Interview with Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi, Neurosurgery Specialist

A Neurosurgery Specialist Interview in Italy

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi is a renowned specialist with more than 20 years of experience in the field of Neurosurgery. He graduated Magna Cum Laude at the University of Chieti, with a degree in Medicine and Surgery in February 1990. He then enrolled at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia to specialize in Neurosurgery.

Dr. Tassi is one of the most experienced neurosurgeons in the world! He has performed 1,800 neurosurgeries and more than 3,500 Percutaneous Laser Disc Compression (PLDD) procedures. Following him is Dr. Johannes Hellinger from Munich, Germany and Dr. Daniel S.J. Coy from New York City, who was the inventor of the PLDD procedure and tutor of Dr. Tassi. 

Two new branches of the New York Laser Spine Center in London and Geneva

After his training with Dr. Coy, Dr. Tassi was granted a fellowship at the New York Laser Spine Center. Because he is a promising neurosurgeon, he was made the Director of European Patients at the center in 2007. Now, the center has two new European branches – one in London and in Geneva.

The Spine Center in London is situated at the Queen Anne Street Medical Center (near Mayfair Street and Marylebone Lane) – two of the most important areas in Central London. The Vert-Pre Clinic is located in Chemin de la Colombe, a famous tourist district in Geneva, Switzerland. Recently, Dr. Tassi has been board certified to practice medicine in England and in Switzerland.

PlacidWay is privileged to catch up with Dr. Tassi. He shared a bit more about his PLDD procedure and the two new spine centers which will start to receive patients this month.

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi interview

PlacidWay: Please describe what is your center’s in demand treatment and why?

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi: "The Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD) procedure, which we perform at our centers in London and Geneva, is a minimally invasive procedure for contained lumbar disk herniation. The advantage of this surgery is that the patient will have a shorter recovery time and will be able to return to normal activities faster compared to the conventional surgery." 

PlacidWay: How is your company perceived in the local and international healthcare industry in general?

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi: "Since the beginning, we have been offering only high quality medical care, making our patients' well-being our top priority. I would say that we are perceived very well all over the world, taking into consideration the increasing number of international patients coming to our facility."

PlacidWay: What are the benefits of patients when they choose your facility?

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi: "Our patients will benefit from our highly professional medical staff and luxury accommodations at our two private medical centers. They will find not only high quality medical care, but also a friendly environment and a medical team who is dedicated to help them return to a happy and healthy life."

PlacidWay: What do you think sets your Spine Center apart from other medical centers?

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi: "What sets out spine center apart from similar medical centers is that we are affiliated with highly qualified medical staff. Also, we practice high standards of healthcare at our London and Geneva Centers."

PlacidWay: Do you see any prospects for expanding your network?

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi: "London and Geneva are enough at the moment, but if there will be possibility to also work in the Gulf area, I will be happy to do so."

PlacidWay: From a medical tourism perspective, what are the challenges and risks involved in your healthcare business?

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi: "Gathering patients can be challenging. I believe there are no risks involved if the medical staff and center are both excellent in the services they deliver."

PlacidWay: What kind of additional services do you offer?  What should the patient pay for aside from travel and accommodation expenses and meals?

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi: "London and Geneva are two cities that the patient and the patient's family can discover by themselves. They offer all you can imagine." 

PlacidWay:  What comprises your clientele? Are they corporate clients (employer sponsored), individuals covered by insurance or more individually-paying patients?

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi: "Mostly individually-paying patients."

PlacidWay: What issues have you encountered since entering the medical tourism market?

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi: "Well, it’s tough to compete in this market. There are a lot of new medical facilities which offer high quality services at affordable prices, and quite frankly, there just aren’t enough patients to go around. Also, there is the matter of medical tourism agencies not sending over as many patients as we would like."

PlacidWay: What do you think the patients should know when opting to travel for healthcare to your facility?

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi: "The great advantage of PLDD is that it’s a minimally invasive procedure for disc herniation. Another benefit patients get is my vast experience in the field. Lastly, the luxury and high excellence my two new medical centers in London and Geneva can provide."

PlacidWay: Finally, please give a few words about your most recent services that are considered unique at your center.

Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi: "Now, I am also focused on "herniatome" technique. It is another new recent minimally invasive (not surgical) procedure for disc prolapse and herniation.  I would like to invite all of you to visit our spine centers in London and Geneva. These are new centers you can consider as an option for your spine care needs. It is uniquely located in famous tourist destinations in the world. I hope you can find time to visit us in our two new centers. Thank you!"

If you want to learn more about the PLDD Procedure by Dr. Gian Paolo Tassi at the New York Laser Spine Center’s in London and Geneva, don’t hesitate to contact us.