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Medical Tourism, Medical Treatment And Travel In Thailand

Medical tourism continues to show strong growth around the world as costs of healthcare, and often waiting times, in developed countries also continue to rise. Potential health care recipients are turning outside their own countries, in ever increasing numbers, and Thailand is one of the main countries to benefit from this trend. Thailand, considered by many to be the global leader in providing healthcare for medical tourists, has seen robust growth in this market over the last ten years. Widely used estimates suggest that the number of medical tourists has risen from 500,000 in 2001 to over 1.4 million in 2009. Most of this increase was achieved in the last five years and is currently generating an income to Thailand of around $ 2 billion. The most important markets for the industry in Thailand are the Middle East and Europe. With The Middle East accounting for over 50% of this total, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is currently involved in setting up several initiatives to further develop this market.

The number of hospitals and clinics to choose from in Thailand, along with treatments provided, is extensive. Further, patients can choose to undergo their surgeries from any one of the hospitals located in the world class destinations of; Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Some of the most popular procedures include; cardiac surgery, orthopedic surgery, cosmetic surgery and dental care. The actual cost savings on these procedures can be huge. For example, the cost of a heart bypass or valve replacement, can typical cost between $ 130,000 to $ 160,000 in a developed country. In contrast, the same surgery, performed to the same standard, would cost around $ 10,000 in Thailand.

Thailand has long been a favorite medical tourist destination for a number of reasons. Firstly, the actual facilities and equipment available is world class. Historically, Thailand was the first nation in the region to receive ISO 9001 accreditation for one of its hospitals, and with significant investments made by the medical industry; many other hospitals have now achieved similar status. Equally as important, the training of the medical staff is commonly to the same standard as the West. Thai doctors not only undergo a first class education within their won country, but additionally, often undertake specialist training, usually either in the United States or Europe. Of course, along with state of the art facilities, well trained staff, and huge discounts available compared to their native countries, medical tourists are also attracted to Thailand for its many attractions as a world class tourist destination.

Thailand has long remained one of the top holiday destinations worldwide and for a recuperating patient has potentially much to offer. There are beautiful exotic beaches, large areas of National Park, splendid historical and cultural attractions, excellent cuisine and equally first rate shopping. Another lure for potential visitors are the many wonderful spas available throughout the country, which provide the perfect way to relax and recover, before returning home. Additionally to this, if staying in Bangkok, a visitor can enjoy the excitement and international facilities of a city, again voted World’s Best City by Travel and Leisure magazine. Regardless of the what medical treatment is required, it’s easy to see why ever increasing numbers are attracted to Thailand, as a way of reducing medical costs, whilst receiving world class treatment, combined with being able to enjoy the many attractions Thailand has to offer.

The Tourist Authority of Thailand has now proudly launched its new medical portal website www.ThailandMedTourism.com to provide useful, legitimate and up-to-date advice about medical tourism and medical providers in Thailand for international patients who are interested in getting world class healthcare in the kingdom from plastic surgery to treatments for more life threatening illnesses.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new medical tourism website. Their new medical portal website www.thailandmedtourism.com essentially provides information relating to surgical procedure

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Crucial Medical Travel Recommendations

It’s estimated that 1 billion people travel by air every year, both domestically as well as internationally, and that this number is going to double in the next 2 decades. As a result of the ease of travel even to far off areas on the globe, a variety of health risks have become a reality. Some of these risks or diseases could have local community wide or global consequences, and quite a lot of of them could be prevented by making sure that the correct immunizations are carried out just before traveling.

Some diseases can only be found in particular geographic places. For this reason making sure that your supplemental and standard vaccinations are up to date prior to your travel plan. A few vaccinations are vital before youre able to go to particular parts of the world.

Standard immunizations are given in most countries, and most travelers would probably have received these. This group of vaccines consists of vaccinations for measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and the BCG (Bacille-Calmette-Guerin) vaccination.

