Face+Body Cosmetic Surgery in Miami offers medical tourism services for out of town patients.
Share

Miami Medical Tourism: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Miami has always been a prime tourist destination, not just for people within the United States but also for those from Latin America, Canada, and the Caribbean. After all, it is a place known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, high-class shopping malls, and five-star dining experiences.

But Miami is more than just a tourist spot, as it is also a burgeoning destination for Miami medical tourism, especially in the field of plastic surgery.

Medical tourism is defined as the process in which a patient travels to another destination – whether local or overseas – to avail of health, medical, and wellness services. For many people, this may seem like a hassle, but it certainly appeals to patient demographics looking for quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare.

Contents[Hide]

Facts and Figures

According to 2014 figures, medical tourism brought in $6 million in revenue to Florida that year, thanks to almost 400,000 patients who flew to the state for health care purposes. This figure does not even consider the money spent by these tourists on lodging, shopping, food, and entertainment during recuperation, which can extend for an average of 11 nights.

Though plastic surgery is one of the top reasons why Miami attracts medical tourists, a lot of them also have varying goals. Some go to Miami for dental surgery, while others come in for more serious treatments, like cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, and oncology services – things that might not be available where they live. There are also people who patronize Miami’s holistic wellness industry, like those that improve mental health and help overcome drug and alcohol addictions.

The medical tourism market is so huge, that experts predict the industry will generate at least $100 billion globally every year, with Miami taking a significant share.

However, Miami medical tourism still has a long way to go before becoming an established force in the health care industry. Studies show that only five percent of all patients receiving treatment in Florida come from outside the state. Around 3.5 percent of these live in the USA, which means only 1.5 percent come from overseas.

Other destinations are also gaining ground in this industry. Reports forecast that by 2017, at least $228 million in medical care is going to leave the USA for foreign markets. This could continue to grow each year, given the rising costs of medical care.

A Strong Case for Miami Medical Tourism

There are other popular and cheaper medical tourism destinations, such as Singapore, Thailand, India, and Brazil. But why do people all over the world still flock to Miami, Florida for their medical tourism needs? Here are some of the reasons why.

Cultural Diversity

According to Medical Tourism Association president Renee-Marie Stephano, the cultural diversity and laidback vibe in Florida is a huge draw. “It’s easy to get around. For patients to come, it makes a lot of sense,” she said.

There are also patients who prefer to recover on the beach than in their home, away from nosy neighbors and toxic environments. In Miami, a lot of options are available for the recuperating patient.

Strong State Support

Visit Florida, the state’s official tourism arm, has awarded grants to nine health care providers for its medical tourism initiative called the Global Medicine Program, which aims to promote Florida medical tourism domestically and internationally.

“We realized that south of us in Miami, there are some big organizations that have capitalized on this and have grown their program over the years, and we believe we can do the same thing,” said program director Lynn Stockford. “We want to provide an experience for patients who are not able to access this level of technology and expertise and are willing and able to travel.”

Established Tourism Industry

Florida is already known for its hearty hospitality, and the state can further capitalize its position by combining it with its credible reputation for quality and affordable health care.

miami medical tourism architectureJust like what Tony Carvajal, executive vice president of Florida Chamber Foundation, said, “If we can get people connecting those two ideas together – great health care, great hospitality – Florida should win this game. It’s a fantastic opportunity for diversifying our economy and diversifying our health care industry.”

It is also important to note that patients are not the only targets of Miami medical tourism. When they go to Miami for a medical procedure, they bring with them family members who help support them during the recovery process. These relatives also eat out in local restaurants, shop in neighborhood stores, and treat themselves to varying forms of entertainment during their longer-than-traditional stay in Miami.

Destination packages are also a popular option in Miami, where everything has already been put together – from the hospitals down to the lodging and restaurants, making the whole experience hassle-free.

“When people are traveling, particularly international travelers, they want the totality of the experience, and that’s what we can offer them,” Carvajal added.

