A lot of people still do not fully understand or know what medical tourism is really all about. Before you go on a trip abroad or decide to go for the cheaper health care rates in other countries, you have to be well-informed about your procedure first and the coverage of your treatment and care. This will significantly minimize the risks and the chances of falling prey to dishonest individuals. You should also know more about the right agencies.

What is Medical Tourism?

Medical tourism describes the process of traveling to other countries to avail of medical, cosmetic or dental care. There are several reasons why people choose to move to other countries to get treated, such as the high cost of getting treatment in first world countries, the long waiting lists before you get treatment, the ease and convenience of modern travel, the added benefit of getting a vacation as you recover, the higher standards of care and modern technology availability in developing nations.

Should I Talk to My Doctor?

Yes. It is vital that you consult your local primary physician first and discuss the details and reasons of why you need to seek medical attention elsewhere. Your primary physician can make a diagnosis and have it validated by the one doing the procedure abroad. It might also be possible for your doctor to give you a list of choices regarding the best countries and medical places to go to. Your local doctor may also be sceptical about the idea, but you can help by providing the right documentation and other evidence that you are only seeking help from internationally accredited hospitals and well-experienced doctors.

Why is health care very expensive in first world countries?

Mainly, the fees in the United States and other big countries are influenced greatly by insurance contracts, administrative fees and labor overhead. The WHO or World Health Organization indicates that labor overhead in the United States is significantly greater compared to third world countries. About 70% of the cost is labor related. Patients who travel abroad can expect to pay only 10% to 40% of the cost they are charged in the States.

What kind of treatments can I receive?

Medical tourism now includes virtually any type of treatment, provided that the institution or hospital has adequate facilities, equipment and staff to supervise and conduct the treatment. Some of the most common procedures done to medical tourists include cosmetic surgery, dental work, eye surgery, heart surgery and organ transplant. Other procedures done include weight reduction surgery, physical therapy, alternative medicine, herbal medicine, psychotherapy, orthopaedics and cancer treatment.

What are the best countries to visit?

There are now around 50 countries all over the globe offering quality medical treatment and world class accommodations. The most popular include Thailand, Hong Kong, Israel, Singapore, New Zealand and Germany. These countries are among the best because they boast of state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, accreditation with the biggest agencies and English-speaking and well-trained staff. There are also several sights, sounds and attractions that lure medical tourists to add to their vacation.

Tags: Accredited Hospitals, Added Benefit, Administrative Fees, alternative medicine, Cancer Treatment, cancer;, Convenience, Cosmetic Surgery, Dental Care, Developing Nations, Diagnosis, Doctors, Eye Surgery, First World Countries, Germany, Health Care, Heart Surgery, Insurance Contracts, Israel, Local Doctor, Medical Attention, Medical Tourism, Modern Technology, New Zealand, Organ Transplant, Physical Therapy, physician, Prey, psychotherapy, Singapore, surgery, Technology Availability, Thailand, Third World Countries, United States;, Waiting Lists, World Health Organization —

When traveling to another country to get medical treatment, it is important that you make the necessary preparations first to stay safe and healthy. Recovery is essential, so stay away from stress by having all your things ready. Planning and making reservations early will help you eliminate other troubles and let you enjoy your vacation fully. Before you go to any new country, learn a few things first and find out what to expect during your visit.

What’s Your Reason?

Determine your primary reason for needing to go abroad to seek medical treatment. First of all, you have to consider your medical reason. Are you going to get plastic surgery? Do you have heart or liver problems? Are you only going for dental work? Do you have life-threatening disease? Do you need to have an organ replaced? Some countries are known to be experts at specific procedures, so eye on these destinations to ensure that you are dealing with competent and well-trained staff and institutions.

Some people also wish to go abroad to seek medical treatment because of the cheaper rates and the opportunity to learn more about unique cultures and religious practices. Compare prices between countries. In Asia you get to pay anywhere between 25% and 75% less than what you expect in the United States or United Kingdom. Also study the different countries and try to go to places you’ve always dreamed of visiting like Thailand, China or the Philippines.

