Medical Tourism

2010-06-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Medical Tourism Portal now on twitter.

Follow us @medicaltourismm

Medical Tourism on Twitter

2008-03-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

More Americans Seeking Surgery Abroad

High costs in U.S. are driving some patients to seek affordable plastic surgery in Argentina, and affordable gastric bypass and affordable cosmetic dentistry abroad, said John H., Director at Gosculptura, a company that sends dozens of patients each month abroad for specialized medical procedures.

Dismayed by high surgical costs in the U.S., increasing numbers of American patients are packing their bags to have necessary surgery performed in countries such as Argentina, India, Thailand, and Singapore.

According to Mark D. Smith, president and chief executive officer of the California HealthCare Foundation in Oakland, People are desperate. This illustrates the growing unaffordability of the U.S. health care system, even to people who are by no means indigent.

1) American Patients going abroad

John. H, Director at Gosculptura says there has been a 72% increase in the last 12 months in the number of American patients seeking care at the network of international clinics and Hospitals that Gosculptura covers. Patients are mostly looking for affordable plastic surgery in Argentina, affordable gastric bypass and affordable cosmetic dentistry treatment options.

Cost is a major factor - patients typically save upwards of 60% from the rates charged at U.S. hospitals. Mr John H. indicates a surge in volume from patients seeking treatments against morbid obesity (affordable gastric bypass & banding procedures): Treatments against obesity are not optional. Patients can die if they do not have access to these. Patients come to us as they are out of options in the U.S. Their country, their healthcare system leaves them on their own.

John. H also indicates that affordable fertility treatments (in-vitro fertilization, donor eggs and ICSI treatments) are very popular with many couples needing to go abroad to fix fertility issues and have children as costs are prohibitive in the U.S. Affordable cosmetic dentistry is also quite in demand.

2) Defamatory comments on Procedures abroad

Mr John H. highlights defamatory efforts undergone in the U.S. press, backed by medical U.S. associations to attempt to prevent American Patients to consider the option of going abroad.

American patients think carefully and make educated and informed decisions. They request consultations and carefully review the track record and board certifications of the surgeons we work with. They request to speak to former patients and ensure that after care is well orchestrated. These are well thought, educated and enlightened decisions. Patients understand that, by going abroad, they can access affordable plastic surgery in Argentina, affordable gastric bypass or affordable cosmetic dentistry without mortgaging their house.

3) Can U.S. Hospitals compete?

U.S. hospitals would have to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase quality. However, according to Mr. John H, a typical response to this growing offshore trend is to try to shut it down and pretend that quality and standard of cares are inferior abroad. The proper reaction would be a wake up call and an attempt to bring in line costs with what citizens can afford. This trend is only the beginning as it is clearly advantageous for patients to leave the U.S. healthcare system all together to access affordable gastric bypass, affordable plastic surgery in Argentina or affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments abroad.

All this paints a sad but realistic commentary on the state of the U.S. health care coverage and delivery system.

Perhaps the emerging sight of Middle America traveling thousands of miles for medical care will spur new attention to the need for universal coverage with adequate benefits in this country.

For more information on affordable plastic surgery in Argentina, affordable gastric bypass and affordable cosmetic dentistry treatment options, please contact Gosculptura at 1-800-576-0942.

John. H
Gosculptura
Patient Care Management Contact: maria@gosculptura.com
1-800-576-0942
Gosculptura

2008-01-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

MedTral New Zealand:

MedTral is a New Zealand company that provides world-class private medical services to international health travellers. MedTral New Zealand provides world-class medical services to international health travellers seeking high quality, affordable treatment in a first-world country. New Zealand is a first-world country and English is our first language. New Zealanders share cultural affinity with North Americans – we won’t be a foreign experience.

MedTral New Zealand is a private healthcare company owned and managed by medical physician, Dr Edward Watson. MedTral is a New Zealand based company offering international patients access to high quality surgical and recuperative care in world-class private hospitals, all of which are accredited to JCI standards. The specialists MedTral New Zealand uses are all highly qualified and trained doctors, who have received some or all of their speciality training in the USA or Europe. All speak English as their first language. The cost of world-class private medical treatment in New Zealand is significantly less than other first-world countries including the United States of America. MedTral New Zealand works in partnership with you and local doctor to determine your health care plan for an elective medical procedure. The MedTral New Zealand way is for you to have the diagnosis of your condition, and the associated diagnostic tests, performed in your home country. MedTral New Zealand provides contingency insurance cover as part of the MedTral package which covers against unexpected events such as prolonged hospitalisation and follow-up surgery.

Services Offered:Orthopedic Operations
Cardiac Operations and Procedures
General Surgery
Gynaecological Surgery
Fertility Treatment
Plastic reconstructive surgery
Urological Surgery

For details contact:
Medtral Ltd
PO Box 99-894
Newmarket 1149
Auckland,
New Zealand
Tel: Toll free: USA/Canada 1866 206 3582 or 649 623 6588
Website:

2007-09-23T03:06:00.000-07:00

Microsite: Dental tourism

Overwhelmed by feedback from both our service providers and patients visiting our site. We've finally decided to launch the Dental tourism subsite. The intention remains the same to allow dental tourists to be able to see treatment options available to them across the world. We've just about started with the microsite, but we promise to ramp up the same soon.

Visit the dental tourism subsite @ http://www.medicaltourism.ca/dental-tourism.html

2007-09-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

Medical tourism/Health tourism videos:

You kept sending us feedback to introduce videos on our site. And we are happy to announce we have finally done it. The site now has a new section on medical tourism/health tourism videos.

Tell us how you like the new resource.

