A code of practice for medical tourism

As medical tourism grows to become a worldwide phenomenon, increasing attention is being paid to issues such as quality of treatment, accreditation of surgeons and dentists, hospitals and clinics. Sometimes these issues are raised by patients, and sometimes by professional bodies such as associations representing doctors, dentists and cosmetic surgeons.

At Treatment Abroad, we are aware of these concerns and are keen to reinforce the standards which the medical tourism industry is gradually adopting.

We have therefore launched a “Code of Practice for Medical Tourism”.

You can view accredited companies and providers here.

Objectives

The objectives of the code are to:

• Encourage the development of best practices amongst medical tourism agencies and healthcare providers.

• Drive quality in the medical tourism sector.

• Provide reassurance to patients about the services promoted on the Treatment Abroad site.

• Enable us to combat some of the negative comments that may be directed at the medical tourism industry.

The code has been developed in consultation with our clients.

How does it work?

The code provides reassurance regarding key issues that concern those considering treatment overseas by endorsing, through a clear and unambiguous badge, the clinics, hospitals and intermediaries that achieve the code of practice.

The code is voluntary. We ask our clients to comply with the Treatment Abroad Code of Practice, and to self certify through a self assessment process, examining compliance with the code. The application is then reviewed and approved or declined by external assessors.

The code is not intended to assess clinical quality and outcomes. It focuses  on the business practice of medical tourism, the patient/provider relationship and the communication/information aspects of medical tourism.

Agencies and healthcare providers who have completed the self-assessment process and comply with the code may then:

• Be able to display the Treatment Abroad accreditation on their web site and marketing materials.

• Be listed on the Treatment Abroad web site as complying with the Code of Practice.

Want to know more?

An overview of the Treatment Abroad “Code of Practice for Medical Tourism” and an application form can be requested via the Treatment Abroad Enquiry Form.

If you are a patient, medical tourism agency or healthcare provider, we would welcome your input and comments on this initiative.