Medical Travel Today

While healthcare reform is certainly driving much of the conversation in the U.S. Congress, it is allowing numerous organizations representing the many different facets of medical travel to step forward and explain their offerings, dispel many misconceptions, and outline the advantages of medical travel.

And if the recent surgery noted in Newsweek's blog on medical tourism (see INDUSTRY NEWS) is correct, it seems the majority of Americans are paying attention and giving serious consideration to their options.

We’ve interviewed T. J. Mundheim, M.D., of Medical Group Software and learned how his company is hoping to address one of the greatest areas of concern to consumers considering travel abroad for care.

Editor's Note: Combine 15 years in practice, followed by two years with a growing medical travel facilitator, and an inherent knack (and liking) for solving tough IT problems, and it would seem that T. J. Mundheim, M.D., is well poised to tackle the industry's most persistent medical records challenges.

Medical Travel Today recently caught up with Dr. Mundheim to learn about how Medical Groupware IT products, a division of Hygeia, streamline the flow of medical information for patients and professionals and could eliminate one of the biggest areas of concern for patients considering medical travel.

Medical Travel Today (MTT): First, tell us how you got involved in medical travel.

T.J. Mundheim (TJM): Back in 2007 and 2008, I worked with a medical tourism facilitator. The initial idea was to help them shape and grow the facilitation business, but over time the focus shifted to IT solutions.

Through the experience I learned a lot about what is and isn't available in terms of information. I did a great deal of travel in Latin America and saw first-hand how record retrieval and communication between physicians and patients, and physicians and hospitals regarding patient care and post-care was being done. For many facilities, they simply don't have an efficient record transfer system, and the concept of building one, not just for foreign patients but domestic ones as well, was just too huge and intimidating.

Many simply don't deal with it at all. That's precisely the issue Medical Group Software is designed to solve.

MTT: There are a lot of electronic record solutions out there. How is this one different?

TJM: The biggest difference is how it functions: Medical Groupware actively goes out and looks for your healthcare record and retrieves it. But more importantly, it does not reposit them. The record always sits in the original electronic medical record system (EMR).

The only person who can grant access for record retrieval is the individual patient. They say, "Sure, Hospital Y can have access to my records with Dr. Z." The software then accesses the doctor's records, extracts what relates to the patient, and then completely encrypts the data and de-identifies the patient during transfer. Once it's all gathered at its destination, the information is re-assembled in a narrative format. But let me also add that the software does more than EMR management. It has functionality in terms of appointment scheduling, prescription refill, online bill pay, and insurance verification.

MTT: I'm assuming the various hospitals and physicians will need to have the software. What are the system requirements and cost?

TJM: Here's the good news followed by more good news: it doesn't matter what system you're on. The software will work with it. The other good news is that it's free. The hospital need only request it.

MTT: Well forgive me for asking, but if you're giving it away, how do you make money at this?

TJM: That's a fair question. We've got two means of income. The first is a transaction fee that will be charged to physicians. It's really quite minimal and doctors are open to it as the use of the software actually allows them to cut staff. The record transfer pretty much happens without their even being aware of it. They don't need to keep someone on to deal just with these types of exchanges. Our cost versus a traditional employee cost is a minute fraction.

In terms of patients, for a minimal annual fee, they too can also have complete access to their records. We're talking $5 to $10 USD annually. And if you're someone who has a lot of care issues, this is a small price to pay versus the headache of dealing with traditional records transfer.

Plus, for patients traveling for care, they know without a doubt their records are available to the treating physician. Even if the doctor they are going to doesn't have the software, the patient does and they can simply pull up their records for the physician.
One of the beauties I seen in the system is that it really allows for true interoperable team care for the patient. The home doctor, or doctors, can share every relevant piece of data without effort; the treating facility and doctor can get to the info without jumping through hoops; and after the care or treatment, the home doctor has full access so that post-care is enhanced.

Our mission is to provide a way for the patient to not only have access to their record, but to have a life care plan that is accessible to them and the provider that is assisting them no matter where they are.

