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 determined that orthopedic surgical procedures comprised the bulk of those numbers.

Norway, South Africa, Thailand, India and Panama are becoming popular tourist destinations for those wishing to undergo various orthopedic surgeries, including but not limited to:

? Partial knee replacement

? Total knee replacement

? Total hip replacement

? Hip resurfacing

? Shoulder joint replacement

? Anterior cruciate ligament repair

Wait times for orthopedic surgeries in the United States and Britain can last months. Overseas and abroad, wait times are decreased because there is less "red tape" between health care professionals and medical insurance providers to deal with.

Dollars and Sense

World-class medical services, state-of-the-art facilities, and certified and accredited physicians and surgeons are available in many countries around the world to address the specific needs of not only those wishing to undergo surgical procedures, but wanting to combine such services with recuperation and recovery in an exotic location. Websites such as placidway provide extensive resources to help one choose procedure and location of orthopedic treatments.

Hip replacement surgical procedures in the United States can cost up to $43,000. Cost for the same procedures in Thailand or Singapore run roughly $12,000, and $9,000 in India. In South Africa, the cost is approximately $10,700.

Knee replacement surgeries in the United States run up to $40,000 apiece! The same procedure in India will cost $8,500, and roughly $10,000 in Thailand, and $13,000 in Singapore. In South Africa, the same procedure will cost roughly $12,600.

Cautions and Security

When combining medical procedures with exotic travel and vacation destinations, it is suggested that consumers deal with reputable companies specializing in such business. As always, consumers are responsible for doing their homework, researching options, and checking on source reliability.

Medical tourism is here to stay, and as with anything else, there are pros and cons in this field. One thing that medical travelers should be advised is that any orthopedic surgical procedure requires ample recuperation, sanitation, and rehabilitative therapies. When searching for a facility to meet specific needs, consumers should find out and understand both pre-and post-op requirements and expectations.

Whether you want to safari in Africa or explore the jungles of Thailand or experience the breathtaking beauty of Taj Mahal, medical tourists must allow ample time for recovery when venturing to such exotic locations. Ask plenty of questions, and make sure that answers are obtained before making arrangements to travel.

Well-known universities and hospitals in the United States, Britain and Canada abroad often train orthopedic surgeons. Training in the latest techniques and methods of orthopedic surgical procedures has thrust many International surgeons to the top of their fields.

Are They Qualified?

When seeking the professional services of any physician or facility, consumers need to be aware. Physicians should, of course, have a medical license as well as board-certified credentials in their area of expertise. Board certifications ensure that physicians and surgeons have met qualification requirements to practice in their field.

Belonging to a professional membership, organization, or association is not enough to assure that an individual or facility is licensed or credentialed. They do however, standardize quality and hold to certain requirements that must be met by members. Physicians and surgeons are certified by boards of specialists in the area they want to practice in.

Consumers are responsible for researching and understanding the different titles and certifications as well as requirements in countries abroad to ensure that they meet standards for quality care and expertise. Referring to professional organizations or to the placidway references will help guide consumers to locate the best-qualified professionals in the field.