UCSF

Introduction

Healthcare is a globalized endeavor. With an increasing number of overseas collaborations being announced as profit-driven business structures, we sought to investigate the prevalence of the top-ranked United States (US) cancer hospitals investing in overseas hospitals.

Method

We conducted a web search of publicly available information to determine the frequency in which US hospitals with top-ranked cancer centers expand into offshore markets.

Results

Of the 53 offshore entities identified, 17 (32 %) are in China. Other tops locations include Italy (9%), United Arab Emirates (8%), and Saudi Arabia (8%).

Discussion

Our findings show many international US-partnered clinics are located in countries designated as either high-income or upper-middle-income economies. Further research is needed to understand the full scope of US hospitals abroad and the impact it may have on the global cancer care landscape.

Policy summary

The business-model for globalized US healthcare should be investigated for implications to local and foreign cancer care.