How much can I really save by having my procedure in Panama?
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Depending on the procedure, patients typically save 50–75% compared to US prices. A gastric sleeve that costs $23,000 in the US runs $6,500–$9,500 in Panama. Knee replacements run $12,000–$16,000 vs $35,000+ in the US. All-on-4 dental implants cost $7,000–$11,000 vs $20,000–$28,000. The savings are real — same US-brand implants, same laser platforms, same surgical techniques.
Are the surgeons in Panama as qualified as US surgeons?
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Many of Panama's top specialists trained at US institutions — Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, NYU Langone, HSS New York, Weill Cornell, and others. They then returned to Panama to practice. All surgeons in our network are board-certified in their specialty and regularly attend US and European medical conferences.
How long do I need to stay in Panama for my procedure?
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It depends on the procedure. LASIK requires just 3 days. Dental veneers or implants typically take 5–7 days. Bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve) usually requires 5–7 days before flying home. Joint replacements (knee/hip) require 10–14 days minimum before flying due to DVT risk. Med Viajar provides a personalised travel plan for your specific procedure.
What happens if there are complications after I return home?
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This is the most important question to ask any medical tourism facilitator. Med Viajar provides 12 months of remote follow-up coordination. Our network surgeons are available for video consultations post-procedure. We also send complete medical records to your home physician so your local doctor can manage any follow-up care. In the rare case of a procedure-related complication requiring revision, we facilitate this in Panama.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
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No. All of our partner hospitals have English-speaking doctors and international patient coordinators. Med Viajar also assigns a bilingual patient coordinator to your case who accompanies you to every appointment. Panama City is an internationally-oriented city and English is widely spoken in medical and hospitality settings.
Can I combine my procedure with a vacation in Panama?
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Absolutely — and many patients do. Panama City is a vibrant, modern city with excellent restaurants, a UNESCO-listed historic district (Casco Viejo), and easy access to beaches, rainforest, and the Panama Canal. The climate is warm year-round. Many patients extend their stay by a week after recovery to explore the country. Med Viajar can recommend hotels near your hospital that are experienced in hosting recovering medical tourists.