What we do
- Coordinate UK screening and aftercare
- Share your summary with your consent
- Review overseas clinics against published standards
- Give you a clear escalation route
How it works
Six steps from first enquiry to recovery at home
VidaMed coordinates the UK side of your care before and after elective surgery abroad. Here is exactly what happens, in order, and who is responsible at each stage.
The journey
What happens, step by step
Every journey is individual. Your UK clinician may adjust the order or add steps based on your health and your chosen procedure.
1. Make an enquiry
Tell us what procedure you are considering, roughly when you hope to travel, and whether you already have a clinic in mind. There is no obligation. We reply within one working day and explain which package may suit you.
2. UK pre-operative screening
A UK-registered clinician reviews your medical history and medicines. Typically this includes a consultation, blood tests, height, weight and BMI, and an ECG where it is clinically indicated. Tests are carried out by CQC-registered diagnostic partners. Many consultations can be done by video where clinically appropriate.
3. Your Surgical Readiness Summary
Your clinician writes a clear summary of your health, your results and anything the operating team should know. It is shared with a clinic only with your consent. If something needs attention first, your clinician will tell you, and will explain the options.
4. Choosing a clinic
If you do not yet have a clinic, we can help you compare overseas partner clinics that have been reviewed against our published Partner Standards. If you already have a clinic, we can still prepare your summary and aftercare plan. The choice of clinic and surgeon is always yours.
5. Surgery and recovery abroad
Your treating clinic provides your surgery and your immediate care. VidaMed does not operate and does not direct your treatment. If you have an urgent concern while abroad, contact your treating clinic and local emergency services.
6. Aftercare at home
On your return, a UK clinician reviews you within days. Wound checks, scheduled follow-ups and imaging through diagnostic partners (where clinically indicated) follow. If something looks wrong, there is a clear route for escalation, and we keep your treating clinic informed with your consent.
Responsibilities
Who does what
Clear roles protect you. This table shows where each party's responsibility begins and ends.
| Stage | Patient | VidaMed | UK clinician | Partner clinic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enquiry | Shares goals and timing | Explains options and packages | Not involved yet | Not involved yet |
| Screening | Gives full and honest history, attends tests | Arranges appointments and tests | Assesses health and advises on readiness | Not involved yet |
| Readiness Summary | Consents to sharing | Coordinates the sharing | Writes the summary | Reviews it before accepting you for surgery |
| Choosing a clinic | Makes the final decision | Provides reviewed options and information | Advises where health factors matter | Provides quotes, surgeon details and consent process |
| Surgery | Follows pre-op instructions | Not involved in treatment | Not involved in treatment | Provides surgery, anaesthesia and immediate care |
| Return home | Attends reviews, reports concerns promptly | Books reviews, coordinates follow-up | Reviews wounds and recovery, escalates concerns | Provides discharge information and takes clinical questions |
| Longer-term follow-up | Keeps scheduled appointments | Keeps records and reminders | Monitors recovery and advises | Receives structured aftercare reports |
Timing
A typical timeline
- Weeks before
Screening and summary
Consultation, tests and your Readiness Summary. Leave enough time to act on any results.
- Before travel
Clinic confirmed
You confirm your clinic, your surgeon and your dates directly with the clinic.
- Days after return
First UK review
Your first review is typically within days of returning home.
- Following weeks
Scheduled follow-ups
Wound checks and reviews, with imaging where clinically indicated.
Good to know
What this service is and is not
What we do not do
- Perform or direct surgery
- Own or run overseas clinics
- Guarantee any clinical outcome
- Provide emergency care
In an emergency in the UK, call 999 or go to A&E. If you are abroad, contact your treating clinic and local emergency services.
Ready to take the first step?
Send an enquiry and we will reply within one working day.
Book a consultation