MTY - the ONLY Medical Facilitator Company in Mexico Accepted for Listing by the REFORMED MS SOCIETY
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DR. DIAZ - Lead MS Procedure Doctor:
“Liberation Treatment is a very simple medical procedure that provides immediate results in most patients.We are happy that our extensive cardiovascular experience and training provides the opportunity to offer this uncomplicated procedure to our fellow North Americans suffering from CCSVI - and we wish to assure MS patients that stents are NEVER used in our MS Liberation Procedure.”
A) Internationally trained and English-fluent Dr.
Dr.Villarreal
Alejandro Diaz Cabanas and Dr. Sergio Villarreal Umana are at the forefront of Invasive and Interventional Cardiological Surgery and have successfully performed over 2000 angioplasty procedures.Their dedicated teamwork in the Cath Lab during the Liberation Procedure is remarkable.Our patients benefit greatly from their sincerity and the fact that they spend a great deal of time with the patient – both before and after – the procedure too.(PLEASE FEEL FREE TO REQUEST THEIR CVs - Curriculum Vitaes - FROM US)
B) Neurologist Dra. Lucy Andrea Novelo demonstrates a warm and professional hands-on demeanor in both her Pre and Post Liberation Procedure examinations.She recently met with Dr. Zamboni in Europe – her experience with Multiple Sclerosis is vast- over 200 MS patients here in Yucatan alone.
C) The imaging lab is headed by an extraordinary MRI specialist, Dr. Rosado, and our DOPPLER specialist, who is adept at discovering blockages heretofore unreported in similar testing in the U.S. and Canada.The time he takes and caution he demonstrates with patients is exemplary.
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DAWNIA MCLEOD, (Mt. Forest, ONTARIO, FEBRUARY, 2011)
"My fatigue level has improved greatly. I continue to amaze my husband Darren when he gets home from work and I'm still on the go. Unheard of before!!! My sensory or nerve pain has improved greatly. I wonder how I ever lived with it. I feel so much more alert and pulled together. I have been very busy these days. I have been feeling very well since my return home and I have been working very hard on my physiotherapy and am determined to strengthen this leg.We think of you often and are still amazed at the kindness, support and generosity that you and the doctors all extended to us during our stay in Merida. Please send our regards to the rest of the MTY team and we will stay in touch."
(Dawnia was liberated January 14 - she would love to hear from you –
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)
PIERO SCARSELLA (Toronto, Ontario, JAN, 2011)
“I find that my leg strength is a little bit better, I am able to peddle my stationary bicycle longer. My balance is better so that now I can stand up straight, more or less, and keep my balance for a minute or two. My head feels clearer and playing with ideas and numbers is easier. This is good news for me because if all works out as we hope, one day I will go to work and pay taxes, so I will have to become a student again. If everything works out taking courses should be easier for me.Heather I would like to say thanks to everyone for making our trip to Merida as easy and nice as it turned out to be. If we were to try doing everything on our own, logistically, it would have been a nightmare and would have turned out badly. Thanks for everything!” Piero can be reached at
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DIANA ZIMMER, LIBERATION PATIENT, (Toronto, Ontario, FEB, 2011):
“My head feels more clear.My blood circulation has improved and my hands, legs, and feet actually warm up now!!!I can't say enough good things about MTY [Medical Traveler Yucatan].The MTY Associate Director, Heather Moreau, and Patient Care Facilitator, Mike Riniolo both met us at the airport and took us to our hotel - very clean new hotel is directly across from the Star Medica Hospital in which we had our procedure.Star Medica is a very modern state-of-the-art hospital. Our doctors, neurologist and two cardiologists [who performed the operation] are both top-quality specialists. The small city of'Merida' is clean, quiet and very safe.I can bear my weight in a standing position for a few minutes at a time, something I had completely lost over the past few years.Grateful to have found MTY and the improvement liberation treatment has provided me. I'm praying now that science can soon find a complete answer to this horrible chronic progressive illness. I'm also praying for those of you with MS who have not yet received liberation treatment and highly recommend 'Medical Traveler Yucatan.” (Contact Diana at
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or through her website at www.DianaZimmer.com )
MARCO SCARSELLA, Brother/Friend of 3 LIBERATION PATIENTS (Toronto, Ontario, JAN, 2011)
“I was not sure what to expect traveling to another country (with my brother Piero, an MS patient - and 2 more MS patients, Diana and Kostas).The way that you took care of us and met all of the needs of everyone was very professional and put our worries aside.The compassion of the MTY team and of the doctors was more than what we hoped for.I am forever grateful for your warm hearts and wonderful generosity - Please keep doing a wonderful job in helping people have hope again in their lives and making this journey as comfortable as possible for them.God bless.”
