Medical Tourism: The Impact of Cost and Wait Time in Relation to Cardiac Surgeries Among Individuals in the United States

Introduction: Medical tourism has been defined as consumer movement whereby individuals travel abroad to get treatment, incur out-of-pocket and third-party payments. As American health care continues to face extraordinary increases in cost and long wait time. Medical tourism has made it possible for cardiac patients to do their surgeries at a more affordable rate with shorter wait times while achieving quality care. Methodology: The methodology of this study was a literature review used to examine the research. 5 electronic databases and government websites were utilized, with Only 42 sources referenced in the literature review. Results: The research showed how medical tourism has helped patients who sought cardiac care to save money. Also, have their surgery done in time, not having to wait months before being attended to, and also have access to vacation destinations during their recovery. Additionally, it was discovered that the impact of medical tourism has no adverse effect on the U.S. economy; neither do insurance companies face loss. Discussion/ Conclusion: High cost and long wait time have shown to have a negative impact on cardiac surgery patients in the United States. And but it does not negatively affect the U.S. economy and the insurance industry in the United States. Through medical tourism, patients have had more opportunity in saving and getting valued care equal to that of the U.S