Accreditation: Why is it Important to You?

Accreditation is considered a standard through which a healthcare facility or service is shown to offer quality and healthcare that meet minimum standards and guidelines offered by various domestic and international quality boards.

For example, individuals want, and deserve, quality in healthcare, whether for dental, cosmetic, bariatric or other treatments and surgical procedures. Anyone entering a healthcare facility deserves to know that staff is trained, facilities are clean and that procedures follow standards that reduce chances of error, infection or negligence.

Healthcare and hospital accreditation in the U.S. is standard practice, but such is not the case for many international healthcare providers. Due to the growing popularity of healthcare tourism, however, international facilities are increasingly desirous of being rated (or graded) by U.S. and International accreditation organizations in order to offer competitive procedures in the fields of bariatric surgery and care, dental and cosmetic and plastic surgeries, as well as fertility treatment treatments and procedures.

Accreditation Organizations
One of the most well-known accreditation agencies in the world are the Joint Commission and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, (JC and JCAHO), the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC), and the Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation (HQAA). Global healthcare in destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, India, South America, Egypt, Jordan, Hungary, Turkey and Croatia also see the need to show high standards and quality of medical care, and have taken steps to be accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) as well as the Society for International Healthcare Accreditation (SOFIHA) based out of Britain. This is in addition to accreditation within domestic quality healthcare standards organizations in their own country of origin.

The Joint Commission and others designed like it evaluate medical facilities based on a standard of requirements that must be met in order to ‘pass’ inspection. Such considerations are key focal points of such inspection teams:

• Medical staff credentials and training
• Nursing staff credentials and training
• Medication Management
• Infection Control
• Environment of Care
• Patient Rights
• Provision of Care Treatment Services

Such accreditation groups are not only expected, but also common in countries like the U.S., Western Europe, Australia and Canada, but recently, medical facilities in locations throughout the world are applying for accreditation from world-recognized organizations that literally place a ’stamp of approval’ on a sole practitioner’s neighborhood office or a 300-bed state-of-the-art hospital.

Accreditation guidelines ensure an external review and evaluation of quality as well as management practices in a wide range of medical fields and scenarios. The focus is on patient care, from the moment they access care to when they are discharged from a hospital or medical facility. Other factors taken into consideration for accreditation include:

• Quality of hands-on care
• Education and training of staff
• Proof of educational credentials
• Ethical standards
• Accreditation incorporates every department in healthcare facilities, including laboratory, pharmacy, infection control services, Human Resources and Health Information Technology services.

Medical Traveler Basics
Individual medical travelers must take the time to assess standards of care in foreign destinations. Medical care environments in foreign destinations are certainly different than what most Americans find in their own hospital settings. However, it might help to assess care by taking into consideration the following factors:

• Quality, education and certification of facility medical staff
• Evidence of continuing educational opportunities for medical staff
• Track record of the clinic or hospital
• Infection control record of clinic or hospital
• Potential geographical risks of tropical disease/infections

ISQua
Individuals wishing to find information about a specific facility may find resources at the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), which is considered the “umbrella” organization for international healthcare accreditation issues. Representing about 70 countries to date, ISQua is dedicated to improving safety and quality of care in facilities throughout the world.

Other International Accreditation facilities include:

• The United Kingdom Accreditation Forum (UKAF)
• Australian Council for Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI)
• Canadian Council on Health Services Regulation (CCHSA)
• Joint Commission International (JCI)
• Trent Accreditation Scheme – aka Trent (U.K., Europe, Hong Kong, Malta, Philippines)

Conclusion
Before flying to a foreign destination for a surgical procedure or treatment, consumers are advised to carefully research the facility of his or her choice. Whenever possible, choose facilities that are accredited by domestic and credible accreditation organizations as well as International accreditation organizations such as those mentioned above.

Integrative and Holistic Approaches to Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is a national epidemic that is just beginning to be recognized by the traditional medical community. Most Lyme cases do not show the characteristic bulls eye rash making early detection difficult. When the infection is not treated in it’s primary stage it becomes entrenched in the body’s tissues and increasingly difficult to eliminate.