Supplemental vaccinations are dependent on the length of stay and also the geographical region where that you are traveling to. Supplemental vaccinations incorporate vaccinations for cholera, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, plague, rabies, typhoid and yellow fever.

Medication to avoid Malaria need to also be remembered when talking about vaccinations. Even though there’s no vaccine readily available to prevent malaria at present, antimalarial medication like chloroquine are effective in stopping the disease. Malaria is transmitted to humans via mosquito bites. Consequently, straightforward precautionary measures against mosquito bites must also be taken in the event you visit a malarial region.

Under regular circumstances, vaccinations should not be given to pregnant ladies, specifically within the initial three months of pregnancy. Vaccinations need to also be avoided if there’s a likelihood of becoming pregnant within the following three months. Polio and yellow fever vaccinations could be given safely if there’s a likelihood of an infection.

Tetanus injections may be given if the woman is going to an region where the child could be born in unsterile circumstances. If a vaccination is, even so, essential, it can be much better to administer it inside the last trimester. If the vaccination is only important to comply with regulations, the treating physician might look at offering a certificate of exemption.

Pregnant travelers need to try and keep away from traveling to malarial regions, as the disease can result in the child to be born deformed. It’s also essential to not take little children and babies into malarial regions, because they are very vulnerable to the disease.

A few vaccinations are regulatory needs, e.g. yellow fever for traveling to Africa as well as the East. Your travel clinic will likely be able to advise you on the vaccinations which are needed as well as the ones which are desirable. Your doctor or travel clinic would be able to advise you on the right immunizations for your planned trip. Be sure that you discuss this together with your health care service provider, because there are specific vaccinations which have to be completed at the least a month prior to you travel.

Preventous Collaborative Health is a botox and travel clinic Calgary providing weight loss consultancy, corporate health care services, cosmetic treatments, hair removal services, medical travel clinic advice.

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CPC-A located in Lincoln, AL willing to travel 40 miles for entry level position

Newly certified CPC-A looking for entry level position preferably in coding but I am open to what you have to offer. I do not have a medical background to give you but I have a certificate in medical coding and I have a great attitude. I am located in Lincoln and I am willing to travel to Oxford, Gadsden, Birmingham or Sylacauga to get my foot in the door and get my coding career started.
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Patriot Group Travel Medical Insurance

Whether your Group traveling on a trade mission, as a business team, a missionary group or even a large family group you should consider Patriot Group Travel Medical Insurance. You would be hard-pressed to find a better international group insurance plan. If a member of your group is insured or becomes ill overseas and you don’t have a good group travel medical insurance plan who are you going to call for help? With the Patriot Group plan you can contact IMG’s international, multilingual customer service centers 24 hours a day. IMG has claims administrators who have experience processing claims from all over the world and can handle virtual every language and currency. You will also have 24 hour access to highly qualified coordinators of emergency medical services and international treatment. You can’t go wrong when you have a Patriot Group Travel Medical Insurance plan, you have Coverage without Boundaries®.

There are 2 Patriot Group Travel Medical Insurance plans one is for U.S. Citizens traveling overseas, Patriot International Group plan, and the other is for non-U.S. Citizens traveling outside their home country, the Patriot America Group plan. Both of the Patriot Group plans offer a complete package of international benefits available 24 hours a day. The Patriot Group International Travel Medical Insurance plan provides coverage for groups of 5 or more U.S. Citizens traveling overseas for a minimum of 10 days up to a maximum of 2 years with coverage for brief returns to the U.S. Patriot Group America for groups of 5 or more also when traveling outside their home country.

Both the Patriot International Group plan and the Patriot America Group plan have Maximum limits from $ 50,000 to $ 2,000,000 and Individual Deductibles from $ 0 to $ 2,500. As well as the following: For treatment received outside the U.S. and Canada there is no Coinsurance. For treatment received inside the U.S. and Canada the plans pay 90% of eligible expenses up to $ 5,000 then 100% up to the policy maximum when treatment is provided within the PPO Network and 80% outside the PPO Network. The benefit period is 6 months. You have 24 hour on-line access to MyImg.

