High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is gaining popularity as a novel, non-invasive method for the treatment of prostate cancer. It is an extremely accurate procedure which aims to destroy all pathogenic tissues by high frequency sound waves. This kind of treatment method had been long sought by doctors to treat prostate cancer. Some of the possible benefits of HIFU for prostate cancer as opposed to traditional methods of treatment are less loss of erectile function and less incontinence. Thus, HIFU is an extremely desirable treatment for many men.
HIFU has been used for years in Europe and Asia but has only just been approved in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, while some countries like Canada accepted data garnered from European studies about the efficacy of HIFU, others like The United States did not, and it is currently in trials in America.
Unfortunately, this leaves Americans with no options for this procedure other than to leave the country for treatment. Although cost for HIFU in countries like Canada and Mexico can be above $25,000, the treatment can be had in other countries for less than half of that.
Passport Medical, North America's leading medical tourism company and the winner of the 2011 "Leadership Excellence In Medical Facilitation" award organizes overseas HIFU treatments for American and Canadian patients looking for affordability, quality, and safety. Fortunately, the prostate treatment with HIFU only requires 3-4 days away, and patients can usually return to work immediately after their return.
The Growth Of Medical Tourism And Its Benefits
Medical tourism refers to the practice of traveling internationally to obtain healthcare services. The idea is often initially met with a strange look, and then people realize the many benefits associated with the practice. Excellent quality healthcare services are provided all over the world in major metropolitan centers. Major private hospitals attract the top physicians, many who have trained internationally. This is why medical tourism is increasing at a rate of over 30% per year.
So why travel abroad for healthcare? There are typically several reasons this happens:
Uninsured Or Underinsured
Many Americans do not have health insurance and are looking for affordable options. With healthcare costs skyrocketing, many can't afford the often outrageous costs associated with necessary procedures like orthopedic surgery and cardiovascular surgery. Other countries often offer the same procedures in internationally accredited private hospitals for as much as 80-90% less. A knee replacement that can cost $50,000 in the US can be had for $7000 in Taiwan, for example, at one of the world's top joint replacement facilities.
More Affordable Elective Procedures
With the economy is dire straits, more people are being careful with their discretionary spending. Elective procedures like cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments like IVF, and dental care can be financially debilitating in the U.S. Countries like Costa Rica and Mexico attract tens of thousands of visitors each year for affordable dental and cosmetic surgery, and many of the clinics are treating over 85% North American patients due to the huge cost difference. A full mouth restoration that can cost $70,000 in the U.S. can cost as little as $15,000 In Costa Rica, a saving of 83%. In addition, many are shocked to find out The World Health Organization even ranks Costa Rican healthcare higher than U.S. healthcare, so arguments about diminished quality are totally unfounded.
Seeking Alternative Procedures
One other reason people are leaving home for healthcare is to access treatments that are not currently allowed in The United States. Treatments like stem cell therapy and promising treatments like HIFU for prostate cancer are attracting thousands of Americans each year in search of what they can't access at home. Medical tourists are taking control of their healthcare and seeking treatment options outside their borders.
Popular Destinations
Above 50 countries have acknowledge medical tourism as a national industry. Of these, a few are very well known. Countries like Costa Rica, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Singapore are only a few of the countries that are attracting tens of thousands, and in some cases hundreds of thousands of international patients every year.
Various agencies are now looking to help patients organize these foreign health trips and to provide affordable, high quality treatment options. Passport Medical has grown to be North America's leading medical tourism company connecting clients with the world's top facilities for healthcare. Passport Medical received the 2011 "Leadership Excellence In medical Facilitation" award and has been a keynote speaker at a variety of international medical tourism conferences.
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