Articles by Mary Jo on ArticleSnatch.com

Finding Perfection in Turkey

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:44:02 -0500

CTG Healthcare Group, located in Izmir, Turkey, is the place to go for a variety of health care needs including but not limited to cosmetic surgery, orthopedics and obesity treatments. A leading healthcare group, CTG Healthcare Group is known for its high quality yet affordable medical services and treatment of both Turkish residents and international travelers. Treatments Offered CTG offers a variety treatments in dental health care, cosmetic surgery, orthopedic and obesity surgical procedures in the Aegean region. **End Summary** Topics: Cosmetic Plastic Surgery]]> Enlarging Breast Treatment]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Medical staff and personnel at CTG Healthcare Group are highly trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery, microsurgical techniques, aesthetic dentistry, and orthodontics, orthopedic knee surgery Turkey and have trained and practiced in Turkey, Hungary, and some have practiced in microsurgical cosmetic surgery at the York University and MEETH hospital in New York in the United States.

TREAT YOURSELF

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:58:18 -0500

Medical tourism is growing fast, particularly in Turkey. Hardly surprising when high tech dental work can cost 70 percent less than in the UK. Throw in warm sun and highly qualified medical professionals fluent in English and hordes of middle class Brits will travel, as CTG Healthcare's Cagdas Sonmez and Berfu Tokman explain. It's a difficult-to-resist recipe: top quality high tech dental surgery; astonishing low prices; a warm, agreeable climate; no waiting list hassle. Oh, and perhaps a relaxing dip in the hotel pool afterwards. CTG Healthcare has been providing top quality dental work for an increasing number of British people fed up with high prices and lengthy NHS waiting lists for some time. No surprise that CTG, based in historic Izmir, host to many international cultural festivals, has snapped up Overseas Living's Best Dental Clinic in Turkey award. "We're hugely pleased with this award," says CTG's Cagdas Sonmez, a chief patient co-ordinator at the flourishing healthcare company. "It really recognises the up-to-the-minute high quality work we've been doing for a long time." The rewards for their clients are only too obvious: Increased confidence about personal appearance is the obvious benefit out is to the highest international standards. **End Summary** Topics: Tooth whitening]]> Cosmetic Dentistry]]> Dental Impalnt]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The very latest technology Naturally CTG Healthcare's Dental Care Center Turkey incorporates the latest technologies in dentistry: intraoral camera, laser teeth whitening, new generation equipment, specialised operating rooms, dental laboratories, etc. The surgeries are fully equipped â every surgery is an individual world in itself.

Focus on Endoscopic Bariatric Surgery

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:05:42 -0500

New developments and techniques in the field of bariatric surgery provide less invasive procedures, faster healing times, and reduced risk of tissue and surrounding organ damage. One such technique is called endoscopic bariatric surgery. The bariatric surgical subspecialty has been used by Dr. Marco Sariñana Guridi of Mexicali Obesity Solutions for a number of years. Dr. Sariñana specializes in metabolic surgery, diabetes treatment, hypertension, high cholesterol and fatty liver disease treatments combined with weight loss surgical procedures in Mexico. Dr. Sariñana realizes that obesity and weight gain creates multiple body function issues, including sleep apnea, increased risk of hypertension, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease, as well as increased risks of diabetes, the need for insulin injections, and other conditions that may eventually lead to joint damage as well as multi-system organ damage. Endoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Brief Overview One of the newer techniques in bariatric surgical procedures, the endoscopic approach to bariatric surgery is considered minimally invasive, and is actually considered a nonsurgical approach to treat obesity through the restriction of the size of the stomach. **End Summary** Topics: Gastric Bypass Surgery]]> Laproscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dr. SariÃ±ana and his team are dedicated to providing affordable metabolic surgery in Mexico that meets the highest standards of care and quality. Offering patients suffering from obesity affordable technology and long term success in weight loss, Dr. SariÃ±ana and Mexicali gestric sleeve bariatric treatment are the key to treatments that are safe, effective and affordable.