Visit the new medical tourism videos section: Click Here

2007-05-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Featured Partner:

Medical tourism Turkey:

Dunya Eye Hospital Group

Established in 1996 in Levent, Istanbul and bringing solutions to all kinds of problems related to the eye 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, The Dünya Eye Hospital has taken its place among a number of centers in the world with the high-principled health service it provides, state-of-the-art technology that is being continuously renewed, its experienced medical staff consisting of Professors, Assistant Professors and Specialists, its staff exceeding 900 employees and its contemporary understanding of management.

Continuing with its investments, parallel to the increasing potential of patients as of 1996, The Dünya Eye Group has been named as the largest private ophthalmology hospital in the world after performing 28.000 examinations and 2.500 laser and 2.500 eye surgeries ( 1200 Cataract, 300 Retinal Surgery, 200 Strabismus, 200 Glaucoma, 300 Oculoplastic Surgery, 100 Corneal Transplantation, 200 others ) per month in a closed area totaling 30.000 square meters in 7 different locations in Istanbul. Not only patients from Turkey, but also patients from many other countries are also being treated in our hospital where patients are given VIP service in 5-star hotel comfort.

The Dünya Eye Group is permanently updating the technology it uses in accordance with the developments in the world. Scientific research carried out by our doctors in the field of ophthalmology is being used as reference material by the medical technology producers and ophthalmologists across the world. In the international seminars and conferences being held in our hospital, we have eminent names from the world in the field of ophthalmology meet Turkish doctors and thus offer them mutual information achievements. We signed a “Collabration Agreement” in 2003 with the University of Crete, Faculty of Medicine, which is one of the leading institutes in the field of ophthalmology with its research and findings and is presided over by Prof. Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris who is known as the “Father of Lasik” and is at the same time President of the Association of European Cataract and Refractive Surgery. We are offering our patients updated and trustworthy health services with joint treatment protocols carried out by the doctors of the two institutions.

The Dünya Eye Hospital has been accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International) Quality Program on 19 July 2006. JCI is the most important American Accreditation System that determines the standard of institutes giving health services and it gives quality certificates.

Services Offered:

REFRACTIVE SURGERY & EXCIMER LASER DEPARTMENT
The Refractive Surgery ( treatment of myopia,hyperopia and astigmatism) Department of Dunya Eye Hospital has been offering high quality service and the best treatment methods to patients, with its state of the art laser technologies and refractive surgeons who are experienced with over 120000 operations, since 1996.

CATARACT DEPARTMENT
If an eye is effected by cataract, the natural lens loses its transparency and turns opaque. An affected person is unable to see clearly and colors become warped. There are multiple factors at work in the development of a cataract but the most commonly occurring type is age related and found in people over 60 years of age. PHACO (stitchless cataract surgery) is the most successful treatment. Each eye has a natural lens inside. A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens within the eye that can cause vision problems. The most common type is related to aging. However, it can even be seen in babies.

GLAUCOMA DEPARTMENT
Due to a rise in pressure in the intraocular fluid, damage to the optic nerve may occur. This damage shows itself by a narrowing of the field of vision. This disease which shows no symptoms at the beginning requires detailed eye examinations for early diagnosis, eyedrops, laser treatment or, if necessary, surgery to bring the condition under control.Glaucoma is an insidious disease, showing no symptoms but in developed stages constitutes a threat to our sight. It can be detected only with regular and detailed eye examinations. NFA, determines the damage of sight nerve fibers. TopSS determines the damage of the nerve-fibre at optic nerve and at the surface of the retina. A detailed sight examination determines the degree of nerve damage. OCT3 can be used as a means to diagnose glaucoma and to evaluate the condition of nerve fibre and sight-nerves. HRT 2 is a Tomography technique which is used for the analysis of sight-nerves.

STRABISMUS AND THE PEDIATRIC EYE CARE DEPARTMENT
Get treatment for wall-eyed condition, lazy eye and all 3-dimensional (orthoptic) vision insufficiencies.

VITREO RETINAL DISEASES & MICRO SURGERY DEPARTMENT COMMON RETINAL DISEASES
- Macular Degeneration
- Retinal Detachment(tears)
- Internal eye bleeding – retinal bleeding
- Retinal disease due to Uveitis and Behçet’s disease
- Internal eye inflammation
- Removal of foreign body from the internal eye

CORNEAL DISEASES AND TRANSPLANTATION DEPARTMENT
The Corneal Graft (Keratoplasty), which is the last solution of some corneal diseases, can be applied using laser now. Until today, at standard applied corneal operations, the cornea is totally replaced with the donor cornea. With the development of femtosecond laser (intraLase) technology, every kind of corneal cut is available now. By using the laser technology in corneal transplantation, only the affected part of the cornea is taken and donor cornea is transplanted to this part. The main advantage of healthy-affected tissue separation in IntraLase Keratoplasty is that there is nearly no possibility for tissue rejection.

