Arrange the handover early
Ask who will provide follow-up near home and what they need from the overseas team. Confirm availability before travelling where possible. A remote appointment with the treating hospital may be useful, but ask which needs require an in-person assessment. Identify who coordinates communication between the teams.
Collect the records you will need
Before leaving the hospital, request your discharge summary and relevant procedure, test and imaging records. Ask for the agreed follow-up plan and medicine instructions in a language you and your receiving team understand. Confirm how to obtain any results that will become available later and which contact can answer questions about the record.
Separate routine questions from urgent help
Ask the treating team for individual instructions about concerns that need prompt assessment and whom to contact. Save the hospital’s follow-up contact, its response hours and your local care contact. If you think you have an urgent medical problem, seek local medical help rather than waiting for a coordinator or an overseas email reply.
Confirm the cost of ongoing care
Ask which follow-up visits are included, for how long, and whether tests, medicines or rehabilitation are charged separately. Check payment or insurance arrangements with the relevant provider or insurer. Do not assume that a procedure package pays for care in your home country. Keep the written agreement with your estimate.
Keep one practical calendar
Record appointment dates, time zones for remote calls and when results are expected. Note which team is responsible for each item and how to rearrange an appointment. Share records using the receiving team’s approved process. Keep your travel history and treatment details available when consulting a new clinician.