Cancer Treatment: International Health Care Options

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:19:04 -0500

With a new year almost upon us, many of us are thinking about health and wellness and that goes for preventive care against common cancers like breast cancer, prostate and colon cancer, among others. Unfortunately, many diagnosed with cancer are faced with staggering drug costs, even though some of those drugs, especially Avastin, has shown great promise in treatment of breast cancer. Some of the costs for cancer care may be absorbed by Medicare or private insurance, but still leaves patients dealing with debt in the amount of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Still, breast cancer treatments Mexico are suggested and encouraged for any individual who has received a diagnosis of breast cancer. When caught early enough, today’s therapies and treatments have grown increasingly successful in eradicating cancer cell growth and development, by as much as 70%. Costs of biological hormone therapy treatments vary according to drug as well as the stage of cancer being treated. In the United States, price ranges for Avastin may cost up to USD 4,400 a month, while Herceptin costs an average of USD 3,000 a month. **End Summary** Topics: Breast Cancer Treatment]]> Caner Treatment Center]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The Almater Hospital in Mexico and Makewell Meditour in India are just two of the many world-class and excellent facilities that provide cancer care center abroad . When it comes to your care, cost shouldnât be a factor.

Patient Walks Again: Jordan Hospital & Medical Center Continues History of Excellence

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:40:01 -0500

Adijat suffered from years of low back pain, limiting movement, mobility, and her quality of life. Experiencing left thigh numbness, she also experienced incontinence and digestive issues. Getting around proved increasingly difficult and pain was a constant reminder of her limitations. Adijat could no longer participate and engage in daily life, but was forced to watch the world go by from her wheelchair. Seeking the best in neurosurgery care, Adijat accessed PlacidWay, an increasingly popular and growing international medical tourism portal based in Denver, Colorado from her home in Nigeria to seek out solutions for her medical issues. After careful research, Adijat decided to venture to the Jordan Hospital & Medical Center in the hopes they could help her regain relief from pain and at least a modicum of mobility. Adijat traveled to Jordan in a wheelchair and returned back home on her feet. Commitment to Excellence at the Jordan Hospital & Medical Center Hashem Irshaid, International Medical Tourism Marketing and Quality Consultant at the Jordan Hospital, was pleased, to say the least. "Jordan Hospital & Medical Center is a JCI accredited hospital compliant with the International Society for Quality and Healthcare and is ISO certified. **End Summary** Topics: Medical Tourism in Jordan]]> Jordan Hospital]]> Healthcare in Jo]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) is a leader in the medical tourism industry, dedicated to offering accurate, up-to-date information and resources regarding medical travel, international medical providers, treatments, procedures and destinations for American and international travelers. For press inquiries about PlacidWay, or to arrange an interview with Pramod Goel, call +1.720.897.6201 or e-mail info@placidway.com

Understanding Stem Cells

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Stem cell treatments, research and technology is permanent fixture in 21st century medical research. Continued efforts to research and develop embryonic stem cell treatments and procedures doesn't merely mean cloning human beings or involve moral and ethical controversies or issues surrounding such research. Embryonic stem cells provide the basic building blocks and structure of the development of various cellular and tissue structure in the human body, and stem cell research irrefutably offers potential treatments that may eventually cure many disease processes, enable people with spinal cord injuries to walk again, and guide researchers to develop medications that will end to cognitive impairment diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Millions of cells found in the human body can and are being developed for future medical treatments. Stem cells contain specific instructions on how cellular structures replicate and function. Each cell is also programmed with how long it will live, its specific functions and tasks. Stem cells come from different sources. The most commonly studied, and used, stem cell therapies involve: â€¢ Embryonic stem cell therapy â€¢ Adult stem cell therapy and research â€¢ Umbilical cord stem cell therapy EmCell Therapy Professor Alexander Smikodub, M.D. **End Summary** Topics: Stem Cell Treatment]]> Stem Cells Therapy]]> Adult Stem Cell The]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Obesity Surgery Mexico

