The evaluation is virtual and happens before you buy a flight. The procedure is outpatient, at a hospital fifteen minutes from the airport, and you can fly home 72 hours later. We give you the cost in writing before you decide anything.
For anyone living abroad, the first question is whether the trip is worth it.
Patients have come from the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas. They all needed the same thing: to know before traveling whether the treatment is suitable for their case, what the cost is and how many days it takes.
- You are seen in English.The consultation, the messages and the follow-up are in English, from the first contact to the last check.
- The evaluation is virtual and takes place before you travel.That way you book your flight knowing whether the treatment is suitable for your case, which studies are still needed and what the cost is. And if it is not suitable, we tell you before you book anything.
- The procedure is outpatient and you can fly home 72 hours later.It is performed under local anesthesia, with no hospital stay, and you return to your hotel the same day.
- We give you the cost in writing before you travel.It includes the breakdown by center and the detail of what it covers, so you can decide with full information.
The path consists of four steps, and the first one happens from home.
- 01You send your studies and we talk on a video call.Dr. Jacobo reviews your ultrasound, your biopsy if you have one and your labs, and tells you whether the treatment is suitable for your case.
- 02You receive the plan and the cost in writing.It sets out which studies are still needed, at which center the procedure would be performed, the cost and how many days you need.
- 03You travel, complete the pre-procedure work-up and have the procedure.Blood work and a cardiology check when you arrive, and the ablation the next day, under local anesthesia, with discharge the same day.
- 0472 hours later, you fly home.There is a check before you leave. Follow-up is carried out in your country and Dr. Jacobo reviews it.
Santiago is fifteen minutes from the airport.
For anyone arriving by plane, Santiago is the most practical location: Cibao International Airport is fifteen minutes away, and the labs, the cardiology check and the procedure are performed at the same hospital, with no transfers between centers.
- Airport15 minutes from Cibao International Airport (STI), with direct flights from New York, Miami and other U.S. cities.
- Everything in one hospitalLabs, cardiology and the procedure at HEMA, in the same building.
- Where to stayThe hospital is across from the Hodelpa hotel, on the Duarte highway.
If you prefer the capital, Dr. Jacobo also sees patients at Clínica Abreu, in Santo Domingo, about 35 minutes from Las Américas airport (SDQ). Where it is best to perform it is decided with you at the evaluation.
What you send us and what you receive after the call.
What you send us
- A thyroid ultrasound no older than three months.
- The fine-needle biopsy, if you already have one. It is helpful, but not required.
- Your thyroid labs: TSH, T3 and free T4.
- A photograph of your neck, if the nodule is visible.
What you receive after the call
- Whether treatment without surgery is suitable for your case, or what it would take to know.
- Which studies are still needed and which are performed here when you arrive.
- At which center it would be performed and how many days you need.
- The full cost, in writing.
And if your case is not a candidate for ablation, we tell you on that same call, before you travel. It has happened, and that is precisely why the evaluation comes first.
The rest of the pre-procedure work-up (blood count, coagulation, blood chemistry, chest X-ray and the cardiology check) is performed here when you arrive, at the same hospital.
We give you the cost in writing before you buy the flight.
The cost is explained at the virtual evaluation and put in writing, so you know it from home and with time to decide.
The cost of the procedure depends on the size of the nodule and the center where it is performed. You receive it with the breakdown by center and the detail of what it includes: it is an individual and complete cost, with nothing added afterwards.
Flights, lodging and transfers are at your own expense and are not included in that cost. The virtual consultation is paid online when you book it; the procedure, on arrival, at the center.
Patient reviews.
