these will include records from your doctor, including medical history, physical exam, lab work, x-rays or other diagnostic tests. BACMT can help acquire your medical records, once you sign the medical release form. This will be sent to you for signature. BACMT is serious about your privacy and we use all measures to assure that privacy.
What if I want to take a tour before / after my treatment / procedure?
Adding on time to extend your stay is simple enough. BACMT will gladly assist you in finding tours as part of the planning for your trip. Extended stays and associated expenses are not included in the price of your medical tourism.
What if I want to stay and have another treatment / procedure done before I go home?
You may decide to have another treatment / procedure done after you complete your first one, as long as the second treatment / procedure does not interfere medically with the first one. Ideally, this will be planned ahead of your trip so that it can be properly quoted and scheduled. Of course, discussion with your treating physician will be needed.
How do I get to the hospital in the destination country and how much will that cost me?
When you arrange your trip with BACMT, we will take care of all your transportation needs related to your trip, including transportation from the airport to your hotel, transportation from your hotel to the hospital, your transportation from the hospital to the recovery facility after your treatment / procedure, and your transportation from the recovery facility to the airport. All costs for this transportation are included in your package pricing from BACMT, which you will receive before you agree to proceed.
Will you accept my health insurance from work or my individual policy, or Medicare?
Medical tourism is generally a Pay-As-You-Go voluntary benefit. This means that most insurance companies will not cover procedures associated with medical tourism. That said, this concept is gaining traction, and it might be worth exploring with your insurance company or employer. BACMT may be able to help you review your policy options, and can provide you with necessary documentation to seek reimbursement or pre-approval, however, we do not accept insurance. Note that for most medical tourists, the cost of having medical or dental work abroad is still considerably less than out-of-pocket co-pays required by most healthcare plans.
12 Key Medical Tourism Tips
If this is your first introduction to medical tourism then you may feel a little anxious or apprehensive about the whole idea. That’s a good thing; none of us wants to jump into anything without first doing our research and weighing all the pros and cons. This is especially true if you are considering something as serious as traveling abroad for surgery. To make your job easier, BACMT has come up with a list of recommendations that will help you in the decision process and ultimately will improve your medical tourism experience if you decide to proceed. These recommendations were carefully chosen based on our practical experience helping thousands of U.S. and Canadian patients through every stage of their medical trip. Whether you’re interested in a specific destination, or simply want to better understand the medical tourism process, we are sure this report will provide some valuable guidelines that, if followed, will help make your medical trip a success!
1. Do your research.
Find out as much as you can about the procedure and / or treatment, the hospital, and the surgeon. Find out what to expect from the procedure? What are the potential risks and complications? How long you will need to stay in country? How you will I feel afterward? How much will everything cost? What is included and NOT included in the procedure package? Will you need a companion? Where did the surgeon study? Is he/she board certified locally? How many procedures has he/she performed? Will you need a visa? Where will you stay after being discharged from the hospital? Who will pick you up at the airport? The more you know the fewer the surprises. And make sure you get everything in writing. Any good agency or facilitator will should be able to give you answers to all of the above.
2. Request a conference call with the foreign surgeon you are considering.
A good conversation with the foreign surgeon you are considering is the best way to find out if you feel comfortable with the idea of traveling abroad. Make sure to have a list of questions ready and be ready to answer any questions the doctor may have. If you feel the surgeon is having difficulty understanding your questions or you just have a gut feeling he/she is not the right doctor for your needs then say so (or express your feelings to the facilitator after your call). You should not book your medical trip unless you feel completely comfortable about the competence and character of your physician. A conference call is usually arranged once you have filled out a medical history questionnaire which the doctor can review.
3. Consider how far you are willing to travel.
There is big difference between traveling six hours and 20 hours. Airports and flights can wear down even the most physically fit travelers. For a patient, long flights can pose health risks, so it is important to talk to your doctor before you make a decision to travel for care. If you are traveling to Costa Rica then your flight time will usually average between 2 1/2 to 6 hours (direct flights) depending on the city in the USA you are traveling from.
4. Talk to your bank.
Let your bank no that you will be traveling abroad and may be using your credit card to make some large payments. This is especially important if you plan to pay for your procedure at the hospital or will be paying for your hotel once you arrive. We have seen many instances of credit card payments being denied simply because the patient did not make his/her bank aware of their medical trip.
5. Make sure you are comfortable with the destination.
Ask the hospital you are considering or facilitator you are using to provide you with information on the recommended destinations. Or if you can, take time to research potential destinations on the Internet or at your public library. Although your primary purpose for traveling is medical, your trip will be more enjoyable if you know a little about the history, culture, language, cuisine, and attractions of the destination you will be traveling to.
