Maine Executive Returns from Costa Rica Fact-Finding Trip
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010Gray, MAINE (June 09, 2010) – The medical facilities available in Costa Rica are impressive and something that Mainers should consider, as they are evaluating where to get treatment, according to a health benefits plan administrator who recently traveled to Central America to explore the option.
“The two facilities that I toured – the international facilities with mostly American patients – were spectacular and among the best I’ve seen anywhere,” said Justin Ward of Patient Advocates in Gray. “The American patients I talked with said they love the treatment.”
Many people are becoming interested in so-called “medical tourism” to countries such as Costa Rica because high-quality care is available there at much-lower costs. For example, a knee or hip replacement that would cost $30,000-$40,000 in the United States can be done for less than $12,000 in Costa Rica. A colonoscopy could be done for as little as $300.
“The physicians, many of whom were trained in the United States, themselves are very accessible,” said Justin Ward, director of client services at Patient Advocates. “They have a great bedside manner, what I’d call ‘high touch’ care.”
Changes to the U.S. health care system as a result of the recent federal law also are likely to increase interest in the offshore option, as millions of people come onto the insurance rolls, with the likely result of longer waits for health care in the U. S.
Patient Advocates administers self-insurance plans and provides wellness services to employers, and operates under the philosophy that patients should get the best care possible, at the most-affordable price. Patient Advocates is a leader in providing employers and plan members with the widest array of care choices possible, whether that is in other states or – now – overseas.
“In business or in health care, competition makes us better,” said James Ward, president of Patient Advocates. “At a time when the health care system is undergoing dramatic changes, we believe it is crucial to look as widely as possible, to get the best health care for our clients and plan members.”
Justin Ward visited medical facilities, spoke with hospital personnel, attended workshops and interacted with patients during his 4 day-long trip to San Jose, Costa Rica, for an international medical conference. Other invitees came from European and North American countries, though Justin Ward is the only individual from the northeastern United States who attended.
Justin Ward said that he tried to put a reporter’s hat on during the trip, reviewing and evaluating everything about the experience – from a potential patient’s perspective.
“It was so easy to get around that it was just like being here, and that’s important because you want everything to go smoothly when you are getting medical treatment,” he said. “The treatment itself was very well coordinated. Providers are talking with one another.”
“The increases in health care costs that we’ve been seeing are not sustainable. If you combine that with an aging workforce, employers are being forced to look at alternatives to the local health care system,” Justin Ward said. “Costa Rica is an attractive alternative because of its proximity to the United States, stable government, safe environment, reputation for high quality and affordability.”
About Patient Advocates
Patient Advocates LLC has been helping clients navigate the health care system since 1995. Employers trust PA to help manage their costs while ensuring the highest quality of care for their employees. Built on the premise that access to the highest quality health care results in greater cost-savings over time, Patient Advocates offers innovative patient advocacy and disease management services, award-winning wellness programs and creative benefit plan designs with third-party administration. www.patientadvocatesllc.com
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Programs including on-site health screenings, health risk assessments and follow-up health coaching for its clients.
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