Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Tampa, FL
When the Care You Need Isn't Available at Home
For many patients outside the United States, accessing timely, high-quality spine surgery is a challenge. Waitlists stretch for months, advanced minimally invasive options are limited, and for those who simply want a recovery measured in weeks rather than months, the answer often points to Tampa, Florida, and to Dr. Stefan Prada at 360 Ortho & Spine.
Why International Patients Choose 360 Ortho & Spine
Dr. Prada is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 11,000 minimally invasive spinal procedures performed. His practice focuses exclusively on the neck and back, offering an alternative to traditional open surgery that most patients simply cannot find at home:
- No metal implants or fusion. Dr. Prada's endoscopic procedures treat the source of your pain without placing hardware in your spine.
- Less pain, less bleeding, no loss of motion. Smaller incisions mean less disruption and a faster, smoother recovery.
- Recovery in weeks, not months. Most patients are back to normal activity within approximately six weeks.
- Bilingual care. Dr. Prada and his team are fluent in both English and Spanish.
A Note for Patients Traveling from Canada
Canada's publicly funded healthcare system provides excellent care, but surgical access can be limited. Waitlists for spine surgery often extend six months or longer, and even getting an MRI can take nearly as long. For Canadian patients who are in pain and ready for a solution, traveling to Tampa for a minimally invasive procedure with Dr. Prada is a practical and proven path to relief.
What to Expect When You Travel for Care
360 Ortho & Spine is a self-pay practice, and we are experienced in coordinating care for patients traveling from abroad. Here is what the process typically looks like:
- Before you travel, reach out to our office with your imaging and medical history. Our team will review your information and help determine whether you are a candidate for one of our procedures.
- At your consultation, you will meet one-on-one with Dr. Prada in person or via telemedicine for a 30-minute appointment. You will receive a thorough review of your case, a clear diagnosis, and a straightforward conversation about your options.
- After your procedure, our team will provide guidance on your recovery and remain available to answer questions as you return home.
We welcome patients from Canada, Central America, South America, and beyond. For more information about traveling to Tampa for care, visit our Out-of-State Patients page or contact our team directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out if I'm a candidate before committing to international travel?
We encourage you to contact our office before making any travel arrangements. Once you've spoken with our team, you'll be asked to submit your completed new patient packet along with copies of your MRI and X-ray images and reports, and any operative reports, for Dr. Prada to review ahead of your consultation. This allows us to assess your case remotely before you commit to traveling. Please note that submitted copies cannot be returned and may be destroyed following review.
Do you offer video consultations for patients outside the United States?
Yes! Video consultations are available for international patients who are not yet ready to travel to Tampa, Florida. We'll need your completed new patient packet along with copies of your MRI and X-ray images and reports, and any operative reports, for Dr. Prada to review in advance. Please note that copies cannot be returned and may be destroyed after review. An in-person physical examination is required before any procedure, but this can be completed during your visit to Tampa when you travel for surgery.
Where should I stay when I travel to Tampa for my procedure?
There are a number of hotels near Tampa International Airport and within a 15-mile radius of our facility that are both convenient and affordable for patients traveling from abroad. When booking your accommodations, we recommend asking whether the room includes a freezer, as you will need one for your ice packs throughout your recovery.
Should I book flights and accommodations before I have a confirmed surgery date?
No. Please do not book flights, accommodations, or other travel arrangements until Dr. Prada has medically cleared you and our office has provided a confirmed date for your procedure or consultation. Booking international travel before receiving that clearance risks costly cancellations and unnecessary complications. Our team will coordinate with you directly to confirm timing before you make any commitments.
Will I need to bring someone with me when I travel to Tampa for surgery?
Yes. Regardless of where you are traveling from, all surgical patients are required to bring a care partner who is over the age of 18, in sound physical and mental health, and capable of either driving or arranging a taxi or rideshare service on your behalf. We ask that you factor this requirement into your travel planning and confirm your care partner's availability before finalizing your trip.