| From stem cells to plastic and reconstructive surgery | | | | Sara Miller Llana for the Christian Science Monitor and |
| programs, Mexico is becoming an increasingly | | | | posted on MSN Money, Guadalajara has become a |
| accessible, affordable and popular destination for | | | | major tourist attraction; one known for plastic |
| medical tourists not only from neighboring North | | | | surgical procedures. Mexico enjoys a rapidly growing |
| America, but other Latin countries and international | | | | market in medical tourism that also offers the best in |
| travelers. | | | | vacation spots such as Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and |
| Because stem cell technologies are still under study | | | | destinations such as Cancun. |
| and currently undergoing Phase I and Phase II clinical | | | | Consumers should know that in most cases, cheaper |
| trials in the United States and treatments and | | | | prices offered in other countries aren't due to |
| therapies have not been approved for release, | | | | substandard care, equipment, technology, or |
| individuals hoping for alternative treatments for spinal | | | | qualifications. Cheaper procedures are due to the fact |
| injuries, neurodegenerative disorders, and paralysis | | | | that doctors in other countries aren't required to |
| caused by a trauma are seeking help south of the | | | | spend nearly as much money on medical malpractice |
| border. | | | | insurance as doctors in the United States, thereby |
| Clinical Trials Slow | | | | passing medical cost savings on to patients. |
| Clinical trials and studies researching the efficacy of a | | | | For example, an American is told that he must pay |
| variety of stem cell treatments and technologies is | | | | $50,000 for a surgical procedure in the United States. |
| extremely slow in the United States. It takes time to | | | | However, he discovers that he may receive the |
| develop drugs, conduct studies, and determine the | | | | same treatment from a highly qualified and skilled |
| safety and efficacy of a variety of drugs, | | | | doctor in Mexico for $7000. He's naturally suspicious. |
| technologies and treatments. While this is | | | | However, a bit of research into the history of the |
| understandable, many individuals feel that science and | | | | physician or surgeon, his or her training and |
| technology isn't moving fast enough to help them | | | | experience, the facilities, and the type of equipment |
| with their needs when they need it most. | | | | available is often adequate to allay fears of |
| While Americans wait impatiently for stem cell | | | | substandard treatment. |
| technologies to become available in the United States, | | | | As with seeking healthcare providers in the United |
| countries around the globe such as Mexico have been | | | | States or anywhere else, consumers seeking medical |
| utilizing stem cell treatments based on embryonic | | | | treatment or healthcare services in Mexico need to |
| stem cells, umbilical cord stem cell, adult stem cell and | | | | take the time to do their homework and research |
| placenta-based stem cell treatments and procedures | | | | facilities, certifications, experience and technologies |
| for years. | | | | available in foreign destinations. |
| Affordable Yet Quality Based Services | | | | Quality Care in Mexico |
| Medical providers and facilities located throughout | | | | Mexico offers state of the art, high-tech and |
| Mexico from just south of the border to Mexico City, | | | | world-class quality hospitals, private clinics, outpatient |
| Guadalajara and further south, offer international | | | | centers and facilities with solid infrastructures in all |
| travelers affordable yet quality care. Consumers are | | | | fields of medical care. Board certified doctors, trained |
| encouraged and cautioned to investigate and | | | | at home and abroad bring a wide range of skills and |
| research credentials, accreditation and history of | | | | expertise to their fields and offer the best in services |
| facilities, as well as efficacy of treatments and | | | | and quality care as facilities in the U.S. or Europe. |
| procedures. Still, growing numbers of medical | | | | Medical tourism is booming in Mexico, especially as |
| providers and facilities advertising international patient | | | | health care costs and insurance regulations rise in the |
| care are accredited by international quality | | | | United States prompts baby boomers and others |
| organizations, fully certified, trained and experienced | | | | around the United States to travel south of the |
| in their field of expertise. | | | | border to benefit and enjoy accessible and affordable |
| According to a 2008 article written by staff writer | | | | healthcare in Mexico. |