Medical Tourism

While medical tourism is certainly not a new phenomenon, the L.A. Times reports that some companies outside the U.S. have begun marketing it more aggressively. It certainly is an attractive option for Americans facing health care costs which are spiraling out of control. One patient featured in the article needed surgery to correct a painful herniated disc in her lower back - a procedure which would cost $30,000 in the U.S., but only $3500 in Thailand. She was able to bring her sister with her to enjoy a little vacation for $6,400, about 1/5 of the cost of having the surgery here in the U.S.

Of course, there are risks involved in getting medical and dental procedures performed overseas. There are excellent and highly qualified doctors, surgeons, and dentists all over the world, but other countries may not regulate professional licensing and continuing education as heavily as we do here in the U.S., so finding the right provider can be hit or miss. This article includes some helpful advice on things to avoid (e.g. do not hit the beach right after you get a face lift), and also directs you to the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations International Accreditations website. The Joint Commission accredits U.S. hospitals, and in 1997 began to also accredit international hospitals that meet their quality standards.