I got a HUGE bill!

I wanted to share a personal experience that I'm sure many of you have had at least once before in your life.

I had an episode, a freak occurrence  in fact, where I shortly went unconscious and purged my recently eaten soup. My poor wife (who is a nurse) witnessed the whole episode and rushed me to the local ER {actually the one she works at}. Many tests were taken and luckily nothing was found. I have health insurance and I knew that mostly everything would be covered. I spent about 2.5 hours in the ER saw a few very nice nurses, a few PAs, and I think I saw an actual doctor. (I don't remember seeing the doctor, but my bill said I did...)

Once I received the ER bill I was astonished! I had to pay over $1,500 out of pocket for this visit!!
-A couple of Bags of saline
-CT scan
- Xray
- Time with medical staff
_____________________
Actual total was $8,000 (before my health care coverage)

Again, I have health insurance. Yes, I only paid a small percentage of the actual cost. BUT, I was still out of pocket, $1,500. I've got plenty of things I'd rather buy with that amount of CASH. That's $600/hr I paid.

While this type of care could never be converted to a Medical Tourism trip, it made me think much harder about what a major procedure would have cost  me out of pocket.

What if I needed a surgery? I'd have to dip deeper into my savings, even more than I did for this one. What if I'm one of the millions of Americans who don't have a savings built up or one that's been depleted?

Word to the wise (seriously, no pun intended), before you get that procedure done check to see what the final and total out of pocket costs will be. EVEN if you are insured.

Choose WISEly! (pun intended)

Medical Tourism

If you haven't heard of Medical Tourism, you're not the only one. The term, "Medical Tourism" is relatively new. Simply put Medical Tourism is the act of getting a medical procedure done abroad. This option is chosen by many US and Canadian residents for various reasons, namely the cost-savings the patient will receive by traveling outside their country, and it's health care systems. Most people's initial reaction to medical tourism, is curiosity. Where do you go? Is it safe? What all does it en tale? These are all great questions.

A recent study has shown that people are going to many different locations around the world! Singapore, Costa Rica, Brazil, Thailand are all common places for medical tourist to consider. Some people choose their destination because of a specific surgeon/surgery that may not be available at their "home"(Link to Type 2 Diabetes-Metabolic Surgery). Others simply choose  the cheapest option. There are others who choose a destination because of it's tourism attractions ie; beaches weather, attractions. (The latter is usually for those who combine a vacation with something like a dental procedure.)



For the most part, Medical Tourism is safe. Make sure to do your homework, of course. Questions you will want to ask:

• Are the hospitals JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited?
• Where did the surgeons get their education and what experience do they have?
• Who you will be your source of communication once you arrive? (usually called a Health Care Adviser/Coordinator)
• What post operative care and follow up can I expect?
• Are you working with a reputable facilitator/company? 

There are many other questions you will have, but these are a good starting point.


Medical Tourism actually encompasses a lot, if not all, medical procedures. From Cosmetics to Orthopedics and Bariatrics, etc. The list goes on and on.

For many, Medical Tourism is new term. If you haven't heard or used it yet, get ready!
Remember where you heard it first, World Institute of Surgical Excellence!