World Medical Tourism and Global Health Congress

New Networking Videos!

2009-08-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Bronze Sponsor: Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas

2009-06-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas was a sponsor at our 1st Conference and is looking forward to 2009! We look forward to having them Sponsor and Exhibit again!

Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas is a modern general hospital, located in Managua, Nicaragua. Our goal is to provide high quality medical services, based on a highly trained medical staff, high quality equipment and attractively designed facility. Our vision has guided us to become the healthcare organization that is raising the quality of healthcare services in Nicaragua to international standards. We are in the process to apply for International Accreditation by summer of 2009.

We value very highly personal patient care and quality in our processes and procedures to deliver high quality care for our patients. Our process of continuous improvement of quality and our culture of customer service, make us the ideal choice for all our patient’s medical needs.

Bronze Sponsor: One World Global

2009-06-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce One World Global as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! We look forward to having them Sponsor and Exhibit!

OneWorld Global Healthcare Solutions, a consulting company committed to creating a worldwide healthcare solution. Our background and experience is in working with large U.S. and worldwide employers, healthcare carriers and the U.S. retail market. Our services will ensure that your organization will understand what large U.S. employers are looking for in healthcare solutions, how to package those solutions and how to successfully market your services to U.S. employers and healthcare carriers. In addition we help our clients identify retail market hotspots and create campaigns to reach those target markets.

The current healthcare crisis presents abundant opportunity for those offering solutions.
The Tripod of participants; Healthcare carriers and Delivery Systems, Large Employers, and Governments, must work together to design optimum solutions.

Global Healthcare, of which Medical Tourism is a major component, is a major contributor to any solution. For Physician Groups, Professional Healthcare Givers, and Hospitals seeking to become part of a global healthcare solution, they have to market themselves to healthcare carriers, large employers, and governments.

Our services can help our clients become major components of the solution and fall into five main categories:

· Consulting Services – For Governments, Hospitals, Clinics and Medical Tourism Companies who want to expand worldwide
· Media/Public Relations Service – Communications plans targeting specific audiences and markets
· Marketing Assistance – Brand building services that speak to your target markets
Marketing Workshops – Customized assistance for specific market penetration goals
Training and Performance Solutions - Identify and manage the information, knowledge and skills required to support your business objectives

Bronze Sponsor: EuropAssistance

2009-06-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce EuropAssistance as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! EuropAssistance was a sponsor at our 1st Conference and is looking forward to being a Bronze Sponsor again for 2009! We look forward to having them Sponsor and Exhibit again!

With a presence in all 5 continents, and more than 850,000 service providers and medical personnel offering assistance services in 208 countries and territories around the world, Europ Assistance places an exceptional international network of 71 companies at its clients’ disposal.

For close to half a century, Europ Assistance has tailored solutions for assisting people wherever they may be and helping them respond to the unexpected throughout their daily lives. Services include medical tourism management, emergency medical transportation, medical referrals, case monitoring and claims management. Twenty-four hours a day at 34 assistance centers worldwide, multilingual assistance coordinators answer more than two calls per second and handle one assistance case every two seconds

Europe Assistance Services include personalized administration of patients’ overseas medical care as part of its tailored health program within a secure and optimized financial framework, family travel and accommodation arrangements, liaising with hospitals and physicians abroad, 24/7 emergency call centre, medical case management, coordination of air ambulance services, claims payment, bill auditing and legal support surrounding claims.

Bronze Sponsor: Hayes, Inc

2009-06-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce Hayes Inc as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! We look forward to having them Sponsor and Exhibit!

Hayes, Inc. is an independent health technology research and consulting company dedicated to promoting better health outcomes. Hayes performs unbiased, evidence-based assessments of the safety and efficacy of new, emerging, and controversial health technologies and evaluates the impact of these technologies on healthcare quality, utilization, and cost. Hayes' worldwide clients include hospitals, healthcare systems, government agencies, employers, and managed care organizations.

Hayes products and services include:

· A dynamic, web-based Knowledge Center designed to support professionals who are responsible for strategic planning, technology acquisition, and policy development

· Consulting services that enhance strategic technology planning and support evidence-based technology acquisition so that hospitals can anticipate and prepare for the financial, clinical, and operational impact of new technologies prior to their adoption

· Customized services that help payers develop and update coverage policies as well as create clinical guidelines

· Employee benefit programs that help patients make well-informed decisions about healthcare options

Silver Sponsor: Homewatch Caregivers!

2009-06-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce Homewatch Caregivers as a Silver Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! Homewatch Caregiers was a Silver sponsor at our 1st Conference! We look forward to having them Sponsor and Exhibit again!

Homewatch International, Inc. with 165 locally owned and operated home care franchises throughout 5 countries, is the premier provider of home care services to people of all ages, worldwide. With 26 years of home care experience, we have been preserving the dignity and protecting the independence of our clients through our Advanced Continuum of Care.
Services provided to seniors, convalescing adults and back up childcare include comprehensive personal care, quality of life care, and transportation services. Our Care Management Services are designed to help our clients’ adult children keep abreast of the prescribed changes occurring within the client’s medical and daily care needs through consistent and reliable information exchange.

Our professionally developed caregiver training programs allow Homewatch CareGivers to attract and retain quality caregiver employees, which in turn, ensures quality care for our clients and peace of mind for their loved ones.

Diamond Sponsor: Council for Korea Medicine Overseas Promotion (CKMP)

2009-06-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce Council for Korea Medicine Overseas Promotion (CKMP) as the premiere Diamond Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! Council for Korea Medicine Overseas Promotion (CKMP) was the Platinum sponsor at our 1st Conference and is looking forward to being the premiere Diamond Sponsor again for 2009! We look forward to having them Sponsor and Exhibit again!

Council for Korea Medicine Overseas Promotion (CKMP) was established as a joint government-private initiative to promote medical institutions in Korea. It is the official organization for medical tourism that is supported by the Government. At the same time, it functions as the "acting body" for a series of national policies in regards to medical tourism.

The primary purpose of CKMP includes staging Korean healthcare market to the international communities and fostering safe and reliable infrastructure for the quality of care.

Currently over 30 hospitals and specialty clinics joined as a member. Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Korea Tourism Organization and Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affaires support every activities of CKMP.

Bronze Sponsor: Hospital Almater

2009-06-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce Hospital Almater as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! Hospital Almater was a sponsor at our 1st Conference and is looking forward to being a Bronze Sponsor again for 2009! We look forward to having them Sponsor and Exhibit again!

With more than 20 years of expertise we are able to offer quality and first level medical services to our patients.

We count with 50 individual rooms, 4 op. Rooms, equiped with cutting edge technology and a staff of 12 Family Doctors and 60 Specialists with the medical prep and experience to solve any medical or surgical health problem

We also offer you an excellent Radiology Department with 64D Helicolidal CAT Scan, 1.5 T MRI, ultrasound, Endoscopy Department, Pediatric & Adult ICU, etc.

