Chicago Tribune
To the editor:
The information attributed to the American Medical Association in the article "For big surgery, Delhi is dealing” 4/28 is not from an official AMA policy report. While medical tourism is an emerging issue, and one we plan to take a deeper look into at our annual policymaking meeting in June, we have no official policy on it at this point.
A higher priority for the AMA is working to determine what changes need to be made to the U.S. health care system so we can continue to treat patients at home. The AMA is currently working to improve access to and affordability of health care for patients and to increase the physician supply. Safeguarding America’s patients and improving the delivery of health care in this country is a top priority for the AMA.
For those considering medical tourism, we urge them to keep in mind that different countries have different safety standards, so patients going abroad for care need to be fully aware of and confident in the qualifications of the health care professional providing the care, as well as the safety standards of the hospital or clinic where the care will be given. Equally important is ensuring there is a plan in place to receive the proper follow-up care with a physician once the patient returns home.
Sincerely,
Edward L. Langston, MD
Board Chair, American Medical Association
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