13 Smart Questions and Quick Answers About Medical Tourism

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Adkujssm of NV 3:16AM July 14, 2009

A friend who was in Thailand had his neck broken when the throttle on heis motorcycle stuck and he hit a tree head on. He went to the hospital where he had immediate surgery and a metal rod placed in his neck. He spent a total of ten days in the hospital. It has now been three years since the accident and there have been no complications or problems. His total bill including the surgery and hospital stay was 1,100.00 US$.

Bill of WA 2:37PM December 18, 2008

Last year, I was laid off (construction) and lost my medical indurance coverage. I found blood in my stool for about 2 months and got really worried. I went to the LA County USC hospital to seek "low cost" care and was made to wait in the waiting room for 12 hours a day and 3 days straight and yet did not get to see any doctor. A friend of mine in church who worked in Malaysia recently told me about the medical tourism in Malaysia. He told me that he and his family got treatment from a very good hospital, Subang Jaya Medical Center (SJMC) while he was working there. In desperation and with my friend assurance, I contacted his doctor in SJMC. I told the doctor my conditions and he made arranged for me to go to treatment in Malaysia. I arrived on Friday afternoon (VISA issued on the spot), took a taxi from airport straight to the hospital and met the doctor. I was checked in the same day, got my vital taken and also prep for "scoping" job the next day. The next morning, a specialist examined me and then gave me colonscopy and found a polip and removed it. (the whole procedures was recorded in a VCD for my record). He found internal hemroid that caused bleeding and prescribed medical for me. I was discharged the next day. I ended spending the next 5 days visiting country and found Malaysia to be surprising beautiful and friendly country. The whole treatment cost $950, my airfare was $780 and everybody speak English there. So, my advice to those who don't have insurance, you may want to consider medical tourism rather than endure the suffering.
Arthur

Arthur Shin of CA 9:42PM October 28, 2008

very informative 13 points from Josef Woodman. A guide by Medical Tourism Corporation http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118771.php complements this, by providing practical tips on planning a medical journey http://www.medicaltourismco.com/

Michelle Smith of TX 9:02PM October 06, 2008

I have lived in Costa Rica four years and go to an American dermatologist affiliated with CIMA hospital who gives me better care than I received in the U.S., at a fraction of the cost. And, he is listed in Best Doctors in the World. The catch? None. He likes the lifestyle, does not need to pay outrageous malpractice premiums, and can run his office at a fraction of the cost in the U.S. Check out more commentary on medical care in Costa Rica at my web site, www.theoaks.tamarindo.com.

Robert Irvin 1:39PM October 06, 2008

I am a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. I have spent 16 years after high school and $100,000+ in medical school loans to acquire my profession. I gave up my 20s being a resident working 100+ hours per week. I suffered abuse, fatigue, and indignation along the way that very few other people experience while training for their careers. This intensive training gave me the emotional and physical discipline to take a fellow human being, open their body, reconstruct their anatomy and bring them to a relatively safe and reliable outcome. Thus I am very expensive. I feel I have earned each and every penny I pry out of the hand of a greedy insurance company or a patient who feels it is there God given right to free medical care. I perform many pro bono cases, but on my own terms. Only when physicians stop listening to the non sense about how worthless they are and demand proper compensation will this profession normalize. I make no apologies. When you fellow citizens are able to do step up and do my job then by all means I invite you. Otherwise if you go overseas and obtain surgery and have a longer term complication, you will be have pressed to find a local physician to assume your care. Finally dont get surgery where you cant drink the water.

Dr. Z. of VA 7:52PM October 02, 2008