Our center has combined the latest integrative and holistic technologies used to treat Lyme Disease and it’s co-infections. Our approach includes four elements.   

• Suppress and eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses and  other microorganisms associated with disease.  
• Rebuild the immune system to restore energy and stamina.
• Reduce pain and inflammation.
• Address issues of emotional healing and cognitive functioning associated with chronic illness. 

Treatment approaches are flexible and developed in accordance with individual needs. Clients may elect to receive specific modalities on a stand alone basis or combine therapies for their synergistic effect. Treatment often extends over a two to three week period. Clients seeking intensive work may spend up to six hours a day in combined treatment approaches.     

A typical course of therapy often includes several therapeutic approaches including: 

Ondamed Biofeedback System.
This German Bio Resonance System works to both suppress microbial activity and rebuild the immune system. The Ondamed is a gentle noninvasive therapy that can be done twice a day. It was been invaluable in bringing Lyme patients back to health and allows us to identify specific microbes and the energy frequencies needed to eliminate them. Once the important frequencies have been determined we use a range of therapeutic energy devices to support microbal suppression and speed recovery.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
HBOT has been shown to kill the primary bacteria associated with Lyme Disease and is widely used in treatment centers
 
PAPIMI.  
The PAPIMI is a powerful electromagnetic treatment device that has achieved impressive results with a range of serious conditions. The PAPIMI has been especially impressive in restoring t cell activity in the immune system, reducing imflammation, accelerating healing and increasing energy.

Ozone Steam Sauna/ Activated Air System.   
Therapeutic ozone plays an important role as a immune system modulator and helps detoxify the body with deep warmth. The Activated Air System reduces oxidative stress and improves oxygen utilization in the body. These system are an excellent compliment to HBOT.   
 
Klinghardt Matrix Therapy.    
This portable microcurrent device can be used in the evening to assist in eliminating microbes and detoxifying the body.
 
Low Level Laser Therapy, SCENAR and other Energy Devices
Our center uses a broad array of technologies to reduce pain and inflammation and support healing.  

Strannik Russian Phototherapy  
This innovative program uses precise frequencies of color to improve brain regulation across both physical and emotional dimensions. 
 
Therapeutic Body Work   
Several different soothing approaches are used to release inflammation and restore healthy self regulation including Cranio Sacral Therapy. Myofascial Release Techniques and Lymphatic Drainage Therapy.   
 
Neurotherapy and Hemoencephelography  
Techniques to improve focus, cognitive functioning and mood.  
 
Information Regarding Nutritional Supplementation including Miracle Mineral Supplement, Molecula Colloidal Silver,  and Sutherlandia OPC. 
 
Techniques for Mobilizing Inner Resources   
This area includes a broad range of approaches that engage mind and body in the healing process, including Naturalistic Hypnosis, Psychotherapy and Thought Field Therapy.

 Please click here to request more information about Integrative and Holistic Lyme Disease Treatment.

Exclusive BREAST AUGMENTATION package for 3800 €

BREAST AUGMENTATION – BREAST ENLARGEMENT

Breast augmentation is considered to be relatively minor but very effective cosmetic surgery procedure. Although it is technically rather simple, this operation requires surgeon’s sense of proportion and shaping.

Exclusive BREAST AUGMENTATION package ALL INCLUSIVE with FREE FLIGHT for 3800 €
The price of the exclusive package includes the following:

• Free flight (airport and flight arranged from Cosmetic Surgery Clinic Dr Toncic)
• Surgery and anesthesia
• Preoperative examinations – blood test and the ECG
• Overnight stay
• Medical bra
• Private accommodation – full board with medical aftercare
• Taxi transfers related to arrival/departure and all the rides related to surgery and check ups

While performing breast augmentation surgery, Dr Toncic relies on years of experience, his sense of shaping and artistic nature. All of these characteristics are best shown when Dr Toncic needs to make a preoperative sketch and while choosing the size and shape of implants, together with the patient, whose wishes are highly respected by Dr Toncic and his surgical team. All of our patient’s wishes are absorbed and taken into special consideration, as we always do our best to meet our patient’s wishes and aesthetic surgery options.

