by Denise

Accreditation shows quality, and in healthcare environments, guarantees that facilities have met minimum standards and guidelines offered by various domestic and international quality boards.

For example, individuals desire quality in healthcare, whether for dental, cosmetic, bariatric or other treatments and surgical procedures. Patients deserve to know that staff is trained, facilities are clean and that procedures follow standards that reduce chances of error, infection or negligence.

Medical travelers must take the time to assess standards of care in foreign destinations. Take into consideration the following factors:

• Education and certification of facility medical staff
• Continuing educational opportunities for medical staff
• Track record of the clinic or hospital
• Infection control measures
• Potential risk of tropical disease/infections

Whether you’re seeking alternative cancer treatments in Turkey or the latest in spine surgery technology from South Korea, increased mobility with a knee or hip replacement surgical procedure in India, or dental implants in Mexico, make sure the facility you choose is accredited.

Facilities with accreditations granted by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and/or the Joint Commission International (JCI) receive higher ratings, income, and interest from medical travelers. An International Organization for Standardization (ISO) rating accredits reputable medical institutions, no matter where they are located.

For more information regarding accreditation and credentials of medical facilities abroad, visit PlacidWay.com, an international medical resource and provider that offers global travelers the best in medical and dental care services.

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Posted in Health Tourism, Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism Accreditations | No Comments »

by Denise

According to recent studies reported by the Journal of Hospital Medicine (2011;6:454-461), JCI-accredited facilities are able to publicly report outperformance based on quality measures, and performance levels continue to increase every year thereafter, according to the report.

At the same times, scores of such hospitals and facilities continually improve over non-accredited hospitals by roughly 26%, though it’s important not to discredit non-accredited hospitals, which should not be considered substandard by any means. Accreditation by international accrediting organizations such as the JCI is strictly voluntary.

However, accreditation does promote a dedication toward improving quality and performance and has been used as a marker for excellence first in the U.S. and now abroad, for nearly a decade. (Roughly 82% of hospitals in the U.S. are currently accredited by the JCI.)

The Joint Commission evaluates medical facilities based on a standard of requirements that must be met in order to ‘pass’ inspection. Considerations inspection teams include:

• Medical staff credentials and training
• Nursing staff credentials and training
• Medication Management
• Infection Control
• Environment of Care
• Patient Rights
• Provision of Care Treatment Services

International accreditation standards are focused on patient care, continuity of care, referrals, discharge protocols and procedures, follow-ups, and transfer of patients to other facilities or specialists. The accreditation process ensures that medical providers as well as hospital and medical facilities are able to identify and determine medical needs of patients before they are admitted.

For more information on accredited healthcare facilities and hospitals abroad, visit PlacidWay.com.

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Posted in Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism Accreditations | No Comments »

by PlacidWay

In the United States, we have what is called the Patient’s Bill of Rights. This ‘bill’ set standards of care and expectations for patients  whether they’re in a hospital, seeing a doctor at their local doctor’s office, or placed in a long-term care facility or nursing home. Did you know that other countries also have similar standards regarding patient care and the right of patient’s around the world?

Look up these documents on patient’s rights, found on the WHO (World Health Organization) website:

• Patient’s Charter (Hong Kong)
• Patient’s Rights Act (Israel)
• Patient’s Ombudsman (Japan)
• How to Enforce Patient’s Rights (Hungary)
• Patient’s Rights (Malaysia)
• The Royal Marsden Hospital  Patient’s Charter (UK)
• American Hospital Association Patient’s Bill of Rights (US)
• Le Service Public de L’Accès du Druit) France
• International Digest of Health Legislation, 50 (Denmark, Turkey, Lithuania)
• The Patient’s Rights Charter (South Africa)

As you can see, countries around the world take patient care and treatment seriously. Nearly every country in the world has a document/charter/act/law defining the rights of patients in a variety of caregiving scenarios, as well as for those who are mentally challenged or disabled.