Service include:

General Surgery
Neurosurgery
Gall Bladder
Spine
craneal tumors
Hernia
Orthopedics
Bariatric Surgery
Knee
shoulder
hip
Lap Band
Urology
Gastric By Pass
Prostate
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Cardio-surgery
OB Gyn
Cardiac catheterism
Plastic Surgery
Coronary Angioplasty
Tummy Tuck
Face
Neck Perifereal Angioplasty
Angioplastía periferica
Breast Augmentation,
Liposuction

New Exhibitor: Baptist Health International Center of Miami

2009-05-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

Baptist Health International Center of Miami is one of the largest hospital-based international programs in America. Our multilingual staffs with over 60 multilingual international representatives specially trained to personally assist you with your medical and travel needs. From the first contact, a representative will serve as your personal liaison, providing you with the information necessary for the coordination of all healthcare services

Our services include:
VIP Service
State-of-the-art technology
Free and prompt coordination of all physician, hospital and diagnostic appointments
24 hour emergency service
Over 2,000 certified physicians of virtually all specialties
Coordination of transportation with the geographical region upon request
Special rates at local hotels and rental cars

Baptist Health’s hospitals as a group offer our international guests the quality they deserve as recognized by the U.S. government study scoring Baptist Health above most of the hospitals on the U.S. News & World Report’s Honor roll list.

Contact Info:

Martin Arias
International Center of Miami Baptist Health South Florida
8940 North Kendall Drive, Suite 601E Miami, FL 33176
Tel: 786-596-7089 Fax: 786-596-3648
Email: martinar@baptisthealth.net

World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress Announces Pre-Conference Workshops!

2009-05-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

The World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress has announced 18 Pre-Conference Workshops that will be held on Monday October 26, 2009. Reserve your spot today to attend the pre-conference workshops at the World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress! To read more about the workshops please visit http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com/

Workshop 1 - Marketing to International Insurance Companies, Employers, and Patients

Workshop 2 - International Patient Department Workshop

Workshop 3 - Medical Tourism 101 Workshop

Workshop 4 - Hospital/Clinic Contracting Workshop

Workshop 5 - Marketing to Health Insurance Agents Workshops

Workshop 6 - Implementing Medical Tourism in US Health Insurance Plans, a Employer,Third Party Administrator (TPA) and Agent Workshop

Workshop 7 - Medical Tourism Facilitator Workshop

Workshop 8 - Internet Marketing, Email Marketing, Blogs and Social Networking as New Ways to Attract Patients Workshop

Workshop 9 - Stop Loss Carrier/Reinsurer – Self Funded Employer Medical Tourism Workshop

Workshop 10- Creating a Healthcare City, Medical Cluster or Healthcare Provider Association to promote Medical Tourism

Workshop 11 - Ministry of Tourism Workshop

Workshop 12 - Ministry of Health Workshop

Workshop13 - After care and continuation of Care Workshop

Workshop 14 - Investment Opportunities in Medical Tourism Workshop

Workshop 15- Financing Healthcare Projects Workshop

Workshop 16 - Quality and Accreditation Workshops

Workshop 17- Health Leaders Private VIP Roundtable

Workshop18 - Legal Contracting Workshop Reducing Risk & Liability with Medical Tourism

Bronze Sponsor: SenditCertified

2009-05-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

The World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce SenditCertified as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! We look forward to having them Sponsor and Exhibit!

SenditCertified™ is an ultra secure, simple-to-use communication system for sending, receiving and storing private health and financial information, worldwide.

How does SenditCertified relate to the medical tourism industry?

SenditCertified recognizes that International Patients have a critical need to transmit their medical and financial information securely. The American Medical Association guidelines for Medical Tourism recommend that patient information must be cared for in a HIPAA compliant manner.

The SenditCertified ePackage solution provides the ability for health and financial information to be securely sent to host country/healthcare providers for pre-care evaluation. After the procedures, post-care instructions and reports can be sent back to the referring physicians and institutions.

With the rising costs in international deliveries, the ability to be able to securely transmit protected health information via the Internet creates a cost-effective solution for both patients and healthcare providers. We are confident that our solution will be a significant enhancement in promoting affordable, secure and quality healthcare throughout the medical tourism network.

How is SenditCertified unique?

Three things set SenditCertified apart from other communication systems such as email, overnight delivery and courier services: 1) its patent-pending ePackage™, 2) its fully-certified communication platform and 3) its fingerprint authentication capabilities.

SenditCertified offers an ultra secure encrypted pathway and storage solution for transmitting medical and financial records that can include text, voice recordings if desired, and files of virtually unrestricted size. The files are sent and received via a highly secure private network and triple encrypted prior to storage. The system is simple, affordable, is scalable to unlimited users worldwide, and is HIPAA compliant.

SenditCertified is Easy to Implement

The SenditCertified platform is offered as SAAS (software as a service), meaning there are no programs, software, licenses to buy, or upgrades to maintain. The SenditCertified product link may be placed directly on the website of the hospital, physician’s office, or medical travel facilitator.

Click here to schedule a demo of SenditCertified.

For more details, please contact:
Gabriel Varga
T: +1 704 541 9238, Ext. 213
Email: gabriel.varga@senditcertified.com
Website: http://www.SenditCertified.com/medical

Latin America Medical Tourism & Health Tourism to be featured at 1st Conference

2009-04-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

Over 300 registrants have registered for the 1st Conference on Medical Tourism and Health Tourism in Latin America, which takes place April 27-29th, 2009, in Monterrey, Mexico.

Over 50 expert speakers will share their knowledge on medical tourism and health tourism. All the top hospitals and governments throughout Latin America will be in attendance as well as US buyers, such as insurance companies, employers and medical tourism facilitators.

The Medical Tourism & Health Tourism Conference will focus on

Quality of care available in Latin America
The Importance of Accreditation
Integration between Medical Tourism and Insurance Companies
Networking opportunities between hospitals, medical tourism facilitators and insurance companies.

The 1st Latin America Medical Tourism Congress is expected to sell out at approximately 400 attendees from over 25. The Medical Tourism conference will bring together the stakeholders in Latin American medical tourism for the ultimate networking event and educational opportunities.

The medical travel conference is endorsed and sponsored by the Medical Tourism Magazine the only magazine in the industry covering Medical Tourism. The Medical Tourism Magazine is printed each month and distributed to thousands of health leaders in over 40 countries and also is made available online through it’s website each month.The 1st Latin America Medical Tourism & Health Tourism Congress is a breakout regional conference of the MTA’s annual conference, World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress, which takes place October 26-28th, 2009 in Los Angeles, California, and will feature up to 2,000 attendees, up to 100 exhibitors and about 200 expert speakers.The Medical Tourism Association is the first international non-profit association made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical tourism facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. Our Association promotes the interests of its healthcare provider and medical tourism facilitators members. The Medical Tourism Association has three tenets: Transparency, Communication and Education.

Monterrey Healthcare City is a non-profit association of the most prestigious hospitals located in the city of Monterrey and its goal is to promote its integral health services to national and international patients by announcing its specialized medical assistance within a framework of high quality, commitment, respect and warm attention. From prevention and timely diagnosis or treatment and rehabilitation, the hospitals in association with Monterrey Healthcare City provide specialized medical assistance that improves the quality of life of the patients and their relatives.

Do you Facebook?

