Why Medical Tourism?

More and more patients are considering medical tourism as a better option on comparing the costs between domestic and international facilities. Read on to know more on why medical tourism is picking up and why you too may want to consider this option for your near and dear ones.

Before selecting an option for medical tourism, patients are advised to do thorough research and comparison of costs. They need to look for safe and affordable options. Let’s read about some benefits of medical tourism.

1. Affordable and Reliable Options

People are opting for travelling abroad as the specialized procedures there are costing much less than in their own countries. They can get themselves treated and also get to visit a new country. In some cases, the cost difference can be very high.

2. Better Care and Facilities

Patients often travel abroad in search of better care options. Their domestic facilities might not be capable of offering the treatment they are looking for. When people have the money to spend, they do not want to settle for anything but the best.

3. Superior Customer Service

Long distance travel medical assistance companies come very handy in planning such trips to medical tourism destinations all around the world. They offer bed-to-bed services and top standards in customer service. They have tie ups with medical networks that ensure that the patient gets superior medical care at all times.

4. Superior and Focused Service

When a patient decides to travel to another country for a medical treatment, he has to do his homework first. He can get in touch with the concerned hospital; representatives brief him about the condition and various possible treatments he could get. Hence, when he arrives there the doctors are already briefed and aware of his medical history. The treatment is much more focused and top quality.

Download our reference PDF here: 
http://www.slideshare.net/sentinelmed/medical-tourism-a-primer-41282343 

For More, visit: http://visual.ly/medical-tourism-primer

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How to Use Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)?

Portable Oxygen Concentrators are life saving machines for patients with chronic breathing problems.

POC’s take in regular atmospheric air and purify it. The patient receives pure oxygen after the cleaning process. The oxygen enters the blood stream and aids in daily activities of the patient. Hence, the pressure on the heart is reduced. Let’s look at the right way of using a POC.

1. Call in the Experts

Before a patient starts using the POC, he needs to call in the travel medical assistance company and get a complete demo from an expert. The patient should avoid setting up the machine himself unless trained well in advance. There are risk factors involved which should not be taken lightly.

2. Switch The Machine On

After having received the complete training from the expert, switch on the POC. Adjust the flow of the oxygen as directed by the doctor. Wear the nasal cannula and place the prongs inside the nasal chamber. Ensure that the cannula sits comfortably on the face and neck. Now use the POC for the time advised and at the flow recommended by the doctor. At all times do not readjust the flow without consulting the doctor.

3. Disinfect After Every Session

Once the treatment is complete, shut down the machine completely. Remove the nasal cannula and disinfect it immediately with an alcohol swab. Place it in the slot in the machine until further use.

4. In Case Of Any Problem

If the patient faces any problem during usage, he should switch off the machine completely and call the retailer. Do not try to reconnect until the service engineer or the paramedic gives you a green signal.

5. Replacement Of The Nasal Cannula

Besides keeping the POC clean and disinfected, it is important that the patient replaces his cannula once in three months. At all times follow the instruction of the manufacturer and the doctor.

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Medical Tourism - The Next Big Thing

Medical tourism in very simple terms implies the movement of people from one country to another in search of better medical care.

The trips are well planned and a lot of research goes into the whole exercise. They are a combination of surgical care, combined with touring, a small vacation and sightseeing too. It is a silent but powerful revolution that has been sweeping the medical corridors for over a decade now. The countries that have directly benefited from it are India, Greece, Mexico, Israel, Hungary to name a few. The global medical tourism market is anticipated to be around US$60-billion. Lets read some more about this global phenomenon.

1. Sound Marketing Skill

In the last few years after the big bang settled down, nations that lost out on the cake have realized that marketing is the key to success. Hospitals and institutions that have expected patients to reach them and not the other way round are making changes in their approaches. Countries that are marketing themselves as safe medical havens are cashing in on the business and making heavy profits.  The reason that plastic surgeons, dentist and cosmetic surgeons do so well, is much clearer now.

2. Similar Cultures

Over the last decade or so, the ground root problems have become very clear. People travelling to strange countries faced language barriers, dealt with cultural differences and came back utterly dissatisfied. The present day customers are travelling to countries where they know the culture, will get familiar food and probably similar religious backgrounds too. They are now expecting the nurse to speak their language and the doctors to treat them with respect.