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Obesity is one of the leading causes of medical complications and illnesses today, running a close second to heart disease. As a matter of fact, obesity is one of the leading causes of heart disease conditions. Unfortunately, treating obesity is also extremely expensive, and many health insurance companies in the United States consider weight-loss surgeries, bariatric surgeries, gastric banding, and lap banding procedures to be elective. Cost of bariatric and obesity weight loss surgeries can amount to tens of thousands of dollars, which is often enough to prevent or hinder any individual's effort to benefit from such procedures. Americans searching for obesity surgery options, as well as affordable obesity and bariatric surgical procedures, are journeying to Latin American destinations such as Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil for their weight-loss or obesity surgical options. One such facility, Almater Hospital in Mexico, is becoming a leader in obesity surgical procedures. Almater Hospital is a private hospital that offers state-of-the-art equipment and facilities including four surgical suites, hemodynamic surgical rooms, state-of-the-art and high-tech equipment and technology, CAT scans, digital radiography, and tomography axial computerization (TAC) facilities. Dr. Alberto Aceves is a leader in obesity weight loss surgery, specializing in laparoscopic banding. **End Summary** Topics: Medical Tourism in Mexico]]> Obesity Surgery Mexicali]]> Cheap]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

International Medical Provider

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

When looking for medical providers abroad, a multitude of factors and considerations need to be addressed by each individual. Assessing the services, benefits, and drawbacks of any specific provider need to be fully researched by a medical tourist in order to gauge the quality of services and effectiveness of treatments. Medical travelers also need to take into consideration such things as location, services rendered, and patient care, post-op support and follow-up. When looking for medical providers abroad, some of the first questions an individual may want answered include: Convenience - where is the facility located? How will I get there? Customized services - will the facility be able to meet my specific needs? Acknowledging risks - what are the risks involved not only traveling to this destination, but of my specific surgical procedure or treatment? Is staff at this facility open and honest about all potential risks of such procedures or treatments? Providing unique solutions - will the facility be able to cater their services to meet my specific needs? Are they open to the prospect of working with me to solve my particular problem or issue? **End Summary** Topics: Medical Tourism Abroad]]> Health Tourism]]> Treatment Abroad]]> Su]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Mexico Medical Tourism

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Many people don't realize that dozens of Mexican cities south of the border offer American and international travelers the best of services for a multitude of medical services, procedures and techniques at affordable prices. Cost effective medical treatments south of the border in no way mean that such treatments are substandard - quite the contrary. Mexico employs some of the most highly trained and experienced doctors and surgeons in the Western Hemisphere, found in cities such as Ensenada, Monterey, Tijuana, Cancun, Mexico, Mexico City, and Rosarita, just to name a few. Accredited and experienced doctors and surgeons providing treatments in fields such as obesity surgery, orthopedics, cancer treatments, cosmetic and plastic surgeries, dental care, and stem cell technology can be found in high tech state-of-the-art medical facilities throughout Mexico. Mexico has long been known as the ultimate tourist destination, attracting not only North Americans, but also visitors around the world to historical ruins of Aztec civilizations, pristine white beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, and entertainment for the younger crowd in Cancun. **End Summary** Topics: Medical Tourism Mexico]]> Hospitals in Mexico]]> Surgery in Mexi]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Breast Surgery in Europe

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Medical tourists seeking high class, experienced and economical surgical procedures and treatments for their needs look for doctors and surgeons who offer the best in modern and high-tech equipment, training, and experience. Renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Toncic and his staff provide a number of cosmetic surgeries at the gorgeous clinic building fondly nicknamed "Villa Milinovi" in Zagreb, Croatia. Dr. Toncic and his team offer a specially designed and equipped modern cosmetic surgery center that caters to the needs of individuals seeking a wide range of cosmetic and plastic surgery treatments. Such treatments include but are not limited to the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures from around the world, such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, and breast augmentation. About Dr. Toncic: Dr. Rajko Toncic is an experienced cosmetic surgeon who has performed more than 15,000 operations in his surgical practice over 35 years. He is a member of the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery and the Croatian Association of Physicians and the Croatian Assembly of Physicians. Dr. Dinko Toncic has been practicing for ten years, specializing in aesthetic surgical procedures as well as otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgical procedures. Specialized Cosmetic Surgical Procedures Common procedures performed by Dr. **End Summary** Topics: Breast Augmentation]]> Breast Surgery in Europe]]> Medical Tour]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Going Global For Cosmetic Surgery