By inserting the top quality breast implants, by reputable manufactures, we can easily achieve the desired breast enlargement. Dr Toncic and his team use silicone implants by Mentor, Polytech Silimed or Allergan, reputable and renowned breast implants producers. After the operation, our patient receives the certificate for her implants.

Silicone implants are soft and when touched or pressed against, breasts feel very natural. It is important to know that patients can easily breast feed their babies with implants. After the surgery, breasts are available for medical examinations because the implants are placed under the pectoral muscle or above the muscle, i.e. directly under the breast gland.

To undergo breast augmentation surgery, patients have to be at least 18 years old.

Indications for breast augmentation include: underdeveloped and small breasts, breast asymmetries, innate breast anomalies and reconstructive breast surgery.

Preparation for the surgery
Although this operation is preformed regularly in our clinic, the professionalism of our surgical team headed by Dr Toncic makes us pay special attention to the preoperative preparation of our patient.

Therefore, before the surgery, our patient and surgeons meet for final preoperative consultation and medical examination. With the aim of achieving the best result possible, during the final preoperative examination, the surgeon makes a detailed and precise drawing on the patient’s breast. This is the point where Dr Toncic’s artistic experience and meticulousness are best shown. The drawing itself is an important orientation factor for the surgeon during the surgery, and as such it represents quite a big step on the way to the final success of the operation.

Postoperative period and recovery:

• Great success of the operations in Dr Toncic’s clinic is largely due not only to the experience of our surgical team, their precise and enhanced techniques, but also to well organized professional postoperative care.
• To be sure of the success of the operation and wellbeing of the patient, Dr Toncic and his team insist on regular check ups and everyday contact with the patient. For our patients’ safety, successful recovery and postoperative monitoring, we recommend optimal length of stay in Zagreb.
• This way, we leave nothing to chance. We monitor our patient’s recovery completely, which is crucial for our patient’s health and the result of the operation.
• Postoperative recovery after breast augmentation is individual, usually lasting 10 days after the operation. The stitches are removed ten days after the surgery, and our patient can resume her personal and professional activities.
• In order to have the least noticeable scar possible, it would be best to avoid sun exposure for six to twelve months after the operation.

Required stay in Zagreb:
Required stay in Zagreb is 10 days, so we can remove the stitches and monitor the early postoperative period completely. We indeed require that our patients stay in Zagreb for 10 days after the breast augmentation surgery, as this is the period that is of crucial importance for health of our patient and for the result of the operation. Having followed all the instructions, our patient can safely go home and without risking the possible postoperative complications.

Sick leave lasts 14 days for breast augmentation surgery. Ten days following the operation we remove the stitches from the incision, which is also an opportunity for the last check up. 14 days after home care and recovery, the patient can resume her personal and professional activities. However, the patient should avoid hard physical activities and lifting heavy objects for 30 days after the operation.

Complete service – let us take care of everything
Beside the operation, we can arrange travel and accommodation for our foreign patients. We are here to assist you in every step of the way. Therefore, we can book your flight, and private or hotel accommodation in Zagreb. Our driver will welcome you at Zagreb airport and take you to your accommodation.

Please Click Here to request additional information from Dr.Toncic about Breast Augmentation.

Miracle Workers for Athletes

by Banijel Botic | Croatian Health Brand

Just as the Kostelic family is a Croatian Sports brand, so is Telme Selce, headed by M.D. Vlasta Brozicevic, a Croatian health brand.

When you mention the Kostellc family and the planetary successes of Janica and Ivica, it must be mentioned that Dr Viasta Brozicevic owner of the Terme Selce, is an indispensable part of their lives. After Janica’s horrible fall in St. Moritz, when everyone was predicting the end of her sports career a doctors’ council at the Basel Bruderholz Hospital Successfully operated on our snow queen, restoring the hope of her return to the ski tracks. But there was a long way ahead for her full recovery. The best hospital in the world for sports injuries recommended Dr. Brozicevic to the Kostelic family, and Janica spent her rehabilitation in Selce.