2009-04-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Do you Facebook? If so, search for us on Facebook and become our friends! You can also join the World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress facebook group! Stay up to date on all of the latest news for the conference, speakers, and sponsors being added daily! If you don't have a facebook account yet it's easy and it's free! See you online ...

Issue 9 on stands now!!!

2009-04-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Medical Tourism Association is pleased to share our newly released Issue 9 of the Medical Tourism Magazine with you. Please go to www.medicaltourismmag.com to view our online version of our Magazine.

New Exhibitor: Morgan Grandview

2009-04-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

The World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce Morgan Grandview as an Exhibitor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009!

Morgan Grandview Group (MG) is an international healthcare service information provider with Chinese features. MG is the window through which people worldwide can know and access healthcare services in modern China, and benefit from our dedicated services in Yanda International Health City and other qualified partners. We are devoted to bridging healthcare industries between China and the rest of the world, and helping clients in North America enjoy a healthier life through health services in China.

MG is committed to be the international platform for medical and health industry, opening the door to advanced concepts, technology, expertise, and capital for China, while introducing Chinese medical, rehabilitation, and health promoting services to the world.

Yanda International Health City is a magnificent modern complex, providing comprehensive high-quality medical, health, convalescent, and senior care services. It consists of five major projects: International Hospital, International Golden Age Retirement Community, Medical Research Institute, Medical and Nursing Training Center, and International Conference Center.
Yanda International Health City covers an area of 500,000m2 (excluding supporting land) and a total construction area of 1,060,000m2 with a gross investment of about 7 billion Yuan (US $1 billion). The construction will be carried out in two phases, the first of which started in September, 2007 and will be put into operation on July 1, 2009.

Contact Info:
Morgan Grandview Group
307-4940 No.3 Road
Richmond BC
Canada V6X 3A5
Tel: 604-273-0788
Fax: 604-273-4699
Email:

info@yandamedicare.com

Website: http://www.yandamedicare.com/

http://www.yandaco.com/

MTA Featured in NY Times!

2009-03-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

Get a reliable middleman. Dozens of medical tourism facilitators and planners have sprung up in the past decade hoping to capitalize on the trend and simplify the process for consumers. “Unfortunately, plenty of unreliable firms have sprung up, too,” said Jonathan Edelheit, president of the Medical Tourism Association, a nonprofit organization made up of hospitals and facilitators that cater to traveling patients.

Good firms, said Mr. Edelheit, will match your medical needs with the best overseas hospitals and physicians; make your travel, lodging, visa and local transportation arrangements; handle billing; and help arrange follow-up care. For a list of facilitators vetted by the association, go to medicaltourismassociation.com. Once you narrow your search, ask each potential firm for references and former patients you can interview.

To read the rest of the article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/21/health/21patient.html?_r=1

Where will I stay in Monterrey?

2009-02-26T11:16:00.000-08:00

It's almost March ... are you ready for the Latin America Conference in Monterrey Mexico in April? By now you should be registered for the conference ... it's time to make your hotel arrangements!

The Official Congress Hotel is the Intercontinental Presidente in Monterrey, Mexico. InterContinental Hotel Group is one of the leading hotel chains in the world and offers modern style and impeccable service, which makes it the ideal destination for the Latin America Congress. Attendees to the conference will receive a significantly discounted rate of $100 USD per night by mentioning the “Latin America Medical Tourism Congress, Group Code: MED” You can call the hotel directly at 888 424 6835 USA/ 52-81-83686000 for reservations. Please make your reservations early to be sure you get accommodations at the Official Conference Hotel.
Another option for hotel stay is the Four Points by Sheraton, only a 10 minute cab ride away. Attendees to the conference will receive a discounted rate of $80 USD per night + taxes for an Executive Room and $110USD per night + taxes for a Junior Suite. Just mention the code “Medical Tourism Congress”. You can call the hotel directly at 800-500-0090 USA/ 018183891620 for reservations. For any questions contact Veronica Escamilla, v.escamilla@fpsheratongaleriasmonterrey.com.mx.

The Medical Tourism Association Participates in World Health Organization (WHO) Workshop on Medical Tourism in Kobe, Japan

2009-02-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

The Medical Tourism Association participated in the World Health Organization (WHO) workshop on Medical Tourism in Kobe, Japan which took place February 24th through the 25th. Approximately 16 experts were invited from around the world to participate in the WHO Workshop on medical tourism.

The workshop was entitled "Workshop on the movement of patients across international borders - Emerging Challenges and opportunities for Healthcare Systems" The workshop was meant to address the growing phenomenon of the $60 billion dollar medical tourism industry which is marketed by over 35 countries. One of the main purposes was to ensure medical tourism "is supportive of public health goals." Renee-Marie Stephano, Chief Operating Officer of the Medical Tourism Association, and editor of the Medical Tourism Magazine participated in the workshop and as one of the leading experts in medical tourism and shared her views of how Medical Tourism is supportive of the local healthcare infrastructure and how medical tourism can have positive effects for the local population while providing revenue for the country itself also. The event was organized by the WHO Department of Ethics, Equity, Trade and Human Rights, WHO Headquarters, and the WHO Centre for Health Development.

The Objectives of the workshop were:

(1) To present current evidence on the movement of patients across international borders and discuss the effect on healthcare systems of the increase in trade in health services

(2) To identify emerging challenges as well as good practices, especially in the Asia-Pacific(3) To develop a framework to describe the implications for health care systems of health services' trade and delineate appropriate research and action.

The Medical Tourism Association is the first international non-profit association made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. Our Association promotes the interests of its healthcare provider and medical tourism facilitators members. The Medical Tourism Association has three tenets: Transparency, Communication and Education.

Medical Tourism Closer to Home

2009-02-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

This article appeared on Human Resource Executive magazine, by author Jared Shelly.

With the current economic downturn, more employers are considering the cost benefits of medical tourism, experts say. And it's not just international travel anymore. Some patients are traveling to under-used medical facilities in the United States for lower-cost procedures.

Medical tourism has become a viable option for uninsured or under-insured individuals in need of medical procedures. After all, why pay $250,000 for heart surgery in the United States when the cost might be only $15,000 in India -- including airfare, accommodations and the attention of a dutiful and experienced medical staff? A 2008 study by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions reports that roughly 750,000 Americans traveled abroad for medical care in 2007 and states the industry "is expected to experience explosive growth over the next three to five years."

The study predicts that 6 million will go abroad for care by 2010. A recent study by New York-based McKinsey & Co. is much more conservative, estimating between 60,000 and 85,000 medical tourists globally. Jonathan Edelheit, president of the Medical Tourism Association, a West Palm Beach, Fla.-based membership organization for the industry, says the Deloitte survey is more accurate.

But, not even included in the Deloitte study is information on the latest wrinkle in the medical tourism industry -- individuals traveling to lower-cost medical facilities in the United States.
"When the economy is great, employers don't care about their healthcare," says Edelheit. "When the economy is bad and employers are hurting, that's when they get creative."
With the current recession, more employers are considering the cost benefits of medical tourism, experts say. And it's not just international travel anymore. Some patients are traveling to medical facilities in the United States to take advantage of lower-cost procedures.

To read more about this article please visit: http://www.hreonline.com/HRE/story.jsp?storyId=172246510

MTA Partners with Jordan Hospital to hold 1st Jordan International Medical Tourism Congress!

