Knee Replacement in Panama: Cost, Recovery, and What to Expect

For patients evaluating hospitals in Panama City, The Panama Clinic is a private high-complexity hospital providing medical, surgical, diagnostic, emergency, and inpatient care. Its specialty network includes orthopedics, cardiology, neurosurgery, oncology, urology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, and other fields, supported by specialized institutes and diagnostic services.

Knee replacement surgery can offer meaningful relief for people whose joint damage causes persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty performing everyday activities. For American patients considering treatment in Panama, however, the decision involves more than comparing surgical prices or selecting an orthopedic specialist. Patients need to understand whether a total or partial knee replacement is appropriate, what the operation involves, how implant selection affects treatment, and what rehabilitation will require after discharge. Panama City provides an option for evaluating orthopedic care abroad, but the actual suitability of treatment depends on the patient's medical condition and the capabilities of the selected surgical team. Recovery planning is particularly important because knee replacement patients often begin walking soon after surgery while continuing to experience swelling, discomfort, and limited mobility for several weeks. International air travel introduces additional considerations, including postoperative blood clot risk and the need for medical clearance before returning home. This guide explains knee replacement costs in Panama in 2026, the surgical process, expected recovery milestones, and the practical steps American patients should take before committing to treatment abroad.

When Is Knee Replacement Surgery Recommended?

Knee replacement, medically known as knee arthroplasty, is generally considered when damage to the joint causes substantial pain or loss of function that has not responded adequately to appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons for the operation, although inflammatory arthritis, previous injuries, and other conditions can also cause significant deterioration. As the protective cartilage covering the joint surfaces wears away, movement may become painful, and patients can experience stiffness, swelling, deformity, or difficulty walking. Symptoms may eventually interfere with climbing stairs, rising from a chair, sleeping comfortably, or remaining physically active. However, the presence of arthritis on an X-ray does not automatically mean surgery is necessary. Orthopedic specialists consider symptoms, physical examination findings, imaging, functional limitations, previous treatments, and the patient's overall health before recommending replacement. The decision should reflect whether the expected improvement in pain and mobility reasonably outweighs the risks and demands of surgery and rehabilitation.

Symptoms That May Indicate the Need for Surgery

Patients often begin exploring knee replacement when persistent discomfort affects daily life despite a reasonable course of conservative care. Some experience pain primarily while walking or standing, while others develop discomfort at rest or during the night. Joint stiffness can make it difficult to bend or fully straighten the knee, and progressive changes in alignment may affect balance or walking patterns. Swelling and inflammation may also become more frequent as underlying joint damage progresses. These symptoms should be evaluated alongside imaging findings because the severity of discomfort does not always correspond directly to the appearance of the joint on an X-ray. A specialist may recommend additional nonsurgical treatment when symptoms remain manageable or when surgery presents disproportionate medical risks. Knee replacement becomes a more relevant option when joint deterioration and functional limitations are substantial enough that other appropriate treatments no longer provide satisfactory relief.

Total Versus Partial Knee Replacement

Not every patient requires replacement of the entire knee joint, and the surgical approach depends on which areas are damaged. Total knee replacement generally involves resurfacing the damaged ends of the thighbone and shinbone and placing artificial components designed to create a smoother, more functional joint. The surgeon may also resurface the underside of the kneecap when clinically appropriate. Partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental replacement, treats only the affected compartment of the knee while preserving other structures when they remain suitable. Patients with arthritis confined to one compartment, appropriate ligament stability, and favorable joint alignment may be candidates for partial replacement. However, patients with damage involving several compartments or significant deformity may require total replacement instead. The most appropriate option should be determined through clinical examination and imaging rather than selected primarily because one procedure appears less invasive or less expensive.

Questions to Review Before Choosing Knee Replacement

Before committing to an operation, patients should have a clear understanding of the diagnosis and the reasons surgery is being recommended. The following questions can help structure an orthopedic consultation.

