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Πέμπτη 12 Ιουλίου 2012

Twelve Healthcare Tips for Tourists


by Maria Chionis (Μαρία Χιόνη), medlabnews.gr
Summer ishere and many are preparing to go on a long deserved vacation!  Whilepacking suitcases and planning itineraries, the last thing on a person’s mindis: What happens if a medical emergency arises?

With over17.5 million tourists visiting Greece every year, Dr. Paterakis , a generalpractitioner on the island of Crete, has encountered a great number of problemswith his foreign patients that could have been prevented .   From hisexperience, he has provided the following list of what foreign travelers shoulddo before and during their vacation.

 Beforeleaving:

1)     Invest in a good travel health insurance policy.  Take the time and readthe fine print before signing.
2)     If you have a chronic health problem, ask your personal doctor for a detailedwritten report of your health record and the medicine that has been prescribed.
3)     Learn about the healthcare system of the country you plan to visit and how itworks in case you need to use it.
4)     Inform your personal doctor of the country you intend to visit.  He mighthave to change the dosage of your medication or advise you of any specialprecautions that may have to be taken.

During yourtrip:

5)     Since prevention is the best medicine, try to avoid having accidents.  Forexample, many tourists rent ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) without having drivenone before.  This might pose a health risk.
6)     In case you do need a medical practitioner, ask the hotel receptionist torecommend one to you.  They usually collaborate with experienceddoctors.  The embassy or consulate of your country may also be able toprovide some assistance in this matter, often in the form of a list ofrecommended healthcare experts.
7)     Remember to tell the doctor all your symptoms, any allergies you might have andthe medication you are using.  If there is a travelling companion withyou, take him/her along with you to the doctor.
8)      If there is a language barrier ask for a translator.
9)     Follow the instructions given by the doctor, especially ifhe or she requests diagnostic tests to be done.
10) Askfor the doctor’s mobile phone number, in case a problem arises and you need tocontact him/her.
11)  Ask for a full medical report of your diagnosis and therapy from the doctor inorder to have for you to keep it in your personal records.  Do not forgetto ask for a receipt so you can receive compensation from your insurancecompany.
12)  If the doctor requests a follow up, do so even if you feel better.  Informthe doctor of the date of your return flight and inquire if you will be readyto travel.

Remember,as well, not to wait too long before seeking professional help.  A healthsetback, depending on the problem, does not mean that your vacation will betotally ruined.  With proper medical attention, a tourist can soon be onthe beach again, enjoying all the pleasures Greece has to offer.


Maria Chionis teaches Medical English Terminology and CommunicationsCourse at the School of Foreign Languages at the University of Athens.
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