Costa Rica is the feature of Medical Tourism City, the leading social network for medical tourism and global healthcare. Costa Rica has an endless amount to offer, some major benefits include:

Price- medical procedures in Costa Rica tend to be at least 40-70 percent less than what you would pay in North America.

Location- Located just two and a half hours from Miami, Florida. This tropical destination is one of the closest off-shore medical care destinations for Americans. Perfect for patients who want their aftercare at home, and simply fly home in the same day as your surgery!

Most importantly…..

Quality- Costa Rica is known for a long tradition of high quality medical care.  Costa Rica has a strong health care system with a remarkable reputation.

Medical Tourism City is the official social networking site for the Medical Tourism Association.  We have created Medical Tourism City to be a place where all people interested in medical tourism, whether they are hospitals, physicians, medical tourism facilitators, insurance companies, or individual patients can come together.  We hope that this online community will create an online space where people can come to network, find people with similar interests, and continue discussions about issues that face the medical tourism industry.  Medical Tourism City offers discussion forums, groups, and blogs, which allow you to relay and gather specific information or share your thoughts on a certain issue with others.  Blogs are particularly useful to share information about yourself and your interest in medical tourism to other members that may know little about you or your service.  Overall, Medical Tourism City serves as a portal to all things concerning medical tourism. 

How to Get Started:

1.) Create an account: You can create an account by going to www.medicaltourismcity.com and clicking on “Sign Up.”

2.  Input information into your profile and upload a profile picture.

3.  Start a blog:  A blog is place where you can input commentary, event descriptions, or general information.  Once you create your own blog, you are in control of the content that you post.  Other members can read your blog and interact with you by posting comments. Click on the “Blogs” tab and then click “Add a Blog.”

4.  Create a group:  In order to create a group click on the “Groups” tab on the home page.  Then click “Add a Group.”  You will then need to include a description and add a profile picture.  Groups are important to create and join because they bring together individuals with common interests and goals that would otherwise not meet. Medical Tourism city is the social network for you!

Till next time,

Stephanie

Jeff Turney of USNOW and Ross Pendergraft, President of the Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters presented the first Free Medical Tourism Webinar Educational Series by the Medical Tourism Association on June 24^th 2009.

 USNOW is one of the leading providers of limited medical health insurance plans.  Jerry Turney talked about his experience with USNOW , why they have implemented medical tourism, and why he believes medical tourism will be adopted by many other US health insurance companies and employers. Ross Pendergraft, President of the Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters spoke on similar aspects of the industry. Ross explained how medical tourism is growing and why he felt the need as President of LAAHU to cover medical tourism at LAAHU’s Annual Conference this past May.    

Over 70 people from all over the world tuned in to listen to the first Webinar by the Medical Tourism Association! Everyone raved about the excellent presentations, which lasted about thirty minutes, followed by thirty minutes of question and answer! Each attendee was able to ask questions directly to both Jeff and Ross during the session.  A lot of attendees appreciated the feedback and advice during the Webinar. These webinars are ground-breaking in the Medical Tourism Industry, because not only is it a learning experience, but also a brand new networking tool as well.

Join in and listen to the next webinar featuring Wouter Hoeberechts of WorldMed Assist and Matt Leming of Swiss Reinsurance Company as they discuss medical tourism with self-funded employers and the WorldMed Assist and Swiss Reinsurance Relationship on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM EDT.

Click here to reserve your Webinar seat today!

 Till next time,

Stephanie

World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress would like to announce Hayes Inc as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! We look forward to having them Sponsor and Exhibit!

Hayes, Inc. is an independent health technology research and consulting company dedicated to promoting better health outcomes. Hayes performs unbiased, evidence-based assessments of the safety and efficacy of new, emerging, and controversial health technologies and evaluates the impact of these technologies on healthcare quality, utilization, and cost. Hayes’ worldwide clients include hospitals, healthcare systems, government agencies, employers, and managed care organizations.

Hayes products and services include:

· A dynamic, web-based Knowledge Center designed to support professionals who are responsible for strategic planning, technology acquisition, and policy development

· Consulting services that enhance strategic technology planning and support evidence-based technology acquisition so that hospitals can anticipate and prepare for the financial, clinical, and operational impact of new technologies prior to their adoption

· Customized services that help payers develop and update coverage policies as well as create clinical guidelines

· Employee benefit programs that help patients make well-informed decisions about healthcare options

“The best Medical Tourism Conference of the year.” This is a comment they have heard over and over from delegates who participated in the first World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress which took place in San Francisco California September 2008.The 2009 World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress promises to match that sentiment and, at the same time, provide even more networking and advanced panel sessions for this international gathering. The conference will feature up to 2,000 attendees, up to 200 speakers, and over 125 exhibitors. The 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress will take place on October 26-28th, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles California USA.