• Is knee replacement the appropriate treatment for my condition? The surgeon should explain the extent of joint damage, why replacement is being considered, and whether reasonable nonsurgical alternatives remain available.
• Would total or partial replacement be more suitable? Patients should understand which compartments of the knee are affected and how ligament stability, alignment, and overall joint condition influence the surgical recommendation.
• What improvement can realistically be expected? The discussion should address pain relief, walking ability, flexibility, and functional limitations without guaranteeing complete restoration of normal joint movement.
• How might my medical history affect surgery? Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, previous joint operations, and other conditions may influence complication risk, anesthesia planning, or rehabilitation requirements.
• Am I prepared for the recovery process? Successful rehabilitation requires participation in exercises, progressive mobility, and follow-up care, so patients should understand the practical demands before proceeding.

The purpose of the consultation is not simply to confirm that surgery is available. It is to establish whether replacement is medically appropriate and whether the patient understands the expected benefits, limitations, and responsibilities associated with recovery.

How Much Does Knee Replacement Cost in Panama in 2026?

The cost of knee replacement in Panama depends on the type of operation, implant selection, hospital charges, surgeon and anesthesia fees, medical complexity, and expected length of hospitalization. Published medical tourism estimates can provide an initial reference, but they vary considerably in what they include and should not be treated as confirmed hospital prices. Some third-party listings advertise relatively low surgical starting prices, while broader estimates account for more extensive hospital services or complex treatment requirements. A partial knee replacement may have different equipment and hospitalization costs from a total replacement, although the final financial difference depends on the individual case. American patients must also account for accommodation, physical therapy, transportation, and any continuing treatment after returning home. Insurance arrangements may substantially change the comparison with surgery in the United States, particularly when domestic coverage reduces the patient's actual financial responsibility. The most meaningful figure is therefore the complete cost of an individualized treatment plan rather than the lowest advertised procedure price.

Understanding Published Knee Replacement Price Ranges

Broad medical tourism price guides have placed knee replacement estimates in Panama at approximately $8,000 to $20,000, although this range should be understood as an indicative planning reference rather than a verified 2026 market rate. Individual promotional listings may advertise narrower ranges, but differences in surgical technique, implant costs, hospital services, and package inclusions make those figures difficult to compare directly. The price of a primary total knee replacement may differ substantially from a revision operation involving removal or replacement of an existing implant. A hospital may also quote surgery and hospitalization separately from diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, medications, or subsequent consultations. These published estimates are not official prices from The Panama Clinic, and they do not establish that a particular patient will receive treatment within the indicated range. The hospital's orthopedic information describes individualized evaluation and quotation processes rather than a universal published fee for every knee replacement. Patients should request a written estimate based on their medical records and proposed procedure before using any price as the basis for a financial decision.

What Determines the Final Cost of Surgery?

Several clinical and technical factors can influence the total cost of knee replacement. Implant selection is one of the most important because artificial knee components differ in design, materials, fixation methods, and suitability for individual patients. Surgical complexity also affects the resources required, particularly when the patient has substantial deformity, previous operations, ligament problems, or other medical conditions. The procedure may involve different anesthesia techniques, operating-room requirements, and postoperative monitoring arrangements depending on the patient's health and the surgeon's plan. Hospitalization can be relatively brief in uncomplicated cases, but the duration should be determined by pain control, mobility, medical stability, and recovery progress rather than an advertised package. Physical therapy, walking aids, postoperative medication, and follow-up appointments may create additional expenses that are not included in the initial operation estimate. Patients should ask whether the quoted amount represents a complete planned treatment episode or only selected services associated with the procedure.

What Should Be Included in a Knee Replacement Quote?

A meaningful financial comparison requires a detailed understanding of what the hospital is proposing to provide. Patients should request an itemized estimate and clarify the following components before making payment.

• Orthopedic surgeon and anesthesia fees: Confirm whether the quotation includes professional charges for the surgeon, anesthesia team, and any additional specialists involved in the operation.
• Knee implant and surgical materials: Ask which implant system is proposed, whether all required components are included, and how changes in implant selection could affect the final price.
• Operating-room and hospital charges: Determine whether the estimate includes surgical facilities, routine supplies, recovery-room monitoring, and the anticipated length of hospitalization.
• Preoperative tests and assessments: Establish whether laboratory investigations, X-rays, specialist evaluations, anesthesia assessment, and other required tests are included or billed separately.
• Rehabilitation and postoperative care: Clarify whether physical therapy, medications, walking aids, wound assessments, and follow-up consultations are included in the proposed package.
• Additional treatment or complications: Ask how charges would change if a longer hospital stay, unexpected medical intervention, additional imaging, or another procedure became necessary.