Since that moment, the lives of Dr Brozicevic and her associates was never the same. They were taking care of the best woman skier of all times, as it eventually turned out. An unbelievable persistence and love for skiing, but also a unique organism with unimaginable high pain tolerance brought Janica back to the ski tracks. The other member of this incredible sports family has also gone through several difficult operations (even three on the right knee), and one of the reasons why Ivica fulfilled his boyhood dream, an Olympic medal, is related to Dr Brozicevic.

Working in the state administrative sector along with her husband, she soon realized that in the sports medicine she would not be able to realize everything she had conceived in her mind. She then realized the idea of a private polyclinic for sports injuries and opened Terme Selce in her family home. Employees of Terme Selce create a real family atmosphere. The guests have four apartments for their accommodation and the facilities are equipped with the best instruments for rehabilitation. Besides Janica and Ivica Kostellc, any Croatian and world famous football players have visited Terme Selce and Dr Brozicevic. Dr Brozicevic further educated her employees by her example of how to communicate with athletes, who are often in psychological shock in those moments.

When I first entered the lobby of the Terme, I was surprised by how friendly, cheerful and wholehearted the employees are, and this is crucial, in the words of Dr. Brozicevic, for an athlete’s recovery.

We help them with their rehabilitation, but we are also friends, psychologists, because this is what they need in those difficult moments- says Dr Brozicevic.

And now, let us return to the beginning of the story. Janica and Ivica Kostellc are a Croatian sports family with the most trophies, but if someone had fore-told those great results after all the injuries they suffered, many would have said: dreams, only dreams….. But the Kostellc family and Dr Brozicevic followed their dreams, and we can only be grateful for that. When you next visit the Crlkvenica Riviera and see the sign Selce, visit Terme; remember that this is the place where one of the most beautiful sports stories took place. And, the next time you see Janica or Ivica on the ski podium, keep in mind that the Kostellc family is a Croatian sports brand, and Terme Selce, headed by Dr Viasta Brozicevic, is a Croatian health brand.

Please Click Here to request more information from Terme Selce about Sports Medicine.

Think, Debate, Talk Back – It’s all happening at Global Healthcare Congress 2009!

Have you registered for the upcoming international congress, Global Healthcare Congress 2009 scheduled on 24 – 25 February 2009 in Singapore?

 

JOIN the Industry’s Best Minds at GHC ’09 at this truly global and forward looking Congress which hosts the TOP EXECUTIVES in the global Healthcare industry. Reaching out to leading players and payors in the healthcare indsutry, you can expect to meet CEO level executives over  2 + 2 exciting days of open exchange.

GHC ’09 will present 2 vital themes, “Crossing International Borders” & “Healthcare Cities & Hospitals of the Future” to discuss the issues in the demand & flow of international patients as well as capacity building efforts by hospitals to cater for this burgeoning growth in the foreign patients’ market.

Expert Speakers at GHC ’09 will present the most updated and relevant key issues that follow the industry’s transformation as it re-shapes & re-tools for the future. Get ready to actively participate in the many INTERACTIVE PANELS such as the CEO TALK SHOW, the PAYERS TALK SHOW, the AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION PANELS on organ transplant and trading in medical travel, local government policy responses, & should hospitals be franchised?

Special Highlights – get the insiders’ stories:

“Conversations with CEOs” – Find out what’s keeping them awake at night! Tough issues deliberated in candor conversations, get the real stuff….

“Leading Payors’ Talk Show” – Find out what’s up their alley next! Find out how they would decide to include your hospital in the plans, and on what basis?

“Public Policy Talk Back” – An interview with 2 public policy makers on their strategic plans to encourage global providers to come to their country & reverse the flow of patient flows across borders…..

“Fire Wrap on Hospital Franchising” – Could this be the way forward in expansion plans?

“Point Counterpoint Debate on Organ Trading” – What are the prevailing plans for organ trading in medical travel, what is the ideal framework to address ethical and transplant issues? You get to participate in the audience interaction forum!

