Patients travel from across the country for Dr. Harb's care
Two-option pathway, virtual consultation when appropriate, and travel coordination to make the experience as easy as it can be. Many out-of-town patients are home and healing within a week of surgery.
Two options, matched to how you want to travel
Many patients travel a significant distance — from across the United States and occasionally internationally — to have Dr. Harb perform their hip or knee replacement. Our team is set up to coordinate that experience from start to finish: imaging review, virtual consultation, scheduling, hotel recommendations, and a recovery plan that allows most patients to head home within a week of surgery.
There are two pathways to choose from. Option 1 — a single in-person trip with virtual visits on either side — is the preferred pathway for most out-of-town patients because it minimizes time away from home. Option 2 is the fully in-person pathway, for patients who prefer face-to-face visits at every stage.
One trip, plus virtual consultation on either side
The pathway most out-of-state patients prefer. The initial consultation and post-operative follow-up are handled virtually, minimizing time away from home and reducing the travel burden to a single in-person visit for surgery itself.
- Virtual
Initial consultation and booking
A virtual consultation performed entirely online. Medical history, paperwork, and X-rays are sent in beforehand for review.
- Trip 1
Pre-operative appointment and surgery
The only required in-person trip. Pre-operative appointment, surgery, and immediate post-operative care all happen on the same visit.
- Virtual
Post-operative follow-up
A virtual follow-up appointment from home, with imaging or in-person evaluation arranged locally if needed.
Three trips to Washington, D.C.
The fully in-person pathway, with every step performed at a clinic office. Best for patients who prefer face-to-face visits at every stage and who can comfortably manage multiple trips.
- Trip 1
Initial consultation and booking
In-person consultation at one of the clinic offices. Review imaging, plan the procedure, and confirm the surgical date.
- Trip 2
Pre-operative appointment and surgery
Final pre-operative visit, then the surgery itself. Most patients go home the same day or after one night.
- Trip 3
Post-operative follow-up
In-person follow-up visit to check the incision, range of motion, and recovery progress.
What to send ahead
For the preferred Option 1 pathway, the virtual consultation works best when the relevant records have been reviewed in advance. Our team will guide you through exactly how to submit each item.
- Medical history and current medication list
- Imaging (X-rays of the affected joint; MRI if available)
- Pre-operative paperwork from the office
- Insurance information
- Records from any prior orthopedic care, including past surgeries
Help with the logistics
Coming to a new city for surgery is logistically demanding even when everything goes well. Our team can help coordinate the practical side:
- Recommendations for hotels near the clinic offices and surgical facilities
- Guidance on timing — when to arrive, what to schedule around your visit, when you can plan your return
- Coordination with the surgical facility on registration and any pre-operative requirements
- Help arranging local physical therapy near your home for after you travel back
When you can head home
Modern joint replacement protocols are built around getting patients moving quickly and home sooner. For traveling patients specifically, that translates into a realistic return-home window that surprises most people.
Many patients are able to fly or drive home as early as 5 days after surgery, depending on the individual situation. Some patients need a bit longer — particularly after knee replacement, where range-of-motion milestones drive the timeline — and some are ready even sooner. The right travel date is a clinical decision we make together based on how you are recovering.
For the bigger recovery picture, see the hip replacement recovery timeline and knee replacement recovery timeline. For the travel-after-surgery experience itself — what to plan around the trip back — see returning to travel after hip and knee replacement.
Who the travel-for-surgery pathway is best for
Traveling for surgery isn't the right choice for every patient. It tends to work best when:
- You have been considering hip or knee replacement and want a specific surgeon
- You are generally in good health and a reasonable candidate for outpatient or short-stay surgery
- You have support at home for the first 1–2 weeks of recovery
- You are able to travel comfortably and have someone who can travel with you
- You are organized enough to coordinate the records, imaging, and logistics involved
If you have significant medical conditions or a complex history, the travel pathway is still possible — but you may be better served by Option 1, which keeps every step in-person and allows closer pre-operative evaluation. We can help you sort out which pathway is right for your situation.
How to begin
The first step is a phone call. Our team will walk you through which option fits your situation, what records to send, and how to schedule the virtual consultation if Option 2 is right for you.
Talk through what travel for surgery would look like for you
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Harb to discuss your hip or knee and build a plan to get you back to the activities you love.