[   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.