Interesting line from 'The Undercover Economist' by Tim Harford that I wanted to share with you
'The problem is that people who expect to have expensive medical needs-the elderly and the chronically ill, for example-will find that their insurance company does not really give them much insurance at all. Because their premiums are adjusted to take these expenses into account, they will pay more for insurance than they would for the out-of-pocket medical costs they would face without insurance' - pg 109
It would be wise to just look for an affordable place for your medical needs.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Number of Korea Medical tourists doubles in 2009
More than 60,201 foreigners, including 4,576 American soldiers received medical treatment in Korea in 2009. Their total spending was $50 million.
US (32.6%), Japan (30.3%), Chinese (11%), Russians (4.1%), Canadians (2.3%), Mongolians (2%) and Middle Eastern (1.4%)
Most of them had health checkups and pastic surgery(and skincare)
The number of inpatients was 3,915, accounting for 6.5 percent of foreign. The overal proportion of patients hospitalized in Korea stood at 11.4 percent last year.More women (56.6 percent) visited local medical institutions than men (43.3 percent). Of the Japanese patients, 79.4 percent were female.
By Lee Ji-Yoon
US (32.6%), Japan (30.3%), Chinese (11%), Russians (4.1%), Canadians (2.3%), Mongolians (2%) and Middle Eastern (1.4%)
Most of them had health checkups and pastic surgery(and skincare)
The number of inpatients was 3,915, accounting for 6.5 percent of foreign. The overal proportion of patients hospitalized in Korea stood at 11.4 percent last year.More women (56.6 percent) visited local medical institutions than men (43.3 percent). Of the Japanese patients, 79.4 percent were female.
By Lee Ji-Yoon
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
USA vs Korea Surgery Cost Chart
Surgery Cost Chart
Sugery USA Korea
Heart Bypass $144,000 $24,000
Angioplasty $57,000 $19,600
Heart Valve Replacement $170,000 $36,000
Hip Replacement $50,000 $16,450
Hip Resurfacing $50,000 $20,900
Knee Replacement $50,000 $17,800
Spinal Fusion $100,000 $17,350
Dental Implant $10,000 $3400
Lap Band $30,000 $9,500
Breast Implants $10,000 $11,000
Rhinoplasty $8,000 $4,000
Face Lift $15,000 $3,000
Hysterectomy $15,000 $9,000
Sugery USA Korea
Heart Bypass $144,000 $24,000
Angioplasty $57,000 $19,600
Heart Valve Replacement $170,000 $36,000
Hip Replacement $50,000 $16,450
Hip Resurfacing $50,000 $20,900
Knee Replacement $50,000 $17,800
Spinal Fusion $100,000 $17,350
Dental Implant $10,000 $3400
Lap Band $30,000 $9,500
Breast Implants $10,000 $11,000
Rhinoplasty $8,000 $4,000
Face Lift $15,000 $3,000
Hysterectomy $15,000 $9,000
Seoul National University Hospital
This is Seoul National University (SNU) PR film in English.
SNU is one of the top 4 hospitals in Korea
SNU is one of the top 4 hospitals in Korea
Benefits of Medical Tourism
Here are some of the benefits of Medical Tourism
1. Affordable
As one may already know, medical procedures are very expensive in the US. It is still cheaper to get a plane ticket, book a hotel, pay for medical expenses and enjoy a tour around Korea.
2. Personalized Care
Many providers offer more personalized care--i.e., a higher physician-to-patient ratio--than is commonly available in the united states or canada.
3. No Wait Times
Because popular medical destinations actively recruit patients from abroad, they do everything they can to eliminate wait times, provide patients with options, and ensure optimal care.
4. Vacation + Medical Treatment
Most of us plan vacations every year or so. Combine the two (your vacation and medical treatment)! It is a good chance for you to get your medical treatments and enjoy a nice vacation in South Korea.
1. Affordable
As one may already know, medical procedures are very expensive in the US. It is still cheaper to get a plane ticket, book a hotel, pay for medical expenses and enjoy a tour around Korea.
2. Personalized Care
Many providers offer more personalized care--i.e., a higher physician-to-patient ratio--than is commonly available in the united states or canada.
3. No Wait Times
Because popular medical destinations actively recruit patients from abroad, they do everything they can to eliminate wait times, provide patients with options, and ensure optimal care.
4. Vacation + Medical Treatment
Most of us plan vacations every year or so. Combine the two (your vacation and medical treatment)! It is a good chance for you to get your medical treatments and enjoy a nice vacation in South Korea.
