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.
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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