2009-02-11T06:28:00.000-08:00

The Medical Tourism Association partners with Jordan Hospital to hold the 1st Jordan International Medical Tourism Congress.

The Medical Tourism Association in partnership with Jordan Hospital held the 1st Jordanian Medical Tourism conference from Jan 30 to Feb 2nd, 2009 in Amman Jordan at the Jordan Hospital. Abdalla Bashir, Director of Jordan Hospital organized the event. The event featured over 100 participants from the top hospitals in Jordan, the Minister of Health of Jordan, and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism.

“The event was extremely well organized and put together and the MTA wants to thank Jordan Hospital for it’s efforts to bring together all the key players in Jordan. We are very proud to say that Jordan Hospital is a member of the MTA and one of the leading hospitals in the world,” said Jonathan Edelheit, President of the Medical Tourism Association.

Jordan has several Joint Commission International Accredited Hospitals. Even more important is that Jordan’s healthcare accreditation system, HCAC (Jordan Healthcare Accreditation Council) is accredited by ISQua. The American Medical Association has recognized accreditation systems that have received ISQua accreditation as having a high level of quality healthcare. This is an important step forward in Jordan’s position as a leader in high quality healthcare being provided to international patients.

The Medical Tourism Association met privately with the Prime Minister of Jordan, Engineer Nader Al Dahabi, to discuss Jordan’s healthcare and ways the Medical Tourism Association can partner with Jordan to grow it’s reputation and patient flow in medical tourism. Present at the meeting was Jonathan Edelheit, President of the Medical Tourism Association, Renee-Marie Stephano, Esquire, Chief Operating Officer and Genreal Counsel of the MTA and editor of the Medical Tourism Magazine, Abdalla Bashir, Director of Jordan Hospital, and Alex Piper, President of One World Global Healthcare Solutions.

The Medical Tourism Association visited the leading hospitals of Jordan and found an extremely high quality of healthcare. Jordan already has a reputation of having some of the highest quality of care in the Middle East. Jordan’s world class hospitals are also heavily staffed with doctors who are America board certified.

The Medical Tourism Association also visited several Tourism spots the Medical Tourists and their companions could visit when receiving medical care in Jordan. The MTA visited Petra and the Dead Sea and found that Jordan provides many amazing tourism options for traveling patients and their companions.

MTA Partners with LAAHU

2009-02-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

The Medical Tourism Association (MTA) and Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters (LAAHU) partnered in the area of Medical Tourism to present Medical Tourism as a viable solution to the healthcare crisis in California and the US, during the LAAHU annual conference which takes place May 19-20 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

LAAHU is one of the largest chapters of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) in the United States. It is made up of both US healthcare organizations and professional agents who represent them that are involved in US healthcare insurance. The LAAHU conference expects approximately 800 attendees. The LAAHU conference is one of the largest attended US health insurance conferences.

“Medical Tourism has become a very attractive option especially due to the financial and budgetary crisis the California government is having. We have decided to make this a priority for this year’s annual LAAHU conference because of the strong interest in medical tourism from our members. The savings of medical tourism is something that cannot be ignored”, said Ross Pendergraft, President-Elect of the Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters and organizer of the LAAHU annual conference.

The Medical Tourism Association will be a major sponsor of the LAAHU Conference and will be exhibiting at the conference promoting medical tourism and Medical Tourism Association members. Jonathan Edelheit, President of the Medical Tourism Association, will be the featured speaker on Medical Tourism and will be coordinating other medical tourism speakers and a medical tourism workshop for attendees to the LAAHU healthcare conference.

“The Medical Tourism Association is very excited to be a part of this large event and to educate LAAHU members and attendees on the high quality of healthcare available around the world, and which countries and hospitals offer the best solutions. Medical Tourism is quickly becoming a standard adopted benefit in US health plans”, said Jonathan Edelheit, President of the Medical Tourism Association.

“Los Angeles is one of the major centers of healthcare buyers in the country, and LAAHU is the largest chapter in the country of Health Insurance specialists.

Medical Tourism Association is the international non-profit trade association for the medical tourism industry, made up of the top hospitals, doctors, governments, insurance companies, health insurance agents and medical tourism facilitators in the industry. The Medical Tourism Association puts on the largest annual convention and exposition of Medical Tourism in Los Angeles each year, October 26-28th, 2009 with up to 2,000 attendees, almost 200 speakers and over 100 exhibitors.

Medical Tourism Magazine to Feature United Arab Emirates – UAE

2009-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Medical Tourism Association has entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Health of the United Arab Emirates to do a special edition of the Medical Tourism Magazine dedicated to the United Arab Emirates.

The special UAE Edition of the medical tourism magazine will focus on:

Medical Infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates
Investment Opportunities in the UAE
Quality of Healthcare in UAE
The Future of healthcare in UAE
The rise of Dubai in the medical tourism industry

The Medical Tourism Magazine is the official publication of the Medical Tourism Association and a bi-monthly Medical Tourism industry magazine in both print and electronic versions with a readership of over 100,000 readers per year.

The Medical Tourism Magazine addresses important issues affecting the Medical Tourism industry and has a primary focus on the quality of healthcare available at leading international hospitals and destinations.

The Magazine addresses issues such as:

Quality of Health Care Overseas
After Care Issues
The importance of Accreditation
Legal Issues Surrounding Medical Tourism
The American, UK and Canadian Health Care Crisis and the opportunities for Medical Tourism in these countries
What Foreign Patients look for in overseas hospitals and providers offering Medical Tourism
Issues International Insurance Companies, Employers and Healthcare companies should consider when entering the Medical Tourism Industry.

Medical Tourism Association “Familiarization Tour” in El Salvador

2009-02-09T07:49:00.001-08:00

The Medical Tourism Association has coordinated a “Fam” Familiarization Tour in conjunction with Export Salud to bring medical tourism facilitators to El Salvador. The Fam Tour for medical tourism will take place February 9 – 13, 2009. The attendees will perform site visits to El Salvador’s top medical and dental providers in the country and meet with government officials to discuss the country’s initiatives.

Renee-Marie Stephano, Chief Operating Officer for the Medical Tourism Association and Editor of the Medical Tourism Magazine assisted in the organization of the Fam Tour inviting MTA members and other prospective buyers. “This is the fifth Fam Tour we have organized in several countries around the world. MTA Fam Tours have been a great success and helped to significantly increase patient flow to those countries we work with,” she added.

The Medical Tourism Association is the first international non-profit association made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. Our Association promotes the interests of its healthcare provider and medical tourism facilitators members. The Medical Tourism Association has three tenets: Transparency, Communication and Education.

The Medical Tourism Association seeks to provide transparency in both quality of care and pricing. Every day we see more and more that the globalization of healthcare has created a very flat world. We exchange technology, information, communication, physicians and patients. In order to ensure patient safety, it is our goal to create a transparency about the quality of healthcare that can be found in each country. With this, it is increasingly important to create a transparency in pricing as well so patients traveling overseas for care can be sure of what they are receiving without hidden costs or unforeseen expenses. The Medical Tourism Association is also working on the Quality of Care Project, which will change the way we look at the reporting of global healthcare statistics and the quality of care available at hospitals around the world.

