Did you know there was a TERM for what you are asking about?! I am surprised, too! I have never heard of medical tourism, but it sounds like it is gaining popularity.
It looks like there are a few tools that health care seekers can use, in order to find the best hospitals, doctors, treatment facilities, etc. The Joint Commission International (JCI) is an accreditation organization, much like the entities that accredit hospitals and health centers in the United States. They have strict standards that must be met and upheld in order to claim "joint commission international accredited" status, and I would personally only go to a facility that is accredited by the JCI.
For more nformation: http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/
The CDC's site, "Seeking Health Care Abroad" (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh2-HealthCareAbroad.aspx) has some great information about traveling abroad for health and medical reasons.
So, while I do not know the answers to your other questions, these links above are the first places I would start researching!
This seems to be a popular type of vacation/travel reason, and there are many organizations popping up to help patients travel abroad.
The Medical Tourism Association is one such place (not sure if it is credible; I would depend on the CDC and JCI information).
Comment Reply
"Medical Tourism"
Did you know there was a TERM for what you are asking about?! I am surprised, too! I have never heard of medical tourism, but it sounds like it is gaining popularity.
It looks like there are a few tools that health care seekers can use, in order to find the best hospitals, doctors, treatment facilities, etc. The Joint Commission International (JCI) is an accreditation organization, much like the entities that accredit hospitals and health centers in the United States. They have strict standards that must be met and upheld in order to claim "joint commission international accredited" status, and I would personally only go to a facility that is accredited by the JCI.
For more nformation: http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/
The CDC's site, "Seeking Health Care Abroad" (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh2-HealthCareAbroad.aspx) has some great information about traveling abroad for health and medical reasons.
So, while I do not know the answers to your other questions, these links above are the first places I would start researching!
This seems to be a popular type of vacation/travel reason, and there are many organizations popping up to help patients travel abroad.
November 25, 2008 - 1:50pmThe Medical Tourism Association is one such place (not sure if it is credible; I would depend on the CDC and JCI information).
This Comment
Reply