3. Global Awareness

The present day customer is comparing the rates of  travel medical assistance companies, doing their homework and only then deciding to move out of the country. The way this industry is heading, it only stands to benefit all associated with it.

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Does Travel Insurance Cover Pregnant Women?

Planning to travel in pregnancy? Do check with your insurance company if they have you covered or not.

Different travel insurance companies have different rules when it comes to providing cover to pregnant women. Always look out for the ‘present medical condition’ clause before you sign on any papers and have complete clarity on it.

A medical transport company will always suggest women in their third trimester of pregnancy to check before making any travel plans. Read on more to know about insurance covers if you are pregnant.

1. Present Medical Condition Clause

Most women get worried about this clause when planning a trip while pregnant. But let us inform you that beside 1% exceptional cases all would be moms can opt for a standard insurance plan for travel. In other words expecting mothers’ world over can now relax, and look forward to a break without worrying.

2. Pregnancy Is Not a Medical Condition

Pregnancy is not a medical condition, unless there is a history of any complications in an earlier pregnancy. Most travel insurances will cover a would-be-mother up to thirty two weeks of pregnancy. Travelling mothers should keep the details of a travel medical assistance handy in case they need any help.

3. Time Period of Cover

Medical expenses of the emergency kind are available up to 8 weeks before the due date. If a lady is expected to give birth within 8 weeks of starting a trip, then conditions need to be re-checked with the insurance company. Ladies travelling between 32 to 36 weeks need written permission from their doctor stating that they are fully fit to travel. Again, different airlines have different rules and it is best advised to check beforehand.

4. Exceptions

If a pregnant lady goes into labor prematurely, the cover will be off automatically. It is best to call a travel medical assistance company at that time in order to shift her to the closest medical facility.

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Disease Outbreaks in 2014, All Travelers Need To Know

2014 has seen the outbreak of old diseases that have been believed to be extinct. WHO is advising travelers worldwide to know about them in order to protect themselves.

Measles and Polio have seen a comeback in 2014. Travel medical assistance companies are advising travelers to avoid travel to infected nations, or go well prepared. The new threat is from MERS, and sadly the awareness of the disease is still very low.

It is strongly advised by medical transport companies to check if any CDC has been issued for the destination the traveler is planning to go to.  It is also advised to always travel with an extensive medical cover to tackle any unforeseen circumstances.

Let’s read a little more about the three diseases –

1. MERS- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

MERS is a very serious disease that affects the respiratory system of the body. The first case was reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. The reason that it has become a threat is because of its high mortality rate.

Most people mistake the symptoms of cough, fever and breathlessness to be a bout of flu. But in reality the fatality rate is almost 30 percent. The only good news attached to this disease is that no uncontrollable outbreaks have been reported so far. People travelling to Middle East should wash their hands often and keep a close watch on any symptoms.

2. Measles

Measles is a highly contagious and deadly infection, often seen in children. The first symptoms are a mild a skin rash, followed by a runny nose, cough and high fever. Although most children are vaccinated for it, new cases were reported in the US IN 2013. All children and adult should ensure that they are vaccinated for it.

3. Polio

Polio is a dreaded disease that leaves children crippled for life. The WHO supports nations worldwide with all kinds of means in order to eradicate the disease completely. However, in 2014 an International emergency was declared and all nations were asked to take serious steps for eradication.

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What Are The Different Options Medical Transportation Patients Can Avail?

Sometimes, fraction of a minute can conclude the difference between life and death. Consequently, it becomes important to choose the quickest possible mode of medical assistance transportation available to be able to save a patient’s life. Here’s telling you about the different options available.

The need of medical transportation in most cases is unanticipated, but depending upon the extent of urgency, there are different medical transportation options that can be considered.

Local Ambulance Services

This is certainly the most commonly preferred medical transport option that can be either opted from private or government operators. Often engaged in non-emergency medical situations, local ambulance services are better for moving patients to local hospitals or a similar heath care institute. At times, the service can be used for shifting within medical institutes or even when discharging from a hospital. 

