5 Excuses That Stop People From Getting Important Joint Replacement Surgery

Many people need hip replacement surgery, hip resurfacing surgery, or knee replacement surgery and they know it. Their doctor has diagnosed the need for orthopedic surgery; they've researched their options but they just aren't doing anything about it. They're scared, unsure of what to expect, possibly under-insured or not insured at all and unable to afford it - or so they think.

Here are 5 excuses that are preventing people from getting much needed joint replacement surgery and getting their lives back:

Excuse 1: My doctor is always right and he said I didn't need a knee replacement, even though I have a hard time walking and my flexibility is no longer what it was. I just don't have the time to deal with getting a second opinion.

There are many reasons and factors that make up a doctors' opinion, including diagnostic test results, levels of pain, your insurance status, etc. but there's no reason not to get a second opinion. In fact, there are places online that let you ask a doctor his opinion and even evaluate your needs. They are free and carry no obligation and are performed by highly-trained specialists - not some Internet call center staffed with inexperienced and uneducated folks. Get a second opinion!

Excuse 2: If I postpone surgery I can probably find some alternative health option that won't involve a costly operation.

Sure, there are alternative methods of controlling the pain, such as stretching exercises like Yoga and treatments such as acupuncture. These are great ways of providing improved flexibility and minimizing the pain, but they are not going to allow you the same way of life you once had, and they are not going to completely rid you of the pain. If you need a hip or knee replacement surgery, then that's what you need.

Excuse 3: Joint replacement surgery is expensive and I'm under-insured or don't have insurance.

Having a hip or knee replacement surgery in the U.S. is quite costly without insurance. In fact, the cost of the surgery alone can top $50,000 or more, but with international orthopedic surgery options now available this is no longer a valid excuse. In New Zealand, you can get the surgery, the travel costs, the post-surgery hotel and all rehabilitation needs all for usually less than half this cost! And the facilities in New Zealand are state-of-the-art and doctors all English-speaking and highly trained (many in the US).

Did I mention that there's financial assistance available?

Excuse 4: Overseas medical or health tourism is scary!

There are destinations that can be out of the comfort zone for many American travelers - not just those seeking safe, quality surgical care. New Zealand, however, is a destination that many travelers put on their top 5 lists of places to see, and to experience it along with getting the surgery you need is simply a double-benefit. The hospital facilities are top-notch. The doctors and specialists are all highly trained. It's considered one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world, and the joint replacement surgery is affordable. What more could you want?

Excuse 5: There's so much to coordinate when it comes to surgery in the US or overseas. I just don't know where to start.

It can be daunting - and typically in the US you are sort of on your own. That said there are some health tourism organizations that assign a Personal Patient Coordinator to you from day 1. This person handles ALL logistics - from air travel arrangements, to surgical scheduling, to post-surgery accommodations, to rehabilitation schedules. In fact, they'll keep you company should you need to speak to someone and they'll even meet you at the airport. They'll probably become your friend!