6. Put on your travel spectacles.
Expect things to be different; from language, food and customs, this is a chance for you to explore new experiences and learn about different cultures and ways of doing things. Now, let us make it clear that we're not talking about doctors using leaches or patients being given 90 proof whiskey for their anesthesia. Your medical care will be top notch as you are in a state-of-the-art internationally accredited hospital. What we are saying is don’t sweat the small stuff; although we go out of our way to make sure you have an outstanding experience (practically all of our patients highlight the fact that the care received was much better than what they were used to at home), if you have an open mind and positive attitude your healing process will go much better.
7. Talk to other medical tourists about their experiences
One of the best ways to prepare for your medical trip is to speak with other patients about their experience. How was the hospital? What was their recuperation like? What restaurants do they recommend? Nothing beats listening to somebody that has already been there and done that. Talk to your doctor or hospital contact and request to speak to past patients. In many cases they will have a list of patients who have granted authorization to be used as referrals.
8. Be aware of entry requirements.
Do you have a passport? Will you need a visa to get in to the destination? Are there any vaccinations you should have? U.S. and Canadians do not require a visa for entering Costa Rica nor will you require vaccinations. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does list some recommended vaccines: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/costa-rica.
Airports and travel:
Before traveling and depending on your needs, you should contact your airline to inquire about:
Note: USA airports allow medically necessary liquids through a checkpoint in any amount once they have been screened.
Flights:
9. Allow enough time for your recuperation before traveling home.
Regardless of the procedure or treatment you have undergone, it is always advisable that you wait a few days before traveling. Doing so will minimize your risk of medical complications and improve the healing process. This will also give your doctor time to spot any potential problems before you head home.
It is not uncommon for patients to feel fine a few days after a procedure, but don’t think this means you are well enough to hop on a plane. Travel puts a lot of stress on your body; early morning wake-up calls, crowded airport shuttles, long waiting times at the airport, and then the long flight home cramped up in a narrow cylinder packed with people. You can minimize the discomfort flying in business class or choosing bulkhead seats, but regardless of this, your body pays every time you travel.
Waiting a few days before traveling also allows you to enjoy the local culture and attractions. Perhaps not jet skiing or scuba diving, but you can visit the theater, try the local cuisine, or engage in a few “soft” tours that will enhance your overall medical tourism experience.
It is also advisable to plan your trip so that once you return home you have a few extra days to rest before going back to work or your regular routine. Not only will this allow you to be fully recovered before going back to the grind, but it will also allow you a little buffer time in case you must spend more time in the hospital than you originally planned for.
Finally, make sure to talk to your doctor before traveling for any medical treatment in order to understand the potential risks of combining surgery with travel.
10. Make sure a family member or friend will accompany you.
Having the physical and moral support of a companion is one of the most important ingredients of a successful medical trip, particularly during the recovery process. However, not everyone is ideally suited to being a medical travel companion. Choose your companion wisely. Right now it’s all about you. Your companion must be willing to put your needs ahead of his or her own and assist you during the recovery process. This does not mean they cannot have some leisure time to enjoy the local culture and attractions, but they should understand that their primary purpose is to provide support.
11. Be transparent and specific about any medications or substances you may be taking.
Traveling abroad for surgery or treatment is a serious business. Don’t compromise your health or the success of your procedure by hiding things or being less than truthful about any medications or substances you may be taking. Some substances can interact dangerously with the anesthesia or drugs you will be prior to surgery; this includes some natural or homeopathic remedies. Your doctor or hospital will likely require you to stop taking aspirin or other anti-clotting agents as they can cause bleeding during the surgery. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are unsure about any medication or substance you are taking.
Once you have confirmed your procedure, you will need to choose a date and complete a number of documents including a medical history questionnaire, informed consent forms and hospital waivers. Your doctor may also ask you to stop taking certain medications and, in some cases, start a special diet.
The destination hospital will provide you with a detailed itinerary, lodging information, contact information, and suggested packing list. You will also be instructed to bring your medications and medical records.
12. Follow your doctor’s post-surgery recommendations to the letter.
This includes medications, wound care and any physical therapy or exercises he or she may have prescribed. If you notice any signs of trouble then go see your primary practitioner or seek emergency care.
A typical medical tourism process might look like this:
As an added bonus, below is a description of a typical medical tourism process. This will give you a bird’s eye view of what to expect prior, during and after your medical trip.
To your health!