TYPICAL CORNEAL AND CONJUCTIVAL DISEASES
- Bacterial, viral, allergic, ceratitis (ulceration) and conjunctivitis.
- Ceratoconus
- Contact-lense related pathologies
- Lipids
- Pterjium (stye)
- Eye stones
- Dry-eye diseases

OCULOPLASTIC COSMETIC SURGERY DEPARTMENT
Most people would probably agree that sight is the sense they value more than all of the rest. We use our eyes in almost every activity we perform, whether reading, working, watching television, writing a letter or driving a car and in many other ways. Oculoplastic surgery is the branch dealing with diseases of eyelids, tear ducts, orbita etc… These problems can affect the sight. some of the thinnest skin on the body and, for this reason, baggy skin can often be seen on the upper eyelids. The lower eyelids can be affected both by aging as well as by the collapse of fat pouches from top to bottom , producing a bagging effect. The treatment for this is surgery. Excessive skin and fat deposits can also be removed with the help of special devices.
SEVERAL IMPORTANT AREAS FALL UNDER THE INTEREST OF THIS BRANCH
• Congenital or age-related insufficiency of the eyelid
• Inward or outward growing eyelids
• Facial deformation due to paralysis
• Bags under the eyes
• Eyelid tumours
• Thyroid-related eye illnesses
• Prosthetic eyes
• Cracks around the eyes
• Diseases of the tear glands (blocked glands)
• Illnesses of the eye socket (wounds, broken bones etc.)
BOTOX
For the treatment of crows-feet and other wrinkles, many of our specialists at The Dünya Eye Hospital have used the non-surgical technique of Botox injections successfully. “Botox” has been used in various areas of medicine as a safe and reliable drug for over seventy years. Due to its line and wrinkle-removing properties, especially in the eye region, it has begun to be adopted around the world. After a brief, approximately 5-minute procedure, the patient is free to return to daily life and, with some variation from person-to-person, requires a repeat treatment every six months on average.

NEUROOPHTHALMOLOGY AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
This branch deals with eye illnesses emerging from the brain and optic nerve. ERG : This is an important test for measuring the electric effect of light on the retina.
EOG : This measures the electric potential of the eye at rest.
VER : This measures the working of the pathways from the optic nerve to the brain.

UVEA
Uvea: Part of the eye, consisting collectively of the iris, the choroid of the eye, and the ciliary body

The iris: The circular, colored curtain of the eye that surrounds the pupil. The choroid of the eye: The thin vascular middle layer of the eye that is situated between the sclera (the white of the eye) and the retina (the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye, senses light, and creates impulses that travel through the optic nerve to the brain). The ciliary body: A body of tissue that connects the iris with the choroid and includes a group of muscles which act on the lens of the eye to change its shape.

For more details contact
Zeytinlik Mah
Sahilyolu Cad. No : 18
Ataköy, Istanbul
34140
Turkey
+90 212 413 75 36
Website:Dunya Eye Hospital Group

2007-05-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

Medical Tourism in Panama,

Pana-Health is a group Health Professionals trained in some of the world’s most prestigious Universities and Hospitals. We have been meeting the medical needs of international patients for many years, with English-speaking, international-trained specialists on staff.

In addition to scheduling your medical treatment, we also arrange your travel and accommodation as well as any car rental, cruises, tours or other vacation services you require. You will fly on a scheduled flight to Panama City, considered the hub of the Americas.

Services offered:

Assisted Reproduction
Cardiology
Dental Implants
Dermatology
Endocrinology & Diabetes
Extreme Makeovers
Gastroenterology
General & Oncologic Surgery
General Dentistry
Geriatrics
Internal Medicine
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Periodontics
Plastic Surgey
Pneumology & Allergies
Prosthodontics
Psychology
Speech & Language
Urology
Average Costs

The following are the average prices of the more common treatmeants of each listed specialty and may change without previous notification.They may vary from patient to patient depending on each individual´s characteristics and needs. We include them here so you can have a point of reference and evaluate the convenience of coming to Panama for treatment. Prices are given in US dollars.

Dental Implants and Periodontics
Procedure Cost in Panama Cost in the USA
Dental Implant $1,000.00
$2,000.00 - $2,500.00

Periodontal Surgery $450.00
$800.00 - $1,000.00
Periodontal Plastic Surgery $500.00 $850.00 - $1200.00
Periodontal Regenerative procedure $600.00 $1,200.00 - $1,500.00
Free Gingival Graft $450.00 $1,000.00 - $1300.00

General Dentistry
Procedure Cost in Panama Cost in the USA
Crown-Porcelain fused to metal $550.00
$950.00 - $1,200.00
Crown- Porcelain $550.00 $1,000.00 - $1,300.00
Porcelain veneers $500.00 $1,200.00 - $2,000.00
Composite veneers $200.00 $400.00 - $500.00
Root Canal $200.00 - $400.00 $500.00 - $900.00
Plastic Surgery
Procedure Cost in Panama Cost in the USA
Face / Neck Lift $6800.00 $11000.00
Blepharoplasty $2300.00 $4400.00
Servicoplasty $2150.00 $4800.00
Rhinoplasty $3100 $4900.00
Breast Autmentation $3900.00 $5400.00
Breast Reconstruction $3000.00 $7000.00
Breast Reduction $5600.00 $7800.00
Breast Lift $3800.00 $5200.00
Liposuction (One Area) $2900.00 $4000.00
Liposuction (Multiple Areas) $4400.00 $6500.00
Thigh Lift $4000.00 $5500.00
Dermabrasion $1500.00 $3100.00
Chemical Peel $600.00 $1000.00
Fat inyections $400.00 $900.00
Buttock Autmentation $3900.00 $5500.00

Gynecology and Obstetrics
Procedure Cost in Panama Cost in the USA
Intrauterine Insemination $850.00
$1,500.00
In Vitro Fertilization $5,000.00 $9,000.00 - $18,000.00
In Vitro Fertilization with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection $6,000.00 $11,000.00 - $18,000.00
In Vitro Fertilization with donated egg $7,500.00 $16,000 - $20,000.00
In Vitro Fertilization and biopsy of Blastomere with genetic diagnostic
pre-implantation and/or sex selection $12,000.00 $20,000.00