18th Annual National Health Benefits Conference & Expo in Tampa Florida

2009-02-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

The Medical Tourism Association spoke and presented and exhibited at the 18th Annual National Health Benefits Conference & Expo in Tampa Florida on February 3rd and 4th. The conference focused on how insurance companies and employers can continue to find sustainable strategies to provide health benefits for their employees. Medical Tourism was one of the featured and most talked about topics of the conference and Jonathan Edelheit’s presentation left many wanting to know more about Medical Tourism and how to partner with the MTA and MTA member hospitals and facilitators. Jonathan Edelheit spoke about Medical Tourism and how insurance companies and employers can implement medical tourism by working with the MTA and the MTA’s members to implement medical tourism into their health insurance plans. Many US insurance companies and self funded employers expressed significant interest in implementing medical tourism for their health plans. The Medical Tourism Association is exhibiting and speaking at over 7 of the top US and international healthcare conferences. The Medical Tourism Association will be inviting all those US and international health insurance companies and employers interested in medical tourism to their annual conference in Los Angeles, called World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress, which takes place October 26-29th, 2009. The conference previously held in San Francisco, will feature up to 2,000 attendees and over 100 exhibitors.

MTA Hosts 1st Medical Tourism Conference in Israel!

2009-02-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

The Medical Tourism Association in partnership with ISI Scientific held the 1st Medical Tourism Conference in Israel on January 22nd, 2009 in Tel Aviv. The 1 day free conference focused on Medical Tourism opportunities for the country of Israel.
The event featured over 60 participants from the top hospitals in Israel, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Health.

The Medical Tourism Association opened it’s office in Tel Aviv in partnership with ISI Scientific. “The event was extremely well organized the MTA wants to thank Israel's ISI Scientific’s efforts to bring together such a group of healthcare leaders and government officials.” said Jonathan Edelheit, President of the Medical Tourism Association.

Israel has one internationally accredited hospital with other hospitals starting the process of international accreditation. Currently Israel receives most of it’s Medical Tourists from Russia, but is also expecting growth from American patients.

The Medical Tourism Association visited the leading hospitals of Israel and found an extremely high quality of healthcare with extremely modern and state of the art facilities.

The Medical Tourism Association also visited several Tourism spots the Medical Tourists and their companions could visit when receiving medical care in Israel. The MTA visited Jerusalem and other “holy land” tourism spots that provide great opportunities for medical tourists and their companions.

The Medical Tourism Association is the first international non-profit association made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. Our Association promotes the interests of its healthcare provider and medical tourism facilitators members. The Medical Tourism Association has three tenets: Transparency, Communication and Education.

The Medical Tourism Association seeks to provide transparency in both quality of care and pricing. Every day we see more and more that the globalization of healthcare has created a very flat world. We exchange technology, information, communication, physicians and patients. In order to ensure patient safety, it is our goal to create a transparency about the quality of healthcare that can be found in each country. With this, it is increasingly important to create a transparency in pricing as well so patients traveling overseas for care can be sure of what they are receiving without hidden costs or unforeseen expenses. The Medical Tourism Association is also working on the Quality of Care Project, which will change the way we look at the reporting of global healthcare statistics and the quality of care available at hospitals around the world.

Jackson Memorial 3rd Annual Conference

2009-01-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late on this post but I just found some pictures online today so I thought since I had pictures I would go ahead and write a post! On Thursday, December 4, 2008 (I told you I'm a little late!) Jonathan Edelheit the President of the Medical Tourism Association and I traveled to Miami to attend Jackson Memorial's 3rd Annual Conference for Healthcare Policy Makers in the Caribeean Basin and Central America. Jon was a speaker and presented on Medical Tourism. It was a very nice confernece with a major prescense from the Caribbean. Here are a few pictures from the conference, for more information please go to: http://www.jmhi.org/conference/

MTA Signs Agreement with UAE Ministry of Health

2009-01-28T13:20:00.000-08:00

The UAE Ministry of Health and the Florida-based Medical Tourism Association (MTA) signed today an agreement for cooperation in the related field.The agreement mandates MTA's activities in the UAE, as it will promote the interests of the healthcare providers and medical tourism facilitators in the country. MTA is an international non-profit association made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. In the presence of the Health Minister HE Humaid Mohammed Al Qattami and other officials, the agreement was signed by Director at the minister's office Nasser Khalifa Al Budoor and Jonathan Edelheit, President of MTA.

Monterrey Mexico Conference Early Bird Ends!

2009-01-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder to everyone thinking about going to Monterrey Mexico for the Latin America Medical Tourism Congress on April 27-29, 2009! Early Bird Pricing ends this Friday!!!

Conference Early Bird Registration: $399

MTA Conference Eraly Bird Registration: $319.20

SIGN UP TODAY!!!!

Media & Bronze Sponsor: Reach MD

2009-01-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

The World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce ReachMD as a Media and Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! We are looking forward to the having ReachMD Sponsor and Exhibit!

Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, ReachMD is a revolutionary multi-channel programming source offering communication, information, and free continuing medical information (CME) for credit. ReachMD is the first and only radio channel created by medical professionals for medical professionals, available on XM Satellite Radio Channel 160 and online at www.reachmd.com, and with free CME content available on the first and only CME application developed for the Apple iPhone.

For more information,

please contact Julie Carson: jcarson@reachmd.com or 312-342-6500

MTA Members on the Move!

2009-01-07T06:36:00.000-08:00

The Move is On! Three Medical Tourism Facilitator Members of the Medical Tourism Association (MTA) are the first facilitators to enter into agreements with insurance companies and marketers of insurance products to offer medical tourism to their members and participants.

“The Medical Tourism Association has worked very hard to promote our members. We are very excited that our members are the only companies in the world to have received these special agreements and relationships to coordinate medical care for Americans traveling overseas. We are even more excited that the hospitals which have been selected to receive patients from America are also Medical Tourism Association members,” said Jonathan Edelheit, President of the Medical Tourism Association.

We are very proud of one of our Members, WorldMed Assist, which has received an agreement with Swiss Re Insurance Company. Swiss Re a leading and highly diversified global reinsurer which operates in more than 25 countries recognized medical tourism as part of their existing insurance policies and are making it available throughout the United States to employers who purchase their insurance. “By recognizing medical travel coverage offered by our self-funded stop-loss employer client base, we facilitate the availability of top-quality health care at more affordable levels than is possible in the U.S.,” said Matt Leming, Vice President and Sales Leader within Swiss Re's Commercial Insurance Division. Swiss Re has selected WorldMed Assist as the third-party medical logistics provider to manage its medical tourism option. Medical Tourism coverage will be coordinated with the employer's primary policy and with the patient's primary physician in the U.S through WorldMed Assist. As Swiss Re's medical logistics provider, WorldMed Assist will ensure that strict standards for the level of care offered by the medical staff, the hospital, clinic and any recuperative care facilities are followed. http://www.worldmedassist.com/

The second member, Surgical Trip and USNow are joining forces to offer a medical tourism program to all of it's members. Surgical Trip, LLC, of Boca Raton, Florida, has entered into an agreement with USNow, L.P., of Plano, Texas, to offer Surgical Trip’s medical tourism program to all USNow groups. This monumental event will be the first time a national marketer of limited medical health insurance plans will make a medical tourism program available to all of its members. The Surgical Trip medical tourism program will provide USNow members with access to surgical procedures at significantly lower cost when performed at select, accredited hospitals overseas. “The high quality of care available overseas through medical tourism is amazing and the cost savings are equally so. We felt medical tourism would add meaningful value for all participants on USNow limited medical plans. We are extremely excited to have Surgical Trip as our partner,” said David Lindsey, President and CEO of USNow. www.surgicaltrip.com

This is an exciting moment in the employee benefits world, as we see a major marketer like USNow, enhancing value by offering our medical tourism program to all of its members,” said Tom O’Hara, President of Surgical Trip. The program will be offered to all new USNow groups and all existing USNow groups upon their renewal.

