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Tuesday, November 1, 2016
What our Ministry does, in a few sentances
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Our new Christian ministry has grown out of our medical travel business
We are so blessed and excited that we have been able to help so many people. Not only have we helped good people in their times of pain and worry, but we are able to show the Costa Ricans our testimony. We are also able to contribute our tourist dollars to their local economy, but more importantly we can use our contacts to help our patients donate their time and talents to Costa Rican charities. But this isn't a selfless sacrifice: it's a win-win: patients who use our services can an average of $4,000 to $8,000 (even after airfare and hotel costs).
Please visit the website for DentaRica's Christian Ministry:
http://www.gocostaricamedicaltravel.com/ministry.html
This page explains a lot of what we do to minister to anyone requesting help from our ministry.
Please visit the Facebook page for the ministry:
https://www.facebook.com/costaricarichard.richard
Please visit the Facebook page for our parent medical travel company:
https://www.facebook.com/ncmedicaltravel/
John/James give their patient testimonies from July and May 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQPVWK3_2rM&feature=youtu.be
Richard's Kidney Stone PCNL surgery in Costa Rica (5:01)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHfE1k64_Jo
Cathy's Samaritan patient testimoney (7:19)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S9IVVZZiX0
Listen to podcast - Steven's lengthy testimonial as Samaritan member (34:24)
http://healthcareelsewhere.com/2014/05/20/32-traveling-to-costa-rica-for-annual-checkups-with-steven-strotman/
Please visit the website for DentaRica's Christian Ministry:
http://www.gocostaricamedicaltravel.com/ministry.html
This page explains a lot of what we do to minister to anyone requesting help from our ministry.
Please visit the Facebook page for the ministry:
https://www.facebook.com/costaricarichard.richard
Please visit the Facebook page for our parent medical travel company:
https://www.facebook.com/ncmedicaltravel/
John/James give their patient testimonies from July and May 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQPVWK3_2rM&feature=youtu.be
Richard's Kidney Stone PCNL surgery in Costa Rica (5:01)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHfE1k64_Jo
Cathy's Samaritan patient testimoney (7:19)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S9IVVZZiX0
Listen to podcast - Steven's lengthy testimonial as Samaritan member (34:24)
http://healthcareelsewhere.com/2014/05/20/32-traveling-to-costa-rica-for-annual-checkups-with-steven-strotman/
Monday, March 7, 2016
Helping Seniors Get Dental Costs Within Reach
Life can be very hard on a tight budget. It is especially hard for a senior who may have few resources. However, doing without quality medical is both dangerous and unsightly. Insurance companies will say that many kinds of dental work are cosmetic and therefore unnecessary, but that is hogwash. Quality dental work can improve quality of life in dramatic ways. We hear over and over from people with dental implants that they can smile again, they can eat again, they can be social again.
Moreover, the health benefits are very well-documented. You've heard the phrase that one bad apple will ruin the whole barrel? A similar principle extends to teeth. Decay spreads, and one unhealthy tooth can endanger its neighbors. Dental implants also prevent bone loss and the accompanying visible jaw changes.
We've been speaking about quality of life. A healthy face is so utterly important for self-esteem, but also for all aspects of social living. Jobs and careers and position can all suffer dramatically from poor oral health. This almost goes without saying.
The price for a better quality of life can appear out-of-reach for many seniors, especially if they have multiple needs. As an example, dental implants are generally $2,000 to $4,000. Mr. Example needs two implants. He can go down the street and pay perhaps $6,000.
Or Mr. Example can pay $1,600 in Costa Rica. He pays $400 for airfare.
Now he is at $2,000 in costs. He has saved $4,000 and so can enjoy a very luxurious vacation with a clear conscience. He can enjoy this sunny tropical country with great weather and beautiful world-renowned landscapes.
Perhaps he needed three implants? In this example, he would save $6000 (compared to $9000).
Perhaps he needed ten implants? In this example, he would save $20,000 (compared to $30,000).
Imagine that, a price $20,000 dollars cheaper with actually better quality.
Better quality? Yes, you see a USA dentist is trying to keep prices low by cutting costs wherever he can, more or less reasonably. They will use cheaper materials, last years' equipment, and not perform needed scans. In Costa Rica, the dentists do not cut corners. A patient will receive the best from the best surgeons in the best equipped offices.
Why is this such a difficult idea?
Helping People in Need, But Having Fun, Too
I am very proud of what we do. People are in need, and we help. Our little company is able to make an observable difference in people's lives. However, that isn't all we do.
I was about to write my article with all sorts of sad comments -- talking about the tragic consequences of poor healthcare and the sad circumstances that force people to make choices based on hard financial necessity. People who are between a rock and a hard place, as it were.
But I reconsidered, and enough with the negativity!
Our clients have a wonderful time! And we have the photos to prove it! There is no need to focus on the sad and the tragic. The Costa Ricans have a saying: PURA VIDA. It basically means "Have a good day" but extends to enjoying life in general. Let's enjoy life.
The reason for a trip with us is pretty clear --medical or dental. And that is rightfully the focus. But around those appointments there is no reason to not enjoy yourself. In fact, it is extremely difficult to ignore the exotic location you'll find yourself in.
Our patients are saving so much money by doing this, they are usually at liberty to spend money on vacationing and tours. Our patients will (for instance) visit the hospital two days and spend three days on sightseeing expeditions. There are volcanoes, 200-foot waterfalls, coffee plantations, majestic forests, organic farms, wildlife refuges, riverboat trips, sunny world-renowned beaches. There is even a theme park, much like a Six Flags. For the less adventurous, there is shopping and museums and parks all convenient. Whatever your adventure-comfort-level, the verdant scenery, breathtaking views, and boundless fresh air will thrill your senses. The plentiful fresh fruit and beautiful local meals only enhance the experience.
There are tours that appeal to all sorts of interests. Bird-watching, coffee-lovers, nature-lovers, shoppers, beach bums, church-sightseeing, sustainable farming, architecture, or family fun. We have people who prefer to travel with a group or others who are seeking an immersive experience.
Dental surgery or a medical operation is quite a bummer -- that cannot be helped. In fact, it is entirely proper -- after all, that is the reason for the trip. Discomfort can dampen the mood. I have no interest in trying to tell you it can't happen, but what is amazing is that we put together FUN trips despite all these hurdles.
Another part of this that is amazing is how within reach it is! For $300-$600 dollars a person can get a round-trip ticket to Costa Rica, and from there decide how much money they want to spend on hotels and tours. The value is quite simply unbelievable.
