Growing International Medical Tourism Affects U.S. Healthcare System and Patients

Eeric Truumees, MD

Editor’s note: This editorial is the first in a two-part series. The second part will be featured in the July issue of AAOS Now and focus on domestic medical tourism. The number of Americans traveling for elective orthopaedic surgery is growing. Although the number of those seeking care abroad remains relatively small, the rate of domestic medical tourism is rapidly rising.

In an Effort to Cut Costs, Domestic Medical Tourism Has Taken Off

Eeric Truumees, MD

This editorial concludes a two-part series on medical tourism. The first editorial appeared in the May issue of AAOS Now. Visit www.aaos.org/aaosnow to read more. Medical tourism refers to patient travel specifically for medical wellness services. Part one of this editorial discussed the issue of patients traveling abroad for orthopaedic and other healthcare services. Primary drivers for such trips include costs and access to care.