Don't look now but you may  travelling to Latin America to get a sun tan and to see a doctor.

According to news reports from South America, the folks south of the border have plans ready for your next doctor's visit:

"As for why people are seeking out Latin America, the answer is basically, why not? Procedures are much more affordable and with proper research, many quality facilities and accredited doctors can be found.  

There is tubal ligation reversal surgery in Mexico, buttock implants in Costa Rica, chin and breast implants in Colombia, assisted fertility and gastric bypass in Argentina, and dental work in El Salvador.

More so, people are also visiting Latin America for cancer treatments, cheap pharmaceuticals, diabetic care and rehab.  

In fact, Patients Beyond Borders reports Mexico now attracts more than a million patients a year, many of whom are Hispanics from California, Arizona and Texas.

It's this proximity to North America that makes Latin America's medical tourism so attractive.

Other factors include favourable exchange rates, bilingual healthcare officials, friendly cultures, tropical climates and exotic locations allowing for relaxing and scenic recovery time.   

Still, there are those who are fearful of travelling to a foreign country for a medical procedure.

They often have misconceptions about third world standards of living, poverty, disease, violence and more.

Something else that may keep them from experiencing medical tourism is the threat of malpractice without the U.S. legal system offering protection.  

The truth is many healthcare providers in Latin America are internationally accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI).

The doctors are bilingual, with many of them U.S. board certified or trained in the states.

Some healthcare providers also have ties to stateside medical institutions."

By the way, it is true that they have excellent doctors and facilities south of the border.   

Also, don't underestimate that famous "latino charm."  My guess is that a lot of Americans will feel that Marcus Welby MD is alive and well and somewhere south of the border.

The question is will Americans combine their next trip to Cancun with a visit to the doctor?

The answer is ObamaCare.     

Last, but not least, I think that medical tourism will do very well with young people, or the same ones who are not too keen on subsidizing ObamaCare.

P. S. You can hear my chat with Carlos Roncal & Fausta Wertz about this topic & follow me on Twitter @ scantojr.