Continuing care with your doctor at home

Treatment abroad works best when it is part of a continuous story of care. The doctor at home did not see the treatment, so they depend on what the patient brings back. A good handover lets them pick up exactly where the Indian treating team left off.

What your doctor will need

• The discharge summary describing the diagnosis, treatment, any complications and condition at discharge
• Operation or procedure notes where relevant
• Results and imaging from the stay
• The medicines list, with what to continue and for how long
• The follow-up plan recommended by the treating team, including tests and reviews

Ask for these before leaving India. If your doctor works in another language, ask for key documents to be translated; see interpreters and language support.

Agree who does what

Before discharge, ask the treating team:

• Which reviews must happen in India, which by video, and which at home?
• Which tests should be repeated, and when?
• What should the doctor at home watch for?
• How can the doctor at home contact the treating team with questions?

Follow-up by video

Many treating teams offer video follow-up consultations for international patients. Keep the hospital’s international desk contact details.

If something changes

If new symptoms appear, contact a local doctor or emergency services first. Then let the Indian treating team know, as they may be able to advise the local doctor.

Within India too

The same principles apply to patients who travel within India for treatment. See after discharge: recovery and follow-up.

We coordinate follow-up consultations and the transfer of records as part of international patient services.