KATRINA BAIER, LIBERATION PATIENT, (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, JAN, 2011)
“I have lived with MS for 20 years and decided to take my health into my own hands.My Liberation has been amazing.Caring, quality, and easier accessibility are why I am referring other MS patients to MTY in Merida.MTY provides hands-on patient care and that is the most important part – They are a CANADIAN-AMERICAN TEAM in Merida for you!And there is less chance of getting deep vein thrombosis (clotting) when traveling to Yucatan (less than 2 hours non-stop from Houston with Continental) instead of more distant places.” (E-mail Katrina at
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)
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MEDICAL TRAVELER YUCATAN PACKAGE ($9600 U.S.)
To put you at ease and provide a seamless, enjoyable transition for your medical travel experience in Merida, we offer a complete, all-inclusive MEDICAL & NON-MEDICAL package that covers your entire trip (SCROLL TO SEE DETAILED BREAKDOWN BELOW): HOSPITAL ROOM AND ASSOCIATED COSTS, DOCTORS’ FEES, CATH LAB, EQUIPMENT, DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, ANGIOPLASTY PROCEDURE, MEDICATIONS, LOCAL TRANSPORTATION, ACCOMMODATIONS, ALL MEDICAL FACILITATOR SERVICES 24/7, AND MUCH MORE. (See details below)
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS REQUIRED PRIOR TO SURGERY INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE*
1. BLOOD TESTS: PT - INR - PTT - Blood Type and RH – Hemoglobin - Red/White Blood Cell Count - Platelets – Glucose - Electrolytes (Na K Cl ) - Urea (BUN) - Creatinine
2. OTHER: NEUROLOGY CONSULTS – Pre and Post
3. MRI (Head and Neck)
4. DOPPLER BILATERAL (JUGULAR) for MS
The Package is made up of 2 Parts:Medical and NON-Medical:
1.“MEDICAL” ALL-INCLUSIVE - STANDARD PACKAGE
- Procurement of your records for Evaluation by our Doctors/Phone/E-mail
- Review of Records/Evaluation by our Surgeon
- Initial Consultation with Our Doctors
- Costs/Scheduling of Required Pre-Op Diagnostic Procedures, Lab Tests, Procedure
- Pre-op in-person appointment with Surgeon(s)
- The Surgeon Team Procedure Fee
- The Anesthesiologist’s Fee
- 2 Neurology Consults
- Procedure Materials
- Procedure Equipment
- 1 Balloon**
- Use of Operating Room (Cath Lab)
- Hospital Stay for 1 Night: Private Room
- Meals in the Hospital
- All Hospital Associated Costs***
- Linen/Bed for Companion stay overnight
- Sedation and Medication costs during Hospital Stay
- Post-Procedure Consultation with your Surgeon-Including an Analysis & DVD of the Procedure
- Compilation of ALL new Records for your doctors at home –You take it all home with you
- Ongoing Communication by Doctors and MTY post-stay with patient and home Doctor
2.“NON-MEDICAL” ALL-INCLUSIVE: STANDARD PACKAGE
- Your Canadian – American Team is here with you throughout your stay
- Unlimited assistance and contact with the MTY team prior to your medical stay
- Unlimited assistance and contact with the MTY team during your stay 24/7
- Arrangement of ALL your Medical and Non-medical requirements as needed by our Staff at MTY in addition to below
- Liaison/Meetings on your behalf with your Doctors Before Your Trip to set your appointment and Throughout Your stay
- Costs and Scheduling of Appointments, Organizing Reviews, Delivering test results
- MTY Coordination of Travel Date with Star Medica/Doctors’ schedules
- MTY Assistance/Advice -- Flight Travel****
- Your Pre-Trip Medical Checklist
- Orientation and Arrival Guide
- Detailed Personalized Itinerary
