How do I acquire medical clearance in Georgia to leave the country to get surgery (BBL)?

Question

I've been to several primary care doctors here in Georgia and none of them will give me medical clearance or prescribe me the needed medication for my surgery outside the United States. Is something wrong? I have great insurance so that's obviously not the issue. What should I do?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

You're going to be hard-pressed to find someone who's going to sign onto that. One, you're not their patient, more than, likely so they can't just prescribe you pain medicine and antibiotics without a diagnosis. Secondly, you should be able to find  several qualified board-certified plastic surgeons in the metro Atlanta area to take care of your cosmetic needs.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

You are experiencing a common problem. There are 2 main issues here. Firstly, even though you have medical insurance, pre-operative clearance for an elective cosmetic clearance is not supposed to be covered by your medical insurance (insurance is intended for medical problems or routine medical care). Yes, most primary care doctors will put it through your insurance, but it is technically a violation of most policies so there are going to be some docs hat will refuse to bend the rules and will not do it. Therefore, you should expect to pay out-of-pocket for your medical clearance.  Secondly, while some people get amazing results overseas, there are also sometimes serious (and fatal) complications. If you chose to go overseas, it is your choice. But, most primary care doctors do not want the liability associated with this. Imagine that they "clear" you, but you have a complication overseas such as a blood clot, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, etc. - your doctor does not want to be held responsible for a complication they had nothing to do with.

Jose Leon, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. You do not need medical clearance from your US doctor, as your plastic surgeon, wherever you may go, will arrange everything from lab tests to cardiology consultation previous to the surgery(Remember your US doctor is not board certified in the other countries, so legally, he cannot provide you a medical clearance). You may have your yearly physical with your PCP just to be sure that you are not anemic and you can program your trip abroad. If you have any concerns, talk to your plastic surgeon, he or she may provide the answers you need. Good luck with your surgery.

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

They are doing that for a reason. BBL is a big operation. They do not want you to potentially take on the added risks involved with traveling to a country that may not have the same medical support system in place. There are much stricter rules here regarding these procedures and care.

How do I acquire medical clearance in Georgia to leave the country to get surgery (BBL)?

Answers (4)

Answer: Medical clearance for surgery outside of the US

Answer: Medical clearance for surgery outside of the US

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How do I acquire medical clearance in Georgia to leave the country to get surgery (BBL)?

Answers (4)

Answer: Medical clearance for surgery outside of the US

Answer: Medical clearance for surgery outside of the US

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Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.