General and Oncologic Surgery
Procedure (Minimal Invasive Surgery) Cost in Panama Cost in the USA
Minisite Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy $3,500.00 $6,000.00
Laparoscopic Hernia $4,000.00 $7,000.00
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication $5,000.00 $9,000.00
Laparoscopic gastric bypass $15,000.00 $25,000.00

Cardiology
Procedure Cost in Panama Cost in the USA
Ecocardiogram $300.00
$500.00 - $1,000.00
Stress Ecocardiogram $500.00 $800.00 - $1,000.00
Ecocardiogram with Dobutamine $450.00 $800.00 - $1,200.00
Holter $200.00 $400.00 - $600.00
Dobutamine Echo $550.00 $1,000.00 - $1,250.00
Stress Test $200.00 $400.00 - $500.00
Gastroenterology
Procedure Cost in Panama Cost in the USA
Esofagogastroduodenoscopy $325 $600
Colonoscopy $550 $800
Colonoscopy + polypectomy $750 $1200
ERCP+stone extraction $1000 $2000
Bravo capsule (ph) $300 $400
Capsule endoscopy $400 $600

Clinical Laboratory
Procedure Cost in Panama Cost in the USA
Lab-Scan $127.00
$230.00

Kidney Function $66.00
$150.00
Liver Function $63.00 $140.00
Bone metabolism markers (osteoporosis) $94.00 $190.00
Heart function and coronary risk $61.00 $110.00
Choosing the sex of your baby $960.00 $3,000.00-$3,500.00

Pneumology
Procedure Cost in Panama Cost in the USA
Broncoscopy with or without biopsy $350.00
$800.00
Pleurodesis $300.00 $400.00
Toracentesis $150.00 $250.00
Pleura lntubation $250.00 $680.00
Biopsy of pleura $150.00 $300.00
Lung Biopsy with percutaneous needle $150.00 $300.00
Exploratory Thoracoscopy $900.00 $2,000.00
Thoracoscopy with biopsy $1,000.00 $2,500.00

Orthopedics & Traumatology
Procedure Cost in Panama Cost in the USA
Hip prosthesis $12,000.00
$20,000.00

Artroscopy $5,000.00
$10,000.00
Juanetes $6,000.00 $14,000.00
Knee replacement $12,000.00 $20,000.00
Disc Hernia $6,500.00 $20,000.00
Columnar Instrumentation $16,000.00 $40,000.00
Carpal Tunnel Release $3,000.00 $7,000.00

Ophthalmology
Procedure Cost in Panama Cost in the USA
Cataract surgery $2,500.00
$5,000.00 - $6,000.00

Glaucoma surgery $2,000.00
$5,000.00 - $6,000.00
Blefaroplastic surgery (eyelids) $2,500.00 $6,000.00
Refractive surgery (Eximer Laser) $2,000.00 $5,000.00
Refractive surgery with intraocular lens implant $2,500.00 $5,000.00 - $6,000.00

To get a cost free estimate or for more details:

www.pana-health.com

info@pana-health.com

Phone numbers:
In Panama: (507) 223-6766
In the U.S.A.:
Miami:1-305-675-7306
New Jersey: 1-609-455-1798
In England
London: 44-20-7100-5624

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 0831-00886
Panama, Republic of Panama

Physical Address
P.H. Royal Center
Tower A, 12th floor
Panama City
Republic of Panama

2007-05-13T00:25:00.000-07:00

RusMedTour: Russian Medical Tourism:

Our Company,RusMedTour, is established to offer you a medical treatment in best Russian clinics and medical centers. Our mission is to provide the patients with the best medical services in Russia. As we cooperate only with high quality and competent Russian clinics and hospitals, we'll appoint the best Russian doctors who have higher qualification in a given medical specialty and use advanced technologies.

Our aim is to help patients feel as comfortable as possible by providing an individualized treatment plan that meets or exceeds his or her personal, physical, and other health-related goals. We work for best results and in a friendly, positive and supportive atmosphere.We are always ready to present our patient's interests in clinics and medical centers, taking care of their health and feelings. Our company will offer you all the best of Russian medical experience.

We are specialized in organizing treatment in two spheres of medicine:
Oncology (Cancer)
Neurological diseases treatment (including treatment by stem cells)
But we are ready to examine each case and offer our clients the most appropriate solution.

Services offered:

Organization of treatment in Russian clinics
Arranging consultations with best Russian specialists in cancer and neurological diseases (upon your medical data or using the telemedicine)
Reservation of a ward, or accommodation in a hotel (if necessary)
Additional services:

Transportation
Personal assistance
Translating services
Organization of leisure

We will do our best to provide you with an individualized care during your staying in Russia and meet all your wishes and requirements.

For more details visit:
E-mail:
info@rusmedtour.com
Phones:
007 495 543 56 34
007 495 543 56 44

2007-05-13T00:22:00.000-07:00

If you are seeking low cost, no-wait healthcare in a world class medical facility, then the American Medical Clinic in St. Petersburg may be your answer.

For the last fifty years, Russia has been known across the globe for both its high technology achievements, such as putting the first man in space, and its world renowned scientific minds. Today full service international standard medical care is provided by Russia’s best and brightest medical talent at a fraction of the cost for the same services provided in the US, France, Britain and other European countries.

The American Medical Clinic, the city’s premiere hospital and the first private healthcare provider, is located in the center of St. Petersburg - Russia’s cultural capital and premier tourist destination. As the first ‘fee for service’ provider in St. Petersburg, the American Medical Clinic offers Russia’s growing wealthy class and international residents/tourists cutting edge medical technologies and procedures provided by the finest medical practitioners in the country. With over 12 years experience of working with foreign patients our multi-lingual medical and administrative staff will handle your treatment from start to finish. We will organize anything for you – from Russian visas and airport transfers to ballet tickets.