Average Price Difference
- The average charge for an in-patient visit in a US hospital is$3,762.
This is 13 times higher than that of South Korea
- The average charge for outpatients in the US is $13,000.
This is 9 times higher that that of South Korea
Due to South Korea's Affordable health care system, the number of foreign patients has been going up from 27,480 in 2008. It is estimated that the number will exceed 140,000 by 2015.
This is 13 times higher than that of South Korea
- The average charge for outpatients in the US is $13,000.
This is 9 times higher that that of South Korea
Due to South Korea's Affordable health care system, the number of foreign patients has been going up from 27,480 in 2008. It is estimated that the number will exceed 140,000 by 2015.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Korea, The New Medical Hub
Korea is now on its way to becoming a new world destination for medical service
Top 10 most Expensive Medical Procedures
1. Intestine Transplant - Cost: $1,121,800
2. Heart Transplant - Cost: $787,700
3. Bone Marrow Transplant - Cost: $ 676,800
4. Lung Transplant - Cost:$657, 800
5. Liver Transplant - Cost: $523,400
6. Open Heart Surgery - Cost: $324,000
7. Pancreas Transplant - Cost:$275,500
8. Kidney Transplant - Cost:$259,000
9. Tracheotomy - Cost:$205,000
10. Destruction of Lesion of Retina - Cost: $153,000
Read Full Article at
http://financialedge.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0310/Top-10-Most-Expensive-Medical-Procedures.aspx
I wonder how many people can actually affoard any of the procedures up there =(
2. Heart Transplant - Cost: $787,700
3. Bone Marrow Transplant - Cost: $ 676,800
4. Lung Transplant - Cost:$657, 800
5. Liver Transplant - Cost: $523,400
6. Open Heart Surgery - Cost: $324,000
7. Pancreas Transplant - Cost:$275,500
8. Kidney Transplant - Cost:$259,000
9. Tracheotomy - Cost:$205,000
10. Destruction of Lesion of Retina - Cost: $153,000
Read Full Article at
http://financialedge.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0310/Top-10-Most-Expensive-Medical-Procedures.aspx
I wonder how many people can actually affoard any of the procedures up there =(
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Medical Tourism 101
I want to take some time to go into detail about medical tourism.
As one may already understand, the purpose of medical tourism is to open up a patient's options for medical treatments.
It is estimated that up to 50 million people are not insured in the US. For those who face a pricy medical procedure and have no insurance often opt to receive treatment abroad. Even if one has insurance, procedures in the US cost a lot.
Medical treatment and services in foreign countries are equal if not better than that of the US.
Many patients have benefited in more ways than they could possibly have imagined by getting treatment abroad.
Medical costs are outrageous in the US mainly because of lawsuits. Abroad, this problem isn't as common, allowing for medical costs to be more affordable for the average individual.
When considering a foreign country, make sure the hospital is accredited, make sure your doctor is accredited and if possible, get feedback from former foreign patients. Finding a hotel to stay during the procedure and finding a good doctor and hospital is such a daunting task. This is where I come in.
I will find a top notch doctor and hospital for you. I will find a hotel near the hospital for you AND I will find a translator for you if it's necessary. I do all the research for you. All you need to do is email me and ask for more information.
My motive behind this is due to help people get A++++ treatment at an affordable price. I see how hospitals work, especially after losing my father to cancer. You are special, you deserve excellent treatment and I will help you find that in Korea.
As one may already understand, the purpose of medical tourism is to open up a patient's options for medical treatments.
It is estimated that up to 50 million people are not insured in the US. For those who face a pricy medical procedure and have no insurance often opt to receive treatment abroad. Even if one has insurance, procedures in the US cost a lot.
Medical treatment and services in foreign countries are equal if not better than that of the US.
Many patients have benefited in more ways than they could possibly have imagined by getting treatment abroad.
Medical costs are outrageous in the US mainly because of lawsuits. Abroad, this problem isn't as common, allowing for medical costs to be more affordable for the average individual.
When considering a foreign country, make sure the hospital is accredited, make sure your doctor is accredited and if possible, get feedback from former foreign patients. Finding a hotel to stay during the procedure and finding a good doctor and hospital is such a daunting task. This is where I come in.
I will find a top notch doctor and hospital for you. I will find a hotel near the hospital for you AND I will find a translator for you if it's necessary. I do all the research for you. All you need to do is email me and ask for more information.