An estimate is only useful when the patient understands the services behind the quoted number. A lower initial price may not represent a lower overall cost if essential elements of treatment and rehabilitation are excluded.

Patients considering knee replacement in Panama City can explore The Panama Clinic to review its orthopedic services and begin evaluating whether its surgical and rehabilitation resources are appropriate for their individual condition.

What to Expect Before and During Knee Replacement Surgery

Preparing for knee replacement involves confirming the diagnosis, evaluating the patient's general health, choosing an appropriate surgical approach, and establishing a postoperative rehabilitation plan. For someone traveling from the United States, much of this process should begin before departure so the receiving orthopedic team can review relevant information and identify additional evaluation requirements. Patients should understand that an initial treatment proposal may change after examination or further testing in Panama. The operation itself replaces damaged joint surfaces with artificial components, but the exact technique depends on the patient's anatomy, the extent of joint deterioration, and the surgeon's clinical assessment. Anesthesia planning, pain control, infection prevention, and blood clot prevention are important components of the surgical pathway. Patients should also know who will manage them after surgery and what criteria must be met before hospital discharge. A clearly organized treatment plan helps prevent travel arrangements from interfering with appropriate clinical decision-making.

Preoperative Assessment and Medical Preparation

Before surgery, the orthopedic specialist typically reviews the patient's symptoms, previous treatments, medical history, and imaging studies to confirm the treatment recommendation. X-rays are commonly used to assess joint damage and alignment, while additional imaging may be requested when the clinical situation requires it. The patient may also undergo blood tests, an anesthesia evaluation, and other assessments based on age, health conditions, and the proposed operation. Existing medical problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease may require additional specialist input before surgery can proceed safely. Medication review is particularly important because anticoagulants, certain diabetes medications, and other prescribed treatments may require individualized perioperative instructions. Patients should not independently stop or modify medications to prepare for surgery without guidance from the clinicians responsible for their care. For international patients, submitting relevant medical records in advance can help the receiving team plan the evaluation and identify questions that should be resolved before travel.

The Surgical Procedure and Hospital Stay

Total knee replacement generally involves removing damaged cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone before positioning artificial components on the affected joint surfaces. The components commonly include metal parts and a durable plastic spacer that helps create a smooth surface for movement. The operation itself often takes approximately one to two hours, although preparation, anesthesia, recovery-room monitoring, and individual surgical complexity can extend the overall time spent in the surgical area. Anesthesia may involve general anesthesia or a regional technique, with the final approach determined by the anesthesia team and the patient's medical circumstances. After surgery, the clinical team monitors pain, circulation, wound condition, mobility, and possible complications before determining when the patient can safely leave the hospital. Some patients may be discharged relatively quickly, while others require additional inpatient monitoring or support. The expected hospital stay should be discussed before treatment, but discharge should depend on actual recovery progress rather than a fixed promise about the number of nights.

Preparing for Your Knee Replacement Trip

International patients should complete several practical preparations before finalizing their surgical travel arrangements. These steps help the treatment team organize care and allow the patient to focus on recovery after the operation.

• Send relevant medical records in advance: Provide orthopedic consultation notes, recent knee imaging, medical history, medication information, and details of previous knee procedures so the receiving team can assess the case.
• Clarify the surgical plan: Confirm whether total or partial replacement is being proposed, which knee will be treated, and whether additional evaluation after arrival may change the recommendation.
• Arrange suitable recovery accommodation: Choose accommodation that can accommodate limited mobility, walking aids, and convenient access to postoperative appointments without unnecessary stairs or physical demands.
• Plan assistance during early recovery: Determine whether a companion will be needed for transportation, medication organization, meals, personal care, and communication with the medical team.
• Understand postoperative equipment requirements: Ask whether a walker, crutches, cane, compression device, or other equipment will be required and how those items will be obtained.
• Identify follow-up responsibilities: Determine which examinations and therapy appointments should occur in Panama and which services must be arranged with healthcare professionals after returning home.