The Clinic is literally located in the heart of the city within 5-10 minute walking distance from all the major tourist attractions. A selection of 3-5 stars hotels is available in the near vicinity. During your visit, you can receive first class medical treatment while enjoying the sights in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

For those seeking the highest level of medical care at reasonable prices without the wait, we offer:

Highly experienced surgeons working in a state of the art medical facility
Russia’s most modern surgical wards and intensive care unit
Clean, comfortable private in-patient wards
Multi-lingual medical and administrative staff focused on individual patient needs
No waiting for your medical care
Beautiful surroundings in the cultural capital of the world’s largest country

The Doctors working at the American Clinic are trained in the USA and Europe in latest surgical and diagnostic techniques. The Leading In-Patient Services we offer are:

Traumatology and Orthopedics
Spinal neurosurgery
Plastic Surgery
General Surgery
Gynecology
Urology
Oral Surgery
Dental Implants

We invite you to contact us regarding the qualifications of our medical doctors/surgeons, details regarding our medical facility or the prices for services delivered in our hospital. We will provide you with an individual quote within 24 hours of the questionnaire submission.

For more details contact:
American Medical Clinic
78 Moika embankment,
Saint Petersburg, 190000, Russia
Phone: +7 (812) 740 20 90
Fax: +7 (812) 310 46 64

2006-12-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

Medical Tourism in Russia

American Medical Clinic:

The American Medical Clinic was established in 1992 with the goal of bringing international standard medical care to St. Petersburg.

AMC offers the latest techniques and equipment in all areas of diagnostic and laboratory services. We cover every major area of specialty medicine including family practice, gynecology, pediatrics, dentistry, ENT, cardiology, endocrinology and more. The Clinic's In-patient department consists of a surgical theater, private luxury wards and the most modern intensive care unit in Russia. A wide variety of surgeries are performed in the Clinic including general surgery, trauma, gynecology, urology and plastic surgeries. Many of these surgeries are performed using endoscopic methods. Additionally, AMC offers emergency medical services 24-hours a day, 365 days a year utilizing our own fully equipped ambulance and helicopter.

Services Offered:

24 Hours ER & Trauma Unit

Traditional & Laparoscopic Surgery

Intensive Care Unit

Inpatient Department

Diagnostics

Laboratory Services

Gynecology and Obstetrics

Urology

Ophtalmology

ENT

Cardiology

Pediatrics

Family Practice

Dentistry

Medical Evacuations

The following is a list of the insurance companies throughout the world who have authorized the American Medical Clinic to provide direct insurance billing. If your insurance company is not on this list, then please give us your member or policy # and the insurance company's contact information. We'll call or email them today to see if we can arrange direct insurance billing for your medical care.

INSURANCE COMPANIES

1. ADAC-Schutzbrief Versicherungs-AG 2. AIG Life Insurance Company 3. ALERT ASSIST. WINGS MEDICAL SERV. 4. Allianz Worldwide Care Ltd. 5. AXA PPP Healthcare 6. BlueCard Worldwide 7. BUPA International 8. CIGNA International 9. Concordia 10. Cover More 11. DIRECT LINE 12. Elvia Travel Insurances 13. Eurooppalainen 14. Europaeiske Rejseforsikring a/s 15. Europaeiske Travel Ins. 16. Europeiska(Sweden) 17. EUROPEA 18. FEMI medical assistance center 19. Filo Diretto 20. FORTIS INSURANCE 21. Halleshe Krankenversicherung 22. Hanse Merkur Reiseversicherung AG 23. HTH Worldwide 24. IF P&C Insurance company (Sampo) 25. International Health Ins. Denmark 26. International SOS an AEA Company 27. Lahivakuutus (Local Insurance Mutual Company) 28. Mondial Assistance 29. NAUTICA 30. Nordicum 31. OFG PFG 32. OMEGA 33. ORAC SERVICE GMBH 34. Primary Direct Insurance 35. Royal Dutch Touring Club ANWB 36. Salva 37. SOS International 38. Tapiola 39. Travel Solve 40. Travelex Global and Financial Services Limited

ASSISTANCE COMPANIES

1. Assist Card 2. Canadian Assistance 3. Cega Air Ambulance Limited 4. Claims Settlement Agencies Ltd 5. Coris International 6. Elvia (Belgium) 7. Elvia (France) 8. Elvia (Germany) 9. Elvia Assistance 10. Elvia Reiseversicherung AG 11. EuroAlarm A/S 12. Eurocross International 13. Europ Assistance CEI Operations 14. Europ Assistance, Belgium 15. Europ Assistance, Germany 16. Europ Assistance, UK 17. European Benefits 18. Filo Diretto 19. First Assist Group Limited 20. Global Voyager Assistance 21. INCO ASSISTANCE 22. IngoNord 23. Inter Group Assistance 24. Inter Mutuelles Assistance 25. Inter Partner Assistance 26. International Medical Rescue 27. International SOS an AEA Company 28. IPA ASSIATANCE 29. Malteser Hilfstdienst 30. Mercur Assistance GmbH 31. Mondial Assistance 32. Mutuaide Assistance 33. Nordic Assistance 34. On-Call Assistance 35. Reso-garantia 36. Sigma Assistance 37. SOS International 38. Tim Assistance 39. Travelex Global and Financial Services Limited

For more details contact:

American Medical Clinic

78 Moika embankment,

Saint Petersburg, 190000, Russia

Phone: +7 (812) 740 20 90

Fax: +7 (812) 310 46 64

Visit:Medical Tourism in Russia

2006-06-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

Medical Tourism Korea: Article on medical tourism in Korea

Korean Hospitals Eager to Tap Overseas Patients

Plastic surgery, other clinics see growing number of patients

Jin Hyun-joo
The Korea Herald, 2 June 2006

With the current boom in Korean pop culture around Asia, Anacli, a Seoul-based clinic for skincare and plastic surgery, has seen a sharp increase in the number of overseas customers.