We are also very pleased to announce that Healthbase has collaborated with Wellpoint Blue Cross Blue Shield to handle their “pilot” program of offering medical tourism for Americans traveling to India. Healthbase will handle all the medical tourism logistics and arrangements for WellPoint members. “We advise insurance companies and employers to work with medical tourism facilitators who are Medical Tourism Association members because the association has done a level of due diligence and the facilitators have agreed to promote transparency in quality and pricing,” said Renee-Marie Stephano, Chief Operating Officer of the Medical Tourism Association and editor of the Medical Tourism Magazine. “Healthbase, Surgical Trip and WorldMed Assist are excellent companies, as well as the other medical tourism facilitator members of our association.”

“We are pleased to work collectively with Healthbase to deliver an international medical tourism pilot product to our clients who are interested in exploring a medical tourism solution," said Dr. Razia Hashmi, vice president and medical director for WellPoint's national accounts division. "Medical tourism is a promising option for improving access to affordable, quality health care. Working with Healthbase, our case managers will coordinate all steps of the medical tourism process for members interested in receiving care overseas." Healthbase will assist WellPoint members with coordination of the trip, medical appointment scheduling, digital medical records transfer, and concierge travel service," according to Saroja Mohanasundaram, CEO of Healthbase. www.healthbase.com

Who is the Medical Tourism Association?

The Medical Tourism Association is the first international non-profit association made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. Our Association promotes the interests of its healthcare provider and medical tourism facilitators members. The Medical Tourism Association has three tenets: Transparency, Communication and Education.

For more information contact:
http://www.medicaltourismassociation.com/
info@MedicalTourismAssociation.com
561-791-2000

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T07:11:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from the World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress!

Power Points Available Online!

2008-12-11T08:07:00.001-08:00

Did you miss a session of the 2008 World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress?

Speaker Power point presentations are still available to view online at:
http://www.medicaltourismassociation.com/powerpoints.html

Legal Workshop Sponsor: Squire Sanders & Dempsey

2008-12-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

Among the strongest global law firms, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. has lawyers in 32 offices and 15 countries around the world. With one of the strongest integrated global platforms and our longstanding one-firm philosophy, Squire Sanders provides sophisticated seamless legal counsel worldwide.

We offer an international health care and hospitality practice to match the evolving requirements of the global medical tourism industry. With experienced lawyers throughout the world, we can guide clients through the maze of health care and hospitality issues associated with medical tourism. We have a long history representing clients in the health care, hospitality and leisure industries around the world including academic medical centers, health care systems, health insurers and hotel chains as well as the developers and financiers that make these deals happen. With experience representing clients in almost every type of deal, we bring a unique and well-rounded perspective to all the issues you may face.

Cincinnati · Cleveland · Columbus · Houston · Los Angeles · Miami · New York · Palo Alto · Phoenix · San Francisco · Tallahassee · Tampa · Tysons Corner · Washington DC · West Palm Beach Buenos Aires* · Caracas · Rio de Janeiro · Santiago* · Santo Domingo · São Paulo Bratislava · Brussels · Bucharest* · Budapest · Dublin* · Frankfurt · Kyiv · London · Moscow · Prague · Warsaw Beijing · Hong Kong · Shanghai · Tokyo *Associated firm

http://www.ssd.com/

The Congress Issue San Francisco 2008

2008-12-10T12:07:00.001-08:00

The Medical Tourism Association is pleased to share our newly released Issue 7 of the Medical Tourism Magazine with you. Please click on our magazine link located at the top right hand corner on our home page www.medicaltourismassociation.com. Scroll down to Issue 7: Special Issue - World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress 2008.

Highlights from this Issue Include:

Interview with Dr. Joseph Heyman, American Medical Association
Interview with Alex Piper, Former Buyer of Chrysler
Interview with Dr. James Fram, ISAPS
In focus articles on Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Need Gift Ideas?

2008-12-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

What is the perfect gift this holiday season?

How about tickets to the World's Largest Medical Tourism Congress! The 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress is taking place in Los Angeles on October 26-28th! Save the date and plan ahead because this is one event you do not want to miss! Buy your tickets today to get the best price at early bird registration rates!

Listen Up! Medical Tourism Congress featured on C-Span Radio!

2008-12-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

The World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress will be featured on C-Span Radio this Friday, December 5th at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. Tune in to C-span radio to listen to the session: Employers Views of Medical Tourism. Featuring speakers: Sandra Morris, Procter & Gamble; Peter Hayes, Hannaford Brothers; and Colleen DePadua, Black and Decker. The session will discuss what are the positive and negative views for employers about implementing medical tourism into their fully insured and self-funded healthcare plans? What incentives are used to encourage patients to travel overseas for care.

The show can be heard on XM Satellite Radio on channel 132. You can also listen live online at c-span's website http://www.c-span.org/.The session is a previously recorded session from the World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress which took place in San Francisco, September 9-12th, 2009 and featured over 850 attendees from over 45 countries and over 53 exhibitors and sponsors.

Bronze Sponsor: FV Hospital

2008-12-02T06:27:00.000-08:00

World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce FV Hospital as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! FV Hospital was a sponsor at our 1st Conference and have already signed on for 2 Booths for 2009! We look forward to having them Sponsor and Exhibit again!

Vietnam is becoming a choice tourist destination for its captivating culture, natural beauty and delicious cuisine. Add to the list, world-class healthcare services thanks to FV Hospital.

FV Hospital is a 100% French-invested hospital located in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. It is the first international standard hospital in Vietnam and the first outside France to be accredited by the HAS (Haute Autorite De Sante), the prestigious French healthcare organization. FV Hospital is currently in the process of being the first in Vietnam to attain JCI (Joint Commision International) accreditation.

FV Hospital is Vietnam’s premier healthcare provider with extremely comfortable facilities, state-of-the-art medical equipment and internationally-trained doctors in more than 30 specialties. It provides a large range of medical services such as joint replacement, spine surgery, eye laser treatment, plastic and reconstructive surgery, dental implants, all types of cancer treatment, gynaecology & obstetrics, etc.

FV Hospital is very competitively priced. International standards, value for money, effective results – you are certainly getting all the best with FV hospital.

FV Hospital International Patient Department will advise you on the right doctors, the type of treatment and their cost, and will help you for all logistic issues. It will play an essential role in the after care period.

