Los Algodones

Pleasant weather, sandy beaches, and exotic attractions are generally associated with tourism. Most Americans never associate medical care as a factor in their vacation planning. But that's changing - with rising health care costs more and more Americans are seeking treatment and surgery outside the US. The phenomenon is known as Medical Tourism.

Some claim that those seeking health care abroad should be called Medical Refugees. Middle-class, uninsured Americans who cannot afford the price of health care simply must seek lower-cost options; these are increasingly found in places like India, Singapore, Hungary, Thailand, and Columbia.

Last night on Nightline a clinic in Los Algodones, Mexico was featured. The border town is a Medical Tourism hot spot featuring pharmaceuticals, dentists' offices and opticians at unbelievable prices. Dr. Jose Diaz Barboza runs a different kind of operation. He uses stem cells to treat all sorts of ailments. These stem cells usually come from sheep or horses, but he does admit to using some human stem cells on serious cases.

In terms of economic development this is a huge waste for the US. Our failure to address the enormous cost of health care has resulted in a very under-served population. Without insurance coverage or a reliable governmental program, people must consider this option. Given enough time (or increased financial pressures) perhaps medical facilities in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean will rival US counterparts.