This is the whole path, from the first message to the flight home. It is the same one followed by patients who have already come from the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas.
There are five steps, and each one is confirmed with you before it is taken.
- From homeThe virtual consultationIt is a video call with Dr. Jacobo. Beforehand you send your ultrasound, your biopsy if you already have one and your thyroid labs; he goes through them with you and tells you whether the treatment is suitable for your case, or what it would take to know.
- After the callThe plan and the cost, in writingYou receive in writing which studies are still needed (sometimes only a second biopsy), at which center the procedure would be performed, the cost and how many days you need. Each step is confirmed with you before the next.
- When you landThe pre-procedure work-upBlood work and a cardiology check at the same hospital, usually the day after you arrive. If you do not yet have a biopsy, it is performed here first and the ablation is scheduled once the result is available; how to organize this is decided at the evaluation.
- The next dayThe procedureIt is performed under local anesthesia, takes about 45 minutes and you are discharged the same day. Payment is made that day at the center, by card or in cash.
- 72 hours laterThe check and your flightBefore you leave you have a check with the doctor. Follow-up ultrasounds are performed in your country, and he reviews them and speaks with your radiologist.
What to send for the virtual evaluation.
- 01The thyroid ultrasoundA thyroid ultrasound no older than three months.
- 02The biopsy, if you have oneThe fine-needle biopsy, if you already have one. It is helpful, but not required.
- 03The thyroid labsYour thyroid labs: TSH, T3 and free T4.
- 04A photo of your neckA photograph of your neck, if the nodule is visible.
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.
Who you talk to at each point.
- Dr. Jacobo's practiceThe practice replies to the form and the WhatsApp line, in English, usually within one business day, Dominican time, and coordinates the video call, the work-up and the travel dates.
- Dr. JacoboOn the evaluation video call and at the center. He decides whether the treatment is suitable for your case, and performs the procedure.
- The hospitalHEMA, in Santiago, if you are flying in: labs, cardiology and the procedure are performed in the same building. If you prefer the capital, Clínica Abreu in Santo Domingo.
Each step is confirmed with you before the next, and you have the full cost in writing from the evaluation onwards. Each plan is drawn up for your case.
What people usually ask about the process.
The dates are adjusted to your availability: once you have the plan and the cost in writing, we coordinate them around when you can travel.
It is performed here first, and the ablation is scheduled once the biopsy result is available. At the evaluation we decide with you how to organize it so as to spare you an unnecessary trip.
It is not required: the procedure is performed under local anesthesia and you return to your hotel the same day. Even so, company is usually comforting, and one companion is welcome at the consultation and at the center.
By WhatsApp or email: we reply usually within one business day. And the doctor, on the video call and at the center.
What comes after the path.
- 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.
- Before you writeIs my case a candidate? Four questions.An orientation before the consultation.
- The costWe give you the cost in writing.With the breakdown by center.
The first step happens from home.
At the virtual evaluation, 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.