StatMedica's Top Ten Tips for Patients Considering Dental or Medical Treatment in Poland

London, United Kingdom, November 18, 2007 --(PR.com)-- The growth of medical tourism is well documented, as increasing numbers of patients from the United Kingdom consider their options for medical treatment overseas.

In particular, Poland is emerging as a popular destination: First of all, it is home to many skilled surgeons and specialists. Secondly, the cost of treatment in a private hosptal in Poland can be as much as 70% less compared to private treatment in the United Kingdom (source: StatMedica Research). Finally, Poland is easy to reach from the United Kingdom, with many low-cost carriers increasing the number of direct connections between cities in the United Kingdom and Poland.

Private hospitals in Poland offer a wide range of treatment, inlcuding dentistry, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatment, eye surgery and orthopaedic surgery.

StatMedica, which is experienced in offering advice and support for patients considering treatment in Poland has published the following top ten tips to ensure a stress-free trip:

1. Research your procedure thoroughly, and do not be afraid to ask your surgeon or co-ordinator question after question.

2. Be aware of the risks involved, and pay attention and adhere to any after-care advice given to you by your surgeon. This may involve taking medications, or avoiding alcohol or direct sunlight. Again, if in any doubt, don't be afraid to ask questions.

3. Do not make any decisions based on price alone – be sure to consider the surgeon's experience and qualifications as well as the facilities available at the clinic.

4. Ignore comments from friends and family who talk about not being able to trust “those foreign doctors in hospitals abroad” as they are usually misguided. If you have done your research, you will know that Polish doctors have to undergo a rigorous program of ongoing professional development, and that instances of the MRSA super bug are virtually non-existent in Poland.

5. Allow yourself plenty of time to recover, especially from major surgery – you can always return to Poland at a later date in order to pursue pony-trekking, skiing or a whistle-stop sightseeing tour.

6. Consider your travel companions carefully: This is not a regular family holiday, therefore you may prefer to leave children with a trusted friend or family member, as you are unlikely to be in a position to keep them entertained during your recovery period. Alternatively, if you prefer to travel alone, companies such as StatMedica can provide English language assistance 24 hours a day.

7. Pack wisely: Depending on your treatment, you may feel more comfortable wearing loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes. Also think about bringing plenty of books and magazines to keep you entertained during your recovery period. You may also wish to bring an MP3 player and your favourite dvds.

8. Plan your money – be aware that cash is the most common payment method in Poland, and that very few clinics will accept payment by credit card. The safest way of paying for your procedure is to make a bank transfer to the clinic before your departure. And make sure that you bring enough Zlotys to cover day-to-day expenses such as bottled water, meals, snacks and taxis.

9. Think carefully about your accommodation, and the facilities that you are likely to need. If you plan to stay in a hotel or spa resort, room-service meals and a concierge service are benefits worth looking for, although if you are going to be in Poland over several weeks, you may like to consider a serviced apartment which will give you more flexibility as well as a more homely environment. Whatever you decide, proximity to the clinic is certainly essential.

10. Invest in a folder to store information regarding your trip and your treatment: Print off copies of e-mails from the clinic, flight details and the address for your accommodation. Finally, make sure that you have all the important contact details and telephone numbers to hand.

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