Getting Screened

You need to go through a full physical assessment and have diagnostic tests first before going abroad. Your condition can get worse or you may develop complications from traveling or staying cramped in an airplane for several hours. Some of the known complications include clogged blood vessels, immobility and severe headache. Get two or more doctors to screen you completely and give you the thumbs up to travel to other parts of the globe before booking your ticket. Some patients are not allowed to travel unless they display normal health levels. Some of the things your doctor will check include your blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, mental ability and other physical signs.

Making Reservations

Before choosing any medical institution, make sure that it is accredited with the known agencies, such as JCI and Trent. Other national accreditations will also help, to ensure that you are only dealing with legitimate and experienced medical doctors. Also find out more about the hospital and check if they have the latest technology and equipment when dealing with your case. You can talk to a travel agent to help you book hotel reservations and other trip plans to vacation comfortably before and after the medical procedure.

Finalize all the details such as mode of transportation once you arrive, tour schedules and dining places. It is recommended that you bring at least one other person with you during your medical tour to ensure that you stay safe and healthy. Stay abroad for 3 to 10 days more after the scheduled day of treatment so that you can recuperate fully and avoid complications post-operation. A vehicle should be made ready for you once you get to the airport and at the hospital or hotel before and after the procedure.

Research more about the place you are visiting and bring the necessary items such as an alarm clock, medications, a cellular phone or your laptop, maps and money or credit cards. You might need to learn a few foreign lines to know your way around and communicate well with the locals.

Tags: Airplane, Blood Vessels, Countries In Asia, Cultures, Dental Work, Diagnostic Tests, Doctors, Headache, Immobility, Life Threatening Disease, Liver Problems, Medical Reason, Medical Tourism, Medical Treatment, Necessary Preparations, Parts Of The Globe, Philippines, Physical Assessment, Plastic Surgery, Religious Practices —

How to Talk to a Loved One about LapBand Surgery

In many aspects, obesity is referred to as a disease. This is because some suffering from obesity cannot change their lifestyle. Some do not have the needed determination, others have tried healthy eating and exercise without the right results. This is when many opt to give up. If you are related to one of those individuals, you may want to help. One approach you should examine is that of LapBand surgery.

LapBand surgery is the fastest growing weight loss surgery in the United States. It was introduced in 2001 and its popularity continues to grow. What makes the LapBand system the most preferred weight loss surgery in the United States? Its advantages. These advantages include a short recovery period and low risk of complications. These advantages are due to the LapBand system. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, an adjustable gastric band is used to reduce the stomach size.

Since the LapBand surgery comes highly rated and recommended, you may want to suggest it to an obese loved one, but how?

First, it is important to learn about the surgery. Not everyone is an ideal candidate. Do not suggest it as an option without first knowing if your loved one will qualify. So will they? Your best option is to start researching. You can do so online. The LapBand surgery is discussed in detail on many medical websites.

Another ideal approach is to speak with your own doctor. Approach your primary care physician and express your concern for your loved one. Your doctor should take the time to discuss the LapBand procedure with you. They will also outline the common criteria that most surgeons use to determine legibility.

Speaking of those requirements, on average, most doctors will only operate on patients between the ages of 18 and 60. Being overweight isnt enough. Many surgeons use LapBand surgery as a last resort; therefore, those with severe to morbid obesity are better candidates. On average, patients have Body Mass Index (BMI) rating of 40 or more. Most importantly, is drive and determination. The LapBand itself will not result in weight loss, it is the band combined with diet restrictions.

Once you are sure that your family member will likely qualify as a LapBand patient, it is time to start the conversation. You may opt for a group discussion. This is ideal in cases where the parent is obese. Discussing the LapBand surgery with an obese relative in a group does have risks. Your loved one may feel that everyone is gaining up on them. For that reason, your concerned group should only contain immediate family members.

You also have the option of discussing LapBand surgery as a private matter. For example, if your sister is suffering from severe obesity, approach her one-on-one. Explain your concerns and suggest the LapBand surgery. When doing so, have more than just your word. Documents printed from the internet or LapBand brochures from a medical office are recommended.