Tight Competition

As one of the most popular medical tourism hubs in the world, there are plenty of doctor and hospital choices in Miami. The healthy competition has given rise not just to affordable plastic surgeries in Miami, but also high-quality services unparalleled in the world. This ensures that patients receive satisfying results on their surgeries, making it a bang for their buck. Miami’s health systems are also continuously growing and expanding, which means that more high-quality choices will be available soon.

Candidates for Medical Tourism

Technically speaking, anyone who wants to travel to get medical care is a good candidate for a medical tourism vacation. But in general, medical tourism patients in the USA can be grouped into three broad categories based on insurance coverage:

Self-Pay Patients

These are patients who are completely paying for their own medical treatment. The majority of overseas patients fall under this category. They might also be seeking treatments that are not usually covered by insurance, like plastic surgeries done for cosmetic purposes. Hence, they are required to pay for their procedures in full.

Uninsured or Underinsured Patients

Uninsured patients also have no choice but to pay for themselves because they have no health insurance coverage. On the other hand, underinsured patients have health insurance coverage, but their policies might have high deductibles or high co-insurance, requiring them to still pay a portion of their medical procedures.

Corporate Insured Market

This category refers to patients who have access to all health care options through their employer. Employers also end up as Miami medical tourism clients because there may be cases when they send their high-level employees to a hospital in Miami to avail of executive check-ups and physical exams. There might also be instances in which a company outsources health care services to hospitals out of state or even out of the country. These allow businesses to avail of lower health care costs and get better value for their money.

Medical Procedures in Miami

Miami offers a plethora of medical treatments, some of which are the following:

Executive Physical Exams

This covers a series of tests that helps determine a person’s overall state of health. Popular among businessmen and professionals, executive physical exams aim to rule out conditions like heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Some of the tests often included in the executive check-up include:

mecical tourim miami surgery
  • Urinalysis
  • Complete blood work
  • Diagnostic imaging like x-rays and CT scans
  • Cardiovascular tests like ECG and stress test
  • Nutritional counseling

Orthopedic Surgery

Done to correct conditions associated with the musculoskeletal system, orthopedic surgeries are very popular among older patients and athletes. Some of the most common procedures done include total hip replacement, total or partial knee replacement, total shoulder replacement, hip resurfacing, meniscal repair, ACL reconstruction, arthroscopy, and spinal surgeries.

Patients looking to undergo orthopedic surgeries should be prepared to spend around one to three weeks in Miami, depending on the complexity of the procedure. While the preparation and actual procedure can be done within days, extensive recuperation and rehabilitation are necessary before going home.

Cardiovascular Treatments

Those seeking treatment for their heart ailments can also visit Miami for such purpose. The most popular cardiovascular treatments in the city include coronary artery bypass graft, heart valve replacement, angiography, and angioplasty.

Again, simpler procedures like coronary angiography without intervention can be completed immediately, with the patient being able to travel back home 48 hours after discharge. More complicated procedures, like the coronary bypass, would require a 15 to 21-day stay in Miami.

Oncology Treatments

These treatments aim to cure cancer or at least slow down its progression. A lot of hospitals in Miami offer chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or a combination of these services for cancer patients.

Neurology Treatments

Neurology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the nervous system. Examples of these diseases include seizures, aneurysms, chronic headaches, stroke, and movement disorders. Patients with neurological problems often require a high degree of medical and surgical care, specialized tests, and interventional therapy.

Organ Transplant

Organ transplants are highly complex surgical procedures involving the replacement of a diseased organ with a healthy organ from another person or a cadaver. As such, it necessitates a multidisciplinary team of medical experts and patient advocates to make sure of optimal results. Commonly transplanted organs include the kidney, liver, lung, and heart.

Patients who undergo organ transplant usually need to stay a week in the hospital, plus additional extended stay in Miami before traveling home.

Pediatric Surgeries

Any surgery that is done on fetuses, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults fall under the specialization of pediatric surgery. Miami has many pediatric surgeons with expertise on complex conditions like congenital anomalies, childhood cancers, and traumas.

Ophthalmology Surgeries

This category specializes in the correction of eye diseases, such as cataracts, retinal detachment, corneal ulcers, and refraction problems. Most ophthalmology procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, though patients still have to follow-up within four days to a week post-surgery.

