According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project and the California Healthcare Foundation
“More than 80% of the internet uses the search for health care online.” They go on to add that this is to get a second opinion on a doctor’s assessment or treatment plan. However, when a patient is looking for treatment, they use the internet as a tool to find medical options.
If you find yourself in need of medical or dental treatment, the internet can open the medical world with the click of a button. If you need help, it can provide the best resource: a medical travel guide.
Be Prepared
When you sit down to do some online research, make sure you are clear on what you are looking for: orthopedic, plastic surgery, dental, weight loss surgery, cosmetic, travel medical, cardiovascular treatments, or transplants.
You can base your search on your doctor’s diagnosis, recommendation, prescription, or treatment plan. Consider your budget and availability to travel before you begin the process.
Are you looking for a medical travel facilitator?
There are numerous medical travel guide sites that offer a vast array of health care clinics, hospitals, and medical spas in any number of countries. Because many Americans are without insurance or have limited coverage, the medical travel industry is growing.
Prepare to be “wowed” by the options available to you around the world, even in the U.S.
As you become familiar with what is available, be sure to collect as much comparable information on medical travel options as the site is willing to give. Often, patients collect files on options that appeal to them, especially as they continue further into the process.
Keep track of packages including accommodations, medical travel preparation, laboratory tests, pharmacies, and prescription drugs and post-treatment plans.
Medical Travel Guide
If you are feeling overwhelmed, many sites have a medical travel guide to help you through the process. This is extremely helpful if you are planning to travel internationally for your procedure.
A medical travel facilitator will help you with the following:
- Answering questions and providing travel medical information
- Choosing and comparing a network of health care professionals, hospitals and international destinations
- Getting Lab work and X-rays to the physicians and coordinating your Health Team
- Developing a customized Treatment Package that fits your needs
- Travel plans including airline tickets, transportation and overnight accommodations for you and your loved ones
- Post-treatment rehabilitation and care
- Customized arrangements, services, and a detailed itinerary
- Follow and post-treatment arrangements
A Word of Caution
As with anything, it is important to do your homework when selecting a medical travel guide or a medical travel facilitator. In fact, use caution when working with any medical provider.
Look beyond fancy advertising and search out those sites that provide information on the entire process. Be sure that they are a company working with only the highest level of physicians, medical travel guide services, and health care staff.
Ask for local clinic, hospital, and medical spa affiliations for accreditation, physician curriculum’s and other important data that you can use to compare.
Other Medical Travel Resources
We live in the information age and it is always a good idea to gather as much information as possible when considering your health or the health of someone you love.
Be resourceful when looking to travel medically and check out the most current medical travel facilitator books, blogs, videos, and conferences.