I was about to write my article with all sorts of sad comments -- talking about the tragic consequences of poor healthcare and the sad circumstances that force people to make choices based on hard financial necessity. People who are between a rock and a hard place, as it were.
But I reconsidered, and enough with the negativity!
Our clients have a wonderful time! And we have the photos to prove it! There is no need to focus on the sad and the tragic. The Costa Ricans have a saying: PURA VIDA. It basically means "Have a good day" but extends to enjoying life in general. Let's enjoy life.
The reason for a trip with us is pretty clear --medical or dental. And that is rightfully the focus. But around those appointments there is no reason to not enjoy yourself. In fact, it is extremely difficult to ignore the exotic location you'll find yourself in.
Our patients are saving so much money by doing this, they are usually at liberty to spend money on vacationing and tours. Our patients will (for instance) visit the hospital two days and spend three days on sightseeing expeditions. There are volcanoes, 200-foot waterfalls, coffee plantations, majestic forests, organic farms, wildlife refuges, riverboat trips, sunny world-renowned beaches. There is even a theme park, much like a Six Flags. For the less adventurous, there is shopping and museums and parks all convenient. Whatever your adventure-comfort-level, the verdant scenery, breathtaking views, and boundless fresh air will thrill your senses. The plentiful fresh fruit and beautiful local meals only enhance the experience.
There are tours that appeal to all sorts of interests. Bird-watching, coffee-lovers, nature-lovers, shoppers, beach bums, church-sightseeing, sustainable farming, architecture, or family fun. We have people who prefer to travel with a group or others who are seeking an immersive experience.
Dental surgery or a medical operation is quite a bummer -- that cannot be helped. In fact, it is entirely proper -- after all, that is the reason for the trip. Discomfort can dampen the mood. I have no interest in trying to tell you it can't happen, but what is amazing is that we put together FUN trips despite all these hurdles.
Another part of this that is amazing is how within reach it is! For $300-$600 dollars a person can get a round-trip ticket to Costa Rica, and from there decide how much money they want to spend on hotels and tours. The value is quite simply unbelievable.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Getting a Second Opinion in a Third World Country
Press release by Kathy Jordan, CEO for NC Medical TravelFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636Clemmons, NC: February 4, 2016 –We all know that getting a second opinion for any medical or dental treatment or surgery is a smart idea. What many people do not realize, is that in many cases, that second opinion in the USA is not so much different from the first opinion. However, what we have found as a medical travel company, is that people are often spared unnecessary surgery, or are recommended to have an alternate treatment, by traveling outside of the USA for that second opinion. As an example, my own daughter is a college student at UNC, Chapel Hill. She was told by two dentists in NC that she needed her wisdom teeth out. She took her x-rays to a well qualified dentist in Costa Rica, who recommended to her that she not have her wisdom teeth removed. Wow! That was a shocker. Having had the wisdom teeth of my two older kids removed, and my own removed, and my husband’s removed in NC, here was a dentist in a 3rd world country telling us that it was not at all necessary. Of course I googled this, and found an article in the NY Times, among other articles, that reinforced exactly what the dentist in Costa Rica had told her: that the crowding of the teeth would not be made worse, and that unless there is pain or disease the teeth could remain, and that there may be stem cells in those teeth, and that there are always risks associated with any surgical procedure that are best avoided when possible. In other words, leave well enough alone. The outcome for removing the teeth, could result in complications, nerve damage, or even death.http://www.nytimes.com/2011/
Of special interest in this article, the dentist referenced was a local practitioner from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was quoting those same unfounded statistics that we had always heard and led me (as a parent) to the decision to remove the wisdom teeth of my other two children. I trusted the dentists, and had no reason to disbelieve their statistics. My daughter’s decision to go to Costa Rica was because she wanted to save $3000 on the surgery, but in the end, she saved $4000 and also was spared needless surgical pain. As a consolation prize, she was able to spend her money shopping at the Multiplaza Mall in San Jose, go on a couple of nice tours, and enjoy some great meals and hotels. She came home smiling with all her teeth. Another example that comes to mind is a man who was told that he needed orthopedic surgery on his shoulder. He went to Costa Rica expecting to be told the same thing as in the USA. Instead, he had some physical therapy there ($35 a session as opposed to $350 a session in the USA) was told to swim 2 hours a day, and that would fix it. As a medical travel company, we have frequently encountered the amazement of people when they speak to specialists that we refer them to, who tell them that surgery is not necessary. Meeting the doctors, seeing the hospitals, and then googling a bit is enough to convince anyone of the value of a second opinion, even if that second opinion comes from a third world country such as Costa Rica. (Costa Rica, by the way, ranks higher than the USA for quality of health care by the WHO. Many specialists and surgeons are trained in the countries that rank above Costa Rica and the USA. I see this when I review their profiles for our clients. What we find are typically attitudes and practices more in line with countries with socialized medicine, that put a priority on long term positive outcome and avoidance of unnecessary procedures.)Isn’t that worth a short inexpensive flight to Costa Rica?About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They put the cost savings of medical travel within reach while being more convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism. This is accomplished though various means, including finding trustworthy and skilled Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding guests personally.Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
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Of special interest in this article, the dentist referenced was a local practitioner from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was quoting those same unfounded statistics that we had always heard and led me (as a parent) to the decision to remove the wisdom teeth of my other two children. I trusted the dentists, and had no reason to disbelieve their statistics. My daughter’s decision to go to Costa Rica was because she wanted to save $3000 on the surgery, but in the end, she saved $4000 and also was spared needless surgical pain. As a consolation prize, she was able to spend her money shopping at the Multiplaza Mall in San Jose, go on a couple of nice tours, and enjoy some great meals and hotels. She came home smiling with all her teeth. Another example that comes to mind is a man who was told that he needed orthopedic surgery on his shoulder. He went to Costa Rica expecting to be told the same thing as in the USA. Instead, he had some physical therapy there ($35 a session as opposed to $350 a session in the USA) was told to swim 2 hours a day, and that would fix it. As a medical travel company, we have frequently encountered the amazement of people when they speak to specialists that we refer them to, who tell them that surgery is not necessary. Meeting the doctors, seeing the hospitals, and then googling a bit is enough to convince anyone of the value of a second opinion, even if that second opinion comes from a third world country such as Costa Rica. (Costa Rica, by the way, ranks higher than the USA for quality of health care by the WHO. Many specialists and surgeons are trained in the countries that rank above Costa Rica and the USA. I see this when I review their profiles for our clients. What we find are typically attitudes and practices more in line with countries with socialized medicine, that put a priority on long term positive outcome and avoidance of unnecessary procedures.)Isn’t that worth a short inexpensive flight to Costa Rica?About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They put the cost savings of medical travel within reach while being more convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism. This is accomplished though various means, including finding trustworthy and skilled Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding guests personally.Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
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Monday, January 11, 2016
Better Dental Health Through Better Dental Prices
Press release by Richard Jordan, PR Coordinator for NC Medical Travel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
Clemmons, NC: January 11, 2016 – It is easy to understand the problem. We have all seen the people who are putting off their dental care because it is just too expensive to properly address. By the time they do address it, the damage is done and hard to fix (and even more expensive than before). The damage may even be permanent.