Air Medical Transportation

This mode of travel medical assistance is relatively new, but has proven out as the most steadfast options to avert medical emergencies. It is the fastest medium to catch up with medical urgencies. The use of airplanes and helicopters both is made to transport patients stuck in medical emergencies to safer and better health care centers. The service is also referred to as Air Ambulance services because it generally makes provisions for immediate first aid, and caters to the medical requirements of the travelling patients. 

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

At times when the patient doesn’t require immediate medical assistance, services like non-emergency medical transportation prove best.  Such options are also preferred when patients need to be shifted from one medical center to another, in the same place or different. There are both private and public non-emergency medical ambulances, however, the former prove more expensive than the later.

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Useful Tips for Air Ambulance Medical Travelers

Opting for an air ambulance medical transportation is indeed a great medical assistance transportation choice especially when a patient has to travel long distances with all sorts medical facilities pre-arranged. However, there are certain vital things every air ambulance medical traveler should consider, these are as given below.

Deliberately designed to maximize the comforts of a patient and a proper check over his medical condition while transpiration, there are certain tips that a patient or members accompanying should keep in mind to make the air traveling more comforting.              

Preparations to Be Made Before the Flight

A patient can face troubles like altitude sickness or can even get inflections from microorganisms in an unclean aircraft. Therefore, it is suggested that you boost the immunity level of a patient with the help of advised supplements.

Arrange for Proper Sitting Setup

When travelling for longer hours in a flight make sure that you keep a proper check on sitting positions of a patient. Don’t allow a patient to keep the legs in a crossed manner for too long as it can stop proper blood flow in that specified section of the body. Moreover, because the temperature in an aircraft can change enormously, it is better to layer up the body with multiple clothing.    

A Check on Eating Habits

Some air ambulance transporters don’t have the facility of offering food and beverages. If this be the case make sure you carry all the required food supply with you, especially fruits and juices, mostly prescribed to patients. They’re essential for maintaining the sugar level and in balancing blood pressure.

Things to Avoid During Travel

Constantly sitting in one position should be avoided on flights. The position should be altered every hour or once in every two hours. Before boarding the flight, avoid intake of products with caffeine or alcohol as they can cause dehydration while traveling.    

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Choosing the Right Air Ambulance Service

Though most people are familiar with air ambulances, choosing the right one during emergencies can be highly confusing. Read on to know what you should look at in a provider!

When a medical emergency occurs, especially when traveling, air ambulance is always the first preference. But in the hurry of reaching the hospital, we may not know how to choose the right ambulance services

So, when in such a situation and in need for air transportation, keep the following in mind:

Updated Service License

A good air ambulance service provider will always have a license issued by the federal aviation administration. You should also check for advanced life support and other essential certifications.

On-Board Medical Consultants

Check if the provider has trained medical experts with each flight. Since these consultants are always in contact with the patient’s physician, they are of great help.

A Team of Medical Professionals

It is highly important to have a team of expert health professionals including doctors, nurses and technicians. This ascertains that the patient will get quality healthcare services.

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Non Emergency Medical Transportation: What you Should Know

Non Emergency medical transportation is a kind of medical transportation which is carried out when the patient needs some extra medical care, but is not under any form of emergency. Here are the things you should know about it.

For patients with diverse travelling needs, opting for non-emergency medical transportation services can prove to be very convenient for you’ll travel is specially designed vehicles that offer great comfort, you’ll remain under the supervision of commercial medical attendants and enjoy different range of facilities that won’t let travel deteriorate your health.

Here’s a list of things a medical transportation company is most likely to offer to you: 

Ambulances, Helicopters and Other Medical Transportation Vehicles

These are used to transfer patients from one hospital or nursing home to another. There is no field treatment involved here – it is done to enhance the quality or requirement of the patient.

Special Non emergency Service Companies

Non Emergency services are sometimes made mandatory by hospitals as a part of their special services. In case you do not find such hospitals there are special private medical transportation services. They are easily available and cost effective. These services happen at normal working hours unlike the odd hours in emergency cases which reduces the cost.

Only A Medically Stable Patient Is Capable Of Getting Such Services

For instance a person had been shifted to a hospital from a nursing home where he/she was initially admitted – the hospital arranges this service so that the patient can be taken back and looked after for special medical care by the doctors and nurses.

