Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Regenerative Medicine Clinic

Choosing the right regenerative medicine clinic is one of the most important decisions you will make in your treatment journey. The quality of the clinic, the qualifications of the medical team, and the standards of clinical governance can significantly influence both the safety and efficacy of your treatment. This guide outlines the essential questions you should ask before committing to any regenerative medicine provider, organised by category to help you conduct a thorough evaluation.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

The regenerative medicine industry has grown rapidly in recent years, and not all providers operate to the same standards. Whilst many clinics offer genuine, evidence-based therapies delivered by qualified physicians, others may employ aggressive marketing, make unrealistic claims, or lack the clinical infrastructure needed to ensure patient safety.

By asking informed questions, you can distinguish between reputable providers and those that fall short of acceptable medical standards. This due diligence is especially important when considering treatment abroad, where regulatory frameworks may differ from those in your home country. The time you invest in evaluating a clinic before treatment is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your healthcare.

Questions About Physician Qualifications

Who will be treating me, and what are their qualifications?

The physician who designs and delivers your treatment should hold recognised medical qualifications relevant to regenerative medicine. Ask about their medical degree, specialist training, board certifications, and any additional credentials in regenerative or musculoskeletal medicine. Qualifications should be verifiable through the relevant medical licensing authority.

How many patients has the physician treated with this specific therapy?

Experience matters significantly in regenerative medicine. A physician who has delivered hundreds of regenerative treatments is likely to have developed a deeper understanding of optimal protocols, potential complications, and patient management than one who is relatively new to the field. Ask for specific numbers rather than vague assurances.

Is the treating physician the same person who conducts the consultation?

In some clinics, a sales representative or junior staff member conducts the initial consultation, and the actual treating physician only appears on the day of treatment. Ideally, the physician who will be responsible for your care should be involved from the initial assessment through to follow-up. This continuity ensures that treatment decisions are informed by direct clinical interaction.

Does the physician have any published research or academic involvement?

Physicians who contribute to the scientific literature, participate in clinical research, or hold teaching positions demonstrate engagement with the evidence base. Whilst not all excellent clinicians are academics, this level of involvement indicates a commitment to advancing the field and staying current with best practices.

Questions About Treatment Protocols

What type of cells or biologics will be used?

You should receive a clear explanation of the specific treatment being proposed. For stem cell therapy, this includes the source of the cells (autologous vs. allogeneic, bone marrow vs. adipose vs. umbilical cord), the processing method, and the delivery route. For exosome therapy, ask about the source material and quality controls. Vague descriptions such as “regenerative cells” without further specification should prompt follow-up questions.

Why is this particular protocol recommended for my condition?

The physician should be able to explain why the proposed treatment is appropriate for your specific condition and how it relates to your diagnostic findings. Be cautious if the same protocol is recommended for every patient regardless of their condition, this suggests a one-size-fits-all approach rather than personalised medicine.

What clinical evidence supports this treatment?

Ask the clinic to reference specific studies, trials, or published data that support the efficacy of the proposed treatment for your condition. A reputable clinic should be able to discuss the evidence base openly, including its limitations. No physician should claim that a treatment is definitively proven to work for every patient.

How is the treatment personalised for my individual needs?

Regenerative medicine should never be one-size-fits-all. The clinic should explain how your treatment plan is tailored based on your medical assessment, imaging, blood work, and treatment goals. If personalisation is not discussed, this may indicate a protocol-driven rather than patient-driven approach.

Questions About Safety and Quality

Is the facility accredited or registered with relevant medical authorities?

Ask about the clinic’s accreditation status and any regulatory oversight it operates under. In Thailand, clinics should be registered with the Thai Ministry of Public Health and operate under Thai medical regulations. International accreditation provides additional quality assurance.

What quality controls are in place for cell preparation and biologics?

If the clinic processes cells on-site or uses biological products, ask about the quality control measures for sourcing, processing, storage, and administration. Key questions include: Where are the biological materials sourced? Are they processed in-house or by a certified third-party laboratory? What quality testing is performed on each batch? How are materials stored and handled to ensure viability and sterility? Are certificates of analysis available for the products used?

What are the potential risks and side effects?

Every medical treatment carries some degree of risk. A trustworthy physician will discuss potential risks and side effects openly, rather than minimising or ignoring them. Ask specifically about the most common and most serious risks associated with your proposed treatment.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Ask about the clinic’s protocol for managing complications. Does the facility have the equipment and expertise to handle adverse events? Is there a clear pathway for emergency care if needed? What is the clinic’s track record for complication management?

Is informed consent documented?

Before any treatment, you should receive a detailed informed consent document that outlines the treatment, its risks, expected outcomes, and alternatives. Review this document carefully and ask questions about anything that is unclear.

Questions About Outcomes and Expectations

What outcomes can I realistically expect?

A responsible physician will set realistic expectations based on your specific condition and the current evidence base. Be wary of clinics that guarantee results, promise cures, or use language that implies certainty about outcomes. The most trustworthy providers are those who are honest about the limitations of their therapies.

How will my progress be measured?

Ask about the methods used to track your response to treatment. This may include follow-up imaging, blood biomarkers, patient-reported outcome measures, or functional assessments. Objective measurement is essential for evaluating whether treatment has been effective.

What happens if the treatment does not work as expected?

Understand the clinic’s approach if your response to treatment is suboptimal. Are additional treatments offered? Is there a protocol for reassessment and adjustment? Does the clinic have a policy for managing cases where outcomes fall short of expectations?

Questions About Follow-Up Care

What is the follow-up plan after treatment?

Ask about the structure and frequency of follow-up consultations. For international patients, remote follow-up via video consultation should be available. Ensure that the clinic has a clear protocol for ongoing monitoring and that this is included in the treatment plan rather than offered as an expensive add-on.

Will the clinic coordinate with my home physician?

If you have a primary care doctor or specialist at home, the overseas clinic should be willing to share treatment records and collaborate on your ongoing care. This coordination is essential for continuity and safety.

Is a rehabilitation programme included?

For musculoskeletal conditions, a post-treatment rehabilitation programme is a critical component of recovery. Ask whether this is designed by a qualified physiotherapist and provided as part of your treatment package.

Questions About Cost and Transparency

What is included in the quoted price?

Get a clear, itemised breakdown of costs. This should include consultations, diagnostic tests, the treatment itself, any required medications, and follow-up care. Hidden fees or surprise charges are a significant red flag.

Are there additional costs I should anticipate?

Ask about potential additional costs such as supplementary tests, extended treatment sessions, or rehabilitation services that may not be included in the initial quotation.

Is there a written treatment agreement?

A written agreement outlining the scope of treatment, costs, and cancellation terms protects both you and the clinic. Ensure you receive and review this before committing.

Trusting Your Judgement

After asking these questions, trust your instincts. If the clinic is forthcoming, transparent, and patient in their responses, this is a positive indicator. If you feel rushed, pressured, or receive vague or evasive answers, consider looking elsewhere.

The right clinic will welcome your questions and view your due diligence as a sign of an informed, engaged patient, not an inconvenience. A provider that responds to questions with defensiveness or impatience is unlikely to provide the level of care and communication you deserve throughout your treatment journey.