Med journeys does your medical tourism company follow ama guidelines
When you travel to another country to have a medical procedure the American Medical Association is, unsurprisingly, not involved in the process. The AMA, for short, is an association of medical care professionals whose mission it is to shape the future of medicine and work on public and professional health issues. The AMA is a big part of the reason America has some of the best medical care money can buy. Not everyone can afford the price tag, though, and so the AMA has made the wise decision of weighing in on the Medical Tourism debate.
The debate can best be summed up as how to approach ‘best practices’ within what remains a growing sector.
Once upon a time medical travel (or tourism) was an adventure for the bold. An enterprising penny-pincher or eccentric millionaire would take it upon him or herself to find a doctor, hospital and book the travel themselves. This led to some very unfortunate and very predictable results. Those who knew the destination, the medicine and the hospitals were often fine. Those adventurous souls who were without those qualifications too often met with the fate of most adventurers. Things have, thankfully, changed since then.
In recent years several companies have sprung up to fill what was once a side business for travel agents. The niche business of Medical Tourism Facilitators was born, and just in the nick of time. Medical travel companies, going by many different names, coordinate medical care, travel, doctor-patient communication and aftercare for patients traveling over national borders and, rarely, within the United States. Perhaps because of this new business sector and the growth in medical travel interest it portends, the AMA issued the following guidelines for medical travel. They are the AMA’s voluntary - and very sensible - guide to companies facilitating or offering incentives for medical tourism.
1. Medical care outside the US must be voluntary.
2. The financial incentives to travel outside the US for medical care should not limit or restrict diagnostic, treatment or referral options.
3. Medical care should be limited to institutions that have been accredited by recognized international accrediting bodies such as the Joint Commissions International.
4. Prior to travel, local follow-up care should be arranged to ensure continuity of care when patients return from medical care outside the US.
5. Coverage should include the costs of necessary follow-up care in the US.
6. Patients should be informed of their rights and legal recourse prior to agreeing to travel.
7. Access to physician licensing and outcome data, as well as facility accreditation and outcomes data should be arranged.
8. Transfer of patient medical records to and from facilities outside the US should be consistent with HIPAA guidelines.
9. Patients choosing to travel outside the US for medical care should be provided with information about the potential risks of combining surgical procedures with long flights and vacation activities.
Any medical travel facilitator who doesn’t adhere to these principles is absolutely to be avoided. Whatever they’re hiding, you can be sure it’s not to any potential medical traveler’s benefit.
Med Journeys offers low-cost, world-class medical treatment overseas; coordinated by an experienced and knowledgeable organization with established professional relationships at the world's most respected medical facilities. Affordable & World Class Medical Tourism by MedJourneys.com!
Article Source: Messaggiamo.Com
Related:
» Tattoo Me Now!» Turbulence Training.. is Amazing
» Acne Free In 3 Days
» Master Cleanse Secrets 10 Day Di
Webmaster Get Html Code
Add this article to your website now!
Webmaster Submit your Articles
No registration required! Fill in the form and your article is in the Messaggiamo.Com Directory!