At FV Hospital, a patient is not a name or a number but a privileged guest, one to be treated with care and respect. Visit www.fvhospital.com or email to us at international@fvhospital.com to find out more.

Register today to get Early Bird Special Conference Rates!

2008-12-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

Register today to get Early Bird Special Conference Rates!

Conference Only $995 (save $505)
Workshops Only $749 (save $551)
Conference + Workshops $1700 (save $800)

Discover Los Angeles!

2008-12-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

We're so excited that the 2009 World Medical Tourism and Global Health Congress is in Los Angles! There are so many things to discover and do while visiting LA! Discover LA's website says "New attractions in Los Angeles offer the top-notch entertainment and activities for all sorts of visitors. So whether it’s been a while since you’ve been to the city or you’re a first-time visitor, figuring out new things to do in LA is the first step in planning your visit. LA's newest attractions, many of which are multi-billion dollar projects, add to the city's already long list of top-notch tourist options. What are you waiting for? Get out there and discover the best of LA."

To view more of what Los Angeles has to offer visit:

http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/

Medical Tourism Congress Announces Call for Papers!

2008-11-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress has released a Call for Papers. The Conference will be held from October 26-28th at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Los Angeles, California.

Theoretical and empirical papers in all areas of Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, Health Tourism, Health Travel, and related fields are welcome. Papers must be submitted in English.

There are three ways in which to submit your paper or presentation ideas:
1) Submit your paper for a chance to present at the Conference, either in single or panel session
2) Submit you paper for a chance that it will be provided to all conference attendees
3) Recommend A Panel Session

The Conference is affiliated with The Medical Tourism Magazine. The Medical Tourism Magazine is a Bi-monthly Medical Tourism industry magazine in both print and electronic versions. The Magazine addresses important issues affecting the Medical Tourism industry and has a primary focus on the quality of healthcare available at leading international hospitals.
Papers submitted will also be considered for publication in the Medical Tourism Magazine. The latest issue of the magazine is available to read online at www.medicaltourismmag.com/ .

The deadline to submit your paper is February 15, 2009. To read the submission guidelines and download an application to submit please go to: www.medicaltourismcongress.com

MTA Magazine Launches Bi-Weekly Newsletter

2008-11-18T08:16:00.001-08:00

The Medical Tourism Magazine has launched a bi-weekly online newsletter. The newsletter will feature top stories on Medical Tourism from around the world, Top Conferences on Medical Tourism, and the latest news from the Medical Tourism Association. Current and past issue articles will be available to view online, http://www.medicaltourismassociation.com/newsletter.html

To sign up for the Newsletter please email: info@medicaltourismmag.com

To subscribe to the Magazine, click here: http://www.medicaltourismmag.com/subscribe.php

MTA Attends Forum in Sonora Mexico

2008-11-18T06:33:00.000-08:00

Hermosillo, Sonora MexicoNovember 6th and 7th, Invited attendees from Mexico and the United States gathered in Sonora Mexico for the first International Forum on “Sonora Opportunities and Perspectives of Health Tourism”. The forum featured 200 delegates over two days of panel discussions to help promote Medical Tourism in Sonora Mexico. The keynote speaker was Dr. Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos, Secretary of Health in Mexico who spoke about the upcoming challenges that will be faced in Sonora and about their goals for the future. Two representatives from the Medical Tourism Association were present for this forum, President Jonathan Edelheit and Melissa Skelton. Jonathan Edelheit was a speaker for the panel session on Global Market Trends for Providing Healthcare Services to Foreigners and also spoke on Medical Insurance for Foreign Patients. One of the hot topics at the conference was accreditation, since currently there are only 3 JCI accredited hospitals in Mexico. Many hospitals were waiting until they were accredited before they started marketing in the US to bring patients. The misconception for many is that a hospital needs to be JCI accredited before they can start receiving overseas patients. The Medical Tourism Association representatives took two hospital site tours. The hospitals they visited were CIMA Hospital Hermosillo and Hospital San Jose. Both hospitals were busy preparing for accreditation and eager to bring US patients to their hospitals. Hospital San Jose was built two years ago and is preparing to build an International Patient Department. During both tours they saw a lot of positive steps in the right direction, from top of the line technology being used, plans for remodeling/expansion, and building for the future.
The forum was a step in the right direction for Medical Tourism in Sonora. Health Tourism of Sonora was a Bronze Sponsor at the World Medical Tourism and Global Health Congress where they networked with many of the speakers that spoke at the forum.

New Media Sponsor PlacidWay

2008-11-18T06:27:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress is happy to announce another Media Sponsor, PlacidWay. PlacidWay is a leading authority in the field of health tourism through its vision, commitment to service and determination to be the most complete resource possible. PlacidWay offers world class healthcare providers in exotic destinations, a formidable knowledge and information base, quick response turnaround and a one-stop interactive approach to booking a health tourism experience. For more information on PlacidWay, go to www.placidway.com.

Introducing: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza

2008-11-14T09:16:00.000-08:00

Introducing the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, the site of the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism and Global Health Congress 2009. Surround yourself with contemporary glamour and style at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Perfectly situated on the fashionable Westside, adjacent to Beverly Hills, this elegant Los Angeles hotel offers easy access to all the sights of this vibrant city. Set on seven lush acres, with 726 spacious newly renovated guestrooms, world-class spa and fitness center, our Los Angeles luxury hotel is a resort retreat in the midst of the city. Discover why this Century Plaza hotel and spa has been the choice of dignitaries for more than 40 years. The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is offering a discount rate for all World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress delegates. Please call or email the World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress to find out more information!

Hyatt Regency Century Plaza

2025 Avenue of the Stars

Los Angeles, California, USA 90067

Tel: +1 310 228 1234

Fax: +1 310 551 3355

Registration is now Open!

2008-11-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

Registration for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress is now open!

To register today on our new and improved online registration please: Register Here

Leave us your comments on how you like our new registration system right here on the blog! We are looking forward to another exciting conference and we hope to see you all again in LA!

Bronze Sponsor: Orthopedic Surgery Center of Orange County

2008-11-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

The World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce Orthopedic Surgery Center of Orange County as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! This will be the first time they have sponsored and exhibited and we look forward to having them at the conference!

Orthopedic Surgery Center of Orange County is a full service, state-of-the-art surgical center in Newport Beach, Southern California. Our primary focus is on the care of patients with orthopedic needs. Our goal in Medical Tourism is to provide an affordable alternative within the USA for patients needing orthopedic surgery but who cannot afford the cost of a hospital stay in the USA and prefer not to travel too for care. Surgeries we perform include, but are not limited to, joint replacement including hip and knee; certain spine procedures; and other elective orthopedic surgeries. Minimal invasive surgery - MIS, latest technology and up to date pain management regimes allow procedures such as total hip or knee replacements to be performed at our center with overnight stay, follow up care is provided at the patient’s accommodations. Patient safety is our number one focus along with quality care while costing at least half that of a hospital stay.

For joint replacement and spine cases, we only schedule patients who fit the selection criteria listed below:

· Less than 64 years of age

· ASA 1 – healthy with no systemic disease

· ASA 2- healthy with system disease which is controlled – E.g.: controlled high blood pressure.

