| Greetings, This weeks issue highlights how the push for transparency continues to drive a number of aspects of medical travel. Beginning with our SPOTLIGHT, featuring Simon Hudson, Ph.D., of the Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development at the University of South Carolina, we hear how increased transparency in pricing is influencing employer decisions to pursue domestic medical travel options. Meanwhile on the other side of the planet, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has launched a health insurance portal designed to protect patient rights, and ensure transparency prior to the implementation of the mandatory health insurance for Dubai. And there to support these efforts is the burgeoning global healthcare IT industry, which is predicted to reach a whopping $56.7 billion dollars by 2017 (see INDUSTRY NEWS). While only time will tell what all this transparency reveals, I think it will ultimately serve to make consumers and employers more confident in their choices and, assuming were delivering on whats promised, help to propel the industry forward. As always, we welcome your comments, story ideas and press releases. Cheers, Amanda Haar, Editor [email protected] |
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