Medical tourism is international travel whose primary purpose is receiving medical care. Sometimes this is because the procedure is less expensive than at home. Sometimes it is because the care involved is experimental and not available at home (with stem cell transplants being a good example).
Whatever the reason, medical tourism is a global, multibillion-dollar phenomenon that is projected to drastically increase over the next ten years. In fact, it has become so common that the American Medical Association has issued guidance for doctors whose patients have received medical care like this. Why? Because often patients who engage in medical tourism need follow-up care at home… especially if something went wrong.
As rocketing healthcare costs stateside cause more people to embrace medical tourism, the pros and cons bear examination. For those considering medical tourism for hair restoration procedures, the advantages are obvious – cheaper care, the ability to combine it with an overseas vacation, and so on. When making a decision of this magnitude, one should look at more than just the obvious.
What Risks Are Associated With Medical Tourism?
The most important concern about medical tourism is the inconsistent quality of the medical care. While there are accredited providers, many are not. Without accreditation you have no real guarantee that the staff and facility adhere to basic safety standards… or that they have the training and equipment needed to properly perform the procedures offered.
For that matter, what do you know about any accreditations they cite? Here in the U.S., you will recognize accreditations your doctor may display. But do you know if the ones listed by a doctor overseas are legitimate or something that sounds impressive but means nothing? It takes research.
With hair restoration procedures, this brings up a variety of questions about the quality of care you will receive and its final outcome. Do they overharvest follicles? Are their hairline designs of good quality and natural looking? What if I have an aftercare issue? When traveling abroad, your options are much more limited should complications arise. Infections, the need for further surgery to correct unsatisfactory results, and other issues are a legitimate concern.
In this information-driven age it is also vital to be aware that HIPAA privacy laws only apply in the United States. There are no such guarantees protecting your health and payment data when engaging in medical tourism. Another consideration is distance. If you have follow-up appointments you will have to stay in that country, fly back for them, or miss them entirely.
What Are the Ethical Issues Associated With Medical Tourism?
Going to another country for medical care means that you will be subject to that country’s laws while there. Many countries do not have malpractice insurance and getting traction with a legal action (should one be required) may also be problematic… especially for a non-citizen.
A more general concern from an ethical standpoint is the effect it can have on policy and healthcare in the host nation. An influx of money from wealthy medical tourists can help to enhance and expand the disparity between the care they receive and the care the vastly less affluent general population receive.
Reef Hair, Great Results With No Travel Required
While worth considering and researching, there are often options stateside that can provide comparable results without breaking the bank or requiring international travel, Before considering a flight out of the country for treatment, contact us to schedule a consultation for your hair and scalp analysis. You will find that Reef Hair can get you back on the road to a full, thick, and healthy hairline!