My motive behind this is due to help people get A++++ treatment at an affordable price. I see how hospitals work, especially after losing my father to cancer. You are special, you deserve excellent treatment and I will help you find that in Korea.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
SPINAL FUSION
Spinal fusion, also known as spondylodesis or spondylosyndesis, is a surgical technique used to combine two or more vertebrae. Supplementary bone tissue (either autograft or allograft) is used in conjunction with the body's natural osteoblastic processes. This procedure is used primarily to eliminate the pain caused by abnormal motion of the vertebrae by immobilizing the vertebrae themselves.
This costs $100,000 in the US! In South Korea, you can get it for about $20K give or take a few grand.
I'm reading that the spinal fusions are a common procedure for Americans. The surgery alone is $100,000 now when you put in hospital stays and other costs, that is a lot of money.
This costs $100,000 in the US! In South Korea, you can get it for about $20K give or take a few grand.
I'm reading that the spinal fusions are a common procedure for Americans. The surgery alone is $100,000 now when you put in hospital stays and other costs, that is a lot of money.
HIP REPLACEMENT + HIP RESURFACING
One of the most common medical procedures in the US is hip replacement and hip resurfacing.
On average, the cost for each procedure is $50,000.
This of course varies, depending on the patient's condition and history but that is the nation's average.
In Korea, the average cost of the same exact procedure is $15,000. This of course varies depending on one's condition but compared to the US national average of $50K, Korea's $15K is a bargain.
There are many other countries that offer the procedure for less if your budget does not allow you to fund procedures in Korea. However, do keep in mind that Korea is an economy that is #13 in the world. The capital of Korea looks much the same as New York City.
I read an article of a Russian conglomerate having heart bypass surgery in India and a few years later had to redo the surgery; he chose South Korea as his medical destination. When looking for destinations abroad to fulfill your medical needs, I would choose a place that meets your budget of course and a country that is more advanced and developed in terms of medical procedures.
This is my finding for the day, if you are thinking of a hip replacement, consider South Korea! Even with hotel, travel, medical costs and even possibly a short vacation around Korea, you can get it for 50% of the price of the US.
On average, the cost for each procedure is $50,000.
This of course varies, depending on the patient's condition and history but that is the nation's average.
In Korea, the average cost of the same exact procedure is $15,000. This of course varies depending on one's condition but compared to the US national average of $50K, Korea's $15K is a bargain.
There are many other countries that offer the procedure for less if your budget does not allow you to fund procedures in Korea. However, do keep in mind that Korea is an economy that is #13 in the world. The capital of Korea looks much the same as New York City.
I read an article of a Russian conglomerate having heart bypass surgery in India and a few years later had to redo the surgery; he chose South Korea as his medical destination. When looking for destinations abroad to fulfill your medical needs, I would choose a place that meets your budget of course and a country that is more advanced and developed in terms of medical procedures.
This is my finding for the day, if you are thinking of a hip replacement, consider South Korea! Even with hotel, travel, medical costs and even possibly a short vacation around Korea, you can get it for 50% of the price of the US.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Revision Rhinoplasty
Plastic surgery is so popular in Korea: Starbucks appears on each block of the US, plastic surgeon offices appear on each block in Korea, that is how popular and common it is.
Here is a procedure I looked up online: REVISION RHINOPLASTY, simply put, NOSE JOB. A nose job done for the first time is a simple procedure but a revision is more complicated and a procedure that is so complex that the cost jumps.
Here in the US, the cost on average is 22K! In South Korea, you can go to a top notch doctor in the Beverly Hills of Korea area and pay at most 7K.
Ok, so I got my nose done 10 years as a gift from my parents when I was in high school! At the time, the price tag was $1500. 10 years later now in 2010, I wanted to get a retouch as I think the silicone has slightly moved, it's not straight anymore. I don't know if this happens a lot but it happened to me. I LOVE the shape of my nose but it's a minor thing that is bothering me. For a revision, or a new nose job at least in my case, would cost me around 4000-5000. Not bad! Compared to the US average of 22K!
I haven't gotten in done yet, but definitely soon!
If you are considering a nose job for the 2nd time, and it's not your first, consider Korea!
Here is a procedure I looked up online: REVISION RHINOPLASTY, simply put, NOSE JOB. A nose job done for the first time is a simple procedure but a revision is more complicated and a procedure that is so complex that the cost jumps.