1. Do your research.
Find out as much as you can about the procedure and / or treatment, the hospital, and the surgeon. Find out what to expect from the procedure? What are the potential risks and complications? How long you will need to stay in country? How you will I feel afterward? How much will everything cost? What is included and NOT included in the procedure package? Will you need a companion? Where did the surgeon study? Is he/she board certified locally? How many procedures has he/she performed? Will you need a visa? Where will you stay after being discharged from the hospital? Who will pick you up at the airport? The more you know the fewer the surprises. And make sure you get everything in writing. Any good agency or facilitator will should be able to give you answers to all of the above.
2. Request a conference call with the foreign surgeon you are considering.
A good conversation with the foreign surgeon you are considering is the best way to find out if you feel comfortable with the idea of traveling abroad. Make sure to have a list of questions ready and be ready to answer any questions the doctor may have. If you feel the surgeon is having difficulty understanding your questions or you just have a gut feeling he/she is not the right doctor for your needs then say so (or express your feelings to the facilitator after your call). You should not book your medical trip unless you feel completely comfortable about the competence and character of your physician. A conference call is usually arranged once you have filled out a medical history questionnaire which the doctor can review.
3. Consider how far you are willing to travel.
There is big difference between traveling six hours and 20 hours. Airports and flights can wear down even the most physically fit travelers. For a patient, long flights can pose health risks, so it is important to talk to your doctor before you make a decision to travel for care. If you are traveling to Costa Rica then your flight time will usually average between 2 1/2 to 6 hours (direct flights) depending on the city in the USA you are traveling from.
4. Talk to your bank.
Let your bank no that you will be traveling abroad and may be using your credit card to make some large payments. This is especially important if you plan to pay for your procedure at the hospital or will be paying for your hotel once you arrive. We have seen many instances of credit card payments being denied simply because the patient did not make his/her bank aware of their medical trip.
5. Make sure you are comfortable with the destination.
Ask the hospital you are considering or facilitator you are using to provide you with information on the recommended destinations. Or if you can, take time to research potential destinations on the Internet or at your public library. Although your primary purpose for traveling is medical, your trip will be more enjoyable if you know a little about the history, culture, language, cuisine, and attractions of the destination you will be traveling to.
6. Put on your travel spectacles.
Expect things to be different; from language, food and customs, this is a chance for you to explore new experiences and learn about different cultures and ways of doing things. Now, let us make it clear that we're not talking about doctors using leaches or patients being given 90 proof whiskey for their anesthesia. Your medical care will be top notch as you are in a state-of-the-art internationally accredited hospital. What we are saying is don’t sweat the small stuff; although we go out of our way to make sure you have an outstanding experience (practically all of our patients highlight the fact that the care received was much better than what they were used to at home), if you have an open mind and positive attitude your healing process will go much better.
7. Talk to other medical tourists about their experiences
One of the best ways to prepare for your medical trip is to speak with other patients about their experience. How was the hospital? What was their recuperation like? What restaurants do they recommend? Nothing beats listening to somebody that has already been there and done that. Talk to your doctor or hospital contact and request to speak to past patients. In many cases they will have a list of patients who have granted authorization to be used as referrals.
8. Be aware of entry requirements.
Do you have a passport? Will you need a visa to get in to the destination? Are there any vaccinations you should have? U.S. and Canadians do not require a visa for entering Costa Rica nor will you require vaccinations. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does list some recommended vaccines: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/costa-rica.
Airports and travel:
Before traveling and depending on your needs, you should contact your airline to inquire about:
- Available assistance at check-in, moving around the terminal, on boarding and disembarking.
- Airline policy on taking equipment such as wheelchairs, portable machines, batteries, respirators or oxygen.
- Inform officers of the medications you are carrying and separate them from other belongings before screening begins.
- If you have metal implants, such as artificial knees or hips, inform a security officer before screening begins.
Note: USA airports allow medically necessary liquids through a checkpoint in any amount once they have been screened.
Flights:
- If at all possible, try to book your seat on the aisle, bulkhead or in business class (especially for your return trip).
- Take your medical prescriptions in your carry-on luggage.
- Make sure you prescriptions are properly labeled.
9. Allow enough time for your recuperation before traveling home.
Regardless of the procedure or treatment you have undergone, it is always advisable that you wait a few days before traveling. Doing so will minimize your risk of medical complications and improve the healing process. This will also give your doctor time to spot any potential problems before you head home.
It is not uncommon for patients to feel fine a few days after a procedure, but don’t think this means you are well enough to hop on a plane. Travel puts a lot of stress on your body; early morning wake-up calls, crowded airport shuttles, long waiting times at the airport, and then the long flight home cramped up in a narrow cylinder packed with people. You can minimize the discomfort flying in business class or choosing bulkhead seats, but regardless of this, your body pays every time you travel.
