Healthcare in Mexico

Healthcare in Mexico

Healthcare is always considered a very important aspect to consider when moving to, living in, or even just visiting a foreign country. The standard quality care you can receive while abroad or settling down can mean the world, especially if you suffer from poor health on a general basis. With this in mind, one might balk at the prospect of travelling to places such as Mexico, which, thanks to stereotypes in movies and film, might seem not the best place to go for a medical check-up. This is far from the case; Mexico actually stands today as one of the best countries offering high quality medical care, and at a much more affordable cost.

Social inequalities exist in Mexico, primarily between the rich and the poor. It can be inferred then that the poor will be unable to enjoy medical benefits that their rich counterparts do. Aware of this issue, the Mexican government has incorporated a system where people pay for medical services only according to their income bracket. A universal coverage plan has been conceptualised to open more medical facilities and treatment for poorer people. While families pay a certain premium depending on their wages, those belonging to the poor class are exempted from this, yet can still avail of the plan. This is to encourage more people to sign up for medical prevention check ups and treatments and maintain a healthier community. A private medical system is also available, particularly for tourists or non-residents, and costs for residents for IMSS insurance are very minimal and affordable.

Healthcare

What is perhaps the best thing about Mexico's medical health care system is that patients can enjoy the same level of quality care provided for in other developed countries, for only usually half the costs. Mexico comes with well-rounded and high standard medical facilities and services, with a majority of its doctors and physicians having trained in the United States, Canada, or Europe. Every city has at least one first-class hospital, and several others committed to people with middling to lower incomes. Most of the best health care facilities can be found in Mexico City or in Monterrey.

Due to the lower cost of living however, lower medical fees are charged, making this country the first choice for those seeking extensive treatment, but on a lesser budget. Numerous qualified surgeons are available, and perform operations such as cardiac bypasses or cosmetic surgeries as much as ,000 cheaper than in the U.S.

Mexico also has several private and public medical schools, where doctors are required to administer one year of social service to communities as part of their curriculum; they can later on choose to go into practice or study further, to seek specialization. The government pays for their lodgings during their training, and requires graduates to be re-certified for every five years that they remain in practice, thereby also increasing the quality of medical care being provided to patients.

Patients from serious medical conditions may also easily seek treatment in Mexico. Heart transplants and cancer treatments are only about a fraction of what they cost in other countries, for the same quality of service and diagnosis. Most hospitals and private practices in this country are well-known for being hygienic, employing the "boil it, peel it, or forget it" methods, where all tools and equipments used are properly sterilized for every situation.

There is a reason why many people opt to go to Mexico for their retirement. As one of the best places to receive treatment for just about any medical condition, it is necessary to let go of pre-conceived notions that Mexico is an unclean place to live in, much less receive treatment in. On the contrary, Mexico boasts one of the best medical plans and facilities in the world, and it won't even cost a fortune.

Healthcare in Mexico

Technology in Healthcare

Technology in Healthcare

The use of technology in healthcare has opened the way for improvements in a variety of areas. One proof of the advantages and benefits of technology is that more people are surviving diseases like cancer and heart disease due to the ability to diagnose them earlier than previously capable. With this capability comes the advantage of being able to use a protocol that may be less drastic than one needed as the disease progresses. With a disease like cancer, as it metastasizes, the ability to fight it and eliminate it gets harder and harder. Although, another use of technology in healthcare has brought us new drugs that can target more precisely the particular cancer cells along with being more targeted in other areas. It has also brought us new radiation equipment that can be far more accurate and not have to use the shotgun approach to get to the cancer. The beam can even be bent around key body parts like glands and arteries so as not to damage them when focusing in that area.

One interesting and futuristic advance is the use of robots. You can now have a robotic prostatectomy with an outcome that may be to the advantage of the patient. With the use of a robot in surgery there is a smaller incision or incisions which is less trauma for the patient, there is less blood loss, a greater chance of precise cuts around delicate nerves and tendons which may allow the patient a better chance of not having side effects from the surgery, and usually a shorter stay in the hospital and a shorter recovery time. The precision of the robot is far more accurate than a surgeon using his or her hands alone. One reason is the use of a microscope and lights in the area of the surgery. A doctor has access to this technology in an operating room but this is amazingly close and well lit in a very small area without having to cut the patient open. The accuracy of being able to see within a fraction of a millimeter is a great advantage for the doctor operating the robot.

Healthcare

Another area where robots are used is in robotic heart surgery. Again the accuracy and precision of the tools lead to a greater chance of a quicker recovery time and less trauma to the patient. The finer incisions and the likelihood of less blood loss are one advantage to using a robot in heart surgery. The da Vinci robot used in both heart and cancer surgeries and has the opportunity to be used in a variety of areas where precision and accuracy are paramount.