The hospital treated about 1,000 foreigners over the past year, mostly Japanese and Chinese who are eager to resemble Korean stars.

"For us, the market for foreign patients is inexhaustible," said Lee Sang-jun, chairman of the private hospital which operates five branches in Seoul.

Anacli is set to open a plastic surgery center in China in addition to a medical skin care shop they have already established there, he added.

Anacli is one of the increasing number of Korean hospitals that are eager to tap the growing market for international patients.

Indy Kim, a patient from the Philippines who underwent surgery on a tumor, talks to Choi Won-gyu, president of Wooridul Spine Hospital in Chungdamdong, Seoul. Kim said she came to know of the hospital, well-known for its advanced spine care, through a Philippine business organization. Kim, who was not able to move her body at all, is now able to raise her hands and parts of her body after the operation.

Asians from 11 nations, including South Korea, China and Japan are expected to spend a combined $610 billion in healthcare services and goods in 2013, up from $391 billion in 1999, according to a report by Euromonitor International Marketing Forecasts 2001.

Despite the strong potential in terms of advanced medical techniques, Korea`s medical tourism business is still in its infancy, experts say.

According to a survey, of the over 100,000 foreigners who visited Korea last year, a meager 0.2 percent of them came here for medical treatment purposes, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. The figure is similar to those recorded in 2004, 2003, and 2002.

The Korea International Trade Association said in a recent report that the country has to explore its strong potential to emerge as medical hub, citing high-quality medical workers and advanced medical technology, notably in the field of cosmetics, spine diseases, and major cancers.

"The domestic medical market is set to be saturated," said Lee Youn-tae an official of the state-run Korea Health Industry Development Institute.

"Leading general hospitals may not feel the need to look overseas because they have local patients waiting in line. But, we have to prepare so that we will not lag behind Singapore and Thailand which currently lead the field in this business," he said.

The government has initiated a set of measures to promote medical tourism by aiding hospitals in their marketing and easing related regulations. The government is also pushing to simplify the process of issuing visas for overseas patients, especially from Asian nations.

However, there is room for a lot of improvement among Korean medical institutions, industry watchers say.

"Korean hospitals have excellent technology. But they are not ready to welcome foreign guests yet. They should enhance their services to attract foreign patients," said Lee Hwang, chief of the international patient center at the Seoul-based Wooridul Spine hospital.

Hospitals should invest more in improving services and facilities to cater to foreign patients, such as hiring staff with foreign language skills, he said.

Wooridul Spine hospital is one of the few Korean hospitals that provide a one-stop service to overseas patients.

Well-known for its innovative spinal care treatment, the hospital helps its overseas customers obtain a visa, pick them up at the airport, and even introduces them to a travel agent for a downtown tour.

He said it attracted 411 foreign patients in 2005, up from 192 in 2003, with 10 percent of them coming from abroad for the specific purpose of treatment.

Many of its overseas patients had been referred by foreign doctors who have visited the hospital to learn about its particular expertise, Lee said.

Source:
The Korea Herald

Rights:
Copyright 2002~2004 Digital Korea Herald

2006-05-21T00:22:00.000-07:00

Medical Tourism in India

Quota will scuttle medical tourism: IATO

United News of India

New Delhi, May 21, 2006

The Indian Association of Tour Operators has warned the government that medical tourism that is now growing at the rate of 30 per cent and slated to emerge as a $2 million industry in the next four to five years, will be severely affected if it encouraged quota system in medical institutes.

Extending full support to the agitating medical students in the national capital and other parts of the country, IATO President Subhash Goyal urged President APJ Abdul Kalam not to succumb to pressure by the UPA government and issue any ordinance to introduce quota system through the back door.

In a statement, he said medical tourism had brought around 1.5 lakh patients from different parts of the world in 2005 making India one of the more sought after global destinations in intensive health care.

For Complete article visit:
Quota will scuttle medical tourism: IATO
, Hindustan Times

2006-05-20T00:54:00.000-07:00

Medical tourism in India: A good article, must read for people interested in the medical tourism industry especially the medical tourism sector in India.

Medical Tourism: Positive Publicity Is The Need Of The Hour

Dr Saji Salam

What prompted me to write this piece is a news item in a financial daily which quoted ‘experts’ stating the medical tourism industry in India would bring in revenues worth USD 25 billion by 2020.

For more:
Medical Tourism India

2006-05-20T00:43:00.000-07:00

Namibia: Medical Tourism. The arrival of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Namibia to have their much-publicised baby -- and their demands for privacy in the face of a paparazzi frenzy -- may have irritated the locals. But it underscores a growing trend among foreigners: sub-Saharan Africa is the place to be if you want good, reliable and comparatively inexpensive medical treatment.

For more:

Medical Tourism Africa

2006-05-20T00:14:00.000-07:00

Medical Tourism USA:

List of medical tourism service providers in USA. Medical tourists can avail of medical tourism through the following companies across the United States.