MTT:So at this point are you targeting physicians, hospitals, or patients?

TJM: Frankly, we're trying to get on as many systems as possible. We're in the late stages of beta testing with a number of clinics and we're working with a major insurance company as well as labs and other medical facilities.
We're actually fully operating now in three different offices in the states.
We would very much like to engage a bigger domestic and foreign hospital to test in.
We don't anticipate any challenges to doing so as it's not like adding a new Website. Our functionality exists completely behind the hospital's site, and there's literally no cost to add it to a site.

We really would like to continue beta-testing in a number of different types of facilities. The more hospitals and facilities that come on, the better it will be for the patient.
In addition to being a huge benefit to the patient the savings in records management to medical providers and facilities is significant.

About T.J. Mundheim, M.D.
Dr. Mundheim is a lifelong entrepreneur who has been involved in many ventures, and found consistent success identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in the healthcare industry. In the last 15 years -- his first 10 as a treating doctor and owner of multiple clinics, diagnostic centers, and a practice management company -- he found his passion in the business side of healthcare. The fact that he has extensive experience as a treating doctor gives him a unique insight into the operations of healthcare-related businesses. This understanding of what is required to build and market a healthcare business, manage staff, collect for services, and determine the performance potential of each area is unique for a provider. Dr. Mundheim’s entrepreneurial spirit has gained him extensive experience in a wide variety of industries. His most recent ventures have been centered on medical travel and healthcare IT. As a managing partner in Hygeia Paragon Holdings he has a vehicle to put control of healthcare back in the patients’ hands while making the experience for the healthcare providers one that lets them focus on the practice of medicine -- not one of a records clerk. Dr. Mundheim can be reached at: info@medicalgroupware.com

The August 7, 2009, edition of Newsweek's blog 'The Human Condition' examines the reasons for and risks associated with medical tourism. The blog and reader comments can be viewed here.

Businesses Can Improve Cash Flow by Outsourcing Medical Procedures
Self-insured businesses and insurance companies can reduce expenses by sending certain employees and policy holders overseas for surgery. Making arrangements through a certified facilitator ensures the finest medical care with the fewest hassles and savings up to 70 percent.

Alpharetta, GA (PRWEB) August 10, 2009 -- Companies that are self-insured can reduce their expenses by sending employees overseas for certain medical procedures with no compromises in safety or comfort. Similarly, insurance companies can cut costs by outsourcing some operations for their policy holders.

To assist American companies in dealing with hospitals and surgeons in other countries, Global Surgery Network Inc. (GSN) has set up a new Professional Services Division.
"At a time when companies are typically looking at 15 to 20 percent annual increases in their insurance premiums, dealing with overseas providers can end up saving them 60 to 70 percent," says GSN president Jack Schafer. "The customers get medical care that is every bit as good as, and often better than, what they'd receive here in the United States."

Offshore treatment is not intended to replace emergency operations, but planned and necessary orthopedic procedures for hips, knees, and backs have proven to be ideal ways to cut costs, and some insurance providers are even eliminating deductibles and co-pays. Even when the added expenses of travel and first-class accommodations for both the patient and a companion have been factored in, the bottom line reveals savings too substantial to ignore.

At least one U.S.-based insurance company, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, has already signed an agreement to have elective surgeries performed in India, in a program that meets all guidelines set by the American Medical Association.

Some of the country’s most prestigious medical institutions -- Harvard University, Johns Hopkins, and the Mayo Clinic -- have international divisions that are operating hospitals in India, Panama, and Thailand.

Self-insured companies and the insurance industry initially made arrangements with overseas hospitals directly, but found that arranging travel, transportation, and accommodations to coincide with the medical procedures was a daunting task. Now they are turning to facilitators such as GSN, one of only five companies in the United States accredited by the Medical Tourism Association as a Certified Facilitator.

Schafer has been asked to speak about medical tourism at the 2nd Annual Employees Benefits Group Conference September 13 - 15, 2009, in Atlanta, Ga.

