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Permalink Reply by Cherie Bright on September 27, 2009 at 10:32pm

Contract air is an excellent product for the industry. Airfares change by the minute. Although air is often left out of the package because of the cost variation, I think it should be included more that it is. Flexibility is also a key factor especially for the return trip. No one knows exactly how long a person will take to recover and one cannot predict who will or won't have a complication that might delay their return.

Another important factor is the airlines rules regarding denied boarding. Someone that looks ill may be denied ability to fly. Cancellation policies as well as travel insurance are key factors. You also have to consider that the patient may book the flight to get there just in time. It is of extreme importance that the patient has adequate time to recover from the trip before undergoing most medical procedures. You also need to consider that doctors have emergencies and may need to change their schedule. Some procedures may take a lot longer with certain patients than anticipated. All of these factors require flexibility.

The public tends to buy what looks like the best bargain. It's unlikely that they will consider all of the factors. Someone who travels a lot may plan well but the majority does not. They schedule too closely and try to do too much. Many medical facilitators overlook important issues. Those that are the best will plan for the unexpected and delight when it doesn't happen and give a sigh of relief that they were prepared when it does.

Those that just want to make a sale will undercut price by deception and leave important things out. This causes the patient to face the problem of costs being higher than anticipated. Customer satisfaction is the greatest key to success.
It is of extreme importance also to prevent as much stress as possible to optimize success for the procedure. A stressed patient is at much greater risk. Controlling non medical issues can be of extreme importance. A patient that has a non refundable airline ticket may return home prematurely just because they don’t want to pay extra or because they don’t know what to do other than follow the schedule as outlined.
The health care professional should not have to deal with these issues. If the doctor recommends a change, it should be easy for that change to be implemented. The facilitator is in the best position to make this possible. Facilitators that are not in a position to handle these services should partner with a travel professional who is.

Cherie

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