· Family/friend support system post op.

· BMI [body mass index – height v. weight] of 32 or less

Orthopedic Surgery Center of Orange County is Medicare and AAAHC certified-[a U.S. based accrediting body for health centers], has 16 credentialed, board certified orthopedic surgeons who schedule procedures at least weekly. The Center performs an average of 4800 orthopedic surgeries each year, mostly elective outpatient procedures and schedules no more than 2 total joint or spine procedures in one day; this allows us to provide the highest quality of medical and nursing care to all our patients and a 1RN:1-2 patient ratios throughout the whole visit Advantages for having surgery at Orthopedic Surgery Center of Orange County is numerous. Firstly, expert and experienced orthopedic care the whole stay, no high cost hospital bills, no foreign travel with 20+ hour flights, visit one of the most beautiful parts of the United States, no need to leave the country, no need for passports or vaccinations, no language barriers, you are treated by American doctors and healthcare professionals with customer service experience and the latest in quality care, no 3-4 week time away from your home, no adjustments to another culture while trying to recovery from a surgery and many more advantages. Prices quoted for OSC include the all center fees; implant costs; anesthesiologist fees; surgeon fees; physical therapy.

For more information, please contact:

Gabrielle White, R.N. CASC.

gwhite@oscoc.com

Ph: (877) OSC-TRVL (672-8785)
OR EMAIL
travel@oscoc.com

Bronze Sponsor: AllMedicalTourism.com

2008-11-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce AllMedicalTourism.com as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! AllMedicalTourism.com was a sponsor at our 1st Conference and have already signed on for 2009! We look forward to having them Sponsor and Exhibit again!

AllMedicalTourism.com is the search engine medical tourism and global health, offering patients a single, reliable point of research and comparison when considering a procedure overseas. They attract a large and reliable stream of potential patients from the USA, Canada and Europe who are actively looking to purchase medical services abroad.

They work with medical providers from around the World, including hospitals, clinics and medical tourism agents and we represent a controllable and cost effective new marketing channel to increase patient numbers.

Benefits for medical providers:
· A cost effective source of potential patients who are highly qualified and actively looking for procedures
· A new, international marketing channel to increase your patient numbers substantially
· Bid different amounts for patients looking for different procedures, based on their value to you
· You retain the customer relationship - we’re not an agency

Contact:

AllMedicalTourism.com

Astra Interactive Holdings, Limited
70A Club Street, Singapore 069 443
T: +44 (0) 845 057 4039
W: http://www.allmedicaltourism.com/

Press: Human Resource Executive Magazine Article

2008-11-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

Jared Shelly a Staff Writer for Human Resource Executive Magazine attended the World Medical Tourism and Global Health Congress 2008 in San Francisco California. To read the article he wrote on Medical Tourism and the conference please click on the link below!

http://www.hrexecutive.com/HRE/story.jsp?storyId=142320343

2009 Conference Brochure

2008-11-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

Please click below for the 2009 Conference Brochure for more information!

2009 Conference Brochure

It's Coming!!!

2008-11-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

Our new and improved registration site is almost ready ... stay tuned for more updates!

Are you ready?

2008-10-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

Conference Video's!

2008-10-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

If you have not seen our conference videos, please click on our two separate conference videos below!

Medical Tourism Congress 4 Minute Video

Medical Tourism Congress 60 Second Promo Video

Want to Network with up to 2,000 people?

2008-10-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Want to network with up to 2,000 people ... get an exhibit booth! The 2nd World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress which takes place October 26th – 28th in Los Angeles California will feature one of the largest exhibition halls in the world.

Top International Hospitals, Clinics, Medical Tourism Facilitators, Insurance Companies and Insurance Providers will be exhibiting and showcasing their services and quality to up to 2,000 attendees. At the 1st year’s annual Congress almost 50% of the attendees were buyers of healthcare, including insurance companies, employers, insurance providers and medical tourism facilitators. “Los Angeles was chosen as the destination for the Congress because it is the second largest city in the United States, where over 224 languages are spoken, and because Los Angeles has one of the largest amounts of health insurance agents/providers and employers. This 2nd Annual Congress should see a significant increase in the number of employers and insurance companies who attend because of it’s strategic location which should be very exciting”, said Jonathan Edelheit, President of the Medical Tourism Association.

The exhibition hall will have room for approximately 140 exhibitors from over 50 countries. This is the only medical tourism and health tourism conference in the world where the sellers of healthcare (hospitals and clinics) can actually meet with the “buyers’ of healthcare (insurance companies, providers and facilitators.

The 2nd World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress which takes place October 26th – 28th in Los Angeles California is the official Congress of the Medical Tourism Association. The Medical Tourism Association is the first and only non-profit association in the world for the medical tourism industry. The Medical Tourism Association is headquartered in the United States with branch offices in Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Please contact Melissa at Melissa@MedicalTourismCongress.com for an exhibit hall layout, prices on exhibiting, and how you can reserve your exhibit booth today!

Hello Los Angeles !!

2008-10-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for 2009?

The 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress will take place October 26-28th, 2009 in Los Angeles, California at the Hyatt Century Plaza.

* Up to 2,000 attendees from over 50 countries
* Up to 100 exhibitors and sponsors
* Over 100 expert speakers
* Over 10 workshops on pre-congress workshop day
* Up to 5,000 one-on-one networking meetings
* Networking lunches
* Networking cocktail receptions
* And so much more!

Interested in Exhibiting?

Email:

Melissa@Medicaltourismcongress.com for an exhibit hall layout to reserve your booth today! All booths are on a first come first serve basis so don't wait until it's too late! 5 New Levels of Sponsorship! Bigger Booths! More exhibit time! Breakfast and lunches in the exhibit hall to maximize your booth traffic! Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

So Long San Francisco

2008-10-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

The 2008 World Medical Tourism and Global Health Congress was held on September 9-12th in San Francisco California. It was a tremendous success with over 850 attendees from over 45 countries and more than 53 exhibitors and sponsors!

The conference featured advanced workshops in the areas of marketing, Building International patient departments, legal issues, quality of care, medical tourism facilitator hot topics, and more! Some of the panel session highlights were the Employer panel session where participants from Black & Decker, Procter & Gamble and Hannaford Brothers discussed their feelings on medical tourism. Another exciting panel session was the Insurance company panel session consisting of participants from Swiss Re, United Healthcare, CIGNA, and Assurant Health discussing both the negatives and positives of medical tourism and the insurance company view of medical tourism. A significant number of media and press came to the event with outlets such as MSNBC, Human Resources Executive Magazine, Business Insurance, and San Francisco Chronicle just to name a few.
The Highlights of the event included over 3,000 one-on-one Networking meetings with unlimited networking opportunities throughout the event, leading to many contracts signed between insurance companies, hospitals, and facilitators. New contracts were also signed between facilitators and hospitals or clinics. The conference featured many advanced educational sessions, including for the first time ever the ADA, AMA and ASPS who spoke about medical tourism. The exhibit hall came alive with all of the many countries that were represented through tourism boards, hospitals, facilitators, and many more who exhibited their quality of care and healthcare available to medical tourists and their world class services.