In dealing with dental patients, I have heard of many poor souls who have let matters get so out of hand they have to recourse except complete extraction and dentures.
Another result of the bad prices is that people often are able to get just one or two things done (when they know they need dozens of things). Dental insurance is laughable. It will usually only pay for those one or two things, not the dozen that are needed, and still leave the patient with an unmanageable bill.
All these things lead to bad health....and directly a result of outrageous prices. People are willing to go to the dentist. People even want these issues addressed. They are in pain, discomfort, or have limitations to their lifestyle.
Studies have repeatedly shown that bad teeth affect one's ability to get a good job...not to mention a significant other! Even without that extreme, we commonly hear how after dental work people smile more, laugh more, socialize with fewer worries, and simply have a better quality of life.
There seems no way out, but NC Medical Travel found out they could help by referring people to dentists in Costa Rica. They chose Costa Rica because the quality is high while the prices are low. It is also remarkably safe and modern, and also surprisingly convenient from the USA.
Overseas travel seems like an extreme solution, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
If you or someone you love is facing bad health because of bad dental prices, please consider your alternatives.
About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:
NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They make the cost savings of medical travel convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
Clemmons, NC: January 11, 2016 – It is easy to understand the problem. We have all seen the people who are putting off their dental care because it is just too expensive to properly address. By the time they do address it, the damage is done and hard to fix (and even more expensive than before). The damage may even be permanent.
In dealing with dental patients, I have heard of many poor souls who have let matters get so out of hand they have to recourse except complete extraction and dentures.
Another result of the bad prices is that people often are able to get just one or two things done (when they know they need dozens of things). Dental insurance is laughable. It will usually only pay for those one or two things, not the dozen that are needed, and still leave the patient with an unmanageable bill.
All these things lead to bad health....and directly a result of outrageous prices. People are willing to go to the dentist. People even want these issues addressed. They are in pain, discomfort, or have limitations to their lifestyle.
Studies have repeatedly shown that bad teeth affect one's ability to get a good job...not to mention a significant other! Even without that extreme, we commonly hear how after dental work people smile more, laugh more, socialize with fewer worries, and simply have a better quality of life.
There seems no way out, but NC Medical Travel found out they could help by referring people to dentists in Costa Rica. They chose Costa Rica because the quality is high while the prices are low. It is also remarkably safe and modern, and also surprisingly convenient from the USA.
Overseas travel seems like an extreme solution, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
If you or someone you love is facing bad health because of bad dental prices, please consider your alternatives.
About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:
NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They make the cost savings of medical travel convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
Is Quality Medical and Dental Out-of-Reach Because of Prices?
Press release by Richard Jordan, PR Coordinator for NC Medical Travel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
Clemmons, North Carolina: January 11, 2016 – Sometimes, just getting the correct tests and exams done to FIND OUT if you need surgery are out of reach because of outrageous healthcare prices.
I can speak from my own experience. As a direct result of unreasonable healthcare prices I was forced to delay treatment of a kidney stone, which almost caused me permanent kidney damage.
Another man spent a year not knowing if he was going to suddenly die. His doctor had ordered a heart stress test, but the patient could not afford it.
Another patient thought she needed carpel tunnel release surgery, but discovered that after all the special visits and X-rays were put together it was cheaper to just schedule the surgery in Costa Rica. If her x-rays and specialist recommend some other treatment, she is still coming out better!
We had two surgery patients (a husband and wife) who were both in desperate need of some kind of medical attention, but they did not know what. They were spending outrageous sums of money going from specialist to specialist. They decided to heck with it, and to just go to Costa Rica.
Recently I had a prospective dental patient ask me if it was a good idea to just go to Costa Rica without knowing quite what they need. My response: that's a GREAT idea. We would not be talking to a person about their health if there wasn't a reason. I do not need to know the exact reason or any given treatment. In fact, we specifically organize patient trips to include a general doctor visit upon arrival to see if there is any unknown pressing matter.
Going to Costa Rica for dental or medical can be cheaper than exams and tests in the USA. It's that simple, and that hard-to-believe. Depending on the situation, we have seen how a patient finding out what treatment is needed in the USA (though expensive exams, specialist visits, and scans) can be more expensive than just going to Costa Rica with a general idea but no fixed agenda.
To heck with it, I'm going to Costa Rica.
About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:
NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They make the cost savings of medical travel convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
Clemmons, North Carolina: January 11, 2016 – Sometimes, just getting the correct tests and exams done to FIND OUT if you need surgery are out of reach because of outrageous healthcare prices.
I can speak from my own experience. As a direct result of unreasonable healthcare prices I was forced to delay treatment of a kidney stone, which almost caused me permanent kidney damage.
Another man spent a year not knowing if he was going to suddenly die. His doctor had ordered a heart stress test, but the patient could not afford it.
Another patient thought she needed carpel tunnel release surgery, but discovered that after all the special visits and X-rays were put together it was cheaper to just schedule the surgery in Costa Rica. If her x-rays and specialist recommend some other treatment, she is still coming out better!
We had two surgery patients (a husband and wife) who were both in desperate need of some kind of medical attention, but they did not know what. They were spending outrageous sums of money going from specialist to specialist. They decided to heck with it, and to just go to Costa Rica.
Recently I had a prospective dental patient ask me if it was a good idea to just go to Costa Rica without knowing quite what they need. My response: that's a GREAT idea. We would not be talking to a person about their health if there wasn't a reason. I do not need to know the exact reason or any given treatment. In fact, we specifically organize patient trips to include a general doctor visit upon arrival to see if there is any unknown pressing matter.
Going to Costa Rica for dental or medical can be cheaper than exams and tests in the USA. It's that simple, and that hard-to-believe. Depending on the situation, we have seen how a patient finding out what treatment is needed in the USA (though expensive exams, specialist visits, and scans) can be more expensive than just going to Costa Rica with a general idea but no fixed agenda.
To heck with it, I'm going to Costa Rica.
