General Questions
What is Arthritis ?
Arthritis is the damage occurring in the specialized tissue called cartilage which lines the joint.
What is Osteoarthritis?
It is the damage occurring in the cartilage due to wear and tear of the joints, especially weight-bearing joints like the knee and hip.
What is Rheumatoid arthritis?
It is an immune modulated damage occurring in the cartilage of the joints. It can affect any joint, excessive damage and destruction may require joint replacement, especially the hip and knee.
What is Cartilage?
Cartilage is a specialized tissue, lining the joints, which acts as a shock absorber to the joints.
What is Tendonitis?
It is inflammation of the tendon, resulting in pain and swelling.
Do i use ice on my injury ? Do i use heat on my injury ?
Ice is used immediately after a closed injury like a contusion or bruise, while heat is used for chronic pain or long term pain like back ache, arthritis.
What is the bone density scan?
It is a type of scan used to measure the density of bone. The commonly used scan is called DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry).
What is Cortisone injection?
It is a type of steroid injection given into the joint to relieve pain.
What is internal fixation?
Fixing or mending the bone using plates, screws, or rods by surgery is called internal fixation. This facilitates early healing of the bone and prevents deformity.
What is joint replacement surgery ?
It is a method by which, when the joint surfaces in contact or damaged, they are reconstructed or replaced by artificial joints called Prosthesis. It is highly effective in proper hands to alleviate pain and to give back mobility.
What are NSAIDS ?
They are called Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs which are used to relieve pain. Long term usage of these drugs can result in liver or kidney damage.
How long does it take for a joint replacement surgery to heal ?
Usually, the patient will be able to walk on the 3rd-day post-surgery with support and sutures will be removed on the 14th day at the surgeon’s discretion. By the end of the 3rd week, the patient should be able to walk without support. Usually, the wound heals in two weeks.
Can i still run / play with a replaced joint ?
Yes, you definitely can, but inform the surgeon beforehand that you need to do this so that he chooses the appropriate prosthesis.
What is hair line fracture ?
It is a fracture, which is undisplaced and is like a crack in a glass, and usually heals by conservative methods, but may be difficult to diagnose sometimes.
What is compression fracture ?
This is a fracture occurring in the spine due to a fall from a height, which generally can be treated conservatively, but unstable compression fractures will require surgery.
Are there any Rheumatoid treatments other than drugs ?
Your surgeon is the best person to advise you on that depending on your symptoms. You may require joint replacement surgery, depending on the stage of your disease.
What are the most common symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis ?
Pain, swelling, difficulty of movement, and deformity. Advanced stages might require joint replacement surgery.
What is stress fracture ?
It is a type of fracture occurring due to continuous and long term pressure or deforming forces acting on the bone, thereby producing a minimal break in the continuity of the bone.
Am i to old for a surgery ?
It depends on the type and the necessity of surgery. Nowadays no one is generally too old for surgery. Usually, you will be evaluated by a team of specialties to assess the fitness for surgery.
How and when do i need to fast prior to surgery ?
It is generally six to eight hours before surgery, but it can vary depending on the type of surgery you need to undergo. But in life-threatening emergency surgeries, this rule may not be applicable. Your anesthetist is the best person to decide on that.
International FAQs
Does a patient need a doctor's referral for an appointment?
No, it is not required. However, it is advisable to come with X-Rays and Medical Reports, if available, while coming to visit the doctor.
Can patients know the estimated costs of surgery prior to their visit to Shiv Hospital?
Yes. The Patient can email us at info@shivhospital.in to share his/her X-rays / Medical reports and Symptoms. Our expert doctor’s opinion would be shared within 48 hours along with an estimated cost of the treatment.
How can I get medical opinion and cost of treatment?
You can share with us the patient’s case history/ current clinical reports/ X-RAYS, Scans, and previous medical records if any. Our expert team of doctors will evaluate the medical records and suggest the most suited treatment plan and its estimated cost before your arrival.
How to get VISA invitation letter from the Shiv Hospital?
We issue a Visa Assistance letter on receipt of Passport details of Patient and Attendant(s) which will enable you to obtain the Medical Visa.
Which are the modes of payment accepted by Shiv Hospital?
- Payments can also be transferred to the Hospital Account through Wire Transfer prior to arrival
- Cash, Credit Card, VISA Card, and International Debit Card are accepted. However, we do not accept American Express cards. Kindly note that an additional charge of 1.25% over and above the bill amount of debit/credit card will be applied.
- Demand Draft of any International Bank (by prior approval )
- We also provide assistance with currency conversions. Shiv Hospital’s USD bank details can be provided for TT (Telegraphic Transfer). Once, our finance department confirms the receipt of payment, we can take the process further and start the treatment. Alternatively, patients can also carry the required amount in USD, while traveling to India for their medical treatment and to meet other necessary expenses.
What about airport transfers to international patients?
- We provide “to & fro” complimentary Airport pick up/drop facilities for International patients. Pick up schedule will be organized on receiving the final travel itinerary.
