THE DOCTOR IS IN -- THAILAND

High costs are increasingly sending people abroad for medical care. They go to places like Thailand, India, and Costa Rica, and the cost is usually a small fraction of what would be paid in the USA.

For instance (and this is typical of other operations), a knee replacement that would be about $50,000 here would be $10,000 in Thailand and $8,500 in India. Moreover, hotel and travel expenses wouldn't affect the differential very much.

We rank 38th in health care, so don't think that the USA is far above other countries quality-wise.

Here is a link to the Charlotte Observer, but you may have to register for free to read the articles.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/health/16206611.htm