Medical tourism trade group forms
Leaders in the medical tourism industry announced today the creation of a U.S.-based international Medical Tourism Association. The trade group will provide hospitals and medical tourism firms with credentialing standards to improve the scope and quality of medical services for Americans seeking offshore care.
The not-for-profit MTA is made up of international hospitals and clinics, leading medical tourism companies, employers and benefits payers, as well as key international stakeholders.
Jonathan Edelheit, inaugural president of MTA and vice president of OptiMed Health/United Group Programs, Inc. said, "With heightened interest and increased public confidence in the quality of care delivered abroad, U.S. insurance carriers, employers and other benefits claims payers are now offering a medical tourism option."
The association is now developing minimum U.S.-based credentialing standards for the participating hospital members. Based upon the criteria of the standards, Americans will be equipped to make more informed decisions regarding their medical needs and the venues available.
Another goal of MTA will be to protect the reputation of its hospitals, providers and other stakeholders worldwide who comply with the standards it provides. An internal network will be created in order to facilitate awareness regarding fraudulent practices and other important issues affecting medical tourism.
"We are establishing a comprehensive, credible resource for American citizens to access information on medical tourism, identify hospitals and providers, and learn about their outcomes," said Edelheit. "As a preeminent voice for the industry, the MTA is also positioned to address inquiries from government agencies, legislators, employers and insurers."
The group will also promote a single gateway for electronic data interchange, healthcare transactions and claims to enhance connectivity and communications between international hospital and U.S.-based insurance and claims payers.