Here in the US, the cost on average is 22K! In South Korea, you can go to a top notch doctor in the Beverly Hills of Korea area and pay at most 7K.
Ok, so I got my nose done 10 years as a gift from my parents when I was in high school! At the time, the price tag was $1500. 10 years later now in 2010, I wanted to get a retouch as I think the silicone has slightly moved, it's not straight anymore. I don't know if this happens a lot but it happened to me. I LOVE the shape of my nose but it's a minor thing that is bothering me. For a revision, or a new nose job at least in my case, would cost me around 4000-5000. Not bad! Compared to the US average of 22K!
I haven't gotten in done yet, but definitely soon!
If you are considering a nose job for the 2nd time, and it's not your first, consider Korea!
MEDICAL TOURISM ABROAD?
This blog is dedicated to those who are interested and want more information on medical tourism, particulary to South Korea.
Medical tourism has slowly been on the rise as costs here in the US, as everyone knows is outrageous.
I remember getting a 5 minute checkup with some random machine as my stomach was aching like crazy. My bill: a whopping $850! Ok, that isn't so bad, I guess that is ONLY 100 hours of work on minimum wage here in Southern California. Now, what if I had to get surgery! I can't imagine what the bill would add up to then.
My friend got into a car accident and she had a 3 hour surgery and stayed in the hospital for 3 days. She had no insurance as she was a student all on her own. Her bill forced her into bankruptcy, it cost her $90,000!
Ok, so unless you are filthy rich with money to throw around, it's frightening to even get sick. Insurance or not, hospital bills may become a financial burden to the average person.
My parents are Korean and they used to fly back to Korea if they had a huge procedure to do. Transportation, hotel and the medical bill all together was still less than what it would have cost them in the US.
Medical tourism isn't a new idea as it has been becoming more and more common to citizens, however, I am here to promote Medical Tourism in my country, South Korea.
I am familiar with the country and I know that the costs are affordable without having to put a financial strain on an individual. I also know, that the skills and technology of the medical field in South Korea is no different than the US.
I guess not all procedures are worth the travel, but major ones that cost possibly 7K or more here in the US may be worth the travel abroad.
The most expensive surgery in the US according to data in 2009 was intestine transplant, which would cost $1.2M. Ok, so can anyone wrap their minds around how much that is! For the majority of Americans, that cost basically means, just accept your fate and prepare to die! Who can afford that? I'm not sure how much that would cost in South Korea but I'm sure it won't cost $1.2M!
I will post information on medical procedures in South Korea and provide you with approximate cost information and maybe you can get an idea of how much a similar procedure in the US will cost and maybe medical tourism will be an option for you!
Feel free to email me, I'm here to help you and find information for you!
Medical tourism has slowly been on the rise as costs here in the US, as everyone knows is outrageous.
I remember getting a 5 minute checkup with some random machine as my stomach was aching like crazy. My bill: a whopping $850! Ok, that isn't so bad, I guess that is ONLY 100 hours of work on minimum wage here in Southern California. Now, what if I had to get surgery! I can't imagine what the bill would add up to then.
My friend got into a car accident and she had a 3 hour surgery and stayed in the hospital for 3 days. She had no insurance as she was a student all on her own. Her bill forced her into bankruptcy, it cost her $90,000!
Ok, so unless you are filthy rich with money to throw around, it's frightening to even get sick. Insurance or not, hospital bills may become a financial burden to the average person.
My parents are Korean and they used to fly back to Korea if they had a huge procedure to do. Transportation, hotel and the medical bill all together was still less than what it would have cost them in the US.
Medical tourism isn't a new idea as it has been becoming more and more common to citizens, however, I am here to promote Medical Tourism in my country, South Korea.
I am familiar with the country and I know that the costs are affordable without having to put a financial strain on an individual. I also know, that the skills and technology of the medical field in South Korea is no different than the US.
I guess not all procedures are worth the travel, but major ones that cost possibly 7K or more here in the US may be worth the travel abroad.
The most expensive surgery in the US according to data in 2009 was intestine transplant, which would cost $1.2M. Ok, so can anyone wrap their minds around how much that is! For the majority of Americans, that cost basically means, just accept your fate and prepare to die! Who can afford that? I'm not sure how much that would cost in South Korea but I'm sure it won't cost $1.2M!
I will post information on medical procedures in South Korea and provide you with approximate cost information and maybe you can get an idea of how much a similar procedure in the US will cost and maybe medical tourism will be an option for you!
Feel free to email me, I'm here to help you and find information for you!
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