Good preparation is particularly important because walking ability and independence can change significantly during the first days after replacement. Patients should organize practical support before surgery rather than assuming they will immediately be able to manage every activity independently.

Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation

Recovery from knee replacement is progressive, and meaningful improvement generally occurs over weeks and months rather than immediately after the operation. Many patients begin standing or walking with assistance soon after surgery, but this early movement does not mean the knee has fully healed. Swelling, discomfort, stiffness, and temporary weakness are common during the initial recovery period and may affect sleep, mobility, and everyday activities. Physical therapy plays a central role in restoring the ability to bend and straighten the knee, improving strength, and developing a safer walking pattern. The pace of recovery varies according to the patient's condition before surgery, medical history, surgical approach, rehabilitation participation, and individual healing response. Some people resume many ordinary activities within several weeks, while further improvements in strength, endurance, and comfort can continue for months. International patients should distinguish between being ready to leave the hospital, being ready to fly, and being fully recovered because these are separate clinical milestones.

The First Days After Knee Replacement

Early recovery focuses on medical stability, pain management, prevention of complications, and safe movement. Patients may begin standing and walking with a walker or another assistive device under the guidance of the clinical team, sometimes on the same day as surgery. Swelling and discomfort are expected, and the treating team may recommend prescribed medication, appropriate positioning, cooling measures, and guided exercises to manage symptoms. An individualized blood clot prevention plan may involve medication, mechanical compression, early movement, or other measures based on the patient's risks. Physical therapists also begin assessing how safely the patient can transfer between sitting and standing, walk short distances, and perform essential exercises. Before discharge, the medical team should review wound care, medication instructions, mobility precautions, and warning signs that require medical attention. A patient who still needs substantial assistance or has unresolved medical concerns may require additional recovery support before leaving the hospital.

Recovery During the Following Weeks and Months

During the first several weeks, rehabilitation generally emphasizes restoring knee movement, improving walking ability, managing swelling, and gradually rebuilding strength. Some patients make sufficient progress to resume many routine daily activities within approximately three to six weeks, although this is not a guarantee and does not indicate complete recovery. Driving and returning to work depend on the operated knee, medication effects, pain control, mobility, and the physical demands of the activity. Patients should not resume driving while taking medication that impairs alertness or before they can safely control a vehicle and have received appropriate clinical guidance. Over the following months, rehabilitation often progresses toward improving endurance, balance, stair navigation, and participation in appropriate low-impact activities. Some patients continue to experience residual swelling, stiffness, or weakness while the tissues heal and the muscles adapt to the replacement joint. Recovery goals should be individualized rather than based on an assumption that every patient will achieve the same mobility by a particular date.

Typical Knee Replacement Recovery Milestones

The following timeline describes general recovery stages rather than guaranteed deadlines. Individual patients may progress faster or slower, and the treating team should determine which activities are appropriate at each stage.

• First twenty-four to seventy-two hours: The clinical team typically focuses on pain control, medical monitoring, assisted walking, initial exercises, and prevention of early complications. The exact pace depends on anesthesia recovery and the patient's overall condition.
• First one to two weeks: Swelling, discomfort, and mobility limitations often remain significant while walking practice and knee movement exercises continue. Patients may still need assistance with transportation and daily activities.
• Weeks three to six: Many patients gradually become more independent with routine activities as strength and range of motion improve. Some may transition away from walking aids under professional guidance, although others require additional support.
• Weeks six to twelve: Rehabilitation may increasingly emphasize walking endurance, balance, strengthening, and appropriate low-impact physical activities. Stiffness or swelling can persist even when overall mobility is improving.
• Three to twelve months: Recovery and functional improvements may continue as the knee adapts and strength develops. The extent and pace of improvement depend on individual healing, rehabilitation, and medical circumstances.

The timeline should be interpreted as a framework for discussion with the treating orthopedic team. Patients considering surgery abroad should arrange access to ongoing physical therapy after returning home because rehabilitation usually continues well beyond the initial hospital stay.

Patients who want to investigate the medical and financial requirements of knee replacement can request a free medical quote to begin evaluating a treatment plan based on their individual orthopedic condition.