- Pick-up at the Merida Airport by Canadian-American MTY Team for you and your companion(s)
- Baggage Assistance & and airport Tipping
- Transport to the hotel (Baggage handling & Tipping)
- Complimentary Wheelchair Use
- Booking & Costs of Your Accommodations (7 Nights) at Hotel Across from Hospital
- Assigned personal Patient Care Facilitator During Your Stay
- Personal Escort to all pre- and post-op Medically-Related Appointments
- Review/explanation of Required patient steps prior to surgery
- Surgery Day Escort and Transportation
- Accompany You and Handle Admissions Process
- Daily Monitoring and Assistance during hospital stay
- Accompany you and Handle Discharge Process
- Post-op Transportation to Hotel for you (and your companion)
- Post-op Monitoring during Recuperation
- Pick-up and delivery of Prescriptions as needed*****
- Escort and Transportation to final Consultation with your Doctors
- Translation/Interpreter needs during your stay
- MTY calls and updates to home
- Your use of Local cell phone
- All taxes, service fees
- Escorted Transportation/Tipping upon Departure from hotel to Merida Airport
- All Administrative and Facilitator Fees
Your Canadian – American Team is here with you throughout your medical experience
*Some patients may have RECENT test results available. We at MTY will collect this from you for your file and for review. Recent blood tests often suffice. Some may need to be repeated. In particular, there have been Blockages discovered in MRI and Doppler results here in Merida that have been missed elsewhere (Canada) –our Doctors require local results as a “second opinion” and based on this history, the costs have therefore been folded into the package. The doctors will still want to see any of those results you may have for comparison, individual information, and follow-up care.
**It appears that approximately 1 out of 3 or 4 MS patients require a second balloon. MTY recently negotiated a rate “at cost” with the provider company for a second balloon if necessary (we do not receive any commission for this and as consumer advocates, we will continue our efforts to drive costs down). Following our policy of Transparency, we want all patients to be apprised in advance that this situation may arise.
***All hospital costs are billed separately to us from Doctor’s costs and a 17% state tax is levied. This is all included in the quoted package price.
****While airfare is not part of the package, MTY is happy to help with airline/plans/schedules/reservations and make the best recommendations to you. MTY receives no commission from airlines. Continental Airlines flies non-stop from Houston to Merida with an evening flight allowing easy connections earlier in the day. We can advise you on this. (Cancun arrival may be an economic option for some patients who are mobile to travel on a coach or company van after a flight. We can arrange/assist/ and particularly advise according to each patient’s current status and needs.)
*****Prescriptions that need to be filled post-op are not included in your package but MTY will find them, negotiate the best discount locally, and bring your medications directly to you. Please bring with you any medications you are currently taking to last for 7 days.
OUR PROMISE:
Our Promise to you is that Your package price is firm – at $9600 U.S. for the above Package.
It can be tailored to your specific needs as you wish and therefore costs may vary if you choose Luxury accommodations elsewhere or a combination of places to stay (i.e. deluxe hotel during surgery and luxury for your post-op respite - Added Tours, Spa, etc.