About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:
NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They make the cost savings of medical travel convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
If your doctor has a flashy website, BEWARE
Press release by Richard Jordan, PR Coordinator for NC Medical Travel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
San Jose, Costa Rica: October 20, 2015 – I was speaking to a doctor this morning, and I had a realization. Good doctors do not have time for flashy websites and marketing. Bad doctors do. It is that simple. We here at NC Medical Travel provide our patients with a safety net, metaphorically speaking. We partner with the best doctors in Costa Rica and then help them to find patients, specifically from the USA. It is 100% possible for a patient to travel on their own, but it is a gamble with one of the most precious things people have -- their helath.
I have written about do-it-yourself medical tourism before. It can have beautiful results, or catastrophic consequences. Why risk that? There is a common misconception that self-planned medical travel is less expensive. In fact, it is more expensive, for many reasons, including local logistics. Or local providers who are dishonest or find ways to sneak in hidden fees. Or the long-run costs of substandard healthcare.
You see, a bad doctor knows that once you visit him, that is probably the only time. You are not a repeat customer, and he has little incentive to do quality work. As long as you are happy when you leave Costa Rica (and you are in bandages and on pain medication!) the bad doctor is in the clear.
NC Medical Travel is a repeat customer however, and we demand high quality from our partners and for a doctor to stand by their work. We are also a repeat customer for tour companies and hotels.
As with most things in life, this issue is more complicated than taken at first glance. A good doctor (like our partner Victor Urzola, www.drvictorurzola.com/en/ ) can find a talented web designer to run that side of his business. On the flip side, a bad doctor might also be marketing-handicapped.
In all cases, we at NC Medical Travel strongly urge all persons thinking of medical tourism to do their homework. I myself am overjoyed to see people who take personal responsibilty for their own health and that of the ones they love. (As a side note: our company sees many husband-wife trips)
Health is a blessing, and no blessing should be taken for granted.
About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:
NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They make the cost savings of medical travel convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
About Unibe Hospital:
Clinica Unibe is a hospital located in sunny Costa Rica, in the capital city, San Jose. Their facility has all the required Costa Rican Ministry of Health permits, plus they have had the AAAASF accreditation since 2010. Unibe Hospital was the first such facility in Costa Rica to receive the honor of AAAASF accreditation, which assures hospital standards equate with ones in the USA.
Their website is www.clinicaunibe.net/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
San Jose, Costa Rica: October 20, 2015 – I was speaking to a doctor this morning, and I had a realization. Good doctors do not have time for flashy websites and marketing. Bad doctors do. It is that simple. We here at NC Medical Travel provide our patients with a safety net, metaphorically speaking. We partner with the best doctors in Costa Rica and then help them to find patients, specifically from the USA. It is 100% possible for a patient to travel on their own, but it is a gamble with one of the most precious things people have -- their helath.
I have written about do-it-yourself medical tourism before. It can have beautiful results, or catastrophic consequences. Why risk that? There is a common misconception that self-planned medical travel is less expensive. In fact, it is more expensive, for many reasons, including local logistics. Or local providers who are dishonest or find ways to sneak in hidden fees. Or the long-run costs of substandard healthcare.
You see, a bad doctor knows that once you visit him, that is probably the only time. You are not a repeat customer, and he has little incentive to do quality work. As long as you are happy when you leave Costa Rica (and you are in bandages and on pain medication!) the bad doctor is in the clear.
NC Medical Travel is a repeat customer however, and we demand high quality from our partners and for a doctor to stand by their work. We are also a repeat customer for tour companies and hotels.
As with most things in life, this issue is more complicated than taken at first glance. A good doctor (like our partner Victor Urzola, www.drvictorurzola.com/en/ ) can find a talented web designer to run that side of his business. On the flip side, a bad doctor might also be marketing-handicapped.
In all cases, we at NC Medical Travel strongly urge all persons thinking of medical tourism to do their homework. I myself am overjoyed to see people who take personal responsibilty for their own health and that of the ones they love. (As a side note: our company sees many husband-wife trips)
Health is a blessing, and no blessing should be taken for granted.
About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:
NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They make the cost savings of medical travel convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
About Unibe Hospital:
Clinica Unibe is a hospital located in sunny Costa Rica, in the capital city, San Jose. Their facility has all the required Costa Rican Ministry of Health permits, plus they have had the AAAASF accreditation since 2010. Unibe Hospital was the first such facility in Costa Rica to receive the honor of AAAASF accreditation, which assures hospital standards equate with ones in the USA.
Their website is www.clinicaunibe.net/
Monday, October 19, 2015
Dr. Victor Urzola spearheads rare double procedure; just good healthcare
Press release by Richard Jordan, PR Coordinator for NC Medical Travel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
San Jose, Costa Rica: October 19, 2015 – Very few surgeons can offer what Dr. Victor Urzola can, along with his brother, Dr. Esteban Urzola. With the doctors' specialties working in tandem, a patient can have both cosmetic surgery (such as a facelift) and dental implants with only one surgery appointment. This is an amazing opportunity for the patient, with only one surgery experience, one recovery time, and one operating room expense. This novel technique is not due to any "experimental medicine" or circumvention of FDA standards. It is simply a concern for the patient, good healthcare ethics, and a knack for clever solutions.
Tomorrow, he is doing a combination surgery of dental implants and breast lift. This has become a regular event for his practice.
This marvelous technique is available in Costa Rica at the outstanding local prices and healthcare standards. For more information about Costa Rica, please visit www.ncmedicaltravel.com. Drs. Urzola works at Clinca UNIBE Hospital in the San Jose area of Costa Rica. International patients can access his services through NC Medical Travel (USA office 336-608-5636)
Earlier this year, NC Medical Travel brought a South Carolina woman to Dr. Urzola. She was thrilled with the clear benefits of this kind of combined surgery, and has been even more thrilled with the outcome. Because of the nature of dental implants, she will be returning later this year for her final adjustments.
Earlier this year, NC Medical Travel brought a South Carolina woman to Dr. Urzola. She was thrilled with the clear benefits of this kind of combined surgery, and has been even more thrilled with the outcome. Because of the nature of dental implants, she will be returning later this year for her final adjustments.
In her case, NC Medical Travel staff actually joined her on the same flight to Costa Rica. This staff-person made sure she was properly informed of her pre-surgery prep instructions. They made sure all the billing was handled seamlessly. They made sure the patient was comfortably cared for in her recovery center, which NC Medical Travel arranged.
