European case study: A Spanish saving

A woman was admitted to a private clinic in Spain after having collapsed whilst on holiday.  Further investigation revealed that she had severe aortic stenosis which required urgent aortic valve replacement surgery.

Transfer home to the UK was considered too risky and the local doctor wanted to perform immediate surgery in the private clinic.  However, our medical team were concerned about the limited facilities available in the clinic and felt that the facilities at the local public hospital were far superior.  After discussions with the cardiothoracic surgeon, who also operated at the public hospital, he agreed to carry out the procedure within the next five days in the public sector.

The patient was happy with this arrangement and all follow-up treatment was also conducted in the public sector leading to a satisfied customer and a total saving to the insurance company of more than £35,000.