Thyroid and cancer surgery patients, and patients from abroad, tell how their experience with the doctor was.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the doctor for being my guide and support during one of the most difficult times of my life: my thyroid cancer treatment. From…
Yaskira PerezMay 2026Dr. Jacobo is highly professional, skilled, and incredibly kind. He takes the time to explain every step and every procedure, ensuring his patients have no unanswered…
Rosemil OvalleFebruary 2025Dr. Jacobo is an excellent professional with world-class attention to detail. When treating a close relative with thyroid surgery, at a leading center in the field, he…
Anthony TejadaJanuary 2025Wonderful doctor. I had no idea I'd been suffering from thyroid problems for some time, and you gave me an accurate diagnosis that changed my life. Thank you so much…
Ana AguileraJanuary 2025I had a total thyroidectomy performed by Dr. Jacobo. It was a difficult surgery, but I came out of the operating room feeling excellent. Dr. Jacobo loves what he does…
Sheila Sabrina Calderon cuelloJune 2025I am incredibly grateful for the care I received from Dr. Jacobo. I initially found him through a Google search while looking for alternative treatment options for my…
Kate LockhartMarch 2026My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. Amidst our worry, we chose Dr. Jacobo because I was struck by his genuine and selfless interest in my husband's diagnosis. He…
Nidia AcostaSeptember 2025Dr. Joan is a physician with outstanding professional training and a true calling: compassionate, approachable, and always attentive, not only to his patients but also to…
Andi AlmanzarSeptember 2025I recently underwent surgery by Dr. Joan Jacobo, and there's nothing better than the safety and peace of mind for a patient and family, ensuring their health is in the…
Omar Encarnación UlloaSeptember 2025An excellent doctor, my dear Dr. Jacobo. After seeing many doctors without a clear answer about what was wrong with me, I finally found Dr. Jacobo. With great care and…
Alexandra Fontana ReynosoJanuary 2025I want to express my sincere gratitude to the doctor for his excellent work and dedication. From the very first moment, he instilled confidence, security, and a human…
Josmeiry PaulinoMarch 2026Dr. Joan Jacobo studied and performed a brain scan for my mother, and the experience was much more bearable thanks to his wonderful professional and, above all, humane…
Anibelka MenaApril 2024I want to highlight Dr. Joan's excellent service, experience, and dedication to his patients. Personally, I want to emphasize that few doctors dedicate the time, care…
Massiel LizardoJuly 2025Dr. Jacobo is a specialist who inspires great confidence and security. He knows how to soothe the anxiety that comes with having to see him! He's a doctor at the…
Jenny Guzman De GonzalezApril 2024Dr. Joan Javier Jacobo is an excellent oncology professional. He is highly qualified and recommended by other oncologists in the country. I wholeheartedly recommend him.…
Angelica MejiaAugust 2024Dr. Joan Javier Jacobo is an excellent professional and physician with a genuine and compassionate nature that is highly effective for his patients. I, his patient for…
Mariela Jiminian CamiloApril 2024An excellent doctor, dedicated to his patients, providing exceptional care with love and dedication. You are a doctor who inspires confidence; all patients should have an…
Jisselle PaulinoFebruary 2025An excellent professional, ethical, committed, and approachable. A doctor who, in addition to being highly qualified, provides his patients with peace of mind…
Mercedes RosarioJune 2025My dear Dr. Jacobo, for me you are an excellent doctor, kind, gentle, and a great professional. I had kidney surgery performed by him and I feel very well. I bless you…
Margaret CastrillonJanuary 2025Dr. Joan took the time to listen attentively, answer all my questions, and explain everything clearly and calmly. I felt heard, well cared for, and in good hands…
Lizvanessa JavierApril 2026
What people usually ask from abroad.
Citizens of the United States, Canada and most of Europe do not need a visa for the Dominican Republic; a valid passport is enough for stays under 30 days. It is worth confirming your own country's requirements before traveling.
It is usually five or six days if you already have your biopsy: the pre-procedure work-up the day after you arrive, the procedure the following day, and a check before you fly, 72 hours after the procedure. The exact plan, with your dates, is given to you in writing at the evaluation.
The virtual consultation is paid online when you book it. The procedure is paid on arrival, at the center, by card or in cash. No deposit is required, and you receive the full cost in writing before you decide anything.
Most U.S. plans do not cover elective procedures abroad; some reimburse part of the consultation. We give you an itemized invoice you can submit to your insurer or HSA/FSA administrator.
We tell you at the virtual evaluation, before you travel, along with the options you do have. Dr. Jacobo also operates on the thyroid, so if surgery is what is indicated, the conversation continues with the same physician.
Yes. The consultation, the messages and the follow-up are in English.
The path, the trip and the follow-up are explained in detail.
- The pathHow it worksThe full path, step by step: the virtual consultation, the written plan, the work-up, the procedure and the trip home.
- The tripThe tripThe airports, the days you need, what to bring, where to stay and what you pay at each point.
- After treatmentFollow-up from homeFollow-up ultrasounds are performed where you live, and Dr. Jacobo reviews them with your radiologist.
- To beginSend my caseYou can send us your ultrasound and your biopsy, and we tell you whether the treatment is suitable for your case before you book anything.
It all starts from home, with a video call.
The virtual evaluation is the first step: most often you leave the call knowing whether the treatment is suitable for your case, which studies are still needed and what the cost is, before buying a flight.