About Dr. Victor Urzola:
Dr. Victor Urzola has been practicing medicine since 2007. His first double-surgery (implants and cosmetic) was performed in 2013 in concert with his brother, Dr. Esteban Urzola. He received his undergraduate medical degree in Costa Rica, and completed his further training and degrees at the University of Milan, Italy and the University of Henri Poincare, France. He also completed a fellowship at the Ramsey Surgical Center in New Jersey, USA. He is an active member of the Costa Rican Society of Plastic Surgery (ACCPRE), the European Society of Plastic Surgery, and the American Society of Aesthetic Surgery, among others.
His website is www.drvictorurzola.com/en/
NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They make the cost savings of medical travel convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
About Unibe Hospital:
Clinica Unibe is a hospital located in sunny Costa Rica, in the capital city, San Jose. Their facility has all the required Costa Rican Ministry of Health permits, plus they have had the AAAASF accreditation since 2010. Unibe Hospital was the first such facility in Costa Rica to receive the honor of AAAASF accreditation, which assures hospital standards equate with ones in the USA.
Their website is www.clinicaunibe.net/
Costa Rican dermatologist impresses South Carolina patient
Press release by Richard Jordan, PR Coordinator for NC Medical Travel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
San Jose, Costa Rica: October 19, 2015 – Dr. Paulo César Quirós, a dermatologist working in Costa Rica, recently saw a South Carolina lady in his UNIBE Hospital offices. In August 2015 she sent an e-mail to NC Medical Travel, saying she had a worrisome area on her skin and wanted to see a dermatologist very soon. However, she had lots of questions. Her questions were answered and she was promptly scheduled to see a dermatologist. She made her flight bookings, and within a month (in September 2015) she was met at the airport by American-born staff of NC Medical Travel.
While this lady (a member of Samaritan Ministries) was in Costa Rica, she decided it was a good idea to get a wide range of diagnostic tests. In a mere two half-days she got blood tests, a physical, a colonoscopy, a mammogram, a dermatologist visit, and a PAP smear. Afterwards, she enjoyed two and half days of tours.
While this lady (a member of Samaritan Ministries) was in Costa Rica, she decided it was a good idea to get a wide range of diagnostic tests. In a mere two half-days she got blood tests, a physical, a colonoscopy, a mammogram, a dermatologist visit, and a PAP smear. Afterwards, she enjoyed two and half days of tours.
She was impressed by Dr. Quirós in a few ways. First, he was professional and spoke reasonable English. Second, his high-tech solutions (liquid nitrogen) were interesting to see. Third, his treatments were refreshingly simple and very fast and efficient. (She was in and out in less than 45 minutes...I was there.)
Fourthly, she was also impressed that her dermatologist did not waste her time with unnecessary biopsies or similar procedures. Sure, a biopsy was an option, but it was better for the patient to just simply treat the questionable areas instead of waiting.
Fifth, and perhaps most impressive, Dr. Quirós went above and beyond for the good of his patient(s). The lady from South Carolina arrived about two hours late to UNIBE due to flight delays. She had missed her dermatology appointment. Dr. Quirós had had to leave and go to another hospital in the area (where he also sees patients) for the good of that patient. Then, once the South Carolina lady was confirmed at UNIBE, he rushed across the city for her benefit. And quite simply, that experience made her whole trip outstanding.
Fourthly, she was also impressed that her dermatologist did not waste her time with unnecessary biopsies or similar procedures. Sure, a biopsy was an option, but it was better for the patient to just simply treat the questionable areas instead of waiting.
Fifth, and perhaps most impressive, Dr. Quirós went above and beyond for the good of his patient(s). The lady from South Carolina arrived about two hours late to UNIBE due to flight delays. She had missed her dermatology appointment. Dr. Quirós had had to leave and go to another hospital in the area (where he also sees patients) for the good of that patient. Then, once the South Carolina lady was confirmed at UNIBE, he rushed across the city for her benefit. And quite simply, that experience made her whole trip outstanding.
Dr. Quirós began his training in Costa Rica (UNIBE) and specialized in dermatology in Guatemala (Instituto de Dermataologia y Cirugia de Piel). He is certified by the (Costa Rican) National Congress of Medicine. He received an award from the 15th Latin American Congress of Dermatology in 2006. He has been practicing his specialization since 2007, although he was a general physician beginning 2001.
About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:
About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:
NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They make the cost savings of medical travel convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Clinica Unibe is a hospital located in sunny Costa Rica, in the capital city, San Jose. Their facility has all the required Costa Rican Ministry of Health permits, plus they have had the AAAASF accreditation since 2010. Unibe Hospital was the first such facility in Costa Rica to receive the honor of AAAASF accreditation.
Their website is www.clinicaunibe.net/
Their website is www.clinicaunibe.net/
Dr. Vladimir Putvinsky, Cardiologist, Serves Two USA Samaritan Members as Specialist in Intervention Medicine
Press release by Richard Jordan, PR Coordinator for NC Medical Travel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
San Jose, Costa Rica: October 19, 2015 – Heart disease is nothing to be taken lightly. For members of Christian cost-sharing groups, this is as big a problem as for anyone else. Perhaps even more so, because preventative medicine is not usually provided for by these grassroots healthcare cooperatives. That is not a criticism of these groups. They are established for financial and emotional and spiritual relief in times of suffering.
Dr. Putvinsky, and all of the doctors and staff at UNIBE Hospital, can help USA patients who have a limited budget for their medical care. NC Medical Travel makes all this possible by helping USA patients access the marvels of affordable healthcare.
Preventative medicine is one of the biggest draws of UNIBE Hospital for foreign patients. With the potentially life-saving benefits of such diagnostic testing, the reason is clear. Many patients have chosen a venture abroad with NC Medical Travel (who arranges all this through their office in the U.S.).
Dr. Putvinsky is proud of his position as a specialist in intervention medicine within his cardiology practice. He was trained Russia (University of Moscow), Costa Rica (UNIBE), and Israel (University of Hadsassah). He began practicing medicine in 2003. He has been published (along with his colleagues) in many professional medical publications. He has been a speaker at various pretigious conferences, specifically in Israel. He speaks excellent English.
The two Samaritan patients he has seen have each had unique stories.
One man was in a pickle. He was a preacher in Pennsylvania and his doctor told him he needed a heart stress test to see if his life was in danger. Needless to say, that was an unexpected expense to have. Happily, NC Medical Travel helped him find a way out of his dilemma (April 2015).
The other gentleman (July 2015) from Samaritan Ministries was facing a wide range of diagnostic testing that was suggested at his age, despite his apparent good health. Many people are faced with that predicament, and pick and choose what tests they can afford -- which is gambling with your life. Instead, this man realized for the price of one colonoscopy back in Illinois he could have a that exam, plus a heart stress test, a consultation with an orthopedic specialist, bloodtests, a thorough physical, a dental cleaning, and all his travel expenses for a week (including airfare).
