The recent kidnapping of four Americans in Mexico brought attention to a common practice for
many people in the United States: medical tourism. The four Americans were caught in a shootout
between criminal drug organizations. A family member said the four were on a trip from the U.S. so
that one of them could get cosmetic surgery from a doctor in Matamoros. [ 1 ] Arturo Bustamante, a health policy professor at the University of California, Los
Angeles, said that those who visit Mexico for care are mostly Mexican or Latino immigrants living
in the U.S. [ 2 ] He said non-Latino patients mainly cross the border to get treatment for their
teeth, buy prescription drugs, or to receive cosmetic surgery or some cancer treatments not covered
in the U.S.
However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or CDC) warns that medical
tourism could be risky depending on the country and the medical center. Among the risks are
infectious diseases, quality of care, language difficulties, and follow-up care. [ 3 ]
To reduce risks, the CDC advises people to work with a healthcare provider or travel medicine
provider before making the trip. [ 4 ] Lydia Gan of North Carolina noted that care providers
often have someone pick patients up at the airport and take them to the health center or hotel.
Edelheit of the Medical Tourism Association added that patients should research care quality before
considering prices. “They really need to make sure they are going with the best of the best,” he said.
Once patients choose a country and a provider, the CDC advises to bring medical records and
to inform medical workers of any health problems. After a procedure, the agency says to get copies
of all new medical records and to plan for follow-up care. [ 5 ] If someone has medical
problems after returning home, it may be hard for their doctor to learn the details about the care
received during a trip.
【題組】38. Regarding medical tourism, which of the following suggestions is NOT provided in the passage?
(A) Choose cheaper medical procedures.
(B) Obtain all new medical records.
(C) Do research before going abroad.
(D) Seek a healthcare provider for help.
(E) Have a local guide sent by travel medicine providers.