Last week's burning question elicited some strong responses on the subject of medical tourism. The majority of respondents feel medical tourism will take off. However, those who think the movement has promise were split on whether it had already taken off or it would take off eventually.

What's more, most readers say they would like to learn more about medical tourism.

Look out for our cover story on medical tourism in the upcoming July issue of EBA. You can also read a sampling of the comments we received on this subject below.

But first, please take a moment to respond to this week's burning question. Do you think employers can get "maxed out" on too much voluntary?

Make sure to take just two minutes and fill out this week's survey. Participation boomed last week after a dip the previous week. Let's keep the numbers up to ensure this data is accurate and helpful to you.

If you have a burning question that you would like us to pose to readers, just let us know by e-mailing EBA Managing Editor Molly Bernhart.

We asked readers: Is medical tourism a viable answer to the problem of rising health care costs? Here is a sampling of what readers had to say…

· No. The cost of travel, the need for follow-up care in some cases, and eventual backlash once complications are known are only a few reasons why this will surge briefly and fade.

· I'm not sure it's a viable answer to the rising health costs here, I don't believe it's going to change anything here. However, it's a viable answer/option to employers and subscribers who would like to keep their health care costs down. Many procedures that people are looking for in "medical tourism" are routine, and the chance of problems/issues are few. If we can't control medical costs here, why shouldn't we have the option of getting services elsewhere. And why should carriers care where the claims are coming from, if they have to pay the dollars anyway?

· It may be the only viable answer for certain procedures for certain individuals given the expense of similar procedures in U.S. hospitals.

· Absolutely. When a local hospital here in Sun City charges 560+% more than Johns Hopkins, why shouldn't I just fly up to JH? As long as I am on the airplane, I might as well save more money by flying overseas.

· No, it is another short-term solution. The rising cost of health care is a global problem, it is not unique only to our country. In countries where medical tourism is being directed, the costs are lower now, but they too will rise if demand for services there increase. So cost savings may be realized for a few years, but eventually it will even out.

· I'm not sure. One of the ultimate outcomes from an "exodus" of medical business from the U.S. that I'd like to see is the medical community (AMA in particular) being willing to come to the table to look at THEIR costs -- you know, the costs that keep increasing and driving up health care affordability.

· It's an option but will only be embraced on a very small scale.

Questions? Comments? E-mail EBA Managing Editor Molly Bernhart.

Don't forget to fill out this week's survey on whether or not employers can get "maxed out" on too much voluntary?