One of the potential difficulties with going overseas is that there are no assurances about the standards used in the operating room for sterility, etc. They do not have JCAHO, OSHA, etc looking over their shoulders and setting guidelines, etc. Yes, it is a major PITA insuring compliance, but at least to me, most of the JCAHO stuff actually makes sense (don't block fire extinguishers with equipment, don't stack stuff to the ceilings as a fire hazard, make sure your sterilizers actually work, etc, and other practical items )and was written by people who actually did the job, as compared to some of the newer medicare rules, which were written by bean counters or practitioners who are far removed from actually treating people.
One of my physician colleagues had his mother return to their native country of Russia for a hip replacement. The x rays showed an implant that was at least 20 years behind the times in terms of technology and thinking- it would clearly not last as long as one done well in the United States. Is this worth saving a few thousand dollars?
Ever look at the prevalence of HIV infection in Thailand? I recall that in adults, it is about 40% of the population. Would you want to have a surgical procedure in a country with an HIV rate so high, no understanding of their standards for sterility, and risk the potential for the need for blood products? Even in the states you will see periodically episodes regarding issues with sterility, and both in Madison, WI, as well as the Milwaukee VA hospital, both were shut down for periods of time because of these concerns. An HIV infection or hepatitis C might not show up for months afterward, long after the surgical procedure, let alone the need for prolonged IV antibiotics for an acute infection or one acquired in a foreign country?
So, cheaper less initially, but in the long run, after seeing what can potentially happen following surgery, not worth it.
Americans want and demand the best and most immediate health care in the world, but don't want to pay for it. As it currently exists, it is unsustainable. The doctors and hospitals are being squeezed, and yet there is a glut of MRI scanners, out patient surgery centers, and other money making businesses out there that drive the cost of health care. The CEO's of places like HealthSouth and other HMO's made millions, while they nickel and dime their customers about every lab test and procedure.
It is inevitable that Americans will see longer waits to see their physicians, less services, less access to elective procedures or fancy tests and technology. If they continue to want and demand immediate access to all of these, we simply need to realize that it will be very costly, otherwise, stand in line.
Ever see new hospital construction going on next to the highway just down the road from an existing facility? Who do you think ultimately pays for this? Who do you think profits from this?
These big HMO's and hospital businesses will be the next Wall street or automotive crash of the United States.
