Know The Facts of Medical Tourism
Medical tourism is traveling outside of your country for the reason to receive medical treatment. Common reasons are cosmetic surgery, dentistry, heart surgery, infertility treatments, and orthopedic surgery. Popular destinations include the developing countries of Thailand, Mexico, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, and Costa Rica.
There are 3 kinds of services provided. First are those that are illegal in someone's home country and in the country the services are provided, such as sales of organs for transplant. Another, is those that are illegal in one's home country, however legal in the destination country, which may include some stem cell therapies. The last is those that are legal in both countries, but may be cheaper or off a different technique used such as joint replacements. These presents ethical and health concerns for travelers.
Those traveling internationally for medical care should see a travel care specialist 4-6 weeks before you leave. Besides the health risks of procedures and complications, other factors such as air travel, infections, and arranging follow up care should be discussed. There is also a world wide problem with counterfeit medications. Travelers needs to care a sufficient supply of their home medications, along with copies of prescriptions' and list of medications they take routinely.
There is limited data to support if medical care in other countries provides the same quality care for less costs. There are concerns in regards to instrument sterilization, testing for illness such as hepatitis A, B, and C, and HIV., complications such as antibiotic resistant and rare infections are common. It may be hard to find a surgeon or physician to agree to follow up with at home after care received overseas due to lack of documentation to procedures, screening, and complications. There is often little to know legal recourse if something goes wrong with care in another country.
Speaking with a travel medicine specialist before you leave will help you to minimize your risk of complications and optimize your health before you leave. We will make sure your vaccines are up to date, discuss your risks and benefits, and
provide you with resources and questions to ask your provider in another country.
