Medical Tourism Glossary: Definitions and Terminology

Comprehensive glossary of medical tourism terms, procedures, certifications, and industry terminology. Plain-English definitions for better understanding of medical travel concepts.

Understanding Medical Tourism Terminology

Medical tourism involves specialized terminology related to healthcare, travel, regulations, and quality standards. This glossary provides clear, plain-English definitions to help individuals better understand medical tourism concepts and make informed decisions.

A - C

Accreditation

Official recognition that a healthcare facility or provider meets specific quality and safety standards set by an independent organization. Common accrediting bodies include JCI (Joint Commission International) and AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care).

Aesthetic Medicine

Medical procedures focused on improving appearance through surgical and non-surgical treatments. Includes cosmetic surgery, dermatological treatments, and minimally invasive procedures.

Aftercare

Medical care and support provided following a procedure, including wound care, medication management, follow-up appointments, and recovery monitoring.

Board Certification

Professional certification indicating that a physician has completed specialized training and passed examinations in a specific medical specialty, demonstrating expertise and competency.

Care Coordinator

Healthcare professional who manages and organizes various aspects of a patient's medical care, including appointments, communication between providers, and treatment planning.

Concierge Medicine

Healthcare service model providing personalized, comprehensive medical care with enhanced access, longer appointment times, and additional services for a membership fee.

Continuity of Care

Consistent, ongoing healthcare management that ensures smooth transitions between different providers, treatments, and care settings throughout the patient's medical journey.

D - H

Destination Medicine

Healthcare services specifically designed for patients traveling from other locations, often including comprehensive packages with medical care, accommodation, and travel coordination.

Elective Surgery

Non-emergency surgical procedures that are planned in advance and not immediately necessary for life-threatening conditions. Most medical tourism procedures fall into this category.

Facilitator

Individual or company that assists medical tourists with planning, coordination, and logistics of medical travel, including provider selection, travel arrangements, and care coordination.

Follow-up Care

Ongoing medical monitoring and treatment after the initial procedure, including check-ups, complication management, and long-term outcome assessment.

Health Tourism

Broader category of travel that includes medical tourism as well as wellness tourism, spa treatments, and preventive health services.

Hospital Accreditation

Formal recognition that a hospital meets established standards for quality, safety, and patient care, typically awarded by independent accrediting organizations.

I - M

Informed Consent

Legal and ethical requirement that patients receive complete information about a medical procedure, including risks, benefits, alternatives, and potential complications, before agreeing to treatment.

International Patient

Individual who travels to another country specifically to receive medical care, treatment, or procedures not available or affordable in their home country.

JCI (Joint Commission International)

Leading international healthcare accreditation organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare facilities worldwide based on rigorous quality and safety standards.

Medical Concierge

Service provider who assists medical tourists with non-medical aspects of their journey, including travel arrangements, accommodation, transportation, and cultural support.

Medical Tourism

Practice of traveling to another country to receive medical care, often for procedures that are less expensive, not available, or have shorter waiting times than in the patient's home country.

Medical Visa

Special type of visa issued by some countries specifically for individuals traveling for medical treatment, often with extended validity and special provisions for medical tourists.

Minimally Invasive Procedure

Medical technique that uses small incisions, specialized instruments, and advanced technology to reduce tissue damage, scarring, and recovery time compared to traditional surgery.

N - R

Outpatient Procedure

Medical treatment or surgery that does not require an overnight hospital stay, allowing patients to return home the same day as the procedure.

Patient Advocate

Professional who represents and supports patients' interests, helping navigate healthcare systems, understand treatment options, and ensure quality care.

Pre-operative Assessment

Comprehensive medical evaluation conducted before surgery to assess patient health, identify potential risks, and ensure suitability for the planned procedure.

Quality Assurance

Systematic processes and procedures designed to ensure that healthcare services meet established standards for safety, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction.

Recovery Tourism

Combination of medical treatment with vacation-like recovery in a pleasant destination, often including spa services, relaxation activities, and tourist attractions.

Regenerative Medicine

Medical field focused on repairing, replacing, or regenerating damaged tissues and organs using techniques like stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, and gene therapy.

Risk Assessment

Systematic evaluation of potential complications, adverse outcomes, and safety concerns associated with a medical procedure or treatment plan.

S - Z

Second Opinion

Additional medical consultation sought from another qualified physician to confirm a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or surgical plan before proceeding with treatment.

Stem Cell Therapy

Medical treatment using stem cells to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged tissues and organs, often sought by medical tourists for conditions with limited treatment options.

Telemedicine

Remote healthcare delivery using telecommunications technology, allowing patients to consult with physicians and receive follow-up care without physical presence.

Treatment Package

Comprehensive medical tourism offering that includes medical procedures, accommodation, transportation, and sometimes additional services for a bundled price.

Turnaround Time

Duration between scheduling a medical procedure and actually receiving the treatment, often shorter in medical tourism destinations compared to home countries.

Wellness Tourism

Travel focused on maintaining or improving health and well-being through preventive care, fitness programs, spa treatments, and lifestyle interventions.

Certification and Accreditation Terms

AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care)

Organization that accredits outpatient healthcare facilities, ensuring they meet standards for quality, safety, and patient care in ambulatory settings.

CAP (College of American Pathologists)

Professional organization that accredits clinical laboratories worldwide, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for accuracy, quality, and safety in laboratory testing.

CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments)

U.S. federal regulatory standards for laboratory testing that ensure accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of patient test results regardless of where the test is performed.

ISO 15189

International standard that specifies requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories, covering technical competence and quality management systems.

NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals)

Indian healthcare accreditation body that establishes and operates accreditation programs for healthcare organizations to improve quality of care.

Financial and Legal Terms

Medical Malpractice Insurance

Professional liability insurance that protects healthcare providers against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in medical care.

Medical Tourism Insurance

Specialized travel insurance that covers medical complications, emergency care, and sometimes revision procedures related to medical tourism.

Package Pricing

Bundled cost structure that includes multiple services (medical care, accommodation, transportation) for a single price, common in medical tourism.

Refund Policy

Terms and conditions governing the return of payments if medical procedures are cancelled, postponed, or if complications require additional treatment.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information about medical tourism concepts and terminology, explore our comprehensive educational resources.