The Stanley Rubenti Medical Tourism Blog

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Save Money, Gain Self-Esteem in Hungary

Can Cosmetic Surgery Help Bring Sexy Back To Your Legs?

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Legs are two of a woman’s sexiest features, according to Glamour magazine. There are hundreds of products to smooth, shave, and tan them, and at least as many shortened skirts, dresses, and shorts to reveal them. But what’s a woman to do when unsightly spider veins reveal themselves? She can cover her legs and hide them from others’ view, but she’ll know the tracks are there; she’ll see them when she’s alone.

Throughout most of history, the average woman in this position probably would not have even bothered researching the cost of spider vein surgery - traditionally the procedure has always been so absurdly expensive that it simply wasn't worth researching the treatment. These days, however, medical tourism packages have helped make spider vein surgery and other cosmetic surgeries infinitely more affordable, even during major economic crises like the one we're facing now.

A Medical Tourism Package to Where?

For some who haven’t ventured far from their hometown, let alone outside of the country, traveling to a foreign place for medical care can seem intimidating, maybe even scary. Faced with the option, some people would rather stay home and pay more for what they perceive to be “quality care.” But how much quality are you getting if you long for but can't afford spider vein surgery?

After time, spider veins can affect a person’s self-esteem in addition to physical effects like cramping or swelling. Should you have to be well off to feel better about your legs? Should you have to go into infinite debt? Patients who’ve purchased medical tourism packages to countries like India, Hungary, or Thailand already know the answers to such questions.

The Good and Bad about Thailand’s Medical Tourism

Cosmetic Surgery In Thailand Has Its Share of Dangers

“Safety first” is more than just a cute slogan when it comes to your health. No one cares more about your health than you, and it’s important you express that care when planning your cosmetic surgery in Thailand. Only then can you hope to avoid the lurking dangers. The Internet has an abundance of information, good for finding an affordable neck or face lift surgery at a fraction of what you’ll pay here in the States. The Internet also allows you to find random doctors and “hospitals” that will gladly take your money for shoddy. Being taken advantage of is one thing, but poorly performed cosmetic surgery can be dangerous to your health, no matter what country you choose.

Are Thailand’s Savings Worth The Danger?

One study showed that 90% of the medical tourism Web sites fail to address surgical risks and potential complications. Medical tourism helps patients save money; it doesn’t eliminate the ever-present risks associated with surgery. Whether a Web site mentions those risks or not, you have to know they’re there. And if the site or company you're using doesn't mention such risks, move on.

Dangers of Medical Tourism vs. Lack of Affordable Health Care

Still, despite the dangers of medical tourism, many people are unable to receive the proper care they need simply because they can’t afford it. Being able to pay doesn’t necessarily mean you can afford it either. In 2001, an estimated 42.5 million Americans paid at least 10% of their family net income to medical expenses. And most of these people actually have insurance. Admittedly, neck surgery (as with most cosmetic procedures) is usually not a necessity per se. But if you're someone who needs or wants a particular procedure, it is probably easier to find an affordable, foreign hospital that is safe than it is to find a safe, domestic hospital that is affordable. Take the time to really explore your options, consult with your family and physician, and decide on a course of action that doesn't break the bank and doesn't harm your health.

Looking for a Sex Change? Try Asia

How Much Does Male To Female Surgery Cost?

In Trinidad Colorado, dubbed the sex change capital of the world, Dr. Marci (formerly Mark) Bowers has reassigned the gender of more than 550 men. The fact that Dr. Bowers was once a man herself is all the assurance many patients need to put their faith in her hands. Unfortunately, however, not everyone can afford the procedure. Very few insurance companies cover the cost of male to female (or female to male) surgery, and for the full package, we're talking thousands upon thousands of dollars. Fortunately, however, there exist a range of options available to those who feel trapped in the wrong body. Chief among these is medical tourism - the practice of traveling abroad to more affordable countries to receive medical treatment that matches or exceeds the quality one finds at home.

Asian Medical Vacations Help Defray Gender Reassignment Costs

In general, medical tourism offers average savings of 55%, but could be as much as 85% off the cost of procedures in the United States. But how much does male to female surgery in countries like Thailand, India, or Malaysia really cost? Don’t you have to factor in the airfare, lodging, etc. just like any other trip or vacation? Sometimes, yes, but it really depends on the type of medical vacation package you choose. Many packages are “all-inclusive” with the costs covering the procedure, hospital stay, lodging before and after the procedure, and airfare. Some medical vacation packages also include transportation to and from the airport; particularly helpful when there’s a language barrier in an unfamiliar place.