Connect & Collaborate….at GHC ’09, where the world healthcare leaders convene

Register now to join us at this premier networking event! For more information about the Congress, please visit http://www.magenta-global.com.sg/healthcare or click here to download the GHC’09 brochure.

4 easy ways to REGISTER

1.       Fax in your registration to +65-6392 3592

2.      Email your full contact details to register@magenta-global.com.sg

3.      Call our customer service hotline on +65-6391 2552

4.      Submit online by filling out the online registration form at http://www.magenta-global.com.sg/healthcare/register.html

See you there at GHC ’09!

 

 

Exclusive Ultimate LASIK Package

Ultimate Lasik Treatment in BHT 79,500.00 only…

Your Eyes Deserve the Best

Near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism are referred to as “lower order” aberration. In addition to these, our eyes have complex “higher order” aberrations that are not correctable with glasses or contact lenses but can also decrease our quality of vision. In Ultimate LASIK, “Higher order” aberrations are first diagnosed and measured using a wavefront map. This Wavefront map is created by bouncing harmless light rays off the patient’s retina.  Results are then fed into a complex computation program, which calculates a superior ablation profile that not only attempts to retain the natural shape of the cornea but also targets any previous aberrations within a patient’s eye. In addition, the higher speed of the laser shortens the surgery time to provide greater patient comfort and increased reliability. Ultimate LASIK combines the benefits of both Optimization and Wavefront and often provides the best opportunity for superior vision.

Advantages of Ultimate LASIK Treatment

• Treats near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism
• Optimization: Designed to Maintain Natural Corneal Shape
• Wavefront: Treatment of Higher-order Aberrations

The Best Technology for your Eyes
TRSC International LASIK Center offers a variety of different technologies. Although newer advanced technologies offer increased opportunity for excellent vision, the necessity for using them varies with the individual qualities of each patient’s eyes (such as spectacle prescription, pupil size, corneal thickness, internal higher-order aberrations, and corneal curvature), TRSC’s LASIK Refractive Surgery Specialists will consult with each patient and help guide their decision in order to provide the best possible results.

TRSC the LASIK Expertise
Technology selection is in fact only one aspect that can affect the outcome of LASIK surgery. It is equally important to select the right LASIK Center. TRSC’s Refractive Specialist Team pioneered LASIK treatment in Thailand and is composed entirely of corneal and refractive specialists who are experts in the field of LASIK refractive surgery. Their experience of having performed surgery on tens of thousands of eyes makes the TRSC medical team honored and well respected among ophthalmologists, and they regularly receive invitations to give lectures at various institutions in Thailand and abroad.

TRSC aspires to give each and every our patient “Lifetime Service for Lifetime Satisfaction.” Through this policy, TRSC has exceeded all international standards of safety and has demonstrated success rates far beyond those of other LASIK Centers. TRSC is leading Asia in the field of LASIK and is the first LASIK Center in Asia to be certified by the International Organization of Standards (ISO 9001:2000), an award given for exceeding high safety standards. TRSC was also recently selected by “Superbrands” as the LASIK Center of choice for Thailand after being chosen in an independent poll that was conducted of 1,000 representatives of the Thai population and a further selection process by a carefully selected panel of experts. This choice was given based on quality, reliability, trust, and service.

Please Click Here to request more information from TRSC Internation LASIK Center

Affordable Lasik Surgery in Bangkok, Thailand

by TRSC International LASIK Center

TRSC has served more than 3000 international patients to date. We have patients traveling from USA, UK, Japan, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the neighboring countries in Asia such as Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Indonesia.

A recent TRSC research showed that nearly 30% of our patients are international visitors to Thailand. It can be categorized into 2 groups of patients. First are the patients who are traveling to Bangkok for a combined visit for leisure and LASIK at TRSC and the other group is traveling to Bangkok only for LASIK treatment due to our reputation, great service and lower cost. Most of these are referrals from past patients who are very satisfied with the results of their LASIK treatments.

