At Treatment Abroad, we have introduced the first medical tourism code of practice for healthcare providers. The "Code of Practice for Medical Tourism" aims to encourage best practice in medical tourism through a commitment by healthcare providers overseas to a voluntary code of practice.The standards of business practice and customer service in the medical tourism indutry are variable. But having said that ...they are probably much higher than many critics of the industry suggest. (In our recent survey of 650 medical tourists, 97 per cent of patients said they would be willing to travel abroad for treatment again).
The Code is an opportunity for agencies and healthcare providers to reassure patients considering overseas treatment that they are adopting best practice.
If the medical tourism industry continues to grow, it needs to adopt some common standards and best practices. Hence the Code of Practice for Medical Tourism. Healthcare providers and agencies who sign up to the Code will be identified as adopting a “best practice for medical tourism” and will be recognised on http://www.treatmentabroad.com/.
In addition providers who are approved will be able to display the Treatment Abroad accreditation mark on their website and patients will be able to access accreditation details online.
In order to receive accreditation, organisations are asked to demonstrate best practice in a number of areas covering provision of information, the patient experience and contractual terms, conditions and guarantees. The application will be reviewed by an independent consultant.
We believe that this is a positive step for the industry and offers a chance for providers to demonstrate their commitment to best practice in dealing with patients from overseas.
Further information about the Code of Practice for Medical Tourism is available at:www.treatmentabroad.com/medical-tourism/code-of-practice
3 comments:
Hello, Keith,
Interesting blog, but I'm not convinced. That said, I hope you won't think I can't be convinced. But in your own words put into parentheses you said, "(In our recent survey of 650 medical tourists, 97 per cent of patients said they would be willing to travel abroad for treatment again)."
It doesn't sound to me like any code is necessary. I keep hearing the words, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." To me it seems like reassurance is reached by just listening to these repeating voices about the "best medicine in the world, a five star room in a hospital, friendliness, genuine care, better prices, no waiting," etc.
By the way, the link to your "Code of Practice for Medical Tourism" is broken.
Just one man's opinion.
Don Wood, Director
America's Medical Solutions, Pvt. Ltd.
www.americasmedicalsolutions.com
I think establishing a code of practice for medical tourism is a good idea indeed. I do not agree completely with Don Wood, Director of America’s Medical Solutions. No doubt, the reassurance of many satisfied clients is a powerful motivation for others patients to look abroad for a better package but in reality, a lot more is expected than “a five star room in a hospital, friendliness, genuine care, better price, no waiting, etc.”
One can not completely discount the few dissatisfied clients and we must work towards minimizing these situations; an established code and guidelines will eliminate this grey area completely. It will be a boost and support to the positive reviews and feedback that past medical tourists have already sounded and thereby, the international clients can avail the services without any reservation with complete peace of mind. This is one of the objectives that Bestmed Journeys is striving to meet.
Smitha RN,
www.bestmedjourneys.com
Code of practice and that too for medical tourism, i am not sure its important or not.
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