General FAQs
Q: Where do I start?
A: It is easy - you can use our “contact us form” or simply call us on +34 934 507 598. We will be happy to help.
Q: What will happen following my enquiry?
A: We understand how painful and worrying spinal problems can be and our specialists endeavour to answer all enquiries within 24 hours.
Q: What information do I need to provide?
A: After our first answer to your enquiry we will need to see the most recent MRI scan. At Barcelona Spine Center we strongly believe that only a precise diagnosis will lead to an effective treatment of back pain. Our specialists have extensive experience of diagnostics and effective treatment of spinal problems.
Q: How quickly can you organise the treatment?
A: Once the best treatment for your condition has been proposed to you by one of our surgeons, we are normally able to provide you with the preliminary quote and date for an operation within 24hrs.
Travel arrangements
Q: Can you help with organising the trip, flight, booking the hotel, airport pick up or organising a leisure program?
A: Yes, we can. Please, contact us for more details.
As an example, concerning transportation, BSC can also provide you upon request with a chauffeur driven car for your transfers to and from hospital as well as the airport transfer in Barcelona. Please, let us know if you have any special requirements.
Q: How long will I have to stay in Barcelona? When can I travel after the operation?
A: We recommend patients taking a long haul flight to arrive to Barcelona a couple of days in advance. We can help you to book the hotel and transportation. Post operative recuperation usually requires 1 to 5 days, depending on the complexity of the treatment. On some occasions an operation can be performed on the outpatient basis. This will be discussed with your surgeon during the initial consultation. After the operation please take your time to recover before undertaking extensive travelling.
Q: Is there any waiting time from the day I first arrive to the hospital?
A: No. Once a date has been agreed with Barcelona Spine Center you will receive your treatment and care as planned. Treatment will normally commence soon after your arrival.
Q: What will I need to take with me?
A: You will have to take with you the most recent MRI, CT, Plain radiographs. You will also need to have all the preoperative test results: Thoracic plain radiograph, ECG and preoperative blood test (includes general complete testing and coagulation testing).
But any of these tests may be obtained at our clinic upon arrival if needed. Just let us know before hand.
Q: When I arrive can I go straight to the hospital or do I have to stay in the hotel?
A: This will depend on the time of your arrival. But whatever it will be we will endeavour to make the arrangements that suit you best.
Q: I would like my close relative to accompany me. Can he/she stay at the hospital with me?
A: A spare bed is provided for your convenience in every room.
Hospital Stay
Q: Can diagnostic and other tests be made at the clinics?
A: At Barcelona Spine Center we can organise a complete diagnostic program including MRI scan and blood tests. Please contact us for further details.
Q: Do doctors and assistants speak English at the clinic?
A: Our medical team speaks English. Service of a translator can be arranged on a fairly short notice.
Q: Can I speak directly with the surgeon who will actually perform the operation before I book my surgery?
A: Yes, a personal consultation with your surgeon can be arranged by telephone, video conference or e-mail. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like. If you do not speak English, Spanish, or Russian please make sure that you have an adequately qualified translator to assist you.
Surgery cost / Payment
Q: I am interested in surgery, how much will it cost?
A: The actual cost of treatment is calculated on the individual basis and will depend on the complexity and volume of the medical assistance needed and any special requirements. Generally speaking, our prices are considerably lower than in the USA or in the UK with the same if not higher standards of treatment and facilities as in the leading clinics of these countries!
Please fill in the form on 'Contact us' form, and after initial consultation with one of our doctors we will provide you with a preliminary cost of the required surgery. We aim to respond within 24hrs.
Q: What is included in your quote?
A: Our final quote will include the costs related to your stay at the hospital (the number of days will depend on the complexity of treatment), anaesthesiology, surgery, implants, if used, and post-operative care at the hospital. It will not include travel, hotel bookings unless you authorise us to arrange them on your behalf.
We work with the most reputable tourist companies and will endeavour to make your stay in Barcelona as pleasant and luxurious as possible. Normally we can provide you with the quote for all the arrangements within 36 hrs. Our team will be happy to help you!
Q: How and where do I pay?
A: After the consultation with our specialists we will provide you with the preliminary quote. If you would like us to arrange your travel, hotel or transportation we will issue an amended invoice, which will include the requested services. If you accept it we will require a 65% deposit in order to book your room, operating theatre and extras. You will have to pay the remaining 35% at the time of your arrival to the hospital. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
Before and after the surgery
Q: What should or shouldn’t I do prior to the surgery?
A: For most of the operation’s we perform you should be in a good health condition. Chronic diseases will affect the healing process. ASPIRIN OR ANY ANTICOAGULANT MEDICINE, such us warfarine (coumadine), acenocoumarol or phenoprocoumon SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SURGERY. Please consult our specialists and your GP if you have any questions.
Q: Will I be in a lot of pain after the surgery?
A: No. The major benefit of Minimally Invasive Surgery is a significantly reduced stress to the body of the patient and a very quick recovery as a result. There is considerably less damage to the tissues, which is the main cause of post operative pain in traditionally performed spinal operations. However, despite the fact that you might feel an immediate improvement, we do recommend to be sensible and follow our specialists’ instruction on what to do and not to do after the surgery.
Q: What happens after I leave the hospital?
A: We make sure that procedures are followed through to satisfactorily completion. Copies of all medical records are given to the patient on discharge and our lines of communication with all our patients remain open.
Q: Do I need to worry about travelling after surgery?
A: Travelling for long distance in a car, bus, train or plane immediately after any surgery may increase the potential risk of developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots. Therefore we suggest you to relax in Barcelona for a short while after your treatment. A few days should be sufficient. You can discuss this with your surgeon.
How to get there
Q: How can I get to the hospital?
A: The address for the hospital is:
Hospital Quirón Barcelona
Plaça Alfonso Comín 5-7
08023 Barcelona
If you are using public transport, the nearest metro station, Penitents (L3 or green line) is five minutes walking distance away from the Hospital. There are also buses No 17, 22, 60, 73, 124 with the bus stop just outside the hospital. Please use this link (Transport Metropolitans de Barcelona) to plan your journey.
If you are coming by a car, take Exit 6 from Ronda de Dalt.
BSC can also provide you on request with a chauffeur driven car for your transfers to and from hospital as well as the airport transfer in Barcelona. Please let us know if you have any special requirements.