Till next time,

Stephanie

Tune in to listen to Jerry Turney, Jonathan Edelheit, Renee-Marie Stephano, and Matt Leming for the first bi-monthly Medical Tourism Webinar Educational Series.  Webinar sessions will be hosted by the Medical Tourism Association as they discuss different topics within the medical tourism industry! Don’t miss the important dates to be a part of these ground breaking webinar sessions. It’s going to revolutionize the industry as we know it.

Webinar Session #1 

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/486027362

 Implementation of Medical Tourism in US Health Insurance Plans Part 1

Tune in to listen to Jerry Turney of USNOW and Ross Pendergraft, President of the Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters for the first bi-monthly Medical Tourism Webinar Educational Series by the Medical Tourism Association.  USNOW is one of the leading providers of limited medical health insurance plans.  USNOW offers medical tourism to people who have health insurance through USNOW.  Listen to Jerry Turney talk about who USNOW is, why they have implemented medical tourism, and why Mr. Turney believes medical tourism will be adopted by many other US health insurance companies and employers.   Also, listen to Ross Pendergraft, President of the Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters, discusser.

 Date: June 24, 2009

Time: 3:00 PM EDT/ 2:00 PM CST/ 12:00 PM PST

Webinar Session #2

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/799484251

 Implementation of Medical Tourism in US Health Insurance Plans Part 2

Join Wouter Hoeberechts of WorldMed Assist and Matt Leming of Swiss Reinsurance Company as they discuss medical tourism with self-funded employers and the WorldMed Assist and Swiss Reinsurance Relationship. 

 Date: July 15, 2009

Time: 8:00 AM EDT/ 7:00 AM CST/ 5:00 AM PST

Webinar Session #3

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/777055315

 Creating Healthcare Clusters, Medical Clusters and Healthcare Cities

Renee-Marie Stephano, President of the Medical Tourism Association, will discuss how hospitals and governments can put aside their competition and differences and work together to create a healthcare city or medical cluster and create a brand name reputation for their city or region. The most successful countries and cities promoting medical tourism are those that have established a healthcare city or medical cluster. Learn from the leading expert in the world Renee-Marie Stephano who has helped established some of the world’s top healthcare cities and works with healthcare cities all around the world, what is required to create your own healthcare city.

Date: August 5, 2009

Time: 10:00 AM EDT/ 9:00 AM CST/ 7:00 AM PST

Webinar Session #4

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/683301554

 Opportunities in Medical Tourism and Understanding the US Healthcare Marketplace

 Join Jonathan Edelheit, Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Tourism Association, and learn what opportunities are available for medical tourism and why this is one of the fastest growing segments of healthcare in the world.  Also, find out why the US is the largest emerging marketplace.  Learn what opportunities there are with the 50 million Americans without health insurance, and also opportunities with US employers and insurance companies and find out which insurance companies and employers have started offering medical tourism, and which should in the future.

Date: August 19, 2009

Time: 10:00 AM EDT/ 9:00 AM CST/ 7:00 AM PST

Till next time,

Stephanie

The Medical Tourism Association’s annual congress and networking event, the World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress which takes place October 26-28th, 2009 is off to an amazing success with sponsors and speakers from health leaders, hospitals, governments and insurance companies from around the world. The conference will feature up to 2,000 attendees, over 120 exhibitors, 5,000 one on one networking meetings, and delegates from over 60 different countries!  

   This year’s exhibit hall will feature over 120 exhibitors. More than half of the exhibit hall is already sold out and spaces are going fast! If you are interested in exhibiting now is the time to reserve your space. Contact us today at 561-792-6676 or by email, melissa@medicaltourismcongress.com

This is the one event per year where Employers, Self Funded Health Plans, Insurance Companies, and Medical Tourism Facilitators that are looking to outsource healthcare overseas have the opportunity to meet with top International Hospitals and Medical Tourism Companies in one place for the ultimate networking event. World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress will prearrange networking meetings to assist in the development of new relationships and valuable new contracts. I personally can’t believe all these influential people will be in one room together!

While last year’s Congress featured over 3,000 one-on-one private networking sessions, the 2nd Annual Congress is anticipated to have at least 5,000 one-on-one private networking meetings. This is the one event you cannot afford to miss!  Add your company to the growing list of participants by going to: http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com.