When looking for treatment abroad, look for hospitals and facilities accredited by the JCI (Joint Commission International) whenever possible. The accreditation is voluntary, not mandatory. Besides JCI accreditation, look for qualifications and certification and transparent information regarding the history of doctors, surgeons and success rates of specific procedures in the country you’d like to visit.

For more information about patient advocacy, quality and continuity of care, visit PlacidWay.com, an international medical provider based in Denver, Colorado.

Tags: American Hospital Association Patient's Bill of Rights, certified doctors, certified surgons, foreign medical care, global patient's rights, healthcare abroad, hospital facilities abroad, hospitals abroad, JCI accreditation, Joint Commission International, nursing home, patient advocacy, patient care, patient care abroad, patient care standards, patient rights bills, Patient's Ombudsman, patient's rights, Patient's Rights Act, patient's rights Patient's Charter, quality of care, quality patient care, rights of patients, Royal Marsden Hospital Patient's Charter, treatment abroad, WHO, World Health Organization
Posted in Health Tourism, Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism Accreditations | 1 Comment »

by PlacidWay

You want to know the qualifications, experience and skills of your mechanic before you let him under the hood of your car, so why wouldn’t you do the same when it comes to choosing a doctor or surgeon? Believe it or not, many people don’t question their doctors or surgeons, assuming that they’re qualified to do what you need. After all, they’re doctors and surgeons – it would be rude to question their abilities.

Unfortunately, many in today’s baby boomer generation are of this mindset. Younger people of generation X and generation Y do ask more questions. Your doctor (unless he’s insecure) is not going to mind one bit if you ask him about his history.

Check into the background of any healthcare provider before receiving healthcare services, treatments or procedures. Due to questions in this area and to promote quality and transparency, organizations from around the world have taken proactive steps to address issues of quality, safety and developed international standards of care, policies, and best practices for healthcare facilities and providers around the globe.

What do you look for when verifying qualifications? Start with their:

Educational background

Experience performing specific procedures or specialized care for a specific condition (such as cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, addiction treatment, cosmetic surgical procedures, etc.)

Is he/she a member of any professional organizations? (such as the American Medical Association, state or country of origin professional medical or surgical boards, etc.)

Clinical experience – for example, how many times has he/she performed this procedure or surgery?

Those are just ideas. You must feel comfortable with your doctor or surgeon before you can trust them with your care. That’s why PlacidWay, a leader in medical tourism providers and resources, displays the background, credentials, and qualifications of every doctor and surgeon on their site. Don’t neglect this very important aspect of your medical care, whether you’re receiving treatment at home or abroad.

Tags: addiction treatment, American Medical Association, cancer, cancer treatment, certification for doctors, clinical experience, cosmetic surgical procedires, diabetes, diabetes treatment, doctor qualifications, healtcare options, health care provider skills, healthcare facilities, healthcare facilities abroad, healthcare provider, international standards of care, medical boards, medical care, medical care abroad, medical provider, medical resources, Medical Tourism, medical tourism abroad, medical tourism providers, Medical tourists, medical travel, medical travelers, multiple sclerosis, PlacidWay, specialized care, surgical boards
Posted in Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism Accreditations | No Comments »

by PlacidWay

Not if you take the time to verify your resources and use reputable medical provider resources and information when comparing your options. Would you buy a car without looking under the hood? Would you buy a house without making sure the plumbing works? Would you let any surgeon operate on you without finding about his experience and credentials?

It’s likely that you wouldn’t do any of the things listed above. Before doing any of the things listed above, you’d take steps to reduce your risks. How? Information. You’d take the time to read, to learn, to research.

Medical tourism is one of the most popular and fast-growing trends in the 21st century and with good reason. Medical tourism is no longer considered a joke. Just like online dating, medical tourism has gained acceptance around the world. International facilities have taken  steps to relieve worries of medical travelers by offering transparency. They’re displaying their educational credentials and experience. Growing numbers of hospitals around the world are seeking and have received accreditation from global accrediting organizations including the Joint Commission International. Others are receiving ISO certification.