Worldwide Medical Partners Announces the Expansion of Its Medical Travel Services to South Florida Insurers, Employers, and Individual Consumers

Miami, FL, August 16, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Worldwide Medical Partners (WMP), Miami Shores-based company announces its inception as a subsidiary of Worldwide Managed Care Partners, beginning full operation as of July 1, 2009. Created to fill a void in the local marketplace in the area of medical tourism and to provide cost containment solutions for insurers, employers, and individuals, WMP pledges to provide of the highest quality of healthcare anywhere in the world. WMP has created a sophisticated network of world-renowned providers throughout several destinations in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe, enabling consumers to realize substantial savings on medical treatments and procedures.

The emergence of disruptive healthcare innovations such as medical tourism, present an industry paradigm with new players, new delivery models, new ways of partnering, and new value propositions. Research suggests that while traditional roles in the healthcare delivery system are being threatened by these innovations, they may also provide new and rewarding opportunities and alternatives.

The overarching goal in healthcare is to provide the highest quality of care for the patients. Innovative advances in medicine and the globalization of healthcare have undoubtedly improved patient care and fueled global organizational growth. The principle behind medical tourism facilitation is to overcome the formidable challenges of international medical travel by dramatically simplifying and accelerating how companies and individuals are able to integrate their business processes and gain the insight needed to respond adeptly to market demands.

“Built on a platform of high standards and a service-oriented architecture, WMP provides a unified cost containment solution that allows our clients to greatly reduce expenditure and increase efficiency and agility by consolidating the logistics of medical travel” says Ves Gitchev, M.D., executive director. WMP’s consumers gain the ability to be on the cutting edge of the globalization of healthcare to meet market demands more rapidly, and allows for greater levels of efficiency and control over their healthcare alternatives.

Mobile Surgery International Assembles Team of Nationally Recognized Orthopedic Surgeons

AVENTURA, Fla. August 4, 2009 — Mobile Surgery International (MSI) has assembled a core team of highly specialized, nationally recognized orthopedic surgeons who have agreed to work with the company in implementation of MSI’s surgical business model of Centers of Excellence with Global Convenience™. The team will handle a broad range of non-emergency orthopedic procedures domestically and abroad. The team represents a total of 80+ combined years of orthopedic experience, operating in and outside of the United States and includes:

“Mobile Surgery International’s orthopedic surgery capabilities are built first and foremost on the experience, focus, and skill level of our surgeons,” says Arnon Krongrad, M.D., chief executive officer and medical director of the company. “Our surgeon-driven service model combines ability to source cost-effective and appropriate operating room capacity and machinery, sophisticated surgical expertise, and mobility. It offers domestic and foreign payers and uninsured, self-insured, under-insured, and self-directed patients a way to overcome financial, cultural, and geographical barriers to treatment choice and quality.”

MSI’s orthopedic surgery program complements existing programs in cancer surgery and cardiovascular surgery. MSI offers transparent and fixed package pricing for surgical episodes. Specific procedures can be carried out at institutions in Florida, Kansas, Mexico, Panama, and Trinidad. Relationships with additional surgical specialists and host institutions are under development.

In March 2009 Mobile Surgery International first demonstrated the ability of a mobile surgical model to simultaneously deliver choice, quality, and cost containment to patients. It sent an uninsured American and his American surgical team to Trinidad. In so doing, MSI delivered the treatment the patient chose and cut his cost by 60 percent.

NACO, Mexico, Aug 13 - Retired police officer Bob Ritz has health insurance that covers his medical and dental care in the United States.

But every few months he drives from his home in Tombstone, Ariz., to this small town in northern Mexico to avoid the healthcare costs that aren't paid by insurance.

"I pay $400 a month for my health insurance, and it's still cheaper to come to Mexico," says Ritz, 60, as he stood outside a sun-bleached pharmacy in Naco, a few hours drive southeast of Phoenix.

President Barack Obama is locked in a bitter fight to overhaul U.S. healthcare, as he seeks to increase the number of Americans getting coverage and drive down costs of around $2.5 trillion a year.

