A family member has been recently diagnosed with a heart condition that requires replacing a heart valve. She points out that if she goes to India, the surgery cost is about 60% cheaper on average than if she has it done in the United States. Address the following:

• Discuss why patients are willing to travel to a foreign healthcare destination. What concerns or issues would you want a patient to consider before making this type of healthcare decision?

Why do you think there a growing interest in medical tourism? How do you see this potentially impacting U.S. hospitals and other facilities?