12:19 am | 0 recommendations | Be the first to comment
This is a tremendous challenge to the current state of affairs in US healthcare. The opportunities presented by international healthcare will create tremendous change in our concept of how medical care can be provided. I leave for Asia to meet and tour several prominent individuals and facilities that host medical travel.As a practicing US physician, the chance to view this coin from another angle has profound questions. It has radically changed my perspective on what we consider to be 'the best care'. It is impossible to argue that we in the US have a monopoly on the best in healthcare. Once that proposition is overcome, the discussion becomes very interesting. Going forward, many large and smaller entities will swarm to this niche. Fortunately, our company will be at the head of the pack and ready to adapt, innovate and prosper.More as I learn from abroad. As always posts and questions are welcome.Jim McCormick, MD
12:46 am | 0 recommendations | Be the first to comment
Welcome to everyone who contributes to this dialogue. The intent of this blog is to raise awareness, begin a conversation and share perspectives about this industry.Medical travel & Medical tourism conceptually involve a patient seeking healthcare in a foreign country for several benefits. It is a value proposition that will become more and more attractive in the coming years. As a participant in this industry, it is exciting to see the opportunities and creative solutions to some challenging issues the US faces going into the future. Many have fears about using this option for their healthcare.One of several services a physician led organization can provide is clear, concise reliable explanations for clients and help to connect physicians and patients. Later this month, I am traveling to Bangkok to tour two facilities. Following that I leave for Manilla to visit several facilities. In July, a trip to Costa Rica will bring another perspective. More will follow to allow our organization to have many options for our clients to choose from for their healthcare.This week the WSJ and McKinsey Quarterly released articles about the industry. The contention was that the industry is small currently, but holds promising potential. I must agree that there is a growing opportunity for healthy business opportunities going forward. This is one of the first set of articles to begin to put a framework around the industry and was needed. There may be some flaws in definitions and sampling, but it is a good start. Moving forward, a great deal of the success for this business and industry will require educational campaigns to ensure that the care received abroad is comparable to the care received in the US.Here is a nuts & bolts way to view the comparison: every country has at least a few very high quality facilities and many skilled knowledgeable physicians. Therefore nearly any country has the innate ability to provide healthcare that is comparable to the US. By skimming at the top level of these resources we can create great propositions for US patients. Where we have a blind spot is the over-generalization that economically developing foreign locations can not have world class facilities and providers. Over time this thread will hope to prove this contention to be false. The US organization JCAHO (Certifies US hospitals meeting standards of care) has an affiliated organization, the JCI, that has the charter to certify hospitals and facilities overseas as comparable to US care. So one can conclude that even our own government inherently agrees that care can be comparable.So we begin the thread(s). Let's keep the conversation going and keep it lively, educational and enjoyable for all.Be WellTravel SafeJim McCormick MD
