Why Some Travelers Skip The Big Cities For Domestic Medical Tourism
Historically, the best medical treatment has been exclusive to large cities, which possess the necessary infrastructure and funding. That trend is starting to change with more travelers seeking comparable care in select suburban and rural destinations. Domestic medical tourism is gaining popularity, offering opportunities to receive similar care while exploring existing destinations.
Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) flock flying with mountain backdrop, Kalispell, Montana, USA, October. (Photo by: Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Mid-tier cities and suburban areas are more likely to offer advanced medical treatment than in the past, thanks to increased travel flexibility and changing population trends. As a result, providers can leave the big city and thrive within their specialty.
While major cities like New York and Boston are home to some of the top hospitals, they are also some of the most expensive places to live and work. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many professionals sought a more affordable work-life balance, which led to smaller cities attracting top talent, including both healthcare workers and potential patients.
For instance, many residents from expensive counties in California, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, relocated to more affordable states like Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico during the pandemic. As a result, medical facilities expanded. Cities like Tucson and El Paso have been able to provide quality care without incurring the costs associated with a major city.
Dr. Siona Motufau is a prime example of blending advanced care with serene surroundings that big cities cannot provide. He specializes in cosmetic implant dentistry and founded Ohana Dental Implant Centers in Montrose and Grand Junction, Colorado. Yet, it's still easy and affordable to reach by car or air.
His clinic has handled over 300 complex restorative cases, many of which were deemed untreatable by other providers. Ohana also has an in-house dental lab to control every detail and provide consistent results for local and visiting patients. 'When you control the entire process—from surgery to final prosthetics—you can deliver results that are not just functional, but flawless,' says Motufau.
Motufau studied under Dr. Carl Misch, the father of modern implant dentistry, and Dr. Tavelli, Harvard's leader in managing implant complications. He combines their knowledge with his vision to blend aesthetics with advanced surgery to become the go-to destination for complex full-mouth restorations that require surgical skill and artistic vision.
Some examples of procedures that people are willing to travel for include dentistry, cancer treatments, fertility services, orthopedic surgery, cosmetic procedures, bariatric surgery, and organ transplants.
Choosing a treatment destination is one of the most appealing aspects of medical tourism. Staying in a busy metropolitan area is costly, with lodging and transportation adding an extra financial burden to medical expenses. Not everybody is comfortable in busy urban areas, and the atmosphere can present additional stress that delays recovery or inhibits rest and relaxation.
Dr. Motafu partially chose to practice on Colorado's Western Slope for its scenery. Patients can enjoy exploring one of the state's most scenic areas and enjoy a small-town setting during their downtime. The greater Grand Junction area also has a thriving medical infrastructure with reputable providers. Local residents and long-distance patients alike receive the treatment they need with the ability to enjoy nature unimpeded.
Recovery is a crucial factor when researching medical tourism, and having a comfortable space to recuperate is vital for maintaining one's health. Being able to explore the fresh mountain air or relax on a sunny beach between appointments can make the medical experience more enjoyable.
Some medical facilities have even been able to save hospitals that were on the brink of shutdown. Staff in Kalispell, Montana, have been able to attract patients with nearby ski resorts and lakes. They have also built the first pediatric hospital in rural Montana.
Major medical facilities offer diverse treatment options, but the personalized attention can be lacking due to high patient volumes. While there is a time and place to visit these locations, smaller providers can provide more hands-on care and attention from staff members. Patients can get to know their caregivers and vice versa.
A population boom in McKenzie County, North Dakota, for example, enabled funding for a medical facility, making it easier for patients to receive medical care. The smaller facility allows patients and people living in the nearby counties to benefit from personalized care.
A tiny farm house is seen in the background off of U.S. Hwy 85 going throughout Arnegard, N.D., Sept 24, 2013. In 2008 the North Dakota oil boom started its ongoing period of extraction of oil from the Bakken formation. The amount of jobs the oil boom has provided North Dakota has helped give it the lowest unemployment rate in the United States and and gave it a billion dollar surplus. Shale gas reserves has given the United States more independence over other nations such as Venezuela and count (Photo by Ken Cedeno/Corbis via Getty Images)
Corbis via Getty Images
There is also the possibility of visiting different facilities when a single specialist cannot provide integrated care. In this situation, providers can improve coordination so patients receive the necessary care without delay.
Dr. Motafu believes the future of medicine includes converging the functional and aesthetic components. He plans on expanding his clinical model into other high-demand markets so patients have greater access to cosmetic implant dentistry nationwide. 'Too many people walk into a dental office expecting a new smile, and walk out with a lifetime of complications. That's the problem I've dedicated my life to solving,' Dr. Motafu says.
Leading healthcare institutions are more expensive than smaller clinics that offer similar treatment or quality of care in most cases. Higher demand helps spur pricing power, but it's also costly to maintain state-of-the-art infrastructure and staff.
Prices can also vary across locations for big-name providers, such as the Mayo Clinic, which operates campuses in several states. Treatment can be cheaper in states with a lower cost of living, with major providers and highly skilled independent practitioners.
While medical treatment within the United States is more expensive than overseas, the transportation costs can be lower when driving or booking affordable flights. Some travel brands may also offer special rates for medical travel, though this varies by airline, rental company, and hotel. However, it may be worth investing in travel insurance, depending on the procedure and destination.
Additionally, the potential cost savings are less substantial for minor procedures or when overseas travel costs are pricier than anticipated. You also don't run the risk of post-treatment complications that the overseas destination may not have the resources to address.
It's worth mentioning that between 150,000 and 200,000 international visitors come to the United States each year specifically for medical care that is unavailable in their home country. While it may cost more for medical assistance in the United States, the quality of care provides peace of mind and can reduce the need for follow-up procedures due to rushed work or inexperienced staff.
The domestic healthcare space is adapting as more citizens want regional, state-of-the-art care. There is strong demand in many mid-tier communities that are easily accessible. Domestic medical tourism can be more affordable and more personal, depending on the location.
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