A patient guide to medical travel in Panama

Planning medical care in Panama

Prepare your questions about assessment, treatment options, travel and follow-up. Decisions about care and the journey should reflect your individual circumstances and discussions with your healthcare professionals.

Read the patient guide General enquiries

Project and doctor profile by Dr Ricardo Vega-Croker

Planning your visit

Three things to prepare before you decide

Use these questions to prepare an informed discussion with your healthcare professionals before deciding about care and travel.

Questions before you travel

Write down what you want answered in advance: what the assessment involves, which treatment options apply to you, what happens if you decide not to proceed, and what costs, visas and length of stay should be confirmed in writing.

Understanding who will assess your case

Ask which clinician will review your records, what information and imaging they need, whether the assessment is in person or remote, and who is responsible for each part of your care while you are in Panama.

Organising follow-up after returning home

Plan the return leg early: who will review you at home, what records and instructions travel with you, how remote questions are handled, and what your own doctor needs in order to continue your care.

How planning works

The medical team

Dr Ricardo Vega-Croker

Dr Ricardo Vega-Croker is the orthopedic surgeon associated with this project. You can read his training and background on the About Us page. Any clinical question about your own case should be discussed directly with him and with your own doctors.

What to prepare for an assessment

Imaging, prior operation notes, medication list and a written summary of your symptoms and goals.

Questions about treatment options

Ask what the options are, what each involves, and what the evidence and limitations are — before anything is agreed.

Practical travel questions

Length of stay, mobility afterwards, travel insurance and who is contactable while you are away from home.

Follow-up arrangements

Confirm in advance who reviews you at home and how records are shared between clinicians.

Ask a question about your case

Make informed decisions

Discuss treatment alternatives and evidence

Ask which alternatives exist, including non-surgical options, and what the published evidence says about each one. It is reasonable to request sources and to take time before deciding.

Verify who provides care and where

Confirm the name and credentials of the clinician responsible for your care, which facility is involved, and who to contact before and after any procedure.

Agree how follow-up information reaches your clinicians

Decide in advance what records you will receive, in what format, and how they will reach your doctor at home, so that continuity of care does not depend on memory.

General enquiries

For questions about this guide, use the contact details below. Do not send medical records through this general form.

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