Now let get specific about Schedule of Benefits, Additional Benefits, International Emergency Care and Optional Riders. Schedule of Benefits:

All of the following are covered Up to the Maximum Limit: Hospital Room and Board, Intensive Care, Medical Expenses, Local Ambulance, Prescription Drugs, Emergency Room Accident, Dental – Due to Accident.
Emergency Room Illness without In-patient Admission – Up to Maximum Limit with additional $ 250 deductible, Dental – Sudden Pain – up to $ 100, Indemnity (for U.S. Citizens only) – up to $ 100 per night.

Additional Benefits:

Terrorism: up to $ 50,000 lifetime maximum, Sports and Activities Coverage: up to maximum limit for basic sports, Sudden Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition – Medical (for U.S. Citizens only) – up to $ 15,000 of eligible costs and expenses, Sudden Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition – Emergency Medical Evacuation (for U.S. Citizens only) – up to $ 25,000 of eligible costs and expenses, Incidental Home Country Coverage – up to cumulative two weeks, End of Trip Home Country Coverage – one month for every 5 months of travel coverage purchased, up to a maximum of two months, Trip Interruption – up to $ 5,000, Common Carrier Accidental Death – $ 50,000 to beneficiary; maximum of $ 250,000 per family, Accidental Death & Dismemberment – $ 25,000 principle sum, Lost Luggage – up to $ 50 per item of personal property; maximum of $ 250 per Period of Coverage.

International Emergency Care:

Emergency Medical Evacuation – up to $ 500,000 lifetime maximum (independent of the Maximum limit), Emergency Reunion – up to $ 50,000, Return of Mortal Remains – up to $ 50,000, Return of Minor Children – $ 50,000, Political Evacuation – up to $ 10,000, Natural Disaster – $ 100 per day for five days, Identify Theft Assistance – up to $ 500 per Period of Coverage.

Optional Riders:

Adventure Sports Rider – (available to insureds up to age 65): 0-49 – Lifetime maximum of $ 50,000, 50-59 – Lifetime maximum of $ 30,000, 60-64 – Lifetime maximum of $ 15,000, Chaperone/Faculty Leader Replacement Rider – up to $ 3,000 for round trip economy airline ticket, Citizenship Return Rider – up to the Maximum Limit.

When you consider the world-class medical benefits giving you coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical expenses and the International Emergency Care you can see that both of the Patriot Group Travel Medical Insurance plans are worth looking at. For more information or to buy on-line visit the links below. http://www.GlobalTravelCoverage.com.

Thank you for your time and I hope that you read more of my articles in the future.

 

Specializes in Travel Medical Insurance, Trip Insurance, Global Health Insurance and all of the derivations(Mission, Marine, Student, etc.). For your Travel Medical Insurance needs visit us at: Global Medical Coverage.

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Patriot Platinum Travel Medical Insurance

This First-Class travel medical insurance plan comes in both Patriot Platinum International and Patriot Platinum America. Both provide the discerning traveler offer a complete package of international benefits available 24 hours a day. These 2 plans are available from 10 days to 3 years. Besides the range of deductibles (0 to $ 25,000) and policy maximums ($ 1,000,000, $ 5,000,000 and $ 8,000,000) you also have access to IMG’s Global Concierge  and Assistance Services. Family deductible is 3 times the individual deductible.

In addition to the services listed above there is this: Coinsurance in PPO Network pays 100%, outside PPO Network pays 90% up to $ 5,000 then 100% up to maximum limit, Benefit period 12 months, and eDocAmerica gives you access to medical professionals to assist with any routine health related questions.

Let’s look at the Schedule of Benefits, Additional Benefits, International Emergency Care and Optional Riders.

