Medical Tourism Flourishes for Dental Care
In need of three dental implants for which [Larry Oehler] received an estimated cost of $25,000 to $30,000 locally, he went to a medical tourist center in Costa Rica last year. He underwent delicate bone grafts and other procedures to support the implants, and had considerably more dental work done than first anticipated — all for a price of $18,000. “The clinic was modern, up-to-date, comfortable, and clean. And I had a highly skilled oral surgeon, who was most reassuring,’’ Oehler said recently.
These hospitals also have a huge side benefit for natives in developing countries. The new specialty centers mean they, too, gain instant access to modern, high-tech medical care under payment programs typically arranged with their governments. But the growing lure of medical tourism for Americans is the happy prospect of having medical procedures capably carried out at bargain prices — along with a recovery spent basking in a chaise longue at poolside.
Very interesting. I suspect that tourism will expand to much more than dental care.
Markets at work.
Last year I toured a dental lab in San Jose’ Costa Rica that makes dental crowns (mostly) for American dentists. The lab also employs several implant specialists. I would not hesitate to have work done there.
The biggest problem with medical tourism is convincing people to go. There is a lot of worry about ensuring quality of care, but most people don’t realize that we have the same issues here in the States.
I’m more optimistic about domestic medical tourism, mainly because the fear factor is slightly lower when you’re traveling inside your own country.
Very interesting posting. I need medical tourist center in Costa Rica. This article in helpful for me.Thanks for sharing.