The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) this week issued guidelines to help those considering traveling internationally for medical care educate themselves, and take the necessary precautions to avoid unexpected complications.

The ASA offered the following checklist of questions patients should consider.

     * Have I involved my local doctor in my decision-making?

     * Are the physicians who will be performing the procedure licensed specifically for the procedure, and is the facility accredited by a reputable organization such as the Joint Commission International (JCI)?

     * What is the "pain culture" of the host country? Different cultures have different views on what are acceptable vs. unacceptable levels of pain.

     * Is the facility performing my procedure at the same facility that would care for me if I needed extended care as a result of complications? If not, where would I stay, and what is my comfort level with that facility?

     * What access will I have to pre-operative and post-operative medications with the physician performing the procedure? Are the medications safe?

     * Have I determined insurance coverage and reimbursement policies for my procedure?

     * Have I considered working with a medical tourism company?

     * Have I spoken with patients who have had similar surgeries conducted at the hospital chosen for my procedure?

     * Who will be traveling with me for this procedure? A support group can play a significant role in the overall outcome and experience associated with having a medical procedure abroad.