As previously stated, LapBand is often used as a last resort. If your loved one is suffering from morbid obesity, they may have come to terms with their health. Certain guidelines may be in place. For example, they may have a will or already assigned a power of attorney. If that person is you, speak to your loved ones physician. In most cases, doctor patient confidently prevents too much information from being disclosed, but no harm can come from making an inquiry.

Regardless of which approach you take, use extreme caution. Be kind and gentle. The wrong approach can lead to serious consequences, including a hurtful family dispute.

PPPPP

Word Count 597

Tags: Adjustable Gastric Band, attorney, Being Overweight, Bypass Surgery, Care Physician, Common Criteria, disease, Doctor Approach, Doctors, Gastric Bypass Surgery, Healthy Eating, Lapband Procedure, Lapband Surgery, Last Resort, Legibility, loved ones physician, Medical Websites, Morbid Obesity, obesity;, Popularity, Primary Care, Recovery Period, severe obesity, Stomach, Suffering From, surgery, United States;, Weight Loss Surgery —

If your primary care physician believes you are eligible for LapBand surgery, you may be provided with a referral. Even still, you have the option of selecting your own surgeon. If that is the case or if you are bypassing your primary care doctor and looking for a surgeon, you will want to turn to your local phone book and the internet. These resources can help you find a LapBand surgeon. But, you need to do more than just find a surgeon, you need to choose one.

So, how do you properly choose a LapBand surgeon?

Examine costs. In the Untied States, the LapBand system can costs between $15,000 and $20,000. Since there is an average $5,000 gap, you will want to find a surgeon that has affordable rates. This is particularly true if you are considered a cash patient, as opposed to a patient with insurance coverage. If you need financial assistance, examine doctors that offer flexible payment plans.

Go beyond costs. As previously stated, cost is important. Of course, you want to select a LapBand surgeon that you can afford, but it is important to keep quality in mind. The LapBand surgery is considered a relatively safe procedure, but there are still risks. Those risks are minimized when opting for a trained and qualified surgeon.

Location. In the United States, thousands of bariatric surgeons are qualified to perform the LapBand surgery. This means that you should have a qualified surgeon within a reasonable distance to your home. On average, most patients need to travel less than 2 hours. Do not automatically believe the misconception that you can save money by opting for surgeon in a foreign country, such as Mexico. When including travel expenses, the costs are similar.

Board Certified Surgeon. In the United States, you should opt for a Board Certified Surgeon. These surgeons undergo rigorous testing and must follow strict standards. Not only does this reduce your risk of complications, but it should provide you with comfort and peace of mind.

Long-term care. The LapBand system is not a surgery that is considered a go and run surgery. Band adjustments are common. For that reason, opt for a surgeon that is invested in your long-term care. A great way to determine this aspect is to ask to see before and after pictures of previous patients. If none are available, the doctor may not care what happens to their patients after surgery. This is not a surgeon you want to choose.

Answering questions. Losing weight with the LapBand system involves more than just band insertion. For that reason, you are likely to have many questions. Whether you are curious about the diet restrictions before and after surgery or the surgery itself, get answers to your questions. Your LapBand surgeon should always answer your questions and be confident in their response.

Meets with you. Before undergoing LapBand surgery, you will have an initial consultation appointment. This appointment will determine your eligibility. Next, you will have other consultation appointments and follow-ups. This is to ensure you are adhering to the strict pre-surgery diet. At least one of these appointments should be with your surgeon. Dont let the first time you meet he or she be five minutes before your surgery.

When researching LapBand surgeons in your area to compare, remember that LapBand is considered a specialty. It is common for doctors to perform other bariatric procedures. By searching for a bariatric surgeon, as opposed to a LapBand surgeon, you may find better results.

PPPPP

Word Count 584

Tags: bariatric surgeon, Bariatric Surgeons, Board Certified Surgeon, Care Doctor, Care Physician, Doctors, Financial Assistance, Flexible Payment Plans, Gap, Insurance, Insurance Coverage, LapBand surgeon, Lapband Surgery, Mexico, Misconception, Peace Of Mind, Phone Book, Primary Care, qualified surgeon, Referral, Risk, Strict Standards, surgeon, surgery, trained and qualified surgeon, Travel Expenses, United States;, USD; —