Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Avoiding the Risks of Medical Tourism

Medical tourism has benefits such as cheaper medical care and medical care that may not be offered in your own country. However, there are also some risks, depending on the procedure and the country Some of those risks include:

  • Communication - Receiving care when you don't speak the language makes it hard to properly communicate location and level of pain. It simply increases the chances of a misunderstanding.
  • Needle Reuse - Doctors may reuse needles between patients which can unfortunately transmit diseases like hepatitis and HIV. 
  • Medication - Medication may not be of the best caliber in certain countries.
  • Antibiotic resistance - This is a global issue. Resistant bacteria may be more common in other countries.
  • The Blood Supply - In some countries the blood may not be screened, creating additional risk of HIV and other infections spread through blood.
  • Flying - Traveling, especially in the air, after surgery increases risk of blood clots. 

If you are planning to travel to another country for medical care and participate in medical tourism, there are a few things you can do to minimize risk:

  • See a travel medicine practitioner at least 4-6 weeks prior to your trip to discuss general information for health travel.
  • Check the qualifications of the health care providers who will be performing the procedure as well as the credentials of the facility.
  • Compose a written agreement with the health care facility or the group to specify the treatments, supplies and care covered by the costs of the trip.
  • Figure out what legal actions you can take if anything goes wrong.
  • If you will be in a country where you do not speak the language, how will you communicate with your doctor or caretakers? Do they speak your language? Can you find a translator?
  • Bring your medical records which should include any allergies.
  • Make copies of your medical records just in case and leave them at home.
  • Bring a list of medicines you currently take include their brand, manufacturer and dosage.
  • Schedule a follow-up with your local health care provider.
  • Figure out if activities such as sitting in the sun, drinking alcohol, or swimming are permitted after the surgery.

There are a few organizations that can provide extra guidance so that your medical procedures go as smoothly as possible. The Organization for Safety, Asepsis & Prevention's Travelers Guide to Safe Dental Care is one. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Guidelines for Travelers is another. CDC Yellow Book 2014 information on Medical Tourism is also helpful.




No comments:

Post a Comment

About Me

Rudy Rupak is an entrepreneur and film producer. Rudy has a great deal of experience starting companies and helping them grow.

Popular Posts

Designed ByBlogger Templates