Peter Leggat1. 1. AM, MD, FAFPHM, Professor and Acting Dean, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD; Visiting Professor, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Medical tourism is a burgeoning industry in our region. It involves patients travelling outside of their home country for medical treatment. OBJECTIVE: This article provides an outline of the current research around medical tourism, especially its impact on Australians. DISCUSSION: Patients are increasingly seeking a variety of medical treatments abroad, particularly those involving cosmetic surgery and dental treatment, often in countries in South-East Asia. Adverse events may occur during medical treatment abroad, which raises medico-legal and insurance issues, as well as concerns regarding follow-up of patients. General practitioners need to be prepared to offer advice, including travel health advice, to patients seeking medical treatment abroad.
BACKGROUND: Medical tourism is a burgeoning industry in our region. It involves patients travelling outside of their home country for medical treatment. OBJECTIVE: This article provides an outline of the current research around medical tourism, especially its impact on Australians. DISCUSSION: Patients are increasingly seeking a variety of medical treatments abroad, particularly those involving cosmetic surgery and dental treatment, often in countries in South-East Asia. Adverse events may occur during medical treatment abroad, which raises medico-legal and insurance issues, as well as concerns regarding follow-up of patients. General practitioners need to be prepared to offer advice, including travel health advice, to patients seeking medical treatment abroad.