Medical tourism refers to people traveling abroad to obtain medical treatment. In the past, this usually referred to those who traveled from less-developed countries to major medical centers in highly developed countries for treatment unavailable at home. However, in recent years it may equally refer to those from developed countries who travel to developing countries for lower-priced medical treatments. The motivation may be also for medical services unavailable or non-licensed in the home country:
Various medical agencies worldwide, such as the FDA and EMA, determine whether they approve a drug in their respective countries. Even within Europe, while the European Medicines Agency (EMA) may approve therapy protocols, several countries have their own review organizations to assess the cost-effectiveness of the same protocols. As a result, differences in access to these drugs are experienced by patients, which can be partially attributed to the financial strength of their particular health systems.
Medical Tourism Can Be Risky
Other issues that can increase your risk of complications include: the destination, the facility where the procedure is being performed, and your physical and psychological condition. The risk of complications is determined by these factors:
Infectious Disease
All medical procedures have some risk of complications, those associated with procedure done in other countries include wound infections, bloodstream infections, donor-derived infections, and diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV.
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance is definitely a concern and a global problem; however, you are more likely to get an antibiotic-resistant infection in some countries. Highly drug-resistant bacteria have caused infectious disease outbreaks among medical tourists.
Quality of Care
Countries in which licensure, credentialing, and accreditation maintenance requirements are lower than those in the United States may also use counterfeit medicines and lower quality medical devices.
Communication challenges
Communicating with staff at the destination and healthcare facility may be challenging. Receiving care at a facility where you do not speak the language fluently could lead to misunderstandings about your care.
Research the healthcare provider and facility
Ensure that you verify the qualifications of the healthcare providers who will perform the procedure and confirm the credentials of the facility where the procedure is scheduled. Accrediting groups like Joint Commission International, DNV GL International Accreditation for Hospitals, and the International Society for Quality in Healthcare have set standards that facilities must meet for accreditation. Remember that all surgeries carry the risk of complications, and despite accreditation, there is no guarantee of a positive outcome.
If you go to a country where you do not speak the language, determine ahead of time how you will communicate with your doctor and others who will be caring for you.
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