But will U.S. patients take Korea up on their offer? NCC staff speak English and are well trained. But perhaps the clearest benefit of Korea's program is its immediacy. Using an online process at first, patients must email a referral and their medical records along with imaging studies and lab tests. NCC gets back to the patient in just two days to determine if treatment is appropriate; after that, arrangements can be immediate to meet with an NCC doctor in Korea. The entire planning and preparation process can be done within one week. (Note: The price of the package does not include any additional imaging studies ordered by doctors in Korea. However it may include an exploratory trip to Korea, the cost of which is deducted if treatment at NCC goes forward.)


"Patients who go to Korea are likely to be those without another recourse. A Medicare patient is not going to come here when they are already covered," noted NAPT's Arzt. "But certainly those whose coverage may be an issue for one reason or another might consider coming to Korea, especially if they want to be treated sooner rather than later, instead of going through the appeal process. Timing can also be a factor."

Ultimately, to be successful in its promotional campaign for medical tourists from the U.S., South Korea will need to demonstrate that it's a resort for patients, and not their last resort.

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An online gateway for patient referral to Korea's NCC is available at:
www.protonkorea.com .




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