Transportation from one hospital to another

Some hospitals make use of non emergency transport services to transfer surgical patients to the surgeon of their choice. Some patients make use of these special services which are easily available to them. Hospitals might also transfer patients from emergency facilities to general medical facilities to make room for patients who need emergency beds.

Provision for Wheelchairs

The special features that will be provided by this facility are – the patient will be transported in a gurney or a wheelchair and is accompanied by a nurse or a paramedic. All medical equipments are present in the vehicle to monitor the patient and make sure that he is under utmost care during the journey. Other accommodations include bags, intravenous fluids and colostomy bags.

Less Costlier Than Emergency Transportation

The biggest advantage is down there in the pocket – it is much less costlier than emergency transportation. Emergency transport requires the driver to hurry and have adequate medical equipment to keep the patient alive, but this is a much safer trip.

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Private Medical Transportation Industry: Some Key Points

The private medical transportation industry is a for-profit service which does not operate under the municipality or government organizations. Sometimes these industries work for certain hospitals that need to shift patients under non emergency services. In this post, we discuss some important pointers.

The market for private medical transport service is pretty big with around 7,000 players worldwide. Emergency and non-emergency private medical transportation services usually involve provision of extra care as well as availability of life support systems, paramedics and nurses. Such companies offer a basic medical care during the time of transport.

Para-transit services are a kind of private medical transport services offered in many countries that cater to non-emergency cases – usually for people with disability. They have the required equipment such as wheelchairs and on-ground transport equipment needed to comfortably transport a patient from one location to the other.

The private medical transport companies usually have specialized agents since the space provided for by the very few municipality ambulances make them grow. They have the idea of having to travel quite a bit to attain that level of confidence among users.

Used ambulances are not preferred because most people expect the best services; they want the value for money.

Drivers and paramedics are given special training since driving an ambulance is not like driving any other car. It needs special ability to understand the preferred speed, traffic signals and the siren. Paramedics too have to be well versed with the medical support system.

The medical equipment is insured on a blanket basis. These services usually provide insurance coverage for physical damage and inland marine. You have to take note of these before signing the insurance papers, if there’re any!

The risk management programs associated with these services take special care of the ambulance and their drivers. 

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Choosing a Private Medical Transportation Service

Choosing a non-emergency medical transportation service depends much on the cost as it depends on the quality of service offered. In cases of emergency, we generally end to paying those extra bucks. Some key points should be kept in mind while choosing a service of your choice.

It is unlikely that everyone chooses their emergency or non-emergency private medical transport service as per their wishes. It almost always happens in a hurry when a medical crisis arises and the ambulances or air ambulances charge you way more than they ideally should. Prior information on the subject can help you make an informed decision when selecting a credible medical transportation company.

Most medical insurance companies do not cover the costs of the medical transport services and especially the non-medical ones. These companies allow for insurance only in the event of an emergency that needs to be immediately looked after.

Private medical transportation services might end up getting a bit expensive but you must get that noted down with your medical insurance company. Before signing, confirm which services are really covered.

Also, make sure to avoid the ones that appear to be offering private medical transportation services at throwaway prices. You have to look into the services provided by them during the journey to the hospital or nursing home.

Before choosing a medical transportation service, see to it that the vehicle is equipped with at least two professionals – a paramedic and a nurse. The vehicle must have the necessary equipment (dialysis and respiratory equipment, for example) for a patient in need of immediate services during the journey.

Do not hesitate to ask some tough questions about the quality of service, insurance cover and other such parameters. 

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Choosing the Right Air Ambulance Services

What can you do when your loved one faces medical emergency in a far away land? The best option is to avail services of air medical transport. But how should you choose the right air ambulance services? Let’s find out!

The air ambulance service is designed to successfully and safely bring patients to secure medical care conditions from remote locations. But before you hire any random air ambulance service provider, you need to ensure that your loved ones get the best care they need.

Read along to know what the best medical air ambulance services will have in common

1.    Updated Air Ambulance Service License

All air ambulance transport providers are required to have a license from the federal aviation administration along with advanced life support and other related certifications. This is one way to authenticate the services they offer.

2.    On-Sight Medical Consultant Availability

It is very important that medical assistance transportation deputes a specialized medical consultant on every flight. The medical consultants are required to constantly remain in contact with the patient’s doctor for properly monitoring his/her health.

