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Editor's Picks
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Paying workers to go abroad for healthcare
In the past, most Americans who traveled abroad for medical care were uninsured or were seeking procedures not covered by insurance. But now some health plans are realizing how lucrative medical travel has become and are beginning to cover treatment overseas for major surgical procedures. To make travel abroad more attractive, plans that offer medical-tourism programs often include a bonus for employees if they agree to undergo elective surgeries overseas, or they offer to split the cost savings between the employer and worker. Travel and accommodation costs also are sometimes reimbursed. [Read More]
Companies pay Mayo Clinic prices to save on healthcare costs
While some companies are encouraging employees to travel abroad, at least one is encouraging medical travel as well—in the United States. Foundation Coal Holdings Inc. says it has saved on health costs by seeking out the nation's best care and giving workers incentives to use it. About two-thirds of operations have proven to be cheaper at better-rated hospitals out of state, and even when the price was higher, the company saved money by reducing misdiagnoses, complications, and repeat procedures. Healthcare costs for an average employee at Foundation's two Wyoming mines have dropped about 5% a year since the program took full effect in 2005, while U.S. spending rose about 7% annually. In addition, Foundation's total medical bills remained steady at about $5.5 million a year even though its work force grew. Now the company's experiment could be a model for politicians and insurers seeking to curb the growth in U.S. healthcare spending, experts say. [Read More]
SingaporeMedicine becomes new face on Facebook
In an effort to promote Singapore as the "leading medical hub and international healthcare destination," SingaporeMedicine has announced its presence on the social network Facebook. "The great thing about Facebook is that we will be able to reach out to people and foster our relationship with them," said Jason Yap, MD, director of healthcare services at the Singapore Tourism Board, in a statement. "People will be able to share their experiences and insights with their friends and co-workers. Hopefully, they will help us spread the good word about the world-class healthcare services in Singapore." Facebook has over 100 million registered users, and has become one of the most popular social networks in the world. No word on whether companies encouraging medical travel overseas will direct their employees to the page. [Read More]
Private hospitals to void contract with Jordan Health Ministry
The Private Hospitals Association is set to void a contract with the Jordanian government whereby association hospitals provide discounted medical services to national health insurance beneficiaries, according to PHA officials. The agreement affects around 300,000 "first grade" insured government employees who were eligible to receive treatment at private hospitals and pay 20% of the fees, with the remainder covered by the ministry's health fund at a 35% discount. Private hospitals have been sustaining losses due to rising operational costs and demand for medical services, according to PHA President Fawzi Hammouri. He added that despite these financial challenges, hospitals have continued to provide beneficiaries with treatment as set out by the agreement. "Due to inflation and the rising cost of fuel, electricity and increased salaries, the vast majority of hospitals included under the contract have agreed that the new draft is not in their interest," Hammouri told The Jordan Times. [Read More]
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Global Health Headlines
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Ontario MDs to launch medical tourism firm
GlobeLife Health - September 30, 2008
Woman has vacation, checkup in India
Florida Today, September 28, 2008
Medtral New Zealand forms partnership with California-based Global Medical Conexions
Market Watch, September 24, 2008
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From HealthLeaders Magazine |
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10 Events That Could Change Healthcare
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No one knows what the future holds, but several scenarios could significantly alter the healthcare landscape. [Read More] |
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Audio Feature
Domestic Medical Travel: Ronald Miles, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon, talked to me recently about Aspirus Wausau (WI) Hospital's strategy to expand its target area by participating in a domestic medical travel network. Aspirus Wausau is one of a handful of U.S. hospitals trying to compete for consumers using a value-based approach to medicine. [Listen Now]
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