PATIENTS FROM ABROAD
Patients from Abroad: The Process for COPD Balloon Treatment and Interventional Bronchoscopy
Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026
SHORT ANSWER
Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca Bronkoplasti Kliniği (Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca Bronchoplasty Clinic) holds the International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate of the Turkish Ministry of Health. If you are coming from abroad, you first send your breathing test results, chest CT scan and list of medicines. These are reviewed remotely, and an online consultation is held. In Istanbul, the consultation and tests are scheduled on a single day. The procedure is then performed at a partner hospital. The programme ends with the first follow-up visit. The whole process usually takes 7–14 days. Further follow-up continues together with your doctor in your own country.
Step by step
- Sending your documents: Send the results of a breathing test done within the last 6 months. Also send your thin-section chest CT scan with its images (DICOM file). If available, add your blood gas test result and your list of medicines. Also include a short medical summary (in English or Turkish).
- Remote preliminary assessment and online consultation: You are given a preliminary opinion on your suitability. The expected benefit and possible risks are explained. The final decision is made at the in-person consultation.
- Travel planning: We help with dates, accommodation and transfers. We recommend that you travel with a companion. If you need an oxygen machine, we plan for this together.
- Day 1 in Istanbul: Consultation, any missing tests and the pre-anaesthetic assessment.
- Procedure and hospital stay: The procedure is performed at a partner hospital under general anaesthesia. Patients are usually discharged within 1–2 days.
- Follow-up and return home: The first follow-up visit is at 1 week. Your fitness to fly is checked. You are given your discharge summary (epicrisis) and your images.
- Remote follow-up: The follow-up visits at 1 month and 6 months, and later monitoring, take place online. A breathing test done locally is also used for this.
Languages and support
Services are provided in Turkish and English. For other languages, interpreter support is arranged. The medical letters needed for a visa invitation are prepared.
Fees and payment
The cost is given to you individually after the consultation and tests. Accommodation and transport are not included in the cost. If your policy covers it, you may be able to claim back the treatment cost you paid from your health insurance. → Cost and insurance
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT
Is it suitable for you?
Book an appointment and bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. We decide together at the consultation. If you are coming from outside Istanbul, an online preliminary consultation can be held first.
Please bring: your breathing test, your chest CT scan report and images (CD/USB), your list of medicines and, if you have one, your blood gas test result.
RELATED PAGES
HAVE A QUESTION?
Frequently asked questions
The questions our patients and their relatives ask most often, with answers. We discuss questions about your own situation together at the consultation.
APPOINTMENT
Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment
To find out whether you are suitable, book a preliminary assessment appointment. Bring your breathing test, chest CT scan report and list of medicines with you.
info@yalcinkarakoca.com · Rüzgarlıbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Hasoğlu Plaza Kat:3, Kavacık / Beykoz, İstanbul
This page is for general information purposes. It does not replace a medical examination or diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made during an examination, on an individual basis. In an emergency, call 112.
Medical content review: Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca, Pulmonologist · Last updated: 25 September 2026