Republican critics charge that Obama and his Democratic allies in Congress are seeking a government takeover of healthcare that will drive up the budget deficit.

With Washington bickering over how to reform the system and contain its spiraling costs, many Americans like Ritz simply head to Mexico to get care they can afford.

The total number making the trip is unclear. But a recent study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research estimated that nearly 1 million people from California alone seek medical, dental, or prescription services in Mexico each year.

Some making the trek have little or no medical coverage. Others like Ritz are on fixed incomes and want to avoid co-pays and deductibles charged by U.S. insurers on top of policies that routinely cost from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand each month.

"The very wealthy can afford whatever they want, the very poor get it through aid, but the working and the middle-class have to struggle to pay insurance," says Ritz, who worked as a police officer in Chicago for 28 years.

"I'm very lucky to live near enough to Mexico to get good healthcare at a reasonable price," he adds.

Healthcare reform is the flagship domestic policy drive of Obama's first year in office. He wants coverage for around 46 million uninsured Americans in order to rein in rising medical costs and to regulate insurers that already provide care to millions more.

Republican opponents say Obama's plan amounts to socialism by stealth and argue that its trillion-dollar price tag will hurt the economy as the United States remains mired in the worst recession in decades.

While the bitter row continues to rage at town hall meetings across the United States, signs of the U.S. system's failings are visible in Mexican border cities, where cut-price pharmacies, dental clinics, and doctors' surgeries vie for business from Americans who can't afford treatment at home.

In Tijuana, where medical tourism from neighboring San Diego is big business, clinics offer operations ranging from cut-rate cosmetic procedures to hysterectomies and bariatric surgery to curb obesity.

"I waste up to four hours coming to an appointment, but it's worth it as we'll save thousands of dollars," said Beatriz Iturriaga, a 26-year-old mother of two from Eastlake, south of San Diego, who paid $6,500 for bariatric surgery at a Tijuana clinic that would cost up to $40,000 stateside.

At the other end of the cost spectrum in Naco, Mexican physician Sixto de la Pena Cortes charges the 15 or so Americans that trek to his clinic-cum-pharmacy each week $20 for a check-up -- the cost of an average co-pay in the United States.

"Most common (ailments) are bronchitis, pneumonia, and stomach problems," says de la Pena Cortes, 62, who adds that he has also set broken bones and arranged for an appendix to be removed at a hospital in nearby Agua Prieta at a cost of around $2,000.

(Additional reporting by Lizbeth Diaz in Tijuana and Julian Cardona in Ciudad Juarez; editing by Eric Beech)

The Medical Tourism Report: UK was conducted in June 2009 in association with the International Medical Travel Association. With a sample size of 7,000, the report is able to provide valuable exploration of the medical tourism sector. The first and largest of its kind, the survey aims to represent and understand the current and potential medical tourism markets. The results detail a number of issues that hold significance for international healthcare providers and medical tourism enthusiasts, such as current and potential behaviors, motivations, influencing factors on destination and provider selection, as well as the impact of the global financial crisis (GFC)on medical tourism.

Uninsurance Among Full-time, Low-income Workers Jumped 35 Percent in a Decade

Newswise — The proportion of low income workers who were uninsured increased from 26 percent in 1996 to 34.5 percent by 2006, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The average household income for a family in 2006 was $40,888.

The federal agency's analysis found that among full-time, low-income workers between 1996 and 2006:

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, improves the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of healthcare for all Americans. The data in this AHRQ News and Numbers summary are taken from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a detailed source of information on the health services used by Americans, the frequency with which they are used, the cost of those services, and how they are paid. For more information, go to Full-Time Poor and Low-Income Workers: Demographic Characteristics and Trends in Health Insurance Coverage, 1996-97 to 2005-06 (http://www.meps.ahrq.gov/mepsweb/data_files/publications/cb18/cb18.pdf).