Below are some of the incredible speakers for this year’s conference with possibly up to 150 more speakers to attend!

• Joseph M. Heyman, MD, Chairman, Board of Trustees American Medical Association
• Shady Nawar Assistant Vice President – Provider Management Medical Department
• Qatar Insurance Company-Doha
• Michelle Lerow, Sr. Network Manager, Aetna Global Benefits
• George P. Zahorcak, CIGNA International   
• Edison Vallejo, Healthcare Purchasing Manager, BUPA Insurance Company
• Matt Leming, Vice President, Swiss Reinsurance Company
• Kemal Canlar, Senior Sales Executive, United Healthcare, USA
• Robert Frary, VP of Select Benefits & Worksite, Symetra Financial
• Steve Cyboran, Vice President, Consulting Actuary, Sibson Consulting
• Armando Baez, President, Self Insurance Institute of America Vice President – GBG/Tiecare
• Alexandra Jung, Aon Consulting
• Curtis Schroeder, CEO, Bumrungrad
• Alex Piper, Former Buyer of Healthcare Formerly of Chrysler President, OneWorld Global Healthcare Solutions
• Brian Keeley, President & CEO, Baptist Hospital South Florida
• Kathy Clark, Compensation and Benefits Analyst- Human Resources, Blackbaud
• Scott A.Leavitt, President, National Association of Health Underwriters
• Kimberly Smith, Director Development Research and Medical Travel Initiative Project Lead Strategic Development, Assurant Health
• Ross Pendergraft, President-Elect,Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters
• Mehul C. Mehta, Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Partners Harvard Medical International
• Gary McGeddy, Executive Vice President, Fairmont Specialty
• Sandra L. Berkowitz, Vice President National Healthcare Industry Practice, Willis/HRH
• Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Bahamas, Minister of Tourism and Aviation
• Patrick Martin, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health, St. Kitts and Nevis
• Denis Storey, Editor, Benefits Selling Magazine
• Renee-Marie Stephano, President, Medical Tourism Association
• Robert Whiddon, Editor, Employee Benefit Advisor Magazine
• Trey Malicoat, VP of Communications Homewatch CareGivers
• Peter Lozier, Executive Vice President, CMN, Inc.
• Susie Ellis, President, SpaFinder, editor-in-chief of Spafinder.com
• Rob Passmore, Co-Founder & CEO, AllMedicalTourism.com
• Annette Watson, Managing Director Global Emerging Business, CARF International 
• Paul VanOstenberg, Sr Executive Director For International Standards and Accreditation, JCI
• Peggy Wolford, CEO, THE TPAA
• Chris McEvoy, Vice President Aon Risk Services, Inc, Aon Consulting
• Jerry Turney, US Now
• Dr. Prem Jagyasi, Strategic Development Officer, Dubai, Medical Tourism Association
• Irving Stackpole, President, Stackpole & Associates Inc.
• Tony Dale, Founder, The Karis Group
• Don Williams, President & CEO, Princeton Healthcare
• Dr. Kevin Huffman, Founder,iBarihealth 
• Daniel Friedland, Founder & CEO, SuperSmart Health
• Nathan Cortez, Assistant Professor of Law, Southern Methodist University
• Dr. Benjamin Davidson, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center
• Jerome Mee, Founder & Chairman, Atlantic Health Group 
• Dr. Winnie Fritz, HCCA International
• David Vequist, Founder & Director, Center for Medical Tourism Research   
• Dr. Robert Gerl, Co-Founder of the US-European Joint-educational MBA program
• Dr. Dato Jacob Thomas, President, Private Hospital Association of Malaysia

Till next time,

Stephanie

The World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress is proud to announce the Council for Korea Medicine Overseas Promotion (CKMP) and Korea Health Industry Development Institute as the premiere Diamond Sponsor for the 2nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in 2009! The Council for Korea Medicine Overseas Promotion (CKMP) and Korea Health Industry Development Institute were the Platinum sponsor at the 1st Conference and they are looking forward to being the premiere Diamond Sponsor again for 2009!

As the premiere Diamond Sponsor they will be the sole sponsor the Gala Cocktail reception on the outdoor lawn on October 28^th as well as the sponsor of a Networking lunch during the congress.

This is the one event per year where Employers, Self Funded Health Plans, Insurance Companies, and Medical Tourism Facilitators that are looking to outsource healthcare overseas have the opportunity to meet with top International Hospitals and Medical Tourism Companies in one place for the ultimate networking event.

