You would think that people would stay away from hospitals while on holiday. But more and more people are doing the opposite. Medical tourism has emerged as an increasingly popular form of travel. Many people leave their home countries to seek affordable non-emergency healthcare elsewhere, from routine cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasties and liposuctions to lifesaving operations like heart and liver surgeries.
Instead of recuperating in a dreary hospital room at home, you can get what you need in a state-of-the-art international hospitalin Bali. Why go to an expensive hospital in the city when you can receive the same level of medical care at a fraction of the price in a sunny tropical country?
Skyrocketing costs of healthcare, overcrowded hospitals, long waiting lists, and cheap airfare have all contributed to the rise of medical tourism. Whether you need a quick dental procedure or a major invasive operation, there are a few things you should know before going abroad for a medical procedure.
1. Make sure the hospital is accredited
Many people assume that the quality of surgery and care in hospitals in underdeveloped countries are not as good as their first-world counterparts. To combat that common misconception, hospitals seek accreditation from international agencies and ensure that the level of care provided meets international standards.
If you are thinking of getting healthcare abroad, make sure that the Joint Commission International or JCI has accredited the hospital. A JCI accreditation is the minimum standard of care an international hospital has to meet. Other certifications can be required for specialties and complex operations.
2. Do some research
While an accreditation might mean that the hospital meets international standards of care, doctors are not subjected to the same process. While a case could be made that an international hospital would not risk their reputation by hiring unqualified physicians, it is better safe than to be sorry.
Do some research about the physician on the Internet. Check if the country has a medical database and see if the physician is listed there. You can also ask their peers and former patients about their experiences with the physician.
3. Always travel with friends or family
Whether you are seeking a basic procedure or a complicated operation, you need to bring a friend or family member with you for support. All medical procedures require pre and postoperative care, and the recovery can take a long time depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.
Having someone to rely on also alleviates the discomfort and stress one might feel about being in a foreign country.
4. Consult your regular doctor
You should not leave your regular doctor in the dark when you choose to seek healthcare in another country. They need to involved in any medical decision made before, during, and after the operation.
If possible, your regular doctor should be in constant contact with your international doctor. Your international doctor needs to know of your preexisting issues, and your regular doctor can provide that information.
Medical tourismhas allowed people to enjoy excellent healthcare at a fraction of the usual price. These four steps will help you prepare for your medical trip and ensure that everything proceeds without a hitch. Once you have healed from your procedure, you can then enjoy the comforts and beauty of the country.
