TABLE 17.
International surgery patients (category: free care/partial funding/discount/full pay)
| Letter from sponsoring physician to U.S. Embassy for entry visa |
| Surgery unavailable in native country |
| No access to surgery in native country |
| Financial constraints/limitations |
| Length of stay; responsible party(s) |
| Travel to hospital for patient/family/others—local transport from airport to destination—facility/hospital/foster family |
| Housing/lodging preoperative/post-discharge/clinic |
| Outpatient considerations—drugs/clinic/tests |
| Cost (for paying patients) |
| 10-day stay/per diem thereafter |
| Hospital |
| Physician |
| 50% total cost initially (cash; bank transfer) |
| Remainder prior to return to native country |
| Local host committee |
| Language |
| Food |
| Customs/religion/misc. |
| Communication home |
| Phone |
| Fax |
| Letter |
| Transportation to/from airport; travel arrangements |
| Visa extension situations; beware “jumping visa” |
| Follow-up in native country with: |
| Local medical doctor/referring physician |
| Specialist |
| Studies needed |
| Strategy for further care for complications or more surgery |