SERVICE SUMMIT GUATEMALA 2009 to Provide Matchmaking Meetings for Medical and Wellness Services

The Service Summit Guatemala 2009 scheduled to take place in Guatemala City, Central America, September 10-14, 2009, will feature unique Matchmaking Meeting Program of medical and wellness services.

Attendees, such as Laura Carabello, Publisher of Medical Travel Today, representatives of World Med Assist and MedVoy, among others, will have the opportunity to meet with Guatemalan companies that specialize in providing medical and wellness services such as dentistry, cancer radiotherapy, hospitality, surgeries, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, fertility treatments, and others.

Selected companies are recognized for their high level of quality services, modern infrastructure and equipment, and competitive prices. Plus, all services are provided with the warm, personalized approach considered by many to be an integral part of the Guatemalan culture.

Interested participants will receive a customized meeting agenda tailored to your needs, requirements, and the services you promote. Attendees will also be invited to participate in a unique Familiarization Tour of several hospitals and clinics as well as through the beautiful city of Antigua; a wonderful 16th Century town declared World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Join us and meet your next strategic alliance!

For more information contact us:
By email: servicesummit@agexport.org.gt
By phone: Guatemala Trade Office 212.689.1014.
On the web: www.servicesummit.co

Newswise — This summit will attract more than 1,200 experts from more than 25 countries and across the United States. It will feature more than 100 speakers, including governors, federal officials, and top researchers and scientists and will discuss new federal stem cell policies, scientific discoveries, and human interest stories. This is your chance to meet and talk to all the experts at one location and time with on-the-record sessions, press briefings, and interviews.

The World Stem Cell Summit, held this year at the Baltimore Convention Center on September 21-23, 2009, is the only conference that combines this mix of researchers, policy makers, business leaders, and ethics and legal advocates to share, explore, and discuss the latest breakthroughs and advancements in the emerging field of stem cells.
Demonstrations and discussions will range from tracking how reprogrammed stem cells (iPSCs) might supersede the use of embryonic stem cells to stem cells use in regenerative medicine and how new devices such as a stem cell integrated fluidic circuits might soon automate and simplify the entire process.

Follow the latest on the conference arrangements on the Website and Twitter site. Story possibilities will be posted by participating universities and agencies on the conference news blog.

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau to Sponsor the 2009 World Medical Health Tourism Conference in Phuket

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is set to sponsor the World Medical Health Tourism Conference: A New Way Forward, which will be held in Phuket, Thailand, September 2009. TCEB’s participation and sponsorship in this internationally diverse networking event will aim to promote Thailand on an international scale as a medical tourism destination and a preferred venue for international meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition (MICE) events. The whole of Phuket Island is getting behind the conference, which will cater to more than 1,200 delegates. Local supporters range from local community groups, tourism operators, and many of the major hoteliers and resort owners, namely Woraburi Phuket Resort, Millennium Resort Patong, The Moevenpick Resort, Karon Beach Resort of Kata Group, Aquamarine Resort, Cape Panwa Hotel, and Andaman Seaview Hotel group.

Phuket, dubbed as the medical tourism hub in Asia, is the ideal location to hold the conference because of its infrastructure, capacity to host a massive number of international guests, and the availability of cutting-edge technology and internationally trained medical experts manning their world-class medical facilities. Sometime within the next month the floor plan or layout for exhibitors at the venue, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, will be published online and application forms will be available for the exhibitors to download from the Web site. Many pre-conference and post-conference activities have been planned for the conference, which early estimates expect to bring a windfall to Phuket of about $10 million over the two-week period.

Interested parties are advised to visit the conference website: www.sosmedicaltourism.com for more information.

Alternatively, for more information call + (66)76-289-800, to request a printable registration brochure by email sosmedical@sosmedicaltourism.com or sosmedical@ymail.com

Omanexpo Organizing Major Health Exhibition for October 19-21, 2009

In view of the rapid growth of Oman’s health and medical sector, Omanexpo LLC is currently organizing an international exhibition called MedHealth & Wellness to be held on October 19-21, 2009, at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb. MedHealth & Wellness 2009 will showcase everything required in achieving and maintaining good health and well-being.