Schedule of Benefits:

The following are covered Up to the Maximum Limit: Hospital Room and Board, Medical Expenses, Out-patient Medical Expenses, Local Ambulance, Intensive Care, Emergency Room Accident, Emergency Room Illness with In-patient Admission, Prescription Drugs, Dental – Due to Accident.
Emergency Room Illness without In-patient Admission – Up to Maximum Limit with additional $ 250 deductible, Dental – Sudden Pain – up to $ 250, Indemnity – up to $ 250 per night, Supplement Accident – up to $ 300.

Additional Benefits:

Terrorism: up to Maximum Limit, Sports and Leisure Activities – up to maximum limit for basic sports, Sudden Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition – Medical (for U.S. Citizens only) – up to $ 50,000 of eligible costs and expenses, Incidental Home Country Coverage – up to cumulative two weeks, End of Trip Home Country Coverage – one month for every 4 months of travel coverage purchased, up to a maximum of three months, Trip Interruption – up to $ 10,000, Common Carrier Accidental Death – $ 100,000 to beneficiary; maximum of $ 250,000 per family, Accidental Death & Dismemberment – $ 50,000 principle sum, Small Pet Common Air Carrier Accidental Death – up to $ 500.

International Emergency Care:

Emergency Medical Evacuation – up to Maximum limit, Emergency Reunion – up to $ 100,000, Return of Mortal Remains – up to $ 100,000, Return of Minor Children – $ 100,000, Political Evacuation – up to $ 100,000, Natural Disaster – $ 250 per day for five days, Remote Transportation – $ 5,000 per Certificate Period with $ 20,000 Lifetime Maximum, Identify Theft Assistance – up to $ 500, Lost/Theft (Luggage, valuables, personal papers) – up to $ 500, Felonious Assault – up to $ 10,000.

Optional Riders:

Adventure Sports Rider – (available to insureds up to age 65): 0-49 – Lifetime maximum of $ 50,000, 50-59 – Lifetime maximum of $ 30,000, 60-64 – Lifetime maximum of $ 15,000, Enhanced AD&D Rider (available to Primary Insured only) – up to an additional $ 400,000, Citizenship Return Rider – up to the Maximum Limit, Personal Liability – Injury to third party – $ 2,000 limit after $ 100 deductible, Personal Liability – Damage to third person property – $ 500 limit after $ 100 deductible.

The Patriot Platinum International Travel Medical Insurance plan and the Patriot Platinum America Travel Medical Insurance plan are the Premier Travel Medical Insurance plans available today. So if you expect only the best then go to the links below for more information or to buy on-line. http://www.GlobalTravelCoverage.com.

Thank you for your time and I hope that you read more of my articles in the future.

 

Specializes in Travel Medical Insurance, Trip Insurance, Global Health Insurance and all of the derivations(Mission, Marine, Student, etc.). For your Travel Medical Insurance needs visit us at: Global Medical Coverage.

Patriot Travel Medical Insurance

There are two Patriot travel medical insurance plans available. Patriot International is for U.S. Citizens traveling outside the U.S. with coverage for brief returns to the U.S. The other plan is Patriot America, this is for non-U.S. Citizens traveling outside their home countries. The period of coverage for both plans can be from 10 days up to 2 years. Both plans offer great benefits and services which should meet your international needs. Benefits include a range of deductibles (0 to $ 2,500) and plan maximums ($ 50,000 to $ 2,000,000) and access to over 17,000 providers when you need treatment outside the U.S. There is no Coinsurance for treatment received outside the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S.  and Canada the plan pays 90% of eligible expenses up to $ 5,000 then 100% up to the policy maximum when treatment is provided within the PPO Network and 80% outside the PPO Network. Benefit period of 6 months. On-line access to MyIMG 24 hours a day. World-Class Medical Benefits and International Emergency Care.

Below are the Schedule of Benefits, Additional Benefits, International Emergency Care and Optional Riders.