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

There are many advantages to going global for cosmetic surgery. Exotic locations in Thailand, Argentina, and Brazil beckon to thousands hoping not only to save money on cosmetic surgical procedures, but also to take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities to visit foreign destinations. Cost comparisons between surgical procedures performed in the United States and the United Kingdom with those that can be found in Brazil, Africa, Argentina and Thailand are proving increasingly attractive to young and old alike when it comes to choosing cosmetic surgery. Why Travel for Your Cosmetic Surgery? Whether you're looking to reshape your nose or take care of that face-lift without anyone knowing what you're up to, traveling for cosmetic surgery is on the rise. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, trends for traveling for cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures are on the rise. The top five cosmetic procedures performed in the United States and around the world today are: * Breast augmentation * Liposuction * Nose reshaping * Eyelid surgery * Tummy tucks Over $12 billion have been spent on cosmetic procedures from the year 2000 to 2007 in the United States alone, a nearly 60% increase in a mere six years. **End Summary** Topics: Cosmetic Surgery Abroad]]> Medical Tourism]]> Health Tourism]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Insuring the Qualifications of International Medical Facilities

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Ensuring the quality, education, and expertise of any healthcare provider prior to receiving healthcare services, treatments or procedures is essential. This is especially true of individuals considering international travel to a variety of popular medical destinations around the world. Because of the increasing popularity of international medical travel, organizations from around the world are addressing quality of care issues, safety issues, and attempting to set standards, policy, and best practices for healthcare facilities and providers. Setting Standards In the United States, one of the preeminent accreditation and quality service standard setting organizations is called the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies healthcare facilities, hospitals, clinics, and care centers throughout the United States. The international arm of this organization, called the Joint Commission International, has been working to help provide quality standards of care throughout the world, and since 1994 has worked with health departments and organizations in over 80 countries. The focus of the Joint Commission International is to improve safety of patient care through certification and accreditation processes and services. **End Summary** Topics: Medical Tourism]]> Health Tourism]]> health Care]]> Medical Treatm]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Why accreditation is Important to You

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Accreditation is considered a standard through which a healthcare facility or service is shown to offer quality and healthcare that meet minimum standards and guidelines offered by various domestic and international quality boards. For example, individuals want, and deserve, quality in healthcare, whether for dental, cosmetic, bariatric or other treatments and surgical procedures. Anyone entering a healthcare facility deserves to know that staff is trained, facilities are clean and that procedures follow standards that reduce chances of error, infection or negligence. Healthcare and hospital accreditation in the U.S. is standard practice, but such is not the case for many international healthcare providers. Due to the growing popularity of healthcare tourism, however, international facilities are increasingly desirous of being rated (or graded) by U.S. and International accreditation organizations in order to offer competitive procedures in the fields of bariatric surgery and care, dental and cosmetic and plastic surgeries, as well as fertility treatment treatments and procedures. **End Summary** Topics: Medical Tourism]]> Health Tourism]]> health Care]]> Medical Treatm]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

The Heart of Europe Lures Medical Travelers

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Europeans traveling to foreign destinations for a multitude of cosmetic dentistry procedures are taking advantage of excellent and high class accommodations, technologies, (as well as lower costs) of cosmetic and dentistry procedures available in the heart of Europe and are flocking to Poland, Croatia, and Hungary for their needs. Leading highly trained and experienced care providers in these countries are able to offer a multitude of services that include but are not limited to: Plastic surgery Mesotherapy treatments Dermatology Breast reduction Facelift procedures Aesthetic dentistry Dental procedures Hungary has long been a popular medical tourism destination for their reputation in providing superlative dental and cosmetic surgeries and procedures. For example, Aesthetica International Medical Center, located in Budapest, Hungary's capital, provides such services as: Tummy tucks Liposuction Mesotherapy Chemical peels Laser hair removal Aesthetica International Medical Center has been serving the needs of European and International consumers for two decades. In addition to being able to benefit from superlative expertise, medical travelers to Hungary are also to take advantage of attractions in and around Budapest, such as Hero's Square, the City Baths, the Chain Bridge, and Statute Park in the midst of this ancient, wonderful city. **End Summary** Topics: open heart surgery abroad]]> cheap bypass heart surgery india]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