The Jordan Hospital in Amman, Jordan is just one. The Wooridul Spine Hospital in South Korea is one of the most highly respected in the world. Bariatric surgeons in Mexico and South American countries are among the best in the world and orthopedic surgeons like Dr. A.K. Venkatachalam of the Madras Joint Replacement Center in Chennai, India sees hundreds of patients a year, a great number of them from outside India.

Is medical tourism risky? Not if you take the time to do your homework. For more information regarding international accreditation, credentials and qualifications of doctors and surgeons around the world, visit PlacidWay.com. It’s like taking that car for a spin around the block before your purchase. Smart business all around.

Tags: amman, bariatric surgeons, bariatric surgeons in Mexico, bariatric surgery, Dr. A.K. Venkatachalam, hospitals in jordan, Indian surgeons, international hospitals, international medical facilities, international medical provider, international medical travel, ISO certification, Joint Commission International, jordan, jordan hospital, Madras Joint Replacement Center, medical provider, medical provider international, medical resources, Medical Tourism, medical tourist, Medical tourists, medical travel transparency, orthopedic care, orthopedic care in India, orthopedic surgeons, PlacidWay, PlacidWay.com, safety medical tourism, South Korea medical tourism, spine care in South Korea, Wooridul Spine Hospital
Posted in Health Tourism, India Medical Tourism, Jordan Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism Accreditations, Mexico Medical Tourism, Obesity | Bariatric Surgery Abroad, Orthopedics Surgery Abroad, South America Medical Tourism | No Comments »

by Denise

How do you know the medical facility you’re thinking about visiting in India is up to your standards? What kind of guarantee that the hospital you’re visiting in Mexico, Turkey or South Africa is safe, clean and offers the best in informed, experienced and quality medical care? You check their accreditation and certification.

Two such accrediting organizations, the Joint Commission International (JCI) or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accredit reputable medical institutions, no matter where they are located. The accreditation process is basic.

International accreditation standards focus on patient care, continuity of care, referrals, discharge protocols and procedures, follow-ups, and transfer of patients to other facilities or specialists. The accreditation process ensures that medical providers and hospital and medical facilities identify and determine medical needs of patients before admission.

Here are some more:

• International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua)
• Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC)
• Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation (HQAA)
• Society for International Healthcare Accreditation (SOFIHA)- Britain

In addition:

• The United Kingdom Accreditation Forum (UKAF)
• Australian Council for Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI)
• Canadian Council on Health Services Regulation (CCHSA)
• Joint Commission International (JCI)
• Trent Accreditation Scheme – aka Trent (U.K., Europe, Hong Kong, Malta, Philippines)

 Does this mean your hospital room will be what you’re used to seeing the in U.S.? Not all the time. Foreign hospitals provide the basics and while some are luxurious, others are plain and simple, there for patient care, not entertainment. Still hospital facilities abroad offer the basics, such as choice between private and semi-private room, television, and space for family and visitors.

For more information on hospital quality and accreditation abroad, visit PlacidWay, a medical tourism facilitator based in Denver, Colorado. Only the best will do when you’re looking for care for yourself or a loved one. Do your homework and choose wisely.

Tags: Accreditation Commission for Health Care, accreditation of hospitals, accreditation process, ACHC, certfiied hospital facilities abroad, continuity of care, foreign hospitals, Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation, hospital facilities abroad, hospital quality, HQAA, India medical tourism, International Organization for Standardization, International Society for Quality in Health Care, ISO, ISQua, JCO, Joint Commission International, medical facility, medical institutions, Medical Tourism, medical tourism concerns, medical tourism facilitator, medical tourism in India, medical tourism in Mexico, medical tourism in Turkey, medical tourism safety, Medical tourists, Mexico Medical Tourism, patient care, PlacidWat, Society for International Healthcare Accreditation, SOFIHA, standards of care, Turkey medical tourism
Posted in Health Tourism, India Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism Accreditations, Medical Tourism South Africa, Medical Tourism Turkey | No Comments »

by Denise

Many people are intimidated, embarrassed and hesitant to ask about surgeon qualifications and experience, but it’s your body, and your decision. However, take the time to find out about your surgeon; determine his or her surgical specialty, qualifications, and training.