ENT Treatments

This branch of medicine deals with the surgical treatment of ear, nose, and throat diseases. Examples of commonly performed procedures include myringotomy, tonsillectomy, endoscopic sinus surgery, tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, microlaryngoscopy, and endoscopic cordectomy. Most of these procedures require one to two days of hospitalization.

Dental Treatments

Dental treatments are one of the most popular procedures that people go to Miami for. Miami dentists offer a wide range of dental specializations, from orthodontics and dental surgery to pediatric dentistry and endodontics. Patients can get porcelain veneers, dental crowns, dental implants, porcelain inlays, dental bonding, and white fillings in Miami. Most of these procedures can be completed within days and with very little discomfort.

Cosmetic Surgeries

Miami medical tourism is never complete without plastic surgery, which encompasses a long list of treatments aiming to enhance a person’s appearance. Some of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in Miami include breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift, eyelid lift, and rhinoplasty.

Though many plastic surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis, most patients still need to stay in Miami for one to two weeks after the surgery for follow-up care and recovery.

Miami also has a lot of reputable cosmetic surgery clinics that cater to medical tourism clients, like Face + Body Cosmetic Surgery.

Considerations in Miami Medical Tourism

Medical tourism is more than just packing one’s bag and flying off to a hospital in Miami to have a treatment done. It is important to be meticulous about certain things that could affect the outcome of the surgery.

Here are the top considerations when it comes to Miami medical tourism.

Doctor

miami medical tourism choose doctorWhen it comes to choosing a doctor, the price is not enough. It is extremely important to make sure that your doctor is licensed, board-certified, and qualified to perform the procedure that you need. Check out your doctor’s affiliations and see if the hospital or healthcare organization he belongs to is accredited by an international accrediting body like the Joint Commission International. Plastic surgeons should also be certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Board of Surgery.

Another consideration is his experience, as the length of his experience says a lot about his skills and abilities. Aside from that, he should also have an impressive body of work backed by positive testimonies from his previous clients. Websites like Real Self and Health Grades contain hundreds of reviews about doctors all over the globe.

You should also think about how your doctor is planning to give you follow-up care even if you live on the other side of the world.

Hospital

Just like your physician, your chosen hospital or clinic should be a major consideration in your decision-making process. Make sure that the facility you choose has modern and state-of-the-art facilities coupled with the highest accreditation standards. To ensure a breezy medical tourism experience, it should also have a medical travel process for both local and international patients.

Medical Tourism Agency

It helps to work with a reputable medical tourism agent as they already have a list of hospitals that have met their health care standards. They also have good working relationships with doctors in these hospitals, resulting in priority communication status.

Many Miami medical tourism agencies offer hassle-free packages for those who want to have everything taken care of. They arrange your flights, accommodation, and even your surgery schedule. They are ready to assist you anytime a problem arises.

Read more about what you should look for in your doctor and destination in this article.

Risks and Dangers

If there are countless advantages to having your plastic surgery done in Miami, there are also risks involved. Awareness of these risks allows you to become more vigilant in avoiding them.

Exposure to Infections

Infections are one of the biggest risks of medical tourism, as different places in the world also have different standards for sanitation. Sometimes, medical facilities and equipment can appear to be unsanitary. You may end up with a serious disease like HIV or hepatitis just from using dirty needles and unsterile surgical equipment.

Language Barrier

A language barrier can be a huge problem especially if you are seeking treatment in a country in which the language is not familiar to you. You may not be able to properly communicate your health issues or ask for help if something goes wrong. Misunderstandings can also lead to serious complications after treatment.

Lack of Recovery and Follow-Up Care
Your treatment does not end in the hospital, as post-operative recovery and follow-up care are also crucial for the success of your procedure. You never know when you will require treatments for complications or infection that might arise after surgery, such as deep vein thrombosis or worse, pulmonary embolism.

Doctor Credentials

In Florida, cosmetic surgeons are not required to obtain specialty certification, meaning he may be offering different kinds of surgeries even though he is only trained in one kind. Hence, it is important to make sure that you are receiving treatment from a board-certified surgeon.