New Trends in Cosmetic Surgery

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Cosmetic surgery has enjoyed a long and illustrious history not only in the United States but also around the world. Recently, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons released results surrounding the rising numbers of individuals choosing cosmetic surgical procedures since the year 2000. Everything from breast lifts to Botox to tummy tucks, cosmetic surgical procedures are growing in popularity around the world. Medical tourists are able to enjoy a wide selection of minimally invasive, surgical, and reconstructive cosmetic surgical procedures in the future as trends continue to attract the attention of baby boomers, all socioeconomic demographics and genders both domestically and abroad. Top Five Cosmetic Surgical Procedures While techniques and methods used in a variety of cosmetic procedures are continually advancing, 2008 saw a large increase in injectable and noninvasive treatments such as Botox, as well as breast augmentation procedures. Studies have shown that over 10 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the year 2005 alone, a nearly 40% increase since the turn of the new century. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the global market now exceeds USD 30 billion, with a sustainable compound annual growth rate in the range of 25%. **End Summary** Topics: Cosmetic Surgery Abroad]]> Cheap Cosmetic Plastic surgery]]> Cos]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Obesity Treatment Abroad

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Obesity is a growing problem in the U.S. Not only does obesity cause a multitude of health and medical problems, itâ€™s costing billions of dollars in rising healthcare costs. According to the CDC, costs associated with healthcare caused by obesity have reached alarming rates. In the past twenty years, obesity has risen nearly 30% throughout the country. What is Overweight? Health care providers determine whether a person is overweight or obese by taking a look at an individualâ€™s BMI (Body Mass Index). How is this BMI calculated? Basically, the BMI is calculated by age, gender, height and weight. How do you calculate the BMI? A body mass index table will assess your height and weight to give you a rough idea of what your body mass index reading is. If you want to calculate it yourself, hereâ€™s the formula: BMI = (weight in pounds x 703) / height in inches squared So, for example, a person weighs 185 pound and stands 5â€™9â€ (69 inches 4761 inches squared). 185 x 703 = 130055. Divide by 4761 and you get 27.31674. Round off to 27.31. Look at the chart. This person falls in the â€˜Overweightâ€™ category. **End Summary** Topics: Obesity Treatment]]> Health Tourism]]> Health care]]> Medical Tour]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Fertility Treatment Abroad

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Infertility is a subject that many couples donâ€™t want to discuss, but it's an issue that millions of couples around the world deal with on a daily basis. The causes of infertility are numerous, from lack of ovulation to low sperm counts in men. Infertility is not just a womanâ€™s problem, but because of basic anatomy and physiology, women's 'plumbing' so to speak, is more complex and therefore apt to contribute more difficulties to conception than males. Increase Your Chances of Conception However, there's hope on the horizon new techniques and options in infertility are available not only in the U.S. but also around the world. Common treatments today include: IVF (in vitro fertilization) OI (Ovulation induction) Clomid treatments AI (artificial insemination) ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) IUI (intrauterine insemination) Alternative Medicines Whether you're in your twenties or your forties, couples are finding new techniques to help their dreams of parenthood come true. Most fertility treatments help to increase the development of eggs within the ovary, which help to promote the chances of one of those eggs being fertilized by a sperm. **End Summary** Topics: Fertility Treatment]]> Health Tourism]]> Health care]]> Medical T]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Healthcare Abroad

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Superlative and affordable medical care is drawing more and more people from around the world to seek medical treatments abroad. Why not, when medical bills, transportation and lodging cost less than the deductibles and fees for surgical and hospitalization care in your own country. As we all know, the cost of medical procedures is rising at a dramatic rate within the United States. Medical malpractice insurance for physicians and surgeons has driven medical costs for consumers through the roof. So, it's not surprising that Americans are fighting back, and in an unusual way. A growing trend called medical tourism finds more Americans seeking medical help outside of the country. Now, if you're reading this article, it's likely that you have at least heard of the concept, though Europeans and Asians have been practicing medical tourism for decades. Traveling to another country to have a wide variety of procedures done has grown increasingly popular as costs for procedures continue to cause financial hardship and strain on Americans. If you haven't really seriously considered traveling to another country to have your procedure done, you should. **End Summary** Topics: Health Tourism]]> Health care]]> Medical Tourism]]> Infertility Tr]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Cross-Border Medical Tourism