NC Medical Travel and UNIBE Hospital are proud they can make a difference in people's lives.
About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:
NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They make the cost savings of medical travel convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
About Unibe Hospital:
Clinica Unibe is a hospital located in sunny Costa Rica, in the capital city, San Jose. Their facility has all the required Costa Rican Ministry of Health permits, plus they have had the AAAASF accreditation since 2010. Unibe Hospital was the first such facility in Costa Rica to receive the honor of AAAASF accreditation.
About Samaritan Ministries, International:
Samaritan Ministries is a cost-sharing Christian group whose members volunteer to help fellow
members with medical bills according to Guidelines adopted by the members. Building on a
foundation of trust, compassion, and Christian values, Samaritan is an eligible option under the
national health care law.
Their website is www.samaritanministries.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
San Jose, Costa Rica: October 19, 2015 – Heart disease is nothing to be taken lightly. For members of Christian cost-sharing groups, this is as big a problem as for anyone else. Perhaps even more so, because preventative medicine is not usually provided for by these grassroots healthcare cooperatives. That is not a criticism of these groups. They are established for financial and emotional and spiritual relief in times of suffering.
Dr. Putvinsky, and all of the doctors and staff at UNIBE Hospital, can help USA patients who have a limited budget for their medical care. NC Medical Travel makes all this possible by helping USA patients access the marvels of affordable healthcare.
Preventative medicine is one of the biggest draws of UNIBE Hospital for foreign patients. With the potentially life-saving benefits of such diagnostic testing, the reason is clear. Many patients have chosen a venture abroad with NC Medical Travel (who arranges all this through their office in the U.S.).
Dr. Putvinsky is proud of his position as a specialist in intervention medicine within his cardiology practice. He was trained Russia (University of Moscow), Costa Rica (UNIBE), and Israel (University of Hadsassah). He began practicing medicine in 2003. He has been published (along with his colleagues) in many professional medical publications. He has been a speaker at various pretigious conferences, specifically in Israel. He speaks excellent English.
The two Samaritan patients he has seen have each had unique stories.
One man was in a pickle. He was a preacher in Pennsylvania and his doctor told him he needed a heart stress test to see if his life was in danger. Needless to say, that was an unexpected expense to have. Happily, NC Medical Travel helped him find a way out of his dilemma (April 2015).
The other gentleman (July 2015) from Samaritan Ministries was facing a wide range of diagnostic testing that was suggested at his age, despite his apparent good health. Many people are faced with that predicament, and pick and choose what tests they can afford -- which is gambling with your life. Instead, this man realized for the price of one colonoscopy back in Illinois he could have a that exam, plus a heart stress test, a consultation with an orthopedic specialist, bloodtests, a thorough physical, a dental cleaning, and all his travel expenses for a week (including airfare).
NC Medical Travel and UNIBE Hospital are proud they can make a difference in people's lives.
About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:
NC Medical Travel (internationally known as MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They make the cost savings of medical travel convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
About Unibe Hospital:
Clinica Unibe is a hospital located in sunny Costa Rica, in the capital city, San Jose. Their facility has all the required Costa Rican Ministry of Health permits, plus they have had the AAAASF accreditation since 2010. Unibe Hospital was the first such facility in Costa Rica to receive the honor of AAAASF accreditation.
About Samaritan Ministries, International:
Samaritan Ministries is a cost-sharing Christian group whose members volunteer to help fellow
members with medical bills according to Guidelines adopted by the members. Building on a
foundation of trust, compassion, and Christian values, Samaritan is an eligible option under the
national health care law.
Their website is www.samaritanministries.org.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Our Partner Costa Rica Cardiologist, a Specialist in Intervention Medicine, Recommends New Technology
Press release by Richard Jordan, PR Coordinator for NC Medical Travel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
San Jose, Costa Rica: August 28, 2015 – The technology is the coronary calcium score, which allows doctors to measure a patients' risk of heart problems with an unheard of degree of accuracy. This test also enables the doctor to pinpoint the diseased area and apply targeted treatment. It takes the power of the CAT scan and directs it toward heart disease.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Jordan, 336-608-5636
San Jose, Costa Rica: August 28, 2015 – The technology is the coronary calcium score, which allows doctors to measure a patients' risk of heart problems with an unheard of degree of accuracy. This test also enables the doctor to pinpoint the diseased area and apply targeted treatment. It takes the power of the CAT scan and directs it toward heart disease.
I accidentally had lunch with Dr. Vladimir Putvinsky today. I was working in the breakroom on my laptop, and he rushed in for a quick lunch between patients with the respected national soccar (futbol) league. (As an aside, that's a beautiful illustration of why NC Medical Travel does something special here -- interacting with doctors daily on behalf of USA patients)
He was telling me all about his prize of preventative medicine. It's the only such machine in all of Latin America, and its potential for prevention of heart disease is outstanding. He has a right to be proud.
This technology is not completely new. It is merely new enough that about half of USA insurance companies do not recognize it was a valid expense, despite its life-saving potential. It is also certainly not experimental. Basically nothing in Costa Rica is. USDA-standard medicine is the hallmark of Costa Rica, with so many of their doctors trained in the USA or Europe.
In the USA such a test runs a person about $1,500, according to get.smarter.com as reported in U.S. News and World Report (as of 2015). Moreover, there's usually a hefty co-pay.
In Costa Rica, the same test is around $300.
Our partner hospital DOES accept insurance! It just requires an upfront deposit.
For $300, that's no major thing. Unless it saves someone's life.
Dr. Putvinsky's video showing off his prize equipment is at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_d5U7GC_8Q
He was telling me all about his prize of preventative medicine. It's the only such machine in all of Latin America, and its potential for prevention of heart disease is outstanding. He has a right to be proud.
This technology is not completely new. It is merely new enough that about half of USA insurance companies do not recognize it was a valid expense, despite its life-saving potential. It is also certainly not experimental. Basically nothing in Costa Rica is. USDA-standard medicine is the hallmark of Costa Rica, with so many of their doctors trained in the USA or Europe.
In the USA such a test runs a person about $1,500, according to get.smarter.com as reported in U.S. News and World Report (as of 2015). Moreover, there's usually a hefty co-pay.
In Costa Rica, the same test is around $300.
Our partner hospital DOES accept insurance! It just requires an upfront deposit.
For $300, that's no major thing. Unless it saves someone's life.