Waiting a few days before traveling also allows you to enjoy the local culture and attractions. Perhaps not jet skiing or scuba diving, but you can visit the theater, try the local cuisine, or engage in a few “soft” tours that will enhance your overall medical tourism experience.
It is also advisable to plan your trip so that once you return home you have a few extra days to rest before going back to work or your regular routine. Not only will this allow you to be fully recovered before going back to the grind, but it will also allow you a little buffer time in case you must spend more time in the hospital than you originally planned for.
Finally, make sure to talk to your doctor before traveling for any medical treatment in order to understand the potential risks of combining surgery with travel.
10. Make sure a family member or friend will accompany you.
Having the physical and moral support of a companion is one of the most important ingredients of a successful medical trip, particularly during the recovery process. However, not everyone is ideally suited to being a medical travel companion. Choose your companion wisely. Right now it’s all about you. Your companion must be willing to put your needs ahead of his or her own and assist you during the recovery process. This does not mean they cannot have some leisure time to enjoy the local culture and attractions, but they should understand that their primary purpose is to provide support.
11. Be transparent and specific about any medications or substances you may be taking.
Traveling abroad for surgery or treatment is a serious business. Don’t compromise your health or the success of your procedure by hiding things or being less than truthful about any medications or substances you may be taking. Some substances can interact dangerously with the anesthesia or drugs you will be prior to surgery; this includes some natural or homeopathic remedies. Your doctor or hospital will likely require you to stop taking aspirin or other anti-clotting agents as they can cause bleeding during the surgery. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are unsure about any medication or substance you are taking.
Once you have confirmed your procedure, you will need to choose a date and complete a number of documents including a medical history questionnaire, informed consent forms and hospital waivers. Your doctor may also ask you to stop taking certain medications and, in some cases, start a special diet.
The destination hospital will provide you with a detailed itinerary, lodging information, contact information, and suggested packing list. You will also be instructed to bring your medications and medical records.
12. Follow your doctor’s post-surgery recommendations to the letter.
This includes medications, wound care and any physical therapy or exercises he or she may have prescribed. If you notice any signs of trouble then go see your primary practitioner or seek emergency care.
A typical medical tourism process might look like this:
As an added bonus, below is a description of a typical medical tourism process. This will give you a bird’s eye view of what to expect prior, during and after your medical trip.
- Jane Doe is interested in a knee replacement for her husband John. She searches the internet and finds a hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica that specializes in this procedure.
- Jane fills out an inquiry form on the hospital website requesting information about the procedure.
- Mark, from the hospital’s international office, responds to Jane with a price range for the procedure and information about the hospital and the recommended orthopedic surgeon. Mark will also request x-rays of John’s knee and ask that he fill out a comprehensive medical history questionnaire.
- Dr. Calderon, the orthopedic surgeon, reviews the information and determines that John is an ideal candidate for the knee replacement procedure. Mark coordinates a conference call between Dr. Calderon and the Does so that both parties can ask questions and get to know each other.
- Mark sends Jane and John a more precise price quote and the surgery is scheduled in the next three weeks. Flights are arranged by the patient and Mark coordinates their lodging at a nice hotel located 15 minutes from the hospital. Mark then sends the patient a detailed itinerary, recommended packing list and pre-operative instructions.
- Jane and John arrive in San Jose and are met outside the airport by a smiling hospital representative named Jonathan. They are then taken to their 5-star hotel to relax.
- The next day Jonathan picks up the couple and takes them to the hospital. There they are warmly greeted by Mark who takes them to a well-appointed lounge to begin the pre-admission process. John is then taken to his private room to relax while nurses take care of his blood work and coordinate an x-ray of his left knee. In the afternoon he is visited by an internist and then his surgeon, Dr. Calderon.
- Early the next morning John is taken to the pre-surgery area to get prepped for the procedure. Less than an hour later he is unconscious and under the expert care of Dr. Calderon who deftly makes incisions, measurements and inserts the titanium knee prosthesis. After recuperating in an adjoining area, John is taken back to his private room to rejoin Jane and to begin the rehabilitation process.
- After two days of recovery and intense rehabilitation in the hospital, John is discharged to a hotel to recuperate for the remainder of his stay. Seven to 10 days (and many rehabilitation sessions) later, John returns to the hospital (walking with crutches) for a final evaluation with Dr. Calderon to confirm that his knee is healing correctly, and that he is fit to travel home.
To your health!