Medical tourism providers such as PlacidWay offer website visitors and clients detailed an in-depth information regarding surgeons qualifications including schooling, training, and experience in surgical fields that range from orthopedics to urology, neurosurgery, plastic and cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, as well as general surgical procedures.

Surgeons generally complete a 4- to 5-year residency after traditional university education, followed by four or more years of medical school. Surgeons who sub-specialize may spend another year or two focusing and practicing in that subspecialty. For example, don’t be embarrassed to ask:

• Are you board certified in your specialty or subspecialty? Board certification is only granted after written and oral examinations taken and passed. Surgeons who complete subspecialties should have certification in those fields as well.
• How many surgical procedures in this subspecialty have you performed? You may also inquire how many surgeries the surgeon has performed in the past year.
• Is your surgeon willing to ask a surgeon with greater experience to assist in your surgical procedure?
• Ask about recovery times and complications.  Any surgical procedure, no matter how minor, comes was certain potential complications that range from reacting to anesthesia to post surgical blood clots.

When choosing a surgeon at home or abroad, remember that you’re the one in charge. Take the time to research the training, qualifications such as the link provides, and experience of surgeons no matter where they’re located, where they’ve been trained, and/or the type of procedure you’re looking for.

Tags: best surgeon abroad, best surgeons abroad, board certified surgeons, choosing a surgeon, choosing a surgeon abroad, cosmetic and plastic surgical procedures, cosmetic plastic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons abroad, medical care abroad, Medical Tourism, medical tourism facilitators, medical tourism issues, medical tourism providers, medical tourism surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic surgery, PlacidWay, PlacidWay medical resources, plastic and cosmetic surgery, plastic surgeons, qualifications, reconstructive surgeons, reconstructive surgery, surgeon's qualifications, surgery abroad, surgery experience, surgical procedure complications, surgical procedure risks, surgical procedures, surgical qualifications, surgical specialty, surgical training, urology procedures, urology surgeons, urology surgery
Posted in Cosmetic Surgery Abroad, Health Tourism, Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism Accreditations, Orthopedics Surgery Abroad | 1 Comment »

by Denise

The field of medical tourism is booming, giving thousands of individuals from around the world greater chance of accessing affordable, excellent and certified medical care beyond their own country’s borders.  One of the major questions that potential medical travelers ask is how to choose the right doctor when traveling abroad.

Growing numbers of medical facilities are becoming accredited and certified by United States as well as international accrediting organizations.  The JCI (Joint Commission International) and ISQA (International Society for Quality Assurance) insures the facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics or treatment centers offer clean, safe environments that also offer the latest in medical equipment and technology.

Look for membership, certification or accreditation by nationally or internationally recognized organizations or doctors memberships in the country you’re considering traveling. Doctors, surgeons, and other specialists, regardless of their location or medical field are offered membership in organizations, associations, societies, and other recognized environments following education, training and experience in their medical field of choice.

PlacidWay, an international medical tourism portal based in Denver, Colorado offers consumers choices when it comes to their healthcare options. PlacidWay provides information regarding facilities, treatments, procedures, surgeons and physicians around the world who operate certified, respectable, reliable, and affordable medical care facilities.

Medical tourism in Latin America offers some of the best doctors, surgeons and facilities in the world.  Excellent stem cell research and development facilities and doctors are found throughout the world, as are world famous orthopedic, cardiac and bariatric surgeons, from Latin America to Southeast Asia to Central Europe.

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Posted in Affordable Heart Surgery, chronic disease treatment, Health Tourism, Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism Accreditations, Mexico Medical Tourism, Obesity | Bariatric Surgery Abroad, Orthopedics Surgery Abroad, Stem Cell Therapy | No Comments »

by Denise

PlacidWay is a medical provider and resource that provides you with quick access to the world’s topmost doctors and physicians working in internationally accredited and certified hospitals and clinics and in all specialties to provide high standards in quality of care.