Dr. Putvinsky's video showing off his prize equipment is at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_d5U7GC_8Q
Learn more about USA prices here:
http://get.smarter.com/qa/health/much-ct-heart-scans-cost-3180f7c458e4204e?ad=semD&an=google_s&am=broad&ap=google.com&o=33310#
About NC Medical Travel to Costa Rica:
NC Medical Travel (internationally known as DentaRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They help both individuals and businesses to significantly reduce costs for healthcare. They make the cost savings of medical travel convenient and much safer than unaided medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
About Unibe Hospital:
Clinica Unibe is a hospital located in sunny Costa Rica, in the capital city, San Jose. Their facility has all the required Costa Rican Ministry of Health permits, plus they have had the AAAASF accreditation since 2010. Unibe Hospital was the first such facility in Costa Rica to receive the honor of AAAASF accreditation.
Their website is www.clinicaunibe.net/
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Good Samaritan's trip just concluded
Press release by Richard Jordan, PR Coordinator for NC Medical Travel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Richard Jordan, 336-608-5636
Clemmons, NC, March 7, 2015 – Staff from NC Medical Travel took five USA citizens on a medical trip to Costa Rica and their healthcare partners. Many of the travellers arranged their travel on the same flights, and along with CEO Kathy Jordan left March 3, 2015. For Kathy, this trip was very much about being a Good Samaritan and helping people in need. This was not a cost-effective venture for the company, but it was the right thing to do, and in the end she made a tangible difference in people's lives.
One patient had personal difficulties and needed a travel companion (she and Kathy ended up driving to the airport together). Kathy re-arranged her schedule to accommodate these needs, despite the fact it reduced the trip for Kathy to one night in Costa Rica. Another patient needed a artificial limb, which the company's partners did not do. Kathy found this man a Costa Rican provider with a good reputation, and made him part of the group, although he was not actually doing business with NC Medical Travel, per se. Another patient had a nursing infant, and Kathy made sure her arrangements included an hotel room on the first floor and with room for a crib. The other patients, while doing valued business with NC Medical Travel, did not in themselves create a cost-effective trip.
But Kathy knows she did the right thing. Samaritan members are frequently missionaries and church workers who contribute so much to others, and so Kathy feels blessed to be of service to them. She further enjoyed the fellowship and joined the travellers for eating out and shopping.
Four of the five travellers were members of Samaritan Healthcare Ministries, a cost-sharing alternative to the healthcare marketplace often referred to as ObamaCare. In this case, these Samaritan members did not have healthcare needs which would be cost-shared according to guidelines of the ministry. They were effectively self-pay patients, and in the USA were facing challenging costs. Challenging is a generous term, as the simple truth is many people end up choosing to do without healthcare they need badly.
By travelling to Costa Rica, all these patients (Samaritan or not, dental or medical, North Carolina or South Dakota) saved large sums, obtained medical they might otherwise have done without, and received world-class healthcare for a fraction of the cost compared to the USA.
About NC Medical Travel:
NC Medical Travel (known internationally as DentaRica and MediRica) is a USA-based company
with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They make medical travel convenient and
much safer than unassisted medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy
Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments,
answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com.
About Samaritan Ministries International:
Samaritan Ministries is a cost-sharing Christian group whose members volunteer to help fellow
members with medical bills according to Guidelines adopted by the members. Building on a
foundation of trust, compassion, and Christian values, Samaritan is an eligible option under the
national health care law.
Their website is www.samaritanministries.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Richard Jordan, 336-608-5636
Clemmons, NC, March 7, 2015 – Staff from NC Medical Travel took five USA citizens on a medical trip to Costa Rica and their healthcare partners. Many of the travellers arranged their travel on the same flights, and along with CEO Kathy Jordan left March 3, 2015. For Kathy, this trip was very much about being a Good Samaritan and helping people in need. This was not a cost-effective venture for the company, but it was the right thing to do, and in the end she made a tangible difference in people's lives.
One patient had personal difficulties and needed a travel companion (she and Kathy ended up driving to the airport together). Kathy re-arranged her schedule to accommodate these needs, despite the fact it reduced the trip for Kathy to one night in Costa Rica. Another patient needed a artificial limb, which the company's partners did not do. Kathy found this man a Costa Rican provider with a good reputation, and made him part of the group, although he was not actually doing business with NC Medical Travel, per se. Another patient had a nursing infant, and Kathy made sure her arrangements included an hotel room on the first floor and with room for a crib. The other patients, while doing valued business with NC Medical Travel, did not in themselves create a cost-effective trip.
But Kathy knows she did the right thing. Samaritan members are frequently missionaries and church workers who contribute so much to others, and so Kathy feels blessed to be of service to them. She further enjoyed the fellowship and joined the travellers for eating out and shopping.
Four of the five travellers were members of Samaritan Healthcare Ministries, a cost-sharing alternative to the healthcare marketplace often referred to as ObamaCare. In this case, these Samaritan members did not have healthcare needs which would be cost-shared according to guidelines of the ministry. They were effectively self-pay patients, and in the USA were facing challenging costs. Challenging is a generous term, as the simple truth is many people end up choosing to do without healthcare they need badly.
By travelling to Costa Rica, all these patients (Samaritan or not, dental or medical, North Carolina or South Dakota) saved large sums, obtained medical they might otherwise have done without, and received world-class healthcare for a fraction of the cost compared to the USA.
About NC Medical Travel:
NC Medical Travel (known internationally as DentaRica and MediRica) is a USA-based company
with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They make medical travel convenient and
much safer than unassisted medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy
Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments,
answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com.
About Samaritan Ministries International:
Samaritan Ministries is a cost-sharing Christian group whose members volunteer to help fellow
members with medical bills according to Guidelines adopted by the members. Building on a
foundation of trust, compassion, and Christian values, Samaritan is an eligible option under the
national health care law.
Their website is www.samaritanministries.org.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Helping with Medical Costs -- Health Care Ministry Publishes Article about NC Man's Surgery in Costa Rica
Press release by Richard Jordan, PR Coordinator for NC Medical Travel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Richard Jordan, 336-608-5636
Clemmons, NC, Feb. 4, 2015 – An article in the February issue of the Samaritan Ministries
Christian Health Care Newsletter details NC Medical Travel staffer Richard Jordan’s cost effective
major surgery ... in Costa Rica.
The article, by newsletter assistant editor Jed Stuber, chronicles Jordan’s kidney stone surgery in
December 2014. It also explains how his medical bills were processed and approved as publishable
by Samaritan Ministries, a health care sharing ministry.