When Seeking Cosmetic Surgery What Advice Should You Heed?

If the agency or office you’re working with doesn’t offer you all the information you need to feel comfortable planning a medical vacation, switch immediately. When considering medical tourism, some of the best advice is: do your research; what you don’t know could kill you. Traveling abroad for affordable health care can be risky, particularly for those who don’t do their homework, but just because you’re in Malaysia, Thailand, or some other locale doesn’t mean you’re receiving black market treatment. Visiting accredited medical facilities with qualified personnel means that cosmetic surgeries like gender reassignment are at least as safe as having the care in your home country.

Save Money and Your Back in India

Low Priced Spinal Fusion Surgery, Just a Plane Ride Away

You mean there’s such a thing as low priced spinal fusion surgery? Surely for something as complex as surgery on the spinal cord is well beyond affordable; at least it seems that way in the United States. With costs around $60,000, low priced spinal fusion surgery seems more like an oxymoron than a reality. Fortunately, low costs of labor and living, technological advancements, and a growing demand for safe, affordable health care has led to a niche market called medical tourism. Ironically, the concept of traveling abroad for medical treatment isn’t new. Patients from other countries used to travel to the United States for procedures that weren’t available in their homelands. Technology and globalization have made the market quite accessible and certainly more affordable to patients all over.

Is Your Medical Vacation Going to Be Safe?

If you’re going to travel thousands of miles health care, you certainly want to know that your medical vacation will be safe. Even when it doesn’t concern surgery or medical treatment, people tend to take precautions when it comes to their backs. However, when it comes to surgery, the risks, issues, and concern become greater. Add to the stress of the procedure the unfamiliar place and faces of an Indian hospital and staff, and the overall discomfort becomes even more acute.

If you want your medical vacation to India to be safe, the first step involves educating yourself on what accredited facilities exists to meet your needs. You can narrow your search from there. When your nurses and doctors speak to you in English and have some of the best bedside mannerisms in the world, concerns about your medical vacation’s safety will fade away, if not disappear altogether as you realize they know what they’re doing.

Traveling Abroad Can Make Safe Health Care Affordable Too

Wockhardt Hospitals, in India, are among the best in the world attracting patients from around the globe. Wockhardt even has a special division dedicated to the care and treatment of international patients (medical tourists). Moreover, the same spinal fusion surgery at Wockhardt is only $8,500, less than a quarter of the cost in the United States. Such savings, plus the benefits of first class service and amenities, have drawn thousands of medical tourists each year to Wockhardt Hospital for various low priced procedures including spinal fusion surgery, heart valve replacements, tummy tucks, and everything in between.

Open Your Eyes to Hungary

Imagine Sight-seeing In Hungary, without Your Glasses

You might occasionally wonder "who in their right mind would travel several thousands of miles to literally put their lives in a stranger’s hands?" I often ask myself the converse; "who in their right mind would pay 200% more than they need to by receiving health care at home? The debate continues, but regardless of your stance, medical tourism speaks for itself. Between 2007 and 2008, more than 2.25 million Americans traveled abroad to Hungary and other medical tourism destination countries for their health care needs. Some cited the affordable service that medical tourism offers. Others enjoy the idea of combining their savings with a vacation package to a unique location. Regardless of the reason, it is clear that even with this global recession, medical tourism is on the rise.

Can I Afford It: How Much Does LASIK Surgery Cost?

Sadly, health care seems to fit that upscale pricing mantra: If I have to ask how much LASIK surgery costs, I probably can’t afford it. Places like Hungary have helped address this issue through its incredibly competitive pricing. On average, LASIK can cost between $1,700 and $2,300 in the United States, whereas in Hungary you can have the procedure closer to $732. This price isn’t likely to include the airfare and hotel accommodations, but between what you’ll save and cheap airline and hotel deals, you can turn the difference into a vacation. As the United States considers leaning toward a universal health care system, prices may come down in the future, but patients need something in the interim to afford their medical care.

Plan Your Medical Vacation Right, Seek Advice

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Although he wasn’t referring to medical vacations, Gandhi’s advice has direct application to the exploding trend, particularly about learning. When it comes to traveling abroad for medical treatment, your life could very well depend on what you learn (or don’t).

Until universal health care—or whatever the solution is—comes to fruition, US patients will continue looking to alternatives like medical tourism for affordable health care. As the medical tourism industry grows, so will the scams and quacks wanting their piece of the billion-dollar pie. Watch out for yourself. Seek the right medical vacation advice and learn all that you can about your procedure, the hospital, and the country you’re planning to visit.