I'm a clin tech here in South Africa and own a small unit 5km from Johanesburg International Airport. I was wondering if it will be possable to offer a dialysis tour of SA to pt's in the USA.How does your medical cover work if you go outside the USA.I know all the units in SA and can put a tour together for pt's to see the whole SA and get dialysed along the way.

Kevin:

What an interesting concept. Basically, there are 3 broad insurance programs that cover renal replacement therapy in the US. One is a federally funded program called Medicare that most patients are eligible for after two and one half years on dialysis. One is both state and federally funded and is designed for indigent patients under the auspices of Medicaid. Coverage varies from state to state. Finally, the third type of coverage is from a patient's or spouse's employer, via some sort of commercial or private insurance.

Payment for dialysis services would vary then based on the insurer and their regulations for travelling.

I am sure that there very well may be patients interested in such an opportunity. If so, perhaps they can contact you directly for more information.

Carol

Thanks
No problem,pt's that are interested can contact me on: e-mail kevin@netactive.co.za;Tel/Fax+2711 3911276;Mobile+27825773062.
Prices will obviously depened on the size of the group that want to tour.I will have to investigate travel costs but dialysis will be +-100US per treatment(bicarb+hi-flux,no re-use)