SCOTTSDALE BANGKOK SINGAPORE TORONTO LONDON ABU DHABI
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of the Medical Traveller
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THIS DOCUMENT AS NEEDED. PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR COPYRIGHT APPROPRIATELY. INFORM US IF YOU ADD, CHANGE OR REVISE THE TEXT HERE, OR IF YOU TRANSLATE IT, SO WE MAY CONTINUE TO UPDATE THIS DOCUMENT AND CIRCULATE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES. March 2009 Dear medical travel partner and participant, Increasing numbers of patients are crossing international borders to seek medical care and treatment. These patients face challenges that are beyond those they would encounter if they sought care in their home country. They may be vulnerable to misunderstandings and inappropriate care. They may be subject to the vagaries of foreign laws that offer less or no protection in certain situations than they expect. While health care providers and services must practice a health care ethic that respects the unique situation of the medical traveller, the medical traveller is an equal partner and participant in the delivery of medical treatment and care across borders. The medical traveller must accept a grave responsibility to share in his or her own delivery of medical treatment and follow-up care management. We thank all those who have contributed to this discussion of medical travelling patient's responsibilities and obligations to ensure that treatment given is appropriate and correct, and the patient follows instructions for continuing care after leaving the medical destination. Sincerely,
of the Medical Traveller
Just as medical travellers have a reasonable right to expect certain terms and conditions from providers and other medical travel partners, they also, for the sake of their good health care, have certain responsibilities and obligations when electing to receive medical care and treatment outside their own country. As a medical traveller, you have these responsibilities. 1. To work with your health care provider and agent or patient care manager to develop and carry out agreed upon treatment plans and ongoing therapies. 2. To ask questions if you do not understand information, medical terms, the specifics of your treatment, or what is expected of you; and prepare written questions and comments for your doctor 3. To consult with your doctor before self-medicating or seeking alternative therapies including herbal medicines that might interfere with your ongoing treatment. 4. To disclose relevant information to your doctors, nurses and care manager, before, during and after your treatment, including unexpected changes in your condition, new symptoms, or increased pain. 5. To make an effort to understand and accept the cultural differences of the health workers caring for you, and between you and patients from other countries; show respect and courtesy to those you meet on your medical journey; and clearly communicate your wants and needs. 6. To take all possible precautions against spreading disease or infection, including frequently washing hands and strictly following doctor's orders. 7. To keep your appointments. If you are unable to do so for any reason, notify your health care provider or representative immediately. 8. To make sure you know all the costs involved in your care and treatment, properly arrange to make your payments and otherwise to meet your financial obligations. 9. To be honest, accurate and thorough when providing personal information, and update this information regularly. If you have received a discount or payment (financial or in kind) for "telling your story", please say so. 10. To be prepared and knowledgeable as best you can about your medical condition and needs; seek expert advice from your general practitioner and/or medical travel planner; and keep your hometown doctor advised of your plans. 11. To seek out reliable sources of information; and be particularly cautious of internet websites and chat rooms that may distort, positively or negatively, information about a hospital, doctor, medical travel agent, or patient. 12. To understand that as a medical traveller who is also an international patient, you are a partner in your medical care and assume more responsibility than at home. If you choose to discontinue treatment, transfer your care and records to another physician or facility or otherwise act against doctor advice, you may not hold the doctor, hospital or agent responsible for any consequences of your decision.
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