Clinic International:
We at Clinic International believe that the achievements and possibilities of the international top class medical development should be accessable to everybody. We know that top class medical treatment can be expensive but prices have to be reasonable. Our goal at Clinic International is to connect the needs of the patient with the market that serves these need at it's best. Clinic International is your International Health Service. Services: Artificial Disc Replacement and other orthopedic therapies is our focus at Clinic International. We are the representatives of German hospitals in the United States. We serve American patients to get the best medical treatment and care available worldwide. Especially the treatment of the spinal column is a major field of our experiences.

Clinic International
US Office
11201 122nd Ave N. #239,
Largo, FL. 33778, USA
phone: +1 619 330 0877 - fax: +1 619 330 0878
Medical Tourism USA

Med Retreat
Our mission at MedRetreat is simple. We want to help you design an exotic and amazing vacation, while helping you obtain a medical procedure at the best and most reputable healthcare facilities the world has to offer at a fraction of the cost in the US.

Services: Cosmetic, Dental and General Medical.

MedRetreat
1121 Annapolis Road, PMB 160
Odenton, MD 21113
General Inquiries: Toll Free: 1-877-876-3373
Customer Service: 1-877-876-3373 option 1
Medical Tourism USA

International Gamma Knife Clinic
At The International Gamma Knife Clinic at Palm Beach, LLC it is our mission to provide the highest quality state of the art Healthcare of Neurological Services in the world today with Dignity, Excellence and Respect for our patients. Our Ultimate Goal is to help so many people with illnesses throughout the world. Finding hope in hopeless situations, treating tumors and functional disorders that effect the quality of your life. Given the opportunity, hopefully, we can help you through these difficult times in your life.

Services: What can the Gamma Knife treat?
Brain Cancers and Tumors:
Brain metastases
Chordoma
Craniopharyngioma
Glioma
Hemangioblastoma
Meningioma
Pineal tumors
Pituitary adenoma

Vascular Disorders:
Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF)
Cavernomas

Functional Disorders:
Trigeminal neuralgia

International Gamma Knife Clinics
Attn: George Vuduris
206 Pinnacle Court
Peachtree City, Georgia 30269
Tel: 1 +404-806-0152
Fax: 1-404-806-9562
Medical Tourism USA

European Medical Tourist:
European Medical Tourist provides affordable medical treatment option without compromising quality. Our clients benefit from the best trained physicians in the world at some of the best facilities, often at a savings of 50% to 80% off comparable procedures in the U.S. With the advent of tax-free Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and the high cost of conventional medical practice in the U.S., medical treatment in Europe by certified English-speaking physicians is becoming a fast-growing option for small business owners, the self-insured and uninsured individuals in the United States. Whether you are seeking non-elective or cosmetic surgery, or treatment for a serious condition, excellent medical care is available for you in Europe. We guide our clients each step along the way.

European Medical Tourist
1879 Mt. Royal Drive NE
Atlanta,
Georgia 30329
USA
Medical Tourism USA

2006-05-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

Medical tourism: Why Americans are traveling abroad for health care

HOWARD ASCHWALD'S wife and mother had the same reaction earlier this year when he told them he was thinking of traveling to India to have laser eye surgery performed.
"Their response was, 'You're going to India and having somebody work on your eyes. Oh my God!'" said Aschwald, a Belvedere investment manager.

"I was concerned the way his mother was concerned," said his wife, Michelle Aschwald. "He had to call his mother after the surgery was over."

Aschwald, 52, had the eye surgery performed in Mumbai, India, in March and a CT angiogram, a test to gauge the health of his heart, at a separate clinic there. Aschwald saved thousands of dollars on the procedures, and he and his wife realized a longtime dream: a vacation in India.

"We've been studying India for a long time," Michelle Aschwald said. "We like yoga."

For more visit:
Full Article on medical tourism

2006-05-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

Medical Tourism Canada

Payment for out-of-country health services with prior approval
- Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

OHIP will pay in full for health services outside Canada if :
the patient gets written authorization from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care before the treatment is given, and the treatment is generally accepted in Ontario, and the treatment or an equivalent procedure is not performed in Ontario, or the treatment is performed in Ontario but it is necessary that the person travel outside Canada to avoid a delay that would result in death or medically significant irreversible tissue damage.
In order to obtain consideration for full funding of treatment outside Canada your Ontario physician must apply to the ministry for prior approval while you are in Ontario, before you receive out-of-country treatment.
For more information visit:Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website
Call the ministry INFOline at 1-800-268-1154
(Toll-free in Ontario only)
In Toronto, call 416-314-5518
TTY 1-800-387-5559
Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm
(Information courtesy: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care)

Referring a Patient for Medical Services Outside of Canada:
- Ministry of Health Services, Government of British Columbia

Obtaining Pre-Approval

If you refer a patient for medical care outside Canada, prior authorization from MSP is required for payment of claims for services rendered outside the country.

To obtain pre-approval for payment of out of country services, the attending medical specialist must submit either a written request or an Application for Approval of Insured Out of Country Medical Services, providing detailed information about the medical necessity for the referral and what options available within B.C. and Canada have been investigated. The decision to approve MSP payment for out of country medical services is based on the following criteria: the service would be a benefit if performed in B.C. the service is being provided by a licensed physician or oral surgeon the service is medically required the service needs to be performed outside Canada because appropriate, acceptable treatment of the patient's medical condition is not available in Canada, or a delay in accessing treatment would have medically significant consequences for the patient the service is generally accepted by the medical profession in B.C. to be a non-controversial and worthwhile treatment for the patient's medical condition the service is provided in an accredited acute care general hospital.