You can read it here:
http://www.dentarica.blogspot.com/2015/02/we-are-published-read-online-version-of.html
Jordan’s PCNL surgery at UNIBE Hospital in Costa Rica was performed by Dr. Roy Lopez and his team. In the U.S., the procedure would have cost around $38,000. His Costa Rican bill, including flights, recovery center stay, meals and lodging for 5 nights, and fees, was $12,000. Just as important, if not more so, Jordan says the quality of the health care was excellent, especially since he sacrificed nothing except time and "legwork."
Hopefully Richard's experience will bring an option to the attention of many Americans that they
may have not considered. He is grateful for the opportunity and outcome. As a staff member of NC Medical Travel himself, he was already confident in Costa Rican healthcare and UNIBE Hospital. He had not expected the personal involvement, however.
About NC Medical Travel:
NC Medical Travel (known internationally as DentaRica and MediRica) is a USA-based company
with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They make medical travel convenient and
much safer than unassisted medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy
Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments,
answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com.
About Samaritan Ministries International:
Samaritan Ministries is a cost-sharing Christian group whose members volunteer to help fellow
members with medical bills according to Guidelines adopted by the members. Building on a
foundation of trust, compassion, and Christian values, Samaritan is an eligible option under the
national health care law.
Their website is www.samaritanministries.org.
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/6662275511.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Richard Jordan, 336-608-5636
Clemmons, NC, Feb. 4, 2015 – An article in the February issue of the Samaritan Ministries
Christian Health Care Newsletter details NC Medical Travel staffer Richard Jordan’s cost effective
major surgery ... in Costa Rica.
The article, by newsletter assistant editor Jed Stuber, chronicles Jordan’s kidney stone surgery in
December 2014. It also explains how his medical bills were processed and approved as publishable
by Samaritan Ministries, a health care sharing ministry.
You can read it here:
http://www.dentarica.blogspot.com/2015/02/we-are-published-read-online-version-of.html
Jordan’s PCNL surgery at UNIBE Hospital in Costa Rica was performed by Dr. Roy Lopez and his team. In the U.S., the procedure would have cost around $38,000. His Costa Rican bill, including flights, recovery center stay, meals and lodging for 5 nights, and fees, was $12,000. Just as important, if not more so, Jordan says the quality of the health care was excellent, especially since he sacrificed nothing except time and "legwork."
Hopefully Richard's experience will bring an option to the attention of many Americans that they
may have not considered. He is grateful for the opportunity and outcome. As a staff member of NC Medical Travel himself, he was already confident in Costa Rican healthcare and UNIBE Hospital. He had not expected the personal involvement, however.
About NC Medical Travel:
NC Medical Travel (known internationally as DentaRica and MediRica) is a USA-based company
with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They make medical travel convenient and
much safer than unassisted medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy
Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments,
answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com.
About Samaritan Ministries International:
Samaritan Ministries is a cost-sharing Christian group whose members volunteer to help fellow
members with medical bills according to Guidelines adopted by the members. Building on a
foundation of trust, compassion, and Christian values, Samaritan is an eligible option under the
national health care law.
Their website is www.samaritanministries.org.
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/6662275511.html
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
For publication at www.christiannewswire.com
Helping with Medical Costs - Samaritan Healthcare Ministries Publishes Article about NC Man's Surgery in Costa Rica
Press release by Richard Jordan, PR Coordinator for NC Medical Travel
Clemmons, NC, Feb 4 2015 -- In December 2014, Samaritan member Richard Jordan decided to have a major surgery performed in Costa Rica. In January, his medical bills were processed and approved as publishable by Samaritan Ministries Christian Healthcare Newsletter. In February, an article has been released in both print and online written by Jed Stuber.
You can read it here:
http://www.dentarica.blogspot.com/2015/02/we-are-published-read-online-version-of.html
Richard had his PCNL surgery at UNIBE Hospital in Costa Rica performed by Dr. Lopez and his team . In the U.S., he could have expected a bill of around $38,000. His Costa Rican bill (including flights, recovery center stay, meals and lodging for 5 nights, and fees) was $12,000. Just as important, if not more so, he feels the quality of the healthcare was excellent (and he sacrificed nothing except time and "leg-work").
Richard's experience may be able to offer an option that many Americans have not considered. He feels very grateful for the experience. As a staff member of NC Medical Travel himself, he was already confident in Costa Rican healthcare and UNIBE. He had not expected the personal involvement, however.
About NC Medical Travel:
NC Medical Travel (known internationally as DentaRica and MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They make medical travel convenient and much safer than unassisted medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
About Samaritan Ministries Christian Healthcare newsletter:
Samaritan Ministries, Intl, is a cost-sharing Christian group, whose members volunteer to help fellow members with medical bills according to Guidelines adopted by the members. Building on a foundation of trust, compassion, and Christian values, Samaritan is an eligible option under the national healthcare law.
Their website is www.samaritanministries.org/
Press release by Richard Jordan, PR Coordinator for NC Medical Travel
Clemmons, NC, Feb 4 2015 -- In December 2014, Samaritan member Richard Jordan decided to have a major surgery performed in Costa Rica. In January, his medical bills were processed and approved as publishable by Samaritan Ministries Christian Healthcare Newsletter. In February, an article has been released in both print and online written by Jed Stuber.
You can read it here:
http://www.dentarica.blogspot.com/2015/02/we-are-published-read-online-version-of.html
Richard had his PCNL surgery at UNIBE Hospital in Costa Rica performed by Dr. Lopez and his team . In the U.S., he could have expected a bill of around $38,000. His Costa Rican bill (including flights, recovery center stay, meals and lodging for 5 nights, and fees) was $12,000. Just as important, if not more so, he feels the quality of the healthcare was excellent (and he sacrificed nothing except time and "leg-work").
Richard's experience may be able to offer an option that many Americans have not considered. He feels very grateful for the experience. As a staff member of NC Medical Travel himself, he was already confident in Costa Rican healthcare and UNIBE. He had not expected the personal involvement, however.
About NC Medical Travel:
NC Medical Travel (known internationally as DentaRica and MediRica) is a USA-based company with an open-to-the-public office in Clemmons, NC. They make medical travel convenient and much safer than unassisted medical tourism through various means, including finding trustworthy Costa Rican partners, performing background checks on these partners, setting up appointments, answering questions from USA residents, and when needed guiding their guests personally.
Their website is www.ncmedicaltravel.com/
About Samaritan Ministries Christian Healthcare newsletter:
Samaritan Ministries, Intl, is a cost-sharing Christian group, whose members volunteer to help fellow members with medical bills according to Guidelines adopted by the members. Building on a foundation of trust, compassion, and Christian values, Samaritan is an eligible option under the national healthcare law.
Their website is www.samaritanministries.org/
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