Schedule of Benefits:

The following are covered Up to the Maximum Limit: Hospital Room and Board (for average semi-private room rate), Medical Expenses, Out-patient Medical Expenses, Local Ambulance, Intensive Care, Emergency Room Accident, Emergency Room Illness with In-patient Admission, Prescription Drugs, Dental – Due to Accident.
Emergency Room Illness without In-patient Admission – Up to Maximum Limit with additional $ 250 deductible, Dental – Sudden Pain – up to $ 100, Indemnity (for U.S. Citizen only) – up to $ 100 per night.

Additional Benefits:

Terrorism: up to $ 50,000 lifetime maximum, Sports and Leisure Activities – up to maximum limit for basic sports, Sudden Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition – Medical (for U.S. Citizens only) – up to $ 15,000 of eligible expenses, Sudden Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition – Emergency Medical Evacuation (for U.S. Citizens only) – up to $ 25,000 of eligible costs and expenses, Incidental Home Country Coverage – up to cumulative two weeks, End of Trip Home Country Coverage – one month for every 5 months of travel coverage purchased, up to a maximum of two months, Trip Interruption – up to $ 5,000, Common Carrier Accidental Death – $ 50,000 to beneficiary; maximum of $ 250,000 per family, Accidental Death & Dismemberment – $ 25,000 principle sum, Lost Luggage – up to $ 50 per item of personal property; maximum of $ 250 per Period of Coverage.

International Emergency Care:

Emergency Medical Evacuation – up to $ 500,000 lifetime maximum (independent of Maximum limit), Emergency Reunion – up to $ 50,000, Return of Mortal Remains – up to $ 50,000, Return of Minor Children – $ 50,000, Political Evacuation – up to $ 10,000, Natural Disaster – $ 100 per day for five days, Identify Theft Assistance – up to $ 500 per Period of Coverage.

Optional Riders:

Adventure Sports Rider – (available to insureds up to age 65): 0-49 – Lifetime maximum of $ 50,000, 50-59 – Lifetime maximum of $ 30,000, 60-64 – Lifetime maximum of $ 15,000, Enhanced AD&D Rider (available to Primary Insured only) – up to an additional $ 400,000, Citizenship Return Rider – up to the Maximum Limit.

The Patriot International Travel Medical Insurance plan and the Patriot America Travel Medical Insurance plan are among the best selling Travel Medical Insurance plans available today. To find out more go to the links below for more information or to buy on-line. http://www.GlobalTravelCoverage.com.

Thank you for your time and I hope that you read more of my articles in the future.

 

Specializes in Travel Medical Insurance, Trip Insurance, Global Health Insurance and all of the derivations(Mission, Marine, Student, etc.). For your Travel Medical Insurance needs visit us at: Global Medical Coverage.

Travel Allowance Code Updated for 2017

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has revised the 2017 travel allowance flat rate for laboratory technicians in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service. Coverage for Travel Medicare Part B will pay a travel allowance for a laboratory technician to draw a specimen from either a nursing home patient or homebound patient, provided the specimen collection […]
AAPC Knowledge Center

Clinical laboratory fee schedule on travel allowances and specimen collection fees


The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated payment rates for travel allowances and specimen collection fees when billed on a per mileage basis using Health Care Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code P9603 and when billed on a flat rate basis using HCPCS code P9604 for 2016.

Payment of the travel allowance is made only if a specimen collection fee is also payable. The travel allowance is intended to cover the estimated travel costs of collecting a specimen including the laboratory technician’s salary and travel expenses. The per mile travel allowance is to be used in situations where the average trip to the patients’ homes is longer than 20 miles round trip.

The per flat-rate trip basis travel allowance is $ 9.90

Reference: https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNMattersArticles/Downloads/MM9485.pdf


Coding Ahead

Question regarding physician billing labs and travel in a Nursing Home

When a physician is drawing blood on a patient in a nursing home facility,

Does the travel code need to be on the same claim?
What place 0f service should be used for the blood draw and travel codes?

Thank you,

Stacey

Medical Billing and Coding Forum | AAPC