Majority of our international patients have chosen TRSC for the LASIK surgery as we are refractive surgery specialists. TRSC does not provide a wide-range of eye treatments as do hospitals or other private clinics. TRSC has become very skilled in this regard due to such a narrow focus. Apart from LASIK, we also provide other means of vision correction such as PRK, NV LASIK, Phakic IOL and cataract surgery. Depending on patient eye measurements, some of the following other vision correction options may better suited for patients. The surgeon will be able to provide more information as to which procedure is right for you. 

Over the last few years Thailand has become a hub for medical tourists from all around Asia and the rest of the world. A TRSC study showed that our international patients travel to TRSC for LASIK treatment due to various reasons. The two most important being the experience of the surgeon, and the price. We offer LASIK at at fraction of the cost back home with the same or better medical equipment and technology  Services are of excellent quality and we can be available at short notice unlike, long waiting lists for surgery in western countries with government-regulated healthcare.

Patients also come to Thailand from all over the world not just for LASIK at TRSC, but they can combine other medical services in Bangkok on the same trip. As an added bonus, they can enjoy the holidays in the beautiful country of Thailand for the same cost that will pay for only the treatment back home.

Please CLICK HERE to request additional information or to setup an appointment with TRSC International LASIK Center

Chronic Renal Disease and Homeopathy

by Dr. Prakash Shah

This story I am describing dates back to 1995, which were just initial years, when I started believing about efficacy of homeopathy. Before that as most of allopathic practioners does not endorse homeopathy as effective science, I was also in those group.

This is the case of Master Maulik – son of my sister, a 10 years old male child.

His complaints began after he had been sick for some time and his parents noticed that he had developed some swelling on both legs. Urine revealed high amounts of protein. He was referred to a Nephrologist who, after all investigations, diagnosed him as having Nephrotic Syndrome. He was put on cyclosporine and steroids. For about 6 years he continued to have increased swelling that had spread to his abdomen and face too. He would get 3-4 acute exacerbations of the condition in a year in spite of being on high dose of steroids. He would develop swelling all over the body and his urine would become turbid. The albumin in the urine would become ++++ at such times. Apart from this he would also get frequent colds during which his urine albumin would start increasing again. Nephrologists advised for kidney biopsy which was not consented presently by relative.

Nephrologists’ told that eventually he will need a transplant. They told that there is no cure yet. He will die too young. Prognosis is very grave.

At this time I started the homoeopathic treatment, he was on a high dosage of steroids daily along with a diuretic. Homoeopathic medicines were given based on his symptomatology only (as I did not know much about all aspects of homeopathy) I gave him Apis, Ars – one dose each and after one month Mercurius and Lycopodium one dose each. Bio-chemic Natrum Mur 6X and Ferum Phos 6X twice a day for 15 days was also given. Then biochemic was advised to take as soon as signs of cold appears.

Nephrologist was unaware that he is under homeopathic treatment. I used to advice my sister that you should be under constant care of Nephrologists.

Within 3 months there was good improvement in his condition. Now he was on reduced dosage of steroids. He would not get colds as frequently as before and there was improvement in his overall health after commencing homoeopathic treatment. My sister reported that it’s the first time in all these years that we have been able to reduce the dosage of steroids and still he continues to improve. They were glad about opting for homoeopathic treatment because steroids would give his son only temporary relief and lots of side-effects, of which they were not even aware previously.

By the end of 6 months of treatment he did very well and his drugs’ dosage and steroids had been lowered by Nephrologist. Nephrologist was surprised that he was doing so well in spite of being on such a low dose of the medication. Now Maulik would not require as frequent visits to Nephrologist as before and he would need to see him only once in about 3 months. Overall he did well with the treatment. The response in his case was positive in a very short period of time. They were much surprised for the treatment which he had to continue for long time since this disorder started.

At about 12 months of starting homeopathic treatment all drugs – homeopathic and allopathic were stopped, as he was cured of all symptoms and no albumin in urine.

Today Mr Maulik is 29 years old and he enjoys good health. He is not taking any allopathic or homeopathic medicine for as long as 10 years except when he feels starting of cold symptom, I have advised him to take biochemic – Natrum  Mur 6x and Ferum Phos 6x as required.

To read complete Chronic Disease Treatment story please visit PlacidWay.com