Legal Concerns
Foreign medical facilities make it difficult for you to pursue a case, as foreign land means foreign rules. A malpractice suit is often too expensive or even impossible to launch from overseas. It could take years to settle if there is any recourse at all.

Learn more about The Top 8 Risks and Dangers of Medical Tourism in this article.

Tips for Safe Medical Travel

  • Research your medical provider and medical facility with utmost care if you want to have a pleasant medical tourism experience without complications.
  • Plan your trip methodically and understand as much as you can about the medical tourism process. You can check out this guide on how you can plan your Miami medical tourism trip.
  • Always ask for information that will help you in your decision-making process, such as your doctor’s credentials and hospital performance indicators.
  • Bring a companion, especially if you are going to undergo a procedure with some downtime involved.
  • Provide a few days of rest before you travel back home and resume work in order to give you time to fully recover.
  • Travel as comfortably as possible after surgery. If you can afford business class tickets, buy them instead of economy class.
  • Always keep your medical records and contact information handy.

medical tourism sharks

If you are looking for a viable destination for your medical tourism trip, look no further than Miami. It offers world-class facilities and highly experienced surgeons, especially in the field of cosmetic surgery.

An excellent clinic to consider is Face + Body Cosmetic Surgery Miami, which boasts of double board-certified and reputable surgeons like Dr. Nick Masri and Dr. Mark BroudoSchedule a Free Consultation with one of them to discuss your concerns regarding medical tourism.

References:

http://www.miamiherald.com/real-estate/article98183247.html

http://www.850businessmagazine.com/August-September-2016/A-Medical-Twist-on-Tourism/

https://www.fortlauderdaledaily.com/features/exploring-medical-tourism-south-florida-where-cutting-edge-treatments-are-just-steps-beach

http://miami.medicaltourism.com/destination/whotravelsformedicalcare.aspx

http://www.medretreat.com/templates/UserFiles/Files/The%20Medical%20Tourist.pdf

http://miami.medicaltourism.com/destination/tipsformedicaltravel.aspx

 

gynecomastia medical tourism

Gynecomastia Surgery via Medical Tourism: 6 Top Things to Consider

Are you tired of dealing with your “man boobs”? Is the constant teasing getting to you? Have diet and exercise done nothing to reduce the size of your breasts?

big boobs

Medical Tourism: 15 Breast Augmentation Myths You Need to Stop Believing

If you’re thinking of getting breast augmentation via medical tourism, but you’re having second thoughts, it might be because you’ve heard of the many misconceptions surrounding the procedure.

thigh lift medical tourism

Your Ultimate Thigh Lift Recovery Plan after Medical Tourism

Who doesn’t want long, slender legs that you can rock with shorts and skirts?

That’s what a thigh lift does for you – removes excess skin and fat from your thighs and make your legs appear slimmer and more toned.

medical tourism brachioplasty

Medical Tourism: Don't Forget to Ask These 12 Important Arm Lift Questions in Your Medical Vacation Trip

The arm lift or brachioplasty is one of the most common procedures done in USA medical tourism – its numbers jumping by more than 4,800% from 2000 to 2015.

breast implants

Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants: Choosing the Right Breast Implants for Safe Medical Tourism

Aside from looking at breast implants cost, one of the biggest decisions that you have to make when undergoing breast augmentation via medical tourism is selecting your breast implants.

medical vacation plastic surgery

Do You Need Plastic Surgery or Cosmetic Surgery on Your Medical Tourism Trip?