Technology in Healthcare

Chiropractic Problems - An Ignored Side of the Healthcare Problems

Leading a healthy and hygienic life is everyone's dream. Who wouldn't want to have a fit and slim body with almost disappearing waistlines and with the looks of a movie star, resembling almost a professional gymnast with a perfect chiseled body? But as we all know it ain't child's play. With our lifestyle and eating habits being the main cause, fitness has certainly taken a back seat. How often do we come across people who are between 18 and 40 years complaining about backaches, joint pains and other orthopedic problems? Reason could be anything. As per survey, these chiropractic problems are mostly occurring from those quarters involving continued sedentary lifestyles wherein the probability of falling prey to backaches is at the higher side.

Tapping this market are few healthcare companies who with their path breaking healthcare products are creating waves in the healthcare industry. Especially when it comes to chiropractic care, healthcare companies have managed to articulate a business model wherein the focus is laid more on the members for they are touted to be the major beneficiary of all the parties involved. The benefit for using these chiropractic services is the low start up fee and a very nominal monthly fee. These services are rendered with the mutual business agreement between the healthcare company and the service provider. With this, the common interests of both the parties are taken into consideration making it an ideal win-win business deal.

Healthcare

The chiropractic services rendered to members include:
o Discount programs that give immediate savings
o No limits to how many visits members can make
o Members receive instant savings with no paper work
o As a member of healthcare program, members are eligible for reduction in rates up to 50%
o More than 7,500 participating doctors in chiropractic network
o Free initial consultation
o 50% Savings on all diagnostic services
o 50% Savings on all required x-rays
o 30% Savings on treatment and most other services
o Toll-free number to locate participating network chiropractors

Chiropractic Problems - An Ignored Side of the Healthcare Problems

Getting enrolled in healthcare programs of this kind need making smart choices and proper understanding of them.

Healthcare

Chiropractic Problems - An Ignored Side of the Healthcare Problems

All About Employee Sponsored Healthcare Programs

So exactly what are the factors that promote workers to enroll in an employee sponsored healthcare program? Various studies have found out that it is usually the unmarried male who is working full time most likely to enroll in such programs. The married workers share their healthcare policies with their spouse.

A simple but a very powerful factor that may shed some light on the reasons is the amount of employee contribution towards these programs. The higher the contribution demanded from workers, the less likely are they to enroll in employee sponsored healthcare programs. The enrollment rate for employers who didn't require any contribution form their workers was nearly 87 percent as compared to 77 percent for organization requiring some sort of health insurance contribution form the workers.

Healthcare

Numerous studies have proved that the average contribution of a worker in private sector has increased by nearly 15 percent per year since the last two decades. Although only 60 percent of the small firms offer a company sponsored healthcare program but it is an interesting fact that the average contribution of employees in these firms was 19 percent lower then their larger counterparts. Some analyst believes that such an anomaly is due to low paying jobs in smaller firms.

All About Employee Sponsored Healthcare Programs

Another study conducted by the AHRQ examined the impact of zero premiums for workers where the firms pay the entire healthcare costs. The results proved that nearly 2.5 million out of 13.8 million private sector workers are most likely to enroll in a healthcare program if companies bear the entire costs of health insurance. The scientists also concluded that the number of workers in small enterprise who will be willing to enroll in a fully employee sponsored program will increase by nearly ten percent as compared to four percent in larger enterprise. Such studies are a proof that US government should help finance the private sector to provide health insurance coverage to the many uninsured workers.

Healthcare

All About Employee Sponsored Healthcare Programs

Healthcare Jobs For Those Inspired To Help Others

Healthcare Jobs For Those Inspired To Help Others

Many people are drawn to healthcare jobs. It could be that they had an experience with a doctor, dentist or nurse that went beyond the call of duty and was inspiring in their personal lives. It could be that they excelled in the sciences in high school and wanted to find a career that would allow them to focus on that branch of knowledge. Those who are drawn to work in the healthcare field have a common trait: they like to work with and help people. If this describes you, you might be searching for health care training and education to help you pursue your dream of working in a health care profession. One convenient way to do that is to take online classes. With the convenience offered by Internet classes, you can receive a quality education at your pace and on your preferred schedule.

There are a wide variety of healthcare careers from which you can choose. For example, a Patient Care Technician is one that appeals to many. This is a diploma program offered through accredited colleges, and the training you will receive will allow you to perform tasks related to hematology, phlebotomy and urinalysis. You will also be trained in the skills necessary to work in a hospital, extended care facility, a nursing home, or to participate in a home health care team.

