AMA Approves Medical Tourism Guidelines For Travelers, Employers

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 20 Jun 2008 - 9:00 PST

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The American Medical Association this week approved guidelines for U.S. residents who travel abroad to receive medical care and for employers who are considering covering overseas care, the Chicago Tribune reports. AMA approved the guidelines at its annual meeting in Chicago. In 2006, about 150,000 U.S. residents received some form of medical care internationally, and about half of the procedures were "medically necessary," such as open heart surgery or hip and knee replacements, according to AMA.

AMA's guidelines for patients include seeking care from accredited providers, being knowledgeable about legal rights in the country in which they are seeking care and bringing medical records to and from facilities outside of the U.S. In addition, patients should be informed of potential risks following surgeries, such as blood clots that can develop during long flights. AMA said that insurers and employers who are considering covering international care as a way to reduce health costs should not restrict treatment referrals or limit diagnostic tests. In addition, AMA supports allowing patients to choose their own physicians and hospitals and not be limited to an insurer's list of providers. AMA also said that employers and health plans considering coverage of overseas care should cover necessary follow-up care once the patient returns to the U.S.

AMA President-elect James Rohack said, "Medical tourism is a small but growing trend among American patients, and it's unclear at this time whether the risks outweigh the benefits," adding, "It is important that U.S. patients have access to credible information and resources so that the care they receive is safe and effective."

In related news, AMA shelved a decision on a policy for "secret shoppers" after physicians voiced concerns over the practice (Japsen, Chicago Tribune, 6/19).

The guidelines are available online (.pdf).

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