Before you go on your medical tourism trip, one of the things that you need to understand is the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.

breast lift myths

Medical Tourism: 13 Breast Lift Myths You Have to Stop Believing

Almost everyone knows what breast reduction surgery and breast implants are, but a lot of people are still confused what a breast lift is.

medical tourism body contouring surgery

Why You Should Get an Upper Body Contouring Through Medical Tourism

If you have lots of excess loose skin on the upper part of your body, you may want to consider getting an upper body contouring or brachioplasty through Miami medical tourism.

mermaid lift mommy makeover

8 Reasons You Should Get a Mermaid Lift Instead of a Mommy Makeover in Miami

.moduletable

The Mermaid Lift – Face + Body’s signature treatment for Miami medical tourism patients – is often confused with the mommy makeover for one reason:

body contouring medical tourism

How Miami Medical Tourism Can Boost Your Body Contouring Surgery Results

Body contouring surgery is one of the most comprehensive cosmetic procedures that you can undergo via medical tourism.

medical tourism liposuction miami

15 Vital Questions You Need to Ask Before Your Miami Medical Tourism Liposuction

Deciding to get a liposuction is a huge decision. But choosing to do the procedure via Miami medical tourism is an even bigger one.

While the Florida medical tourism scene is thriving, there is always the danger that you might not end up with the right plastic surgeon.

breast reconstruction

8 Quick Facts on Breast Reconstruction Every Breast Cancer Survivor Needs to Know

Prevailing over breast cancer is a huge feat, but having your breasts completely removed might not be your idea of a happy ever after.

But thanks to breast reconstruction, you can have your breasts rebuilt even after getting a mastectomy or lumpectomy surgery.

tummy tuck facts

10 Facts About Tummy Tuck You Probably Didn't Know

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may be one of the more popular cosmetic surgeries in the world, but it doesn’t mean that you know every single thing about the procedure.

A lot of people are still confused on what a tummy tuck is and isn’t.

bbl gone wrong

10 Times You Got Brazilian Butt Lift All Wrong

If there’s one procedure that represents this generation’s pop culture, it’s a Brazilian butt lift or BBL.

But its popularity has also made it prone to misconceptions.

after gastric bypass

Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss: 10 Questions You Need to Ask First

Losing a massive amount of weight might be a dream come true for many of us, but there’s one thing that fitness gurus are not telling you – you can gain a lot of excess skin after losing a lot of weight.
abdominal wall reconstruction hernia repair miami faq

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in Miami: Your FAQs Answered

When it comes to plastic surgery, few people would think of getting an abdominal wall reconstruction.

Many would request a tummy tuck, liposuction, or Brazilian butt lift. But offer them an abdominal wall surgery, and they’ll ask you, “What’s that?"

breast reduction back pain

8 Reasons Why You Should Get Your Breast Reduction in Miami

Say goodbye to chronic back pain and cutting bra straps with breast reduction surgery!

More than just your appearance, this plastic surgery also improves your health by relieving breast heaviness that causes neck pain and backaches, allowing you to live a pain-free life.

World Medical Tourism

The 10 Best Countries in the World for Your Plastic Surgery Needs

With medical tourism rapidly gaining ground, you might be wondering which countries are leading the cause for plastic surgery.

We have rounded up 10 countries where plastic surgery is most popular, but take note that there is no safety assurance for any of these countries.

Miami Medical Tourism

Top 13 Places to Visit in Miami for a Fun-Filled Medical Vacation

You may be going to Miami for plastic surgery, but it doesn’t mean that you can no longer enjoy the sights and sounds this tropical city has to offer. After all, Miami is a world-class tourist destination showcasing a variety of beaches, restaurants, and theme parks – and it would be a…

Tourists Miami Medical Tourism

Healthcare with Hospitality: How to Choose the Best Hotel for Your Miami Plastic Surgery Experience

It goes without saying that Florida is one of the premier tourist destinations in the world, boasting of world-class beaches, popular amusement parks, and a lovely warm weather all-year round.

medical tourism vacation

Top 14 Tips for the Best Medical Tourism Experience Ever

Going to Miami for plastic surgery is not something that you’ll do every day, so you might as well make it an experience that you’ll never forget – in a good way.

