Medical Tourism

Over the last few years there has been a boom in the number of people traveling abroad to seek medical attention to the point where even medical insurance companies are considering extending their cover to different countries. Some of the reasons for this can be attributed to rising costs or saturation of healthcare systems in highly developed countries. Another reason is increased confidence in the medical attention afforded by different countries.

The term “medical tourism” refers to any travel worldwide that is undertaken to receive medical attention; this brings with it opportunities and hope as well as new risks. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) conducted a review of this trend. There are no actual regulations regarding the practice of medical tourism, however, if you are considering opting for medical attention in a place other than your hometown, the following considerations might be useful to keep in mind:

• As your trip is for medical reasons (even for plastic surgery) your activities would be subject to medical instruction.

• Choose services offered in well-known hospitals with professional personnel.

• An essential factor in your decision should be the credentials and reputation of your physician. In Mexico, specialists must be fully certified by one of the different medical boards depending on their specialty.

• Remember to take into consideration the minimum period of time you will spend away from your home. This time may need to be extended.

• In Puerto Vallarta, there are many qualified specialist doctors working in the main local hospitals. Ask friends living here about their previous experiences with a particular doctor and/or hospital. Make sure the doctor you choose will be available the whole time you are supposed to be in town.

• Most importantly, base your decision on the confidence, credentials and reputation your physician offers and not merely on the economic factor.

• Be suspicious when you are unsure of a physician’s credentials or reputation.

• Don’t trust unknown ‘clinics’ or when they offer ‘miracle’ or 100% safe treatments.

• There are physicians around the world self-named “Aesthetic Doctors;” be aware that there is no such specialty. Don’t assume they are Plastic Surgeons

If you follow these simple recommendations, your chances of a successful treatment will be high.