Medical Tourism Association® Webcast to Discuss EU Directive Effects on Cross-Border Healthcare

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - April 11, 2014 - PRLog -- The new cross-border European Union directive designed to improve patient access to healthcare across the continent and the legislation’s potential effects on medical tourism will be the topic of a Medical Tourism Association®-sponsored educational webcast, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 7 a.m. (EST). The webcast is free of charge.

Hospital administrators, physicians and clinicians, policymakers and related health, travel and tourism interests can gain insights into the directive that enables European citizens to receive medical care when necessary in any EU member destination when comparable treatment is not readily accessible in the state where the patients are insured. To register for the webcast, go to:  https://health.webex.com/health/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=662578932

“The cross-border directive has the potential to improve existing patient healthcare systems and, at the same time, develop a number of sites equipped with the proper resources – geography, climate, transportation and hospitality infrastructure and, of course, quality medical services -- into attractive health travel destinations,” said Renée-Marie Stephano (http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com/renee-marie-stephan...), President of the Medical Tourism Association®. “It is critical that health professionals working in the various countries associated with the EU directive are versed with clear regulations and reliable information that they will need to meet the high expectations related to mobility and quality care that the legislation sets out to achieve.”

The EU Directive on cross-border healthcare was passed in 2011, and covers both treatments offered in state-run hospitals and by private service providers. In most cases, patients will have to pay costs upfront, but can claim reimbursement upon their return, up to the amount the treatment would have cost in their EU member state.

“Prior authorization may be required in some cases,” said Stephano. “Providers and facilitators need to be able to confirm whether a patient is entitled to treatment and the level of reimbursement they can expect. This webcast will offer a step in that direction by elevating awareness of different treatment options and, in the end, make health travel abroad more convenient and efficient for both provider and patient.”

The Medical Tourism Association® is the first membership-based international nonprofit trade association for the medical tourism and healthcare industry made up of top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliates committed to promoting the highest level of quality healthcare to patients in a global environment. www.MedicalTourismAssociation.com