PlacidWay carefully researches information regarding center facilities, treatments and  procedures, and that every physician, surgeon or facility offers in-depth profiles of qualifications, training and experience of healthcare providers and that international standards of care are followed. JCI accreditation or international certification as well as information regarding continuing education training of physicians and surgeons in all specialties is examined in order to provide high standards of quality of care for consumers.

As a provider, PlacidWay takes care to research and promote only medical care providers and medical centers that meet or exceed the demands of international patients by providing technologically advanced healthcare infrastructures coupled with tourism. Accreditation and certification, experience and training are uppermost in creating reliable medical provider profiles for PlacidWay.

Accreditation guidelines ensure an external review and evaluation of quality as well as management practices in a wide range of medical fields and scenarios. Accreditation is considered a standard through which a healthcare facility or service is shown to offer quality and healthcare that meet minimum standards and guidelines offered by various domestic and international quality boards.

Today, international facilities are increasingly desirous of being rated (or graded) by U.S. and international accreditation organizations to offer competitive bariatric surgery providers and care, dental and cosmetic and plastic surgeries and centers, as well as fertility treatment treatments and procedures in world-class destinations around the globe. PlacidWay strives to include these facilities in their database of excellent and recommended caregivers and medical facilities.

Tags: accreditation guidelines, advanced healthcare infrastructures, bariatric procedures, bariatric surgery, center facililities, certified doctors, certified hospitals, certified surgeons, continuing education, cosmetic and plastic surgical procedures, cosmetic surgery, dental care, dental health, dental tourism, healthcare providers, international certification, JCI accreditation, Joint Commission International, medical facilities abroad, medical provider, medical resources, Medical Tourism, medical tourism abroad, medical tourism accreditation, medical tourism information, medical tourism safety, PlacidWay, plastic surgery, quality care, quality of care, safe medical travel, standards of healthcare
Posted in Health Tourism, Medical Technology, Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism Accreditations | 1 Comment »

by Denise

Is medical tourism is safe? What is patient safety? How does one determine whether policies, procedures and techniques offered in a variety of medical fields are safe? Even more difficult, how is patient safety defined in different countries?

What do you want when you visit a doctor or healthcare facility? You want to be assured that the doctor knows what he’s doing, you want the facility to be clean and professional, and most of all, you want to be assured that your safety, comfort and the results of your procedure are the best they can be.

When looking for international providers, ask about a doctor or surgeon’s training, certification and experience. When looking at facilities, ask about their certification or accreditation. Many world-class hospitals around the world are JCI-accredited.  The Joint Commission International is similar and focused on providing quality care and safety for medical practices around the world.

Medical travelers should also ask a variety of basic questions regarding patient safety and care in any destination. The American Medical Association recently offered guidelines for medical tourists that include factors such as:

•  Select providers and facilities that have been accredited by recognized international accrediting bodies
• Follow-up care should be arranged prior to departure to ensure continuity of care
• International patients should have access to physician licensure, accreditation of facilities, as well as data or information regarding outcomes of procedures or techniques performed by a specific surgeon or hospital
• Transfer and sharing of patient medical records should coincide with HIPAA guidelines

Travel safely. Research your options and choices before you decide on a doctor, surgeon or facility to help with your needs and goals. Visit PlacidWay for information regarding certified providers and accredited facilities around the world that will meet, if not surpass,  your expectations.

Tags: American Medical Association, certified doctors, certified surgeons, confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines, continuity of care, follow-up care, healthcare facility, HIPAA, international accrediting bodies, international healthcare facility, international medical care, international medical providers, international patients, JCI, Joint Commission International, medical care abroad, medical fields, medical practices, Medical Tourism, medical tourism abroad, medical tourism safety, medical travel, medical travelers, patient safety, patient safety considerations, personal care, travel safety, world-class hospitals abroad
Posted in Health Tourism, Medical Tourism, Medical Tourism Accreditations | 2 Comments »