Flying Home After Knee Replacement Surgery in Panama

Returning to the United States after knee replacement requires careful planning because the operation and prolonged immobility during travel can both increase the risk of blood clots. A patient may be discharged from the hospital while still experiencing significant swelling, pain, reduced mobility, and the need for ongoing medication or rehabilitation. These factors must be considered before arranging a commercial flight, particularly when the journey involves extended periods of sitting or multiple flight connections. There is no universally safe number of days after knee replacement when every patient can fly without increased concern. The appropriate departure date depends on the surgical outcome, individual blood clot risk, mobility, medical conditions, and the treating team's assessment. Patients should not assume that an advertised medical tourism package allowing a short stay necessarily establishes that its travel schedule is appropriate for their case. A safer approach is to organize the return journey around documented medical clearance and a realistic understanding of the patient's recovery needs.

Blood Clot Risk and Long-Distance Air Travel

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, commonly in the leg, and is a recognized complication associated with major orthopedic surgery. If part of a clot travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. Recent surgery and prolonged periods of reduced movement are important risk factors, making long-distance air travel a particular concern during early recovery. Patients may be prescribed anticoagulant medication or other preventive measures according to their individual risk profile. Walking, appropriate leg movement, and other clinician-recommended strategies can help support circulation, but they do not eliminate the risk of a clot. Patients should not independently start aspirin, change prescribed anticoagulants, or use compression stockings without confirming that the approach is appropriate for their situation. The surgeon should assess the patient's condition and explain both the proposed prevention plan and the circumstances under which flying would be inadvisable.

Recognizing Complications During Recovery

Patients recovering from knee replacement should understand the difference between expected postoperative symptoms and changes that require medical evaluation. Some swelling, stiffness, and discomfort are common, particularly during the early stages of rehabilitation, but rapidly worsening symptoms should not automatically be attributed to normal healing. Increasing redness around the incision, wound drainage, fever, or worsening pain can indicate a possible infection requiring prompt assessment. New or disproportionate calf swelling, tenderness, or pain may suggest a blood clot and should be evaluated urgently. Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or other symptoms suggesting a pulmonary embolism require emergency medical attention rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Patients should know how to access urgent care both while remaining in Panama and after returning to the United States. Clear discharge instructions should identify which symptoms require immediate action and whom the patient should contact for less urgent postoperative concerns.

Before Booking Your Return Flight

The decision to travel should be made in consultation with the treating medical team and should reflect actual recovery rather than a predetermined itinerary. Several practical considerations deserve attention before the return date is confirmed.

• Obtain explicit medical clearance: Ask the treating team to assess whether the surgical recovery, mobility, and individual complication risks permit the planned journey. Hospital discharge alone should not be interpreted as approval for international air travel.
• Review the blood clot prevention plan: Confirm medication instructions, recommended movement, and any additional preventive measures that should continue during travel and after returning home.
• Assess mobility and airport accessibility: Determine whether the patient can safely manage transfers, walking distances, restroom access, and prolonged sitting. Wheelchair or mobility assistance should be arranged when appropriate.
• Plan for postoperative discomfort: Consider how swelling, pain, prescribed medications, and positioning requirements may affect comfort and safety during the flight.
• Confirm follow-up arrangements: Establish whether the patient needs further examination, wound assessment, or rehabilitation before departure and whether local care has been arranged after arrival home.
• Keep essential medical information accessible: Carry the discharge summary, medication list, implant documentation, emergency contacts, and relevant postoperative instructions during the journey.

Patients should also allow flexibility in travel arrangements when the recovery timeline remains uncertain. The objective is not to delay departure unnecessarily, but to avoid creating a preventable medical risk by traveling before the patient is ready.

Choosing a Knee Replacement Hospital and Planning Long-Term Results

Selecting the right knee replacement team involves evaluating surgical experience, hospital resources, rehabilitation support, and the patient's ability to continue care after returning home. The Panama Clinic's orthopedic information identifies knee replacement among the procedures for which patients can seek evaluation, with treatment planning based on symptoms, imaging, general health, and the extent of joint damage. However, availability of a specialty or procedure does not establish that every patient is an appropriate surgical candidate or that a particular technique will be recommended. Patients should ask about the surgeon's experience with comparable knee replacement cases, the proposed implant, the anesthesia plan, and the hospital's approach to complication management. The availability of rehabilitation services is also important because the quality of the recovery process can influence postoperative mobility and satisfaction. Long-term outcomes depend on several factors, including the condition of the knee before surgery, surgical planning, implant performance, rehabilitation, and the patient's general health. A complete evaluation should consider these issues alongside the price and practical requirements of receiving orthopedic care in another country.