Supported by the Ministry of Health (MOH), the three-day international exhibition will feature medical tourism, health products and services, laboratory and medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, hospital and clinic infrastructure, sports and fitness, and alternative therapies.

“We envision MedHealth & Wellness 2009 as the definitive event in Oman for everything related to healthcare, medicine, and fitness. It will be highly relevant to all medical professionals in the sultanate as well as to everyone looking for ways to effectively improve their health,” says C.J. Paul, general manager of Omanexpo LLC, the leading exhibition management company in the sultanate. Paul pointed out that, with the official support of the Ministry of Health, MedHealth & Wellness 2009 is expected to attract the participation of leading companies in Oman’s vibrant health and medical industry.

In line with this, a briefing on the exhibition will be held on April 20 at the Crowne Plaza Muscat to inform all medical equipment suppliers in Oman about MedHealth & Wellness 2009. “The strong presence of local companies in the exhibition will prominently showcase the quality of healthcare in the sultanate and also clearly reflect the continued development of Oman’s vibrant health and medical industry,” Paul stresses.

Apart from local companies, MedHealth & Wellness 2009 is also expected to attract many international exhibitors who want to take full advantage of the growing opportunities in the sultanate’s medical sector. In addition to the Ministry of Health, MedHealth & Wellness 2009 is also supported by Middle East Health magazine as the print media partner; Malaysia Healthcare.Com, Global Ayurveda and Placid Way as the online media partners; and Becker Travel as the official travel partner.

For stall reservations or for more information on MedHealth & Wellness 2009, please contact Melwin D’Cunha, Project Manager, at tel. no. +968-24660124, mobile no. +968-92881982, or e-mail melwin@omanexpo.com. More details about the event are also available online at www.omanexpo.com/medhealth.

Date Set for Healthcare Travel Exhibition & Congress in Dubai: October 27-29, 2009

With the healthcare travel industry poised to play an important part in Dubai's growth strategy, the Institute for International Research (IIR) Middle East, the organizers of the first medical tourism conference in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which concluded in Dubai, recently have reported high levels of interest from a potentially huge international market.

"Research unveiled at the event indicated a global market of around two million medical travelers a year and an industry constrained by hospital capacity and lack of consumer familiarity with medical travel," says Sietske Meerloo, marketing manager at IIR Middle East and organizer of Healthcare Travel Exhibition & Congress. IIR Middle East is also the organizer of the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, the region's premier event for Middle East healthcare that takes place in Dubai 27-29, October, 2009.

“Large numbers of hospitals and clinics around the world are attempting to tailor their health services to cater to medical tourists," Meerloo added. "Several major insurance companies offer a travel component in their policies, and governments are looking closely at policies to take account of the trend."

The health care event was officially opened by Haidar Al Yousuf, M.D., transition director at the Dubai Health Authority, who highlighted the importance the Authority is placing on the future of medical tourism.

"As we look to develop our domestic health strategy, we also want to develop a joint strategy with our colleagues in the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), for the future of health tourism in Dubai," says Dr. Al Yousuf. "The health care sector in Dubai will become an increasingly attractive place for international health care investors, providers, services, facilities, and other health care professionals."

PlanetHospital, a California-based leader in medical tourism, used the event as a platform to announce the official opening of its Jeddah Saudi Arabia office to serve inbound and outbound medical tourists from the Arabian Gulf region.

"The Gulf has the potential to drive growth in medical tourism," says Mohammed Alarifi, managing director for the new operation. "It is not only a destination from where patients seek medical care abroad but is also becoming a medical tourism destination itself thanks to major hospital developments throughout the region."

The American Hospital Dubai also had high visibility at the event. There was "a lot of exchange of experience among colleagues from around the world," says Naser Saleh, director of marketing and sales. “On the conference side, the sessions were very informative."

Gary Miller, CEO of Health Travel TV, says the event had been important for them. "We have a unique product, and we’re the only broadcast media here dedicated to this area. I’m coming back to Arab Health in January."

