The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64129

Rachel Annette Summers¹, Julie Ann Parrish, MA¹, Coleman Chandler, MPH¹, Monica L. Wendel, MA, MPH², James N Burdine, Dr PH², Michael Felix³, Sanu Somachandran, MPH², and Jay Jezierski, MPH². (1) School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University System, 1103 University Drive, Suite 100, College Station, TX 77840, 979-845-6957, rasummers@srph.tamushsc.edu, (2) Community Health Development Program, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University, 1103 University Drive, Suite 100, College Station, TX 77840, (3) Felix, Burdine and Associates, 5100 Tilghman Street, Suite 215, Allentown, PA 18104

Although substantial anecdotal information exists, little formal research has ever been conducted to determine the extent to which people choose to travel across borders to receive certain types of healthcare services. A preliminary study conducted by the Community Health Development Program at Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, School of Rural Public Health examined this transient healthcare trend across the borders of Mexico and South Texas. The study took place in the South Texas counties of Hidalgo and Starr along with District IV in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Information was gathered via random sample household surveys (n=1250), key informant interviews, community discussion groups, and secondary data sources. Preliminary analysis provides a clear indication as to the long-term healthcare trends found in border communities as well as an idea of associated costs (expenditures and potential savings). Based on these initial inferences, strengths and weaknesses in the healthcare infrastructure of both the United States and Mexico are highlighted along with recommendations for policy changes to address any concerns.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the scope and demographics of people who travel across borders for healthcare
• Identify key determinants in the healthcare system of a person’s home country that makes travel a necessity
• Identify at least 3 focus areas that can be improved upon in the United States to decrease cross-border utilization.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.