We work with the Merida community to find the best rates for any and all services outside of your package. We can arrange discounted local transportation, tours, excursions as you wish: If you want additional, optional transportation, for example, to and from restaurants, shopping or other events that are not included in the medical package, we work with trusted English-speaking drivers and tour operators with whom we have negotiated discounts for our patients and their companions. Just ask. (MTY accepts no commissions for this.)
Medical Tourism often has the connotation of having some Traveler-fun abroad while getting something fixed incidentally. Remember that your first priority is your health. We at MTY view the medical trip as attending to something major –with ease and economic sense in a safe and weather-friendly surrounding—and maybe having time left over for fun. BUT -- Don’t be too ambitious if you want to engage in any tourist activities. There is a lot to enjoy without jeopardizing your recovery by climbing ruins or overexposing yourself to the Sungods and we can assist in planning those activities – when and if you are able. We can organize massage and spa amenities at excellent rates. And the cultural events here in Merida are wonderful and many of them are free. But you are here to improve the quality of your health and your life first and foremost.
We are dedicated to making this experience a memorable and positive one.
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(VENOUS ANGIOPLASTY FOR CCSVI) In his research, vascular surgeon, Dr. Paolo Zamboni, found that MS patients had higher levels of iron deposits clustered in a unique pattern around the veins that drain blood from the brain. Further research with Doppler Ultra-Sound revealed that almost 100% of the MS patients studied had narrowing, twisting or outright blockage of these veins. He did not find this phenomenon in non-MS patients, or in those with other neurological disorders. He dubbed the problem “Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency” (CCSVI).
He believed that restoration of normal flow in these areas might assist his wife who had MS. Based on the theory behind arterial angioplasty, which in lieu of, or in addition to, CARDIAC by-pass surgery uses a balloon in cardiac patients to widen/open blocked arteries and restore normal flow; the Liberation Procedure involves introducing a balloon, using a catheter, into the jugular and azygous VEINS. This procedure is performed/initiated through a small incision in the groin of the MS patient in order to dilate the veins in question – thereby reducing blockages and returning (hence the word liberate) regular blood flow in the veins involving the brain.
OUR PROCESS HERE:
1. The procedure here at Star Medica Hospital, lasting approximately one hour, generally takes place under local anesthesia and “twilight” sedation administered by a qualified, experienced (particularly with MS patients) anesthesiologist. The procedure itself is described by our surgeons, Dr. Diaz and Dr. Villarreal, whose combined experience includes more than 2000 venous and arterial angioplasties, as a relatively simple one.
2. Post-op, the patient is required to spend one night in the hospital for observation. The MTY/Star Medica package includes pre-procedure, post-procedure, and follow-up consultations here in Merida with the Neurologist, the Doctors, and the Surgeons.
3. Following this very hands-on experience, you remain a “patient abroad” of the STAR medical and MTY groups -- with ongoing access to assistance, advice, information and above all - personal CARE. It is imperative, as you begin this medical endeavor, that we are able to provide our doctors with initial, existing up-to-date records and background information, if available, in order that they may evaluate your current status as a potential MS patient and provide maximum safety and patient satisfaction with the results. MTY will assist you with this. Of course all information is confidential.
4. Leave the next steps also up to MTY -- Your initial telephone consults with us and our doctors/surgeons, their review of your records, ongoing collection of information as we plan your procedure, as well as the doctors’ evaluation of diagnostic test results will assist in determining your profile and particular candidacy for the procedure and also in identifying risk factors (such as cardiacconditions, diabetes or renal problems, allergies, for example) which may need to be addressed during the procedure. This preliminary communication will also assist in determining the need for further test result information prior to your procedure. MTY handles all of this coordination and compilation of the entire information file with you personally in a turn-around time to suit your schedule.
5. You will then later take home with you your entire file (you take home your new MRI, Doppler, Lab Results, Cardiology Report, Neurology Report, and YOUR MS PROCEDURE ON DVD) for consult in the future with your Doctors locally and here in Merida.