3.    Availability Of Air Medical Transportation Team

A quality air ambulance transport should be well equipped with highly qualified and professional team of paramedics, doctors, nurses and technicians for any emergency requirement. This ensures good care of patients while traveling. The medical personals are required to be well certified professionals to effectively handle even the most critical situations.

4.    Price Charged By The Air Medical Transport

The possible costs charged by the medical air ambulance will be determined by a variety of factors. So make sure when you request a quote from your service provider you cross check the price quoted for individual service.

5.    Ask for Therapeutic Medical Oxygen

Availability of therapeutic medical Oxygen is very essential on a flight and must always be available. Air travel at high altitudes generally results in reduction of oxygen which could deteriorate a patient’s condition and so he might require oxygen.  

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Things You Should Know About Air Medical Transport

Booking a medical air ambulance is a big responsibility and can be quite challenging. But there is no reason things can’t be stress-free. Read along to find out how! 

While selecting ideal emergency travel assistance always consider the patient’s requirements first. You need to act like a picky customer. For that you need to make sure you are well acquainted with the all the services provided by a good air ambulance transport.
  
Mentioned below are the things you should know about air medical transport before you hire their services:
  1.    You Can Accompany The Patient 
Generally air ambulances are big enough to accommodate one or two companions along with the patient. However, the number might vary depending upon the medical requirements and condition of the patient. 

2.    Carry Limited Luggage 
The capacity of luggage is only limited to one or two medium sized bags – typically not larger than a carry bag when travelling in commercial airline. As the air ambulance is already outfitted with medical equipment there is little or no space left for extra luggage. 

3.    International Air Ambulance Evacuation Services 
Majority of the air ambulance services offer domestic and international air ambulanceevacuations.

 4.    Carefully select your aircraft 
Your service provider might provide options for the kind of air ambulance transport you require. In such situations consider the distance of transport and then decide upon the aircraft. Generally small sized aircraft's  are not recommended for long distance travel, while they constitute the right choice for short distance travel. 

5.    Check out the credentials 
Never assume that all medical assistance transportation has the right credentials. So make sure you check that the emergency travel assistance company has the appropriate licenses and is credited by federal aviation administration. 

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How to Select the Best Travel Medical Assistance Company

There are many travel medical assistance companies today that offer emergency services. But how do you select the one that best meets your need? Let’s find out!

Professional care and reliable transportation are very important in times of medical emergencies.

Seasoned medical assistance transportation will provide you the following facilities:

Monitoring Treatment

A well qualified team should be always be present to continuously monitor the patients conditions, while transferring the patient from one location to another.

Transfer of Insurance Information to Medical Providers

Reliable medical assistance transportation companies assist their patients with hospital admissions such as passing on insurance benefit information, to help prevent denials and delays of medical care.

Replacement of Corrective Lenses and Medical Devices

International medical assistance companies should act responsibly and coordinate the replacement of medical devices in case they are lost or tempered while transferring the patient from one location to another. 

Emergency Travel Arrangements

The travel medical assistance company should be well prepared with reservations for airlines and other travel services in to meet emergency requirements in case of injury or illness. 

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Air Ambulance Medical Dispatch Guidelines

Medical dispatch is one of the biggest responsibilities while efforts are on for saving a life during an emergency situation.

There are always certain protocols and communication rules, commonly referred to as ‘Medical Dispatch,’ that are used while saving a patient and providing care. These medical efforts need to be carried out flawlessly before, during and after a patient’s arrival at the hospital.  Since you should be aware of all this, here is an account to guidelines to be followed during private air ambulance medical dispatch:

Pre-flight Phase

The dispatcher must start planning before the air ambulance reaches the site. In addition to ensuring that the patient is out of danger, the dispatcher needs to give over-the-phone instructions to control the situation.

The task includes:

• Evacuation plans
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Common safety precautions

In-flight Phase

The dispatcher is responsible for planning what will happen during the transport. It involves:

• Requesting asking air traffic control to provide flight services
• Communicating with the receiving health center
• Tell medical support staff about patient’s condition

Post-flight Phase

The last thing the dispatcher plans is what must happen after the patient reaches the hospital, including:

• Asking permission for using sirens and emergency lights
• Briefing doctors, nurses and paramedics about the patient’s status

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