Survey Report: Doctors Say 'Bon Voyage' for Treatment Overseas

More than seven out of 10 respondents to a MedPage Today poll say they would wish patients a "bon voyage" if they want to travel overseas for expensive surgery or treatment not available in the U.S.

Just over half (52%) would do so with no reservations at all; 19% would offer those good wishes only to patients who are uninsured or underinsured.

So-called medical tourism is a growing phenomenon. Americans by the tens of thousands are heading overseas for low prices on everything from cosmetic procedures to organ transplants and experimental stem-cell therapy. (See Americans Gamble on Bargain Surgery Abroad)

The dollars that follow them are coming straight out of the pockets of American physicians and hospitals. Nevertheless, a majority of the 456 respondents would be willing to at least tacitly approve.

Many do so with caveats, though. As one respondent noted, "there are good and bad health care facilities all over; the problem is knowing which is which."

Another noted the importance of researching the credentials of the physician abroad.

Still, only 29% said the uncertainties, including risks of infection and complications, are too great for them to feel comfortable about endorsing the practice of patients traveling overseas for treatment.

Two respondents -- one a physician, the other a nurse practitioner -- answered from personal experience. The physician, currently working in Guam, spoke highly of the care given his patients at a hospital in Manila, three and a half hours away from Guam.

Said the NP: I am in Vietnam right now. My child was sick for the past few days and I took him to the local hospital. The care was very good, exactly the same as I would have received in the U.S. And it only cost . My co-pay in the U.S. is about that for an office visit.

One respondent wished for "a group or company that helps referring doctors know the current caliber of health care at any particular facility anywhere in the world."