Offshore Medical Outsourcing an Analysis of Moving

Offshore Medical Medical Outsourcing An Analysis of Moving Major Medical Treatments Offshore to Reduce Costs and it's Implications Not too long ago the idea of traveling for medical treatments would have been unimaginable for most people. However, after a long streak of double digit cost increases in the medical industry in general, many procedures can be conducted on foreign shores for much less than can be performed in the United States; even when travel costs are included in the calculations.

The globalization of healthcare will influence the United States healthcare system on many fronts and the increases in competitiveness should have overall positive implications for the economy. The healthcare consumers are likely the ones to benefit the most from the increases in competition however other industry players could benefit as well. Those who stand to lose the most are the firms with the most monopolistic market structures such as pharmaceutical companies. Despite having positive economic benefits for some, this trend could also seriously impose quality concerns as well.

Discussion Faced with long waiting lists, the high cost of elective treatment and fewer barriers to travel, the idea of availing healthcare in another country is gaining greater appeal to many (Carrera, 2006). The globalization trend has allowed wealthier individuals from developing economies to seek care in industrialized nations as well as budget-conscious individuals from developed nations to seek less expensive care in other nations. It is estimated that there is in excess of six hundred million individuals internationally that travel to meet their healthcare needs.

The travel for medical procedures is most fueled by non-emergency procedures because these procedures can be scheduled far in advance. The can be substantial cost savings for those individuals that are unable to afford care in their domestic country. For example, a U.S. citizen could save in the neighborhood of sixty to eighty percent by crossing the border to Mexico or a similar destination. It is often the case that the travel costs are significantly less than the amount saved in the healthcare procedure.

Among some of the popular types of procedures to travel for are cosmetic surgeries and dental procedures that are luxury healthcare products and procedures that can be acquired at a great savings in some countries (Connell, 2006). However, there are also several risks that patients can incur during medical tourism trips. One issue is that the patient has can face communication or cultural barriers that can prevent the transferal of important items such as a medical history. These barriers can significantly reduce the quality of care.

Another limitation is that some doctors will only know a patient a matter of days or even hours before performing a procedure. There is often not much time to build a medical relationship and for the doctors to get to know the patient and their histories. Most of the industry is fueled by people seeking to reduce their costs.