- Contact details of Driver and Attendant will be made available for easy access
- If needed, we can send an Ambulance or ICU on wheels as per the requirement of the patient (On prior approval)
- We can assist you with Air Ambulance with prior confirmation if needed
What about accommodation and meals to attend while a patient is admitted?
We provide accommodation to the attendant if the patient is NOT admitted in the Economy room. This facility is extended to patients admitted in all other rooms other than the Economy room. The meals facility is available to attendants on a chargeable basis.
Do you extend help for booking guest houses/hotels?
Yes. We facilitate Patients and families for booking Guesthouses, Hotels, or Apartments in the near vicinity of our Hospitals. We share a list of such facilities with the patients in advance. They can directly book the accommodation or we can assist them.
Our Treatment and Process
How do i make an appoinment?
You can fix up an appointment by phone, in person, or by emailing us at helpline@shivhospital.in visit our contact page www.shivhospital.in/contact
What do i need to bring for may first consultation ?
You need to bring your previous medical records if any and your visa and passport and other relevant if you are not a citizen of India.
What type of surgeries are performedin this hospital?
The hospital specializes in Orthopedics, Neuro, Plastic Surgery, and facio maxillary surgery. The types of surgeries regularly performed are joint replacement surgery, Accident and trauma surgery, spine surgery, arthroscopic surgery, tendon repair, and deformity correction surgery, emergency Neuro surgery for head injuries, surgery for fractures of facial bones, and head and neck surgeries.
Does the hospital do both knee and hip replacement simultaneousl?
Yes. It is done in the same admission but not simultaneously because of the high complication rate. Therefore staggered joint replacement is done in a gap of three days during the same admission. The patient is discharged usually four days after the second joint replacement.
What is Arthroscopic surgery?
It is a surgery done in the joints thru small holes or portals by using specialized instruments to reconstruct the ligaments and small procedures inside the joint. The patient usually is relatively pain-free post operatively and can go back to normal activities earlier. Usually, the scar is very small or minimal.
What are the benefits of this procedure in terms of pain relief, functioning 7 mobility ? How long will the benefits last?
Usually, the hospital stay would be reduced with minimal pain and a faster recovery, with early functional adaptation. The benefit is usually permanent but it depends on the type of arthroscopic surgery and the diagnosis.
What are the risks involved?
The general risks for any surgery apply but are reduced because of limited exposure and soft tissue damage.
What is the success rate for this procedure?
In our Hospital, the success rate is around 95% which compares well with other hospitals, if not better.
What will happen if I don't have the surgery now?
It depends on your diagnosis and this is better asked to your surgeon.
Are all the consultants available 24/7 ?
All the consultants may not be available, but orthopedic registrars will be available 24/7. But in an emergency, the consultants will be on call.
If the patient does not know which doctor he/she should consult. What should they do?
Our staff will coordinate internally within our hospital and get back to the patient with the required details. Just contact us with as much information about your condition as via our email to info@shivhospital.in or you can contact us at 9638901000 or 9638908000
What is the mode of admission?
Admission will be decided by the surgeon and you will be guided as to the procedure by the duty hospital staff nurse.
If I need a second opinion, whom can I consult?
We have at least 3 arthroscopic surgeons and you can get a second opinion from any one of them.
When can return to work? When I can drive my car? When can I sexual activity?
Again it depends on the diagnosis, but usually within three weeks post-surgery.
What is the procedure of OPD patients and what are the charges for the follow up visits?
The first visit to the chief orthopedic surgeon is INR 500 /- and every further follow up would be charged INR 300, for consultation alone.
How can one know more about the doctors at your hospital?
Please visit our website www.shivhospital.in
How do l get the discharge summary?
Discharge advice will be given at the time of discharge and the discharge summary will be given during the first review after discharge.
Can we buy medicines or consumables from outside?
Yes it can be done if it is not available in the hospital.
What is the procedure for the refund?
Refunds will be done as the situation demands and usually, 5% of the amount would be retained to compensate for the change in the schedule and the logistical difficulties incurred. Refund will be completed within 3 working days.
What is the procedure for discharge?
The date of the discharge will be decided by your doctor. The discharge time is 3 to 4 hours. The discharge will be effected after the complete bill payment.
What are the facilities available in the hospital?
The hospital has 24/7 orthopedic surgeon availability, round the clock laboratory, X-ray service, CT Scan, Ambulance, with two laminar flow operating theatres and round the clock fracture, trauma, and emergency services. The physiotherapy department functions from 10 AM to 10 PM.
How many attendant passes are issued?
One attendant pass can be issued for one patient. But others may be allowed during visiting hours.
Do you have an ambulance service?
Yes. The hospital has 24/7 Ambulance service.
Is my mediclaim policy accepted at your hospital?
Yes.
Can the room be retained if the patient shifted to the ICU?
Yes. Provided the room rent is paid for the same.
Is the hospital accredited with NABH?
No.
What is the mode of the payment?
You can pay by cash or card or can avail cashless facility if the hospital is empaneled with your insurance companies. The hospital does not accept cheques.
Do l need to pay any advance?
You need to pay an advance during admission as decided by the hospital administration.