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Tips for Getting Care While Traveling When You Have a Concierge MD



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One major perk of concierge medicine lies in unparalleled access to your doctor. But what happens when travel takes you out of town? 

Can you still connect with your healthcare blog writer for guidance? Absolutely! With some planning and flexibility, you can continue personalized care wherever your adventures take you.

How Concierge Medicine Works

First, a refresher. Concierge doctors provide specialized services for an annual fee, including:

  • 24/7 access via text, email, video chat

  • Little to no wait times for appointments

  • Longer, more focused visits

  • Coordination with specialists

This model allows an elite level of care. However, when traveling, you’ll likely need to utilize other physicians temporarily. Read on for tips to make this transition smooth!

Tip #1: Plan Ahead

Give your concierge doctor early heads up on upcoming travel, including:

  • Destinations and dates

  • Activities - will travel be adventurous or relaxing?

  • Special medical needs - medications, ongoing conditions

This lead time lets your doctor best guide continuity of excellent care.

Tip #2: Gather Referrals

Ask your concierge physician to provide referrals for providers in your destination(s), considering:

  • Your medical history

  • Any specialty care needed (e.g. cardiology, orthopedics)

  • Languages spoken

  • Hospital affiliations

Credentials, clinical expertise, and care philosophy get vetted for peace of mind wherever you roam.

Tip #3: Verify Insurance Coverage

Confirm clinic/hospital coverage with your insurance carrier, at minimum:

  • At destination and in transit (cruise ship medicine)

  • For emergency rooms

  • For air ambulance if debilitated

Review limitations, co-pays, and documentation procedures expected when using out-of-network providers to prevent financial surprises.

Tip #4: Bring Key Records

Pack concise medical info for on-hand reference or in case of emergency, like:

  • Health stats – height, weight, blood type

  • Medical history summary

  • List of conditions, surgeries

  • Allergies

  • Current medications

  • Recent lab results / images

Bonus if your doctor keeps extensive records electronically accessible.

Tip #5: Prepare Medications

Avoid running out of prescription medications with strategies like:

  • Bringing extra meds per length of travel

  • Synchronizing refills before departure

  • Bringing scripts to fill locally if longer stays

  • Verifying legality overseas to avoid issues

Pro Tip: Always keep medications in carry-ons in case bags get lost!

Tip #6: Download Helpful Apps

Apps bring medical guidance to your fingertips, like:

  • Telehealth apps to interface with caregivers from afar

  • Drug interaction checkers like Medisafe or RxISK

  • Regional health care locators show nearby stopping points

Bonus if your concierge group offers their own mobile app!

Tip #7: Scope Out Care Options Before Departure

Identify care access points near travel destinations should needs pop up:

  • Independent primary care offices

  • Outpatient clinics

  • Urgent care centers

  • ERs / hospitals with 24/7 care

  • Any English-speaking providers

Pinpointing backup ahead of time lets you pivot quickly if health concerns surface.


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Tip #8: Don't Hesitate to Follow Up During or Post-Travel

Keep your concierge doctor posted while away or upon returning regarding:

  • Any care received - document to share records / coordinate follow-up

  • New / worsening symptoms needing attention

  • Medication changes from other providers

  • Needs for prescription refills

Care continuity thrives through continuous coordination.

Tip #9: Monitor Health Closely

Travel strains the immune system and masks lurking symptoms. Carefully watch for:

  • Changes suggesting infection – pain, fever, swelling redness

  • Allergic reactions to new foods or insects

  • Gastrointestinal issues from unfamiliar microbes

  • Anything unusual personally concerning

Early detection prevents problems progressing.

Tip #10: Have a Medical Evacuation Plan

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst case. Know protocols if a health crisis strikes while abroad. Questions to research:

  • Does current insurance cover medical air transport home?

  • Does the concierge service offer medical transport benefits?

  • Are travel health plans with air ambulance options recommended?

Let Concierge Medicine Enhance Your Adventures!

The around-the-clock access and personalized guidance concierge medicine facilitates can provide peace of mind whether home or away. 

Leverage your membership to full advantage through tips like consolidating records, coordinating care, securing medications, and monitoring health.


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