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MTY Lowers CCSVI Patient Prices for MS Liberation Procedure
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico – February 8, 2011
MTY is lowering its MS LIBERATION PROCEDURE Package cost - to the original 2010 rate. The Canadian-U.S. patient advocate team recently negotiated better rates for hospital and balloon charges on behalf of CCSVI patients.MTY has offered medical services coordination for CCSVI patients to Merida for this procedure since spring, 2010.Medical Traveler Yucatan (MTY) is located in Merida, Yucatan.
MS Liberation Procedure Packages cover all medical and non-medical local arrangements. Package essentials include Canadian-American Team Presence and Patient Personal Assistance 24/7.New MRI, Doppler, Lab Tests; All Hospital and Doctors Fees, Anesthesiologist, Overnight Hospital, One Balloon, 7-Nights Hotel, and Airport Ground Transportation, are included at a fixed price of $9600 U.S.
Alan Graham, MTY’s Founder and Director asserts, “Our focus has always been as consumer advocates first and foremost.We want to open the door to as many MS patients as possible for the highest quality care – with a personal touch - and at a reasonable price. Every dollar counts to people trying to get help.”
“Liberation Treatment is a very simple medical procedure that provides immediate results in most patients.Our extensive cardiovascular experience and training provides the opportunity to offer this uncomplicated procedure to our fellow North Americans suffering from CCSVI – we do not use stents in the MS Liberation Procedure,” assures Dr. Alejandro Diaz, Interventional/Invasive Cardiologist and leader of the MTY Medical team (who have performed over 2000 venous and arterial angioplasties).
MTY is partnered with Merida’s Star Medica Hospital, a new state of the art, pristine, high-tech facility.It is the number one choice for thousands of Canadians and Americans who live in Merida. Star Medica is a current applicant for the prestigious JCI-accreditation.MTY conducts consumer and technical evaluations of the selected hospital to insure superior medical care for patients.
MTY Director Graham states further, “While their home countries are still debating, our past patients who have undergone Liberation Treatment with our expert Interventional/Invasive Cardiology and Neurology medical team here in Merida are reporting both immediate - and continuous - improvement.It is vital and humane for MS patients in Canada and the U.S. to have access to this procedure.”
The Liberation Procedure for Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) was first undertaken by Dr. Paolo Zamboni of the University of Ferrara, Italy whose wife has multiple sclerosis.Zamboni discovered the role of blocked veins in causing the debilitation in MS patients.His research and subsequent treatment showed that MS afflictions could be lessened with a relatively simple - and low risk - angioplasty procedure.
Made up of an American-Canadian team living and working in Merida - near Cancun – Medical Traveler Yucatan, MTY, provides all-inclusive organizing of medical procedures and medical tourism trip services.Unique in its approach, the U.S.-Canadian team meets patients at the airport and accompanies them throughout their medical stay.
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CANADIAN-AMERICAN TEAM CREATES NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR MS “LIBERATION PROCEDURE” CCSVI PATIENTS
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico – October 4, 2010
The Canadian-U.S. medical facilitator company, MTY, creates another alliance for CCSVI treatment for MS Liberation Procedure patients. MTY’s American Director and Merida, Yucatan resident Alan Graham announces the establishment of the consumer-focused partnership featuring a team of English-fluent Cardiologists.Internationally trained Dr. Alejandro Diaz Cabanas and Dr. Sergio Villarreal Umana are at the forefront of invasive and interventional cardiology.MTY offers all-inclusive services for Canadians and Americans to Merida, Yucatan for this procedure.The special packages include all medical and non-medical arrangements, excluding airfare, at a fixed price of $9800 U.S.
“I can’t imagine why any MS patient would make the unwise decision to fly all the way to Europe or India and risk thrombosis before their procedure - or even think about traveling to a border town in this day and age – when Merida is such a quick, safe trip,” asserts MTY Associate Director and Canadian Heather Moreau who lives in Merida.