“The best Medical Tourism Conference of the year.” This is a comment they have heard over and over from delegates who participated in the first World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress which took place in San Francisco California September 2008. The 2009 World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress promises to match that sentiment and, at the same time, provide even more networking and advanced panel sessions for this international gathering. The conference will feature up to 2,000 attendees, up to 200 speakers, and over 125 exhibitors. So don’t miss out on the event of the year, at, the 2^nd Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress will take place on October 26-28^th, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles California USA.

Till next time,

Stephanie

The Medical Tourism Association will be exhibiting at 61st annual conference of the Society for Human Resource Management. The conference features over 10,000 attendees! The conference delegates are mainly US employers who will attend the conference and come through the exhibit hall. This is the second year that the Medical Tourism Association has exhibited and represented the medical tourism industry.

“We had some excellent results exhibiting last year and were able to convince many US employers to look at implementing medical tourism. With the raised awareness of US employers of medical tourism we are expecting even greater results this year!” said Jonathan Edelheit, Chief Executive Officer of the MTA.

Come Visit the Medical Tourism Association Booth #149 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 28^th – July 1^st !

Till next time,

Stephanie

The Medical Tourism Association has launched the first social network in medical tourism called Medical Tourism City.  The medical tourism social network is “your global healthcare community” and will allow thousands of people involved in global healthcare, medical tourism, medical travel, and health tourism to meet, network, share ideas and thoughts and to help grow the industry. This is groundbreaking for our industry!

“The MTA launched the social network as a way for people to find a common place to communicate and grow the medical tourism industry in a positive direction.”  Said Renee-Marie Stephano, editor of the Medical Tourism Magazine, and President of Medical Tourism Association.   “Anyone, anywhere in the world can use the site freely.  The most important part is users of the medical tourism city social network will have access to meet business people and colleagues online that otherwise they would never be able to meet,” said Renee-Marie Stephano. 

The Medical Tourism City social network users will be medical tourism facilitators, international hospitals, governments, ministries of health and tourism, governmental economic development entities, insurance companies, employers, consultants, health insurance agents, patients, and other industry participants.  The medical tourism city social network is expected to have thousands of active users before the end of the year.  The Medical Tourism Association launched the website to help further one of its three tenants, “communication.”   The website is expected to go beyond medical tourism and address other issues involved in international healthcare and global healthcare.

Please go to http://www.medicaltourismcity.com .  Log in, create an account and add a photo!  Try out the features of the site and post a message in a forum or write your first blog, which could be you writing about what is your focus in medical tourism!

Till next time,

Stephanie

Today the Medical Tourism Association is launching the first social network for the medical tourism and global healthcare community. Our goal is to provide a “virtual city” where hospitals, medical tourism facilitators, insurance companies, employers, agents, consultants, technology providers and more can all come together in one place and meet, network, share thoughts, facts and goals! Please come, join, share and connect with people in over 60 different countries.

The site will be a place where people can:

1) Create your own blogs

2) Create your own forums and post messages

3) Share photos

4) Share videos

5) Create your own groups and allow people to join them to discuss ideas or for networking

6) Create your own private network of contacts

7) Privately email people 

8 ) learn up to date information 

Please go to http://www.medicaltourismcity.com .  Log in, create an account and add a photo!  Try out the features of the site and post a message in a forum or write your first blog, which could be you writing about what is your focus in medical tourism. I think over the next few months the site will be very exciting!

Till next time,

Stephanie

Good Afternoon,

The Medical Tourism Association has announced a FAM “Familiarization” trip to Jordan on July 14th-17th 2009. The goal of the trip is an introduction to the high quality of healthcare in Jordan, as Jordan is known as having some of the highest quality healthcare in the region, and some of the top JCI accredited hospitals. The FAM trip will include tourism activities that a patient could engage in such as a visit to the Dead Sea and to the old city of Petra! Spaces are limited, and the Medical Tourism Association gives first priority on spacing to MTA members. Airfare and Hotel Accommodations are being sponsored by:

JTB

JEDCO

King Hussein Cancer Center

Jordan Hospital

Specialty Hospital

Israa Hospital

The Medical Tourism Magazine will also have coverage from the FAM trip that will be featured in an upcoming issue of the MTM later this year! The Medical Tourism Association is also working on the Quality of Care Project, which will change the way we look at the reporting of global healthcare statistics and the quality of care available at hospitals around the world. For more information please go www.MedicalTourismAssociation.com.

Till next time,

Stephanie