How To Create A Successful Inbound Medical Tourism Program

US hospitals are viewed as the quality leaders by foreigners seeking the best medical care available globally, and the specialists, technology, and facilities based in America are considered the gold standard in many other cultures.  For decades, wealthy individuals, including foreign leaders and the political elite, have traveled here in search of the most advanced treatments addressing virtually every procedure, from surgery to weight loss.  Inbound medical tourism has a long history.

For hospitals hoping to tap this inbound medical tourism market, some very high standards will need to be met, and personnel will need to address the expectations of a uniquely demanding clientele. The following is a breakdown of the offerings recommended by the organizations currently experiencing success in the marketplace.

Service is everything. Patient facing staff will need to be multilingual and culturally sensitive, and able to provide comfort and a pathway to additional personal services.  A 24/7 patient oriented concierge protocol offering initial diagnosis, second opinion, treatments and possibly outpatient care, is essential to attracting and maintaining an international following. Service must include assistance with medical evaluations & treatments from initial contact (pre-arrival) to post-discharge, arrangements for transportation, lodging, health care companions, coordinated financial clearance and pre-registration upon admittance, and support for family members.

In addition to coordinating pre and post procedure care, staff must maintain communication among patient, physician team, and hospital services in order to ensure that the patient and family are fully informed regarding care.  This requires that interpreter services be made available 24/7.

Cultural considerations include dietary concerns, religious preferences, and a sensitivity of the staff to these needs.

The protocols must ensure the ability of physicians to provide follow-up care via the patient's local doctor.  This is often an opportunity to create a relationship with health care providers overseas to establish a lasting relationship supported by mutual interest and patient advancement.  Relationships form the basis of continuing patient referrals, and it is in the interest of the organization to create an infrastructure that assists in building these relationships

Some current success Inbound Medical Tourism Program stories include:

Texas Medical Center Facilities 

• University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
• Methodist Hospital/Methodist International
• Texas Children's Hospital

Mayo Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

UCLA Health System

Harvard Partners Medical International

Johns Hopkins

Many global service providers and facilities put significant resources into promotion, including enterprise seo, and advertising on appropriate websites. Marketing is expected to play a larger role as more businesses vie for patients abroad. Many US hospitals have direct relationships with local hospitals abroad, and this seems to be an expanding model for medical tourist traveling in both directions, inbound and outbound.