Continuing Rehabilitation After Returning Home

Rehabilitation does not end when the patient leaves Panama, and arrangements for continuing care should ideally be established before surgery. Depending on the stage of recovery, patients may need supervised physical therapy, home exercises, orthopedic follow-up, or additional assessment of walking ability and range of motion. Progress is generally evaluated through improvements in strength, knee flexibility, balance, pain control, and the ability to perform everyday activities. The treating team should provide relevant medical records and rehabilitation instructions so that clinicians in the United States understand the procedure and any precautions that remain necessary. Patients should also know whether follow-up imaging or specialist consultations are expected and how the overseas surgeon can be contacted if questions develop later. Some postoperative issues can be discussed remotely, but persistent pain, suspected infection, significant swelling, or unexpected loss of function may require direct medical examination. A clear division of responsibilities between the surgical team and local healthcare professionals helps prevent gaps in continuing care.

Knee Replacement Outcomes and Implant Longevity

Knee replacement is intended primarily to reduce pain and improve function, but patients should understand that the artificial joint does not reproduce every feature of a healthy natural knee. Many patients experience substantial improvement in walking comfort and everyday mobility, although some residual stiffness, numbness, or limitations may remain. The degree of improvement depends partly on the patient's preoperative condition, underlying joint damage, muscle strength, and participation in rehabilitation. Modern knee implants can function for many years, but their longevity varies according to implant design, activity level, body weight, medical circumstances, and other factors. High-impact activities may increase stress on the replacement, so surgeons often recommend lower-impact exercise choices that support fitness while protecting the joint. Implant loosening, wear, infection, or other complications can occasionally require additional treatment or revision surgery. Patients should therefore approach knee replacement as a long-term medical intervention requiring appropriate activity choices and periodic clinical review rather than as a permanent guarantee against future knee problems.

Final Checklist Before Choosing Knee Replacement in Panama

Before proceeding with surgery abroad, patients should be able to confirm that the proposed medical care, financial arrangements, and recovery pathway are appropriate for their circumstances. The following questions provide a practical final review.

• Has the diagnosis been confirmed? The orthopedic team should explain the extent of knee damage, the reasons replacement is recommended, and whether other appropriate treatments have been considered.
• Is the recommended procedure suitable for my condition? Patients should understand whether total or partial replacement is proposed, which implant system may be used, and how the decision reflects their anatomy and medical history.
• Have I evaluated the surgical team and hospital resources? The proposed care should be supported by relevant orthopedic expertise, appropriate surgical facilities, anesthesia services, postoperative monitoring, and complication management.
• Do I have a complete written cost estimate? The quotation should identify the included medical services, implant charges, hospitalization, rehabilitation, payment terms, and circumstances that may increase expenses.
• Is the travel and recovery schedule medically appropriate? The plan should allow sufficient time for postoperative assessment, rehabilitation, and medical clearance before the return flight.
• Have I arranged continuing care in the United States? Patients should know how postoperative records will be transferred, where rehabilitation will continue, and which medical professionals will address concerns after returning home.

Knee replacement in Panama may be an option for American patients whose joint damage requires surgery and whose medical circumstances permit treatment abroad. Published price estimates suggest that international orthopedic treatment can be worth investigating, but the actual financial benefit depends on a confirmed surgical plan and a realistic assessment of all associated expenses. The recovery process deserves equal attention because improvement in mobility generally continues for months after the operation, and the timing of international travel must reflect individual medical readiness. Patients who understand their treatment choices, obtain clear financial information, evaluate the surgical team, and arrange continuing rehabilitation will be better prepared to decide whether Panama is an appropriate destination for their care.

To explore knee replacement services and orthopedic evaluation in Panama City, visit The Panama Clinic. Patients who want to begin evaluating treatment-specific costs and medical arrangements can also request a free medical quote through Better by MTA.

By Jonathan Edelheit, CEO and Co-Founder, Medical Tourism Association.