The Rise of “Medical Tourism”
by Jon Herring
Shortly after I arrived, I found myself reclining in a comfortable leather chair. I leaned back and relaxed, staring at the flawless blue sky and the steep, misty mountains surrounding San Jose.
Soft, soothing music played in the background. I was beginning to drift off when a young woman walked over. She placed her hand on my shoulder.
“Good afternoon, Jon. I hope you’re comfortable,” she said, in perfect English. “Can I adjust the chair for you? Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thank you. I’m just fine.” I told her.
A few moments later, Dr. Telma Rubinstein walked in and sat down beside me.
“We have a long day ahead, Jon. Are you ready to begin?” she asked.
I nodded – and with that, she flipped a switch on the light above my head and began to examine the inside of my mouth.
Seven hours later, after three specialists had completed 10 separate dental procedures, I was walked out the doors of Prisma Dental. My mouth was sore and numb, but I was ready to enjoy the rest of my “vacation.”
For the next ten days, I traveled in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. At the end of my trip, I returned to San Jose, where Dr. Rubinstein completed my dental work.
My trip to Central America is just one example of what has become known as “medical tourism.”
For a variety of reasons, people from around the world are traveling abroad to obtain dental, medical, and surgical treatment. In many cases, the cost savings are so substantial that the “tourism” aspect of the trip is an added bonus.