Organized in association with the International Medical Travel Association, the Healthcare Travel Exhibition and Congress was supported by the UAE Ministry of Health and the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi. Platinum sponsors were Singapore Medicine. Gold sponsors were the American Hospital Dubai and Dubai Health Authority. For details about Arab Health events, please visit: www.arabhealthonline.com

Healthcare Abroad and Health Tourism 1st International TEMOS Conference
November 15-17, 2009 in Cologne / Germany

TEMOS is pleased to announce the 1st International TEMOS Conference on “HEALTHCARE ABROAD AND HEALTH TOURISM” in Cologne, Germany from November 15-17, 2009.

The main objective is to bring together the parties and markets of:

Health insurance companies and payers from Germany and Europe
Hospitals and medical facilities from all over the world
International facilitators, health tourism operators and telemedicine providers

to discuss about quality management, and the potential of health tourism & healthcare services abroad – from the stakeholders’ perspective.

To push these conference topics we have the pleasure to introduce several international experts as members of the TEMOS Conference Advisory Board, for example:

Health insurance: Dr. Franz Benstetter, Head of Operational Services Munich Health, Munich Reinsurance Company.

Medical facility: Dr. Kalyan S Sachdev, M.D., Chairman and founder of Privat Healthcare Group, member of the governing Board of Indian Spinal Injuries Center.

Telemedicine: Prof. Dr. Michael Nerlich, M.D., Head of the Department of Trauma at the University of Regensburg Academic Medical Center Surgery, President of the International Society for Telemedicine and eHealth (ISfTeH).

Science & Economics: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Goetzke, Director of gewi-Institute for health economics, Co-founder of the Fresenius University in Cologne, Coordinator of the regional initiative “Health Cologne” and “Health Region Cologne Bonn”.

Click here to find additional members of the Advisory Board.

Please also visit the Conference Website for registration and further information!

Register now via the Online Registration Form and benefit from the early bird rates!

Please contact info@temos-conference.com or the conference hotline +49–2203–601 3000
for any questions regarding the International TEMOS Conference.

Exhibitors can increase their profile by choosing between several attractive sponsoring options for this event. Please get in touch with us to learn more about your opportunities.

Please note: You can ideally combine the attendance of the TEMOS conference with a visit to MEDICA®, the world’s largest exhibition for medicine technology, which is held in the neighbouring city of Duesseldorf from November 18-21, 2009.

SITUATIONS WANTED:

International Patient Development in your Country – Medical Tourism

With present economic down turn I would like to offer my skills and global experience to develop much needed healthcare business.
I am sure my experience in medical tourism will provide original strategy as I come from the other side of the world.

Now is the perfect time to participate in global healthcare which is the world's second largest industry.

I would like to know if I can bring my successful career to work for your organisation to develop international business.

For further information visit www.surgeryexpress.com or contact me at as@surgeryexpress.com

JOBS:

Director of Quality Improvement

As the Director of Quality Improvement, you will be responsible for the planning, developing and directing QI functions. Provide leadership, management and supervision of the QI Department operations and staff. Ensure quality of healthcare services rendered meets or exceed professionally recognized standards. Develop and implement measures and controls to achieve company's goals.

Requirements:
BSN/BS/BA Degree in Healthcare related field. Master's Degree in Healthcare a PLUS
QI experience – min. 5 years; Managed Healthcare – min. 5 years.
Knowledge of NCQA standards.
Medicaid experience – min. 2 years.
Management Experience – min. 5 years.
Knowledge of applicable state, federal and third party regulations with special emphasis on Medi-Cal Managed Care.
Excellent communication skills.
Proficiency with computer information systems and software.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

Salary is commensurate with experience.
Located in Jackson, MS, USA.

For consideration, please forward your CV w/salary requirements to vvanover@headwaycorp.com or apply at www.headwaycorp.com/jobs

EEO/AA/M/F/V/D

To submit your job posting or a description of your desired position to ahaar@cpronline.com. Please keep text to 100 words or less.