A lot of things might go wrong during your trip, but you can avoid these unpleasant situations by following these 14 tips to…

miami medical tourism questions

4 Things You Need to Remember About Miami Plastic Surgery

If you’re thinking of getting a cosmetic procedure in the United States, there’s little doubt that Miami plastic surgery would immediately come to mind. After all, Miami is the home of hundreds of plastic surgery clinics – the likes of which you can’t find in any other place in the…

holiday medical tourism

Five Questions You Need to Ask Every Medical Tourism Company

With medical tourism quickly gaining ground in several countries and states, it is understandable that medical tourism companies are emerging to facilitate the whole process. After all, it can be tedious to arrange a plastic surgery trip to the United States, especially if you are coming…

plastic surgeon miami tourism

Six Reasons Why You Should Consider Miami Medical Tourism

Medical tourism may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure appeals to patients looking for quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare. It is especially popular for plastic surgery patients, as cosmetic procedures can cost a fortune, especially within the United States.

medical tourism miami excersise

Miami Food Trip: Helpful Diet Tips After Plastic Surgery

When it comes to recovering from plastic surgery, most people are concerned about how soon they are going to get back on their feet.

“When can I go back to work?”

“Can I exercise and lift weight after two weeks?”

“Will I be able to drive in a week’s time?”

But one thing that patients…

Pssport and visa Miami medical tourism

10 Costs You Need to Consider in Miami Medical Tourism

You’re all set for your tummy tuck in Miami – you’ve packed your bags, taken time off work, and informed your friends and family regarding your Miami medical tourism plan.

miami medical tourism architecture

The Essentials in Planning Your Medical Tourism Trip to Miami

Congratulations on choosing Miami as your medical tourism destination. Now that you have decided to undergo your cosmetic surgery in Miami, your work does not stop there.

Medical Tourism: Choosing Your Destination and Doctor

One of the most exciting things to do once you have decided to give medical tourism a chance is choosing your destination and physician.

A Timeline of Medical Tourism Through the Ages

The Medical Tourism Association defines medical tourism as the process in which a patient travels to another destination for medical or health and wellness services.

medical tourism risks

Top 8 Risks and Dangers of Medical Tourism

Just a couple of months ago, a 29-year-old woman from West Virginia traveled all the way to South Florida to undergo a plastic surgery procedure.

medical tourism abroad danger

The Dangers of Medical Tourism Abroad

With the increased popularity of online shopping and ordering consumer goods directly from overseas in an effort to save cost, it should come as no surprise that men and women looking into cosmetic surgery have looked into having their desired procedure done abroad.

miami holidays

Relax and Recuperate in Vibrant Miami

Relax and Recuperate in Vibrant Miami

As you are recovering, you will want to be up and around as soon as possible without overdoing it. As you see daily improvement, why not enjoy some of the many attractions and activities that Miami has to offer. If your loved one accompanies you, they…

medical travel destination miami

Making Miami Your Medical Travel Destination

Making Miami Your Medical Travel Destination

Miami, Florida is an amazing global destination. It’s the type of place where you would never be bored. For starters, the city that is also called “The Gateway to the Americas” offers amazingly beautiful beaches that are usually swamped with…

miami medical tourism destination

A Healthy Option for Medical Tourism: Miami, FL

An increasingly popular trend among people around the world is medical tourism. People travel far and wide to obtain medical, dental, or professional services. For the most part, a discounted price is what patients are seeking. Care and caution are necessary when you are shopping for a…

miami medical tourism getaway

Guide to Medical Tourism in Miami:Advanced Procedures & Exceptional Service in a Beautiful Location

In Miami, Florida, medical tourism is not a new concept. People in need of serious medical care as well as cosmetic procedures have flocked to the Sunshine State for generations. Tourists come from Latin America and other countries as well as throughout the United States seeking some of…

miami medical tourism paradise

Miami Medical Tourism Basics

Miami Medical Tourism Basics

You don’t have to be from Florida to have plastic surgery at Face+Body Cosmetic Surgery

Are you interested in our clinic’s professional plastic surgery but you aren’t located in our area? No problem!

Top 10 Doctor 2014,2013 Patients Choice Award,2013 Vitals Most Compassionate Doctor,Real Self Top Doctor,American Society of Plastic Surgeons Members,Members of The American Board of Surgery,American Board of Plastic Surgery Members-Board Certified Plastic Surgeons
Free Ebook Download for A-Z of Plastic Surgery Essential Guide