Local chiropractor Dr. Chris Hutcheson spoke to Mariposa Rotarians of "medical tourism" vividly recounting he and his wife's trip to Chennai, India for medical treatment. As a doctor Hutcheson knows of the costs associated with health care and as the owner of a small business he also knows how the cost of medical insurance and treatment can affect the family budget.

Hutcheson explained that his wife had suffered with a chronic degenerative bone ailment, treated by competent medical professionals to alleviate pain, until those treatments were no longer effective. Her pre-existing condition made it all but impossible to secure affordable insurance leading the couple to search alternative solutions. Her ailment would require bilateral hip replacement, a procedure that could cost upwards of $150,000 in a US hospital.

Hutcheson's research lead the couple to the renown surgeon, Dr. Bose, of the Apollo hospital in India. Western trained doctors and staff at Apollo were able to provide excellent treatment including hip replacement surgery, postoperative physical therapy, and a recuperative environment, all for about a tenth of the cost of similar care in the US.

Hutcheson told of the daunting nature of travel in and through India - belying the ultimate care they would receive. Hutcheson's take... The taxi ride is scarier than the surgery. Those with interest or need can visit among other sites, www.chennai.apollohospitals. com/ for more information on a combination of travel and medical savings.