Dr. Diaz declares, “Liberation Treatment is a very simple medical procedure that provides immediate results in most patients.We are happy that our extensive cardiovascular experience and training provides the opportunity to offer this uncomplicated procedure to our fellow North Americans suffering from CCSVI.”
The Liberation Procedure for Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) was first undertaken by Dr. Paolo Zamboni of the University of Ferrara, Italy whose wife has multiple sclerosis.Zamboni discovered the role of blocked veins in causing the debilitation in MS patients.His research and subsequent treatment showed that MS afflictions could be lessened with a relatively simple - and low risk - angioplasty procedure.
Graham stresses, “Living here and evaluating the doctors personally is a big plus for patient-consumers.Multiple Sclerosis patients arriving in Merida under the care of MTY’s new team of cardiologists can be assured of the highest level of quality care.”
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Mike Riniolo, Alan Graham, Heather Moreau
Dear Patient,
Your journey is much more than just a trip. We understand how difficult it is for you to get here - and we know you have great anxiety. Be assured - you can rely on us the entire time you are here – BECAUSE WE ARE HERE WITH YOU. And that makes all the difference in the world.
Our Canadian and American team is proud of our patient care record – in fact, we have been patients here ourselves. We are your advocates "before" you arrive and "after" you get home.
We at MTY provide you with a personalized Itinerary, medical checklist, and even a Guide for your trip and to the area and full of helpful information - so you will know exactly what to expect. And we encourage you to contact our MS patients – we are happy to provide you with their contact information.
We'll see you at the airport!
Alan Graham, MTY Director & Founder
ALAN GRAHAM (MTY Founder, Director & Medical Facilitator)
Implementing alternative solutions to problems has been the lifelong focus of Alan Graham’s career. From his position as an early Change Agent-High School Principal, to Education Reform Project Manager and Principal Researcher at Tulane University, to Executive Director of a Non-Profit societal change organization, finding and setting those solutions in place for others has been his creed. Thus the creation of a Medical Facilitation service in Merida helping Americans and Canadians who either - cannot afford health care or have to wait too long back home - was a natural progression. He began MTY following his own successful and very positive surgery experience here in Merida in 2009.
HEATHER MOREAU (Associate Director & Medical Facilitator)
In addition to her dedication to each person she deals with, patients find Heather’s understanding of our private medical system - and her expertise in navigating and manipulating the maze of hospital protocols and physician procedures here on behalf of patients - both reassuring and inspiring. She gained vast experience in the field of medicine while working directly with doctors and hospitals as Director of Academic Enrichment at the University of Michigan Medical School. In collaboration with the University of Kansas City Missouri Medical School she trained rising physicians in preparation for Medical Board Exams as well as aspiring students preparing for the MCAT exams.
MIKE RINIOLO (Patient Care Specialist)
Sixteen years as a Merida resident make Mike Riniolo one of the area’s most knowledgeable ex-pats. As Patient Care Specialist, patients find him to be a most welcome patient advocate, reassured by his warmth, his sincerity and commitment. He brings to the team years of expertise in dealing with various aspects of health care and vital hands-on experience working directly with patients via programs with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in St Petersburg, Florida.
LUIS GONZALEZ (Patient Care Assistant)
After studying at Merida’s Benjamin Franklin Institute, Luis Gonzalez traveled to the United States where he lived and studied for 2 ½ years perfecting his command of the English language. Luis’ sincerity, compassion, and diplomacy with medical staff, are as important as his fluency in English. His extensive background in the hospitality industry has provided the sound foundation for his position as Patient Care Assistant.
JORGE PATRON (Translator & Interpreter)
St. Catherine’s, Ontario was home during part of his education for Merida-born Jorge Patron. It was in Canada where he refined his English fluency and cross-cultural knowledge. Our newest member of the MTY team serves as a Medical Records Translator and Interpreter for patients whenever needed. University Graduate, Jorge, with his comprehension of the melange of the traveler needs and the local culture, has recently joined the team as a Patient Care Assistant.