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Cross-Border Medical Tourism Cross-border medical tourism has become increasingly popular within the United States in the past few years. The trend for regional travel for elective surgeries and procedures has shown a definite increase in not only the Americas, but in Western Europe, Australia and throughout Asia. As a matter of fact, over 500,000 Americans travel out of the country every year, not only to Mexico and South America, but also to various destinations in order to procure affordable, quality health care for critical care and medical procedures as well. What It Is? Cross-border medical tourism is a term that defines crossing another country's borders to obtain medical treatment. In various regions throughout the world, growing numbers of natives are not only packing their bags for a vacation, but also to undergo medical procedures at the same time. The fact that such medical services in other countries can cost 10 to 90% less than it does in the United States is a mitigating factor for this influx of medical tourists. Medical practitioners and associations within the United States are perfectly aware of this growing trend. **End Summary** Topics: Health Tourism]]> Health care]]> Medical Tourism]]> Herbal Treatme]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Orthopedic Surgery Abroad

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Orthopedic Surgery Abroad The trend for international medical procedures, treatments and surgeries abroad are expanding among the American and British healthcare markets. Medical tourism has provided an avenue for Canadians, Britons, and Americans fed up with the high costs of healthcare services to travel cross-border and exotic destinations to reduce medical costs and wait times. According to the United States Census Bureau, nearly 47 million Americans had no medical insurance as of 2005. Statistics in Britain and Canada are alarming as well. Global healthcare has become a very viable option and alternative to address those seeking orthopedic treatments and surgeries. Why Go? Orthopedic surgeries are a specialty that deals specifically with the correction and repair of injuries to bones and their associated muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The rising cost of surgical procedures, especially those involving orthopedics, prevents many from receiving necessary and often life-changing treatments and surgeries. More than 500,000 Americans traveled outside of the country in 2007. The National Coalition on Health Care determined that orthopedic surgical procedures comprised the bulk of those numbers. **End Summary** Topics: Health Tourism]]> Health care]]> Medical Tourism]]> Herbal Treatme]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

Upcoming Trends in Cosmetic Surgery

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Cosmetic surgery has enjoyed a long and illustrious history not only in the United States but also around the world. Recently, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons released results surrounding the rising numbers of individuals choosing cosmetic surgical procedures since the year 2000. Everything from breast lifts to Botox to tummy tucks, cosmetic surgical procedures are growing in popularity around the world. Medical tourists are able to enjoy a wide selection of minimally invasive, surgical, and reconstructive cosmetic surgical procedures in the future as trends continue to attract the attention of baby boomers, all socioeconomic demographics and genders both domestically and abroad. Top Five Cosmetic Surgical Procedures While techniques and methods used in a variety of cosmetic procedures are continually advancing, 2008 saw a large increase in injectable and noninvasive treatments such as Botox, as well as breast augmentation procedures. Studies have shown that over 10 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the year 2005 alone, a nearly 40% increase since the turn of the new century. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the global market now exceeds $30 billion, with a sustainable compound annual growth rate in the range of 25%. **End Summary** Topics: Health Tourism]]> Health care]]> Medical Tourism]]> Herbal Treatme]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay ( http://www.placidway.com ) she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

The Trend in Medical Tourism for Expats

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The growing trend of Indians, Malaysians, and Asians returning to their home countries for medical procedures and treatments is growing. This trend also incorporates Latino, Thai, and European émigré's. Of course, competitive rates, state-of-the-art facilities, and highly qualified professionals are responsible for more Expats than ever before returning to their homelands for medical treatments and procedures. Worldwide Medical Market The reasons many émigrés are returning to their homeland countries for treatments and medical procedures are because they cost less. In addition, wait periods for visits and treatments is often less than that found in the United States. Of course, the opportunity to visit family and friends is also a decision for many returning to their homelands. The concept of medical tourism is not new. The ancient Greeks and Romans often traveled throughout the Mediterranean to participate in rituals and healing practices on a yearly basis. In the 1700s, Europeans from France, Britain, Ireland, and Italy traveled to spas in Germany as well as made tracks to the Egyptian Nile River for the benefits of hot mineral water baths and rituals. Today, India is a popular destination for medical tourism and outsourcing of medical procedures. **End Summary** Topics: Health Tourism]]> Health care]]> Medical Tourism]]> Herbal Treatment in India]]> Infertility Treatment Abroad]]> Cosmetic Surgery]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health care & Cosmetic Surgery Abroad for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay she worked for the nation's leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.