Arthroplasty tourism.
The practice of "medical tourism" is gaining popularity. Lower costs and shorter waiting times are compelling motivating factors. There are also increasing commercial interests promoting medical tourism. There are very limited clinical data to support or refute this practice. However, medical tourism breaks important elements in the traditional health care model, including patient selection, continuity of care, and practice auditing. When complications arise, challenges specific to medical tourism patients may be encountered.
Cheung
Ian K
IK
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Ian_Cheung@health.qld.gov.au
Wilson
Anthony
A
D000368:Aged; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D019907:Mycobacterium fortuitum; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014195:Travel