A number of organizations within the U.S. have developed protocols to assist patients who seek to access medical care abroad. However, thus far the medical tourism industry as a whole has remained mostly unstructured,with no meaningful legislation to govern the practices of participating organizations.

There has been much debate on how to regulate medical tourism but little action. Recently, the American Medical Association (AMA) established a set of nine guidelines that should be followed by employers, insurance companies and other entities that facilitate or incentivize medical care outside of the U.S. Many are hopeful that these guidelines will provide direction for the industry as it continues to grow and develop.

American Medical Association Guidelines for Patients Traveling Overseas for Medical Care• Medical care outside the U.S. should be voluntary.
• Financial incentives to go outside the U.S. for care should not inappropriately limit diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives, or restrict treatment or referral options.
• Financial incentives should be used only for care at institutions accredited by recognized international accrediting bodies.
• Local follow-up care should be coordinated and financing arranged to ensure continuity of care.
• Coverage for travel outside the U.S. for care must include the costs of follow-up care upon return.
• Patients should be informed of rights and legal recourse before traveling outside the U.S. for care.
• Patients should have access to physician licensing and outcomes data, as well as facility accreditation and outcomes data.
• Transfer of patient medical records should be consistent with HIPAA guidelines.
• Patients should be provided with information about the potential risks of combining surgical procedures with long flights and vacation activities.