Healthcare

Patients who have certain diseases or injuries can benefit from physical therapy. You might choose to begin a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. You will help improve mobility, relieve pain, and restore function to patients under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. This is a program that can be completed in two years and will result in an Associate's degree.

If you enjoy working with people and computers, then look into a degree in Health Information Technology. You will put your computer skills to work in compiling and managing health information databases. Patient safety is paramount in the profession, and part of this job is to ensure that a patient's information and privacy are recorded accurately and held in a secure manner. People in this career can work in a wide variety of venues, including hospitals, insurance and managed care organizations, and more.

A related health care career can be a perfect fit if you love animals. You might choose a career path as a Veterinary Technician. You will work under a Veterinarian's supervision to perform medical tests, treat and diagnose medical conditions in animals. You will received training on anatomy and physiology of domestic animals, animal nutrition, animal nursing and large animal care, diagnostic imaging, and training in common lab procedures.

There are a wide number of choices in healthcare careers for which training is available. Utilizing the ease and convenience of online courses from accredited colleges and universities has never been easier.

Healthcare Jobs For Those Inspired To Help Others

Mini Medical Plans - Healthcare Reform and Employers

Mini Medical Plans - Healthcare Reform and Employers

Mini medical plans became very popular over the last decade or two. Small business owners who otherwise could not afford to offer their employees health insurance favored the plans with a something is better than nothing mentality. These barebones plans offer limited coverage for doctor visits, routine exams, and certain prescriptions. Some cover certain types of hospitalizations. Most, unfortunately, do not cover catastrophic illness or injuries. In terms of the amount of coverage, these types of limited plans usually pay less than 60% of covered medical expenses. When compared to having no insurance, many small employers feel these plans provide at least something in terms of helping with medical costs.

While mini medical plans do not offer the extensive coverage of a traditional health insurance plan, and they do not pay 80% or similar figures for covered expenses, they do offer an affordable option that is better than no coverage. In terms of routine doctor visits, for example, instead of an uninsured patient paying or more for a doctor visit plus potentially hundreds for prescriptions, patients enrolled in a mini plan pay less. Their co-pay for a routine doctor visit might be 40%, or . Their co-pay on prescriptions might be 50%, saving a decent amount over paying out of pocket.

Healthcare

However, healthcare reform initiatives may eliminate mini medical plans as an option for small employers. Penalties for substandard coverage could cause employers to choose offering no healthcare coverage rather than a mini plan or expensive traditional health insurance. Healthcare reform seeks to penalize substandard plans that pay less than 60% of an insured's medical costs and expenses for covered conditions and treatments. That would mean an employer offering a more affordable mini plan option as opposed to no insurance at all could suffer penalties.

Much debate has surfaced in terms of the pros and cons of mini medical plans. Some are concerned with employers offering employees substandard plans. Some argue that something is better than nothing. However, without clear direction, the most likely people to suffer from healthcare reforms intended to help will be those for whom mini plans are their only affordable option. That includes not only small business owners trying to provide some kind of benefits for their employees, but also the employees who only other option is paying out of pocket for all medical expenses. The intention of healthcare reform is to make good healthcare available to all. Unfortunately, if it remains unaffordable, the people who need coverage the most will still remain on the fringe.

If you need assistance in locating particular coverages at a pre-determined price, we can help save on health insurance.

Mini Medical Plans - Healthcare Reform and Employers

California Job Outlook - Healthcare Workers in Huge Demand

Temperature is right for Healthcare Opportunities

A healthcare career might be just the cure for your occupational woes. Whether it's working with patients, being a key contributor in a medical office team, or opening up your own business, healthcare is a satisfying, challenging and exciting career choice. And there's never been a better time to train for a healthcare position. With the aging of the baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964), a shift from inpatient to outpatient care, and the expansion of healthcare centers, the demand for healthcare workers is expected to increase in the years to come, especially in California.

Healthcare

Below are the fastest growing Healthcare Careers in California:

California Job Outlook - Healthcare Workers in Huge Demand

*Dental Assisting*

Healthcare

Average Annual Wage: ,985

2002-2012 Job Growth: 57%

Future Career Paths: Dental Hygienist, Licensed Vocational Nurse

*Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller*

Average Annual Wage: ,772

2002-2012 Job Growth: 41%

Future Career Paths: Medical Coder, Insurance Adjuster

*Massage Therapy*

Average Annual Wage: ,340

2002-2012 Job Growth: 21%

Future Career Paths: Physical Therapist, Day Spa Manager

*Medical Assistant*

Average Annual Wage: ,890

2002-2012 Job Growth: 46%

Future Career Paths: Licensed Vocational Nurse, Medical Coder

*Optical Dispensing*

Average Annual Wage: ,441

2002-2012 Job Growth: 23%

Future Career Paths: Store Owner, Manufacturers Sales Rep

*Pharmacy Technician*

Average Annual Wage: ,632

2002-2012 Job Growth: 31%

Future Career Paths: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Dietetic Technician

*Surgical Technology*

Average Annual Wage: ,178

2002-2012 Job Growth: 36%

Future Career Paths: Central Supply Mgr, Asst. Operating Room Admin.

