People who travel to foreign countries to
obtain medical treatment are described by the term 'medical tourism'. Traditionally it
referred to patients from underdeveloped countries to traveling to mainstream
medical centers in developed countries; however, more recently it is the other
way around. Patients who travel abroad for the purpose of health treatment are
usually seeking more affordable options, or procedures that can't be done in America.
Little research has been done on the dangers to patients undergoing procedures in foreign nations. Issues of concern include: insufficient screening of blood banks; improper usage of antibiotics; the returning medical tourist could transmit blood -borne diseases, antibiotic-resistant diseases, or tropical diseases to family or individuals in close contact. Under educated patients might not understand if short cuts are being done or of if the process has possibly dangerous risks or side-effects.
Foreign organ transplants are particularly concerning as the source of the organs is not always clear producing issues about unethical method of organ procurement. Transplant patients are also at a very high risk of transmitting and getting infectious diseases.
Medical tourists have very little legal recourse if their results are not up to standards. Attempting to sue a foreign physician for malpractice is very difficult since other countries may have different laws about liability. Physicians at home who try to salvage patients with complications due to medical tourism also must protect themselves from any resultant lawsuits.
Little research has been done on the dangers to patients undergoing procedures in foreign nations. Issues of concern include: insufficient screening of blood banks; improper usage of antibiotics; the returning medical tourist could transmit blood -borne diseases, antibiotic-resistant diseases, or tropical diseases to family or individuals in close contact. Under educated patients might not understand if short cuts are being done or of if the process has possibly dangerous risks or side-effects.
Foreign organ transplants are particularly concerning as the source of the organs is not always clear producing issues about unethical method of organ procurement. Transplant patients are also at a very high risk of transmitting and getting infectious diseases.
Medical tourists have very little legal recourse if their results are not up to standards. Attempting to sue a foreign physician for malpractice is very difficult since other countries may have different laws about liability. Physicians at home who try to salvage patients with complications due to medical tourism also must protect themselves from any resultant lawsuits.
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