Myths about Medical Tourism
Though medical tourism is the hot topic going around many people are skeptical due to the discrepancy regarding medical tourism information. The reason is inadequate information regarding medical tourism. The decision on medical tourism trip should be made on the research done and always be an informed consent. There are many untrue facts about medical tourism which reaches people faster and prevent them from choosing medical tourism for their health care needs.
1. Myth: Medical tourism is a new concept
Fact: Medical tourism is of course a growing business, but not a new concept as it dates back to thousands of years. Medical tourism has been a part of history in every country. A person travelling to other countries in search of quality health care is not new. People are not ready to accept it as they believe that globalization of health care is a new concept that has been introduced just to increase the revenue of a country.
2.Myth: Low cost can offer only low quality treatment
Fact: Treatment offered at low cost doesn’t mean that the quality of treatment is also low. Then the question arises– How are few countries able to offer quality treatment in such low cost? And why is there such a huge difference in cost for the same procedure offered at different destinations? The answer is that the labor cost in these less developed countries is very less. Therefore, many countries like Thailand, China; India, Costa Rica and Singapore are promoting themselves as a popular medical tourism hub and improving their service quality. Due to the strong prevailing competitions, medical tourists can find better quality service in these countries than in US.
3.Myth: Cost effectiveness is the only reason for overseas travel
Fact: The decision of overseas travel is mainly based on the standard and quality of service offered, the advance in technology and the name and experience of the physicians along with cost effectiveness as this cannot be ignored. Most of the doctors in less developed countries are trained in western country. Later they return to homeland, they also continuously improve their skill than doctors in western world, as they deal with very large number of local people every day.
4.Myth: As it is a part of tourism, it lacks the credibility and shouldn’t be taken seriously
Fact: Medical tourism is a concept that emphasizes more on medical aspect than on tourism. The main concept of medical tourism is getting high-class cost effective treatment rather than opting health services while on vacation.
5.Myth: Physicians abroad are not as good as physicians in USA
Fact: Information provided by the National Center for policy analysis (NCPA) states that most of the doctors providing treatment for medical tourists are trained and certified in US, Canada, Australia or Europe. The US also promotes cultural exchange programs between South-East Asia and Middle East as most of the doctors are trained in US universities. Every patient deserves to know that he is in safe hands, therefore, the patient should always go through the credentials of the hospital and the doctor. Verify that the doctor has essential accreditation and board certification.
6. Myth: Hospitals and medical hubs abroad are technically substandard as compared to the USA
Fact: Medical facilities in less developed countries are also extremely advanced due to the latest technologies. Most of the hospitals that cater to medical tourism are privately owned, therefore the quality of service is taken care of. The management also focuses on providing an environment appropriate for global and multi-cultural patients. Patients looking for quality service should search for institutions that are JCI accredited or which has collaboration with US hospitals. Before deciding to seek medical help abroad, it is very essential to gather accurate and true facts about medical services offered overseas and the credentials of physicians should also be evaluated.
7.Myth: Promoting medical tourism will reduce the access of health services to the local population
Fact:This sounds very logical but this is not the fact. Medical tourism has improved the quality of health care service to treat foreign patients. This improved service is also utilized by the local population. The volume of local patients is so much high that most of the country is setting up dozens of new healthcare centers. The foreign investment can be used for providing better service to the host population.