For more information visit: Ministry of Health Services, Government of British Columbia website
(Information courtesy: Ministry of Health Services, Government of British Columbia)

2006-02-18T01:08:00.000-08:00

Medical Tourism Australia

Medical tourism launches medical tourism Australia. Medical tourism partners with Avivis Health to showcase medical tourism options available in Australia.
Avivis Health is among the leading medical tourism service providers in Australia with tie ups with the best hospitals in Australia.

For more information:
Medical Tourism Australia

2006-02-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

Medical Tourism gets aggressive. We are now planning a series of tie-ups with doctors, medical institutions and service providers from across the world to enhance the quality of data showcased on our site.

If interested in partnering with the foremost medical tourism sites in the world kindly write to: medicaltourism@gmail.com

2005-12-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

Medical tourism: India's new tool to cause heartburn in US
Sujata Dutta Sachdeva
[ Sunday, December 25, 2005 01:05:37 amTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

Outsourcing is not the only reason why Americans are unhappy with India. Medical tourism seems to be giving them a heartburn too.

And in order to stem this outflow, American hospitals are going in for aggressive marketing strategies and making patients aware about safety and insurance issues.

Anything to save their turf. Richard Merli, managing editor, Health Care Insider, KPMG, recently wrote in his weekly health analysis: "American hospitals may dismiss those patients as low or middle-income consumers who lack health insurance and might not get the procedure done in the US.

But industry observers say that the exotic locales and prospect of a vacation is attracting many wealthy patients to have elective surgeries done abroad." Last year alone, around 1.5 lakh medical tourists visited India

For more details visit: Medical tourism: India's new tool to cause heartburn in US

2005-12-22T07:10:00.000-08:00

Latest updates on Medical Tourism

Company Specializes in Medical Tourism

By Tisha Powell (12/19/05 -- RALEIGH) -

An estimated 46 million Americans have no health insurance and according to a recent study, high medical bills contribute to almost 750,000 bankruptcies a year.

These startling statistics have many Americans searching for medical care in other countries. One local business is putting American patients in touch with foreign doctors. More than a year ago, Ann Lombardi's doctor told her she needed cataract surgery. The Raleigh woman was shocked by what he said it would cost.

"I went to other doctors around the Atlanta area and was quoted $7,000," she said.

It was a price Lombardi couldn't afford to pay, even with health insurance. So she called a friend in Germany who arranged for her to have the surgery there for only $1,200.

"It was the most positive medical experience of my life," she said.

Now Lombardi and her friend Tim Vicknair are running "European Medical Tourist" or "EMT." It's a service that helps Americans arrange medical treatment in Europe.

For more details visit:
ABC11TV

India gears up for medical tourism

The government has set a target to rope in 1 million medical tourists by 2010. This could be quite an tough job as only 10,000-11,000 come in at present, say government officials.

The government hopes this would rake in at least Rs 5,000 crore in foreign exchange, says Minister of State for Tourism Renuka Chowdhury.

“In collaboration with the medical industry, price bending of hospitals has been completed for uniform prices for a particular treatment. Accreditation of hospitals and maintaining required international standards for treatment are now completed in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry and the medical industry,” said Chowdhury at a meeting of the Consultative Committee on Tourism here today.

For more details:

Business Standard

2005-12-16T10:40:00.000-08:00

Now, city as medical tourism destination
Thursday, December 15, 2005 02:41:43 am TIMES NEWS NETWORK

To bring Chandigarh on the world tourism map, the UT administration has decided to promote it as a destination for medical tourism.
>>>Just when you thought India was sleeping on the opportunity of attracting international medical tourists. Another city within India announces it aims to become a medical tourism destination within India
To read the complete article visit:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1332906.cms

2005-12-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

Is medical tourism ethical?

Alot of people believe medical tourism is akin to jumping the queue. Most medical tourists come from developed countries like USA, Canada, UK and visit countries like Cuba, India, Singapore, Philippines etc. There seems to be a raging debate about whether a country like India can afford to take on more medical tourists and would this result in neglecting the poorer section of its population looking for healthcare.

Some forecasts say medical tourism in India will become a $2.3bn business for India by 2012. We all know the importance of Information technology in driving the Indian economy. But medical tourism is touted as the next force that will handsomely contribute to the country's growth. Most people in North America/Europe or for that matter anywhere in the world are no strangers to Indian medical professionals. Some Indian doctors are even categorised as the best in their area of speciality(even by their peers). This is what in effect gives India the edge as medical tourists are comfortable with the quality of training Indian doctors possess. Infrastructure however is something that remains a sore point for many. The Government of India or rather the health ministry has to take proactive steps to ensure that India can communicate it meets or supercedes benchmarks set for blood banks, surgical equipment etc.

But what goes up has to come down. Just when the medical tourism industry in India seems to be booming it is surrounded by controversy. To gain some insight into this controversy read this screaming headline.
Controversy rages in India over medical tourism

By Amelia Gentleman International Herald Tribune

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2005

For more details on medical tourism in USA, Canada, UK, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines visit:

Medical Tourism

2005-12-03T23:14:00.000-08:00

What is medical tourism?

Medical tourism as a concept has been gaining momentum in the recent past. Medical tourism can be best explained as a health holiday one undertakes to an international destination. More and more people from developed nations are begining to explore the possibility of getting their ailments treated at a foreign location. The selling point is low cost of treatment without having to compromise on quality of equipment or medical professionals. Medical tourism covers a gamut of services right from dental implants, cosmetic surgery to more life saving operations like cardiac surgery and bone marrow transplants.

We are the world's premier site on medical tourism. We provide information on medical professionals/institutions that operate medical tourism services in countries such as US, Canada, UK. India, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore among many more. Visit us today to gain an insight into the world of medical tourism.
Medical Tourism