The AMA Speaks
In June 2008, the American Medical Association was forced to respond to the growing trend of Medical Tourism by creating its own set of protectionist guidelines. Some of them are just plain common sense and state the obvious. Others reflect a self-interest to impose what the American medical community thinks is best. It is clear that none of the AMA members responsible for the guidelines have engaged in Medical Tourism or visited any of the global providers. How would they know about the high quality, affordable options our American and Canadian patients have experienced? They’re too busy trying to keep us captive!
- Medical care outside of the US must be voluntary.
- Financial incentives to travel outside the US for medical care should not inappropriately limit the diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives that are offered to patients, or restrict treatment or referral options.
- Patients should only be referred for medical care to institutions that have been accredited by recognized international accrediting bodies(for example, the Joint Commission International or the International Society for Quality in Health Care)
- Prior to travel, local follow-up care should be coordinated and financing should be arranged to ensure continuity of care when patients return from medical care outside the US.
- Coverage for travel outside the US for medical care must include the costs of necessary follow-up care upon return to the US.
- Patients should be informed of their rights and legal recourse prior to agreeing to travel outside the US for medical care.
- Access to physician licensing and outcome data, as well as facility accreditation and outcomes data, should be arranged for patients seeking medical care outside the US.
- The transfer of patient medical records to and from facilities outside the US should be consistent with HIPAA guidelines.
- Patients choosing to travel outside the US for medical care should be provided with information about the potential risks of combining surgical procedures with long flights and vacation activities.
The choice is yours. You can pay a king’s ransom for US Healthcare and find yourself in financial distress or bankruptcy. Or, you can travel abroad through Boomer Health Travel, enjoy excellent clinical outcomes and have something left for retirement!