*Diagnostic Medical Sonagraphy*

Average Annual Wage: ,908

2002-2012 Job Growth: 21%

Future Career Paths: Physician's Assistant, Medical Technologist

** Salaries listed above are average annual wages reported by the Employment Development Department of the State of California and do not reflect entry level salaries for the healthcare positions listed.

Key Success Factors

Do you have a genuine desire to help people? Then chances are you'll be successful as a healthcare professional. The four other critical skills you'll need to succeed in health care are:

o Team player. Healthcare is a group activity, so people skills and teamwork are essential.

o Compassionate and caring. Helping take care of people requires patience and a service-orientated attitude.

o Comfortable in any setting. You might be part of a huge organization or a small staff, working at the local, state, regional or national level. The possibilities are endless.

o Desire for lifelong learning. You'll need to keep studying and learning throughout your career to keep up with the latest developments in the field.

Healthcare provides a helping hand

Healthcare professionals are essential when it comes to caring for the physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing of individuals. Whether you're a health information specialist or a dental receptionist, all support staff play a vital role in patient care. As an important contributor to the healthcare system, you'll need to be able to establish trust and credibility with fellow workers and patients. Good communication skills, ability to follow directions, and strong listening ability are important, especially if you're working in a clinical environment.

Technical abilities are a must

Technology has altered the practice of healthcare. No matter what the healthcare field, an ability to work with computers and high-tech equipment is a powerful asset. As a medical biller, you will probably be asked to help process some claims electronically. Medical clinical assistants may need to deal with an Electronic Medical Record. Pharmacy technicians often operate automated pill dispensers. But if you're unfamiliar with such tools, don't worry--your all-important career college will help introduce you to these concepts.

Exciting environments

Is it any wonder that shows like NBC's "ER" and "Scrubs," and CBS' "Rescue 911," have been so popular? They show the drama of medicine and the reality of life-and-death situations. Healthcare is filled with stimulating and interesting interactions. Of course, big-city hospitals bustle with activity, but even a quiet suburban assisted living facility, chiropractic office, retail pharmacy, HMO, or medical clinic have everyday drama and fascinating daily interactions. If you like a variety of tasks, work well under stress, and take pride in doing a job well done, then you have what it takes to be a valuable member of the healthcare team.

Lifelong learning

Medical-related workplaces have always been settings that support and encourage professional growth and development. Opportunities for on-the-job training and continuing education abound, and often employers will subsidize your schooling. You'll also have lots of opportunities for advancement, so your ambition will serve you well in a healthcare profession. If you're interested in a career like massage therapy, be assured that complementary and alternative medicines are being integrated into conventional healthcare systems, offering you even greater opportunities. No matter what your area of interest, be sure you start out at a school that provides a positive learning environment and is prepared to help you launch your career in this exciting arena.

Reality check

Although not every healthcare professional works with patients, those who do will find that people are sicker, older, and living longer, often with chronic diseases. Keeping a positive attitude is key for maintaining a cheerful office or clinic. Are you up to the challenge? Being a paid caregiver requires confidence, commitment and compassion.
Summary

The clock never stops ticking in the healthcare profession. Perhaps it's time for you to join this financially rewarding, stable and gratifying occupation. One recent study showed that California led other states in the number of advertised healthcare job vacancies, with other regions also showing a strong demand across the nation.

One healthcare worker said it best: "Touching someone's life in a positive way is the most rewarding work that there is."

To request free information about the healthcare career training programs offered in southern California, visit http://www.americancareer.com.

To request free information about the healthcare career training programs offered in northern California's San Joaquin Valley, visit http://www.acicareercollege.com.

About American Career College

For over 25 years, American Career College (ACC) has been helping thousands of students get their start in the healthcare industry. ACC offers nine healthcare training programs at campuses in Los Angeles, Orange County and Norco, California:

Dental Assisting

Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller

Massage Therapy

Optical Dispensing

Vocational Nursing

Pharmacy Technician

Surgical Technology

Diagnostic & Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)

Medical Assistant

About A.C.I. Career College

At its McHenry Avenue campus in Modesto, CA, the College offers six accredited healthcare training programs:

Health Information Specialist

Medical Clinical Assistant

Medical-Dental Administrative Assistant

Pharmacy Technician

Massage Therapist

Medical Dental Receptionist

California Job Outlook - Healthcare Workers in Huge Demand