BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- People seeking health care services and surgeries are making a run for the border as the trend of medical tourism becomes increasingly popular.

Thousands of people cross the border to Mexico every year in search of health care services. In 2006, 150,000 Californians traveled internationally for medical tourism.

Elsa Lopez said,"When I do get a chance to go to Mexico, I will get my physical exams there because it's cheaper."

Raul Duarte said ,"People go to Mexico because they have no medical insurance here , and even if they do, it's still cheaper to go across the border."

Those we spoke to say numerous recent Medi-Cal cuts and the need for affordability have pushed them across the border.

Duarte said ,"In the case of my sister-in-law, she had cataract surgery in Mexico and paid less for the whole surgery, hospitalization and medicine than what she would've paid for a doctor's visit here in the states."

Those we spoke to say patients get more for their money in Mexico and the care is more thorough.

Lopez said ,"My husband goes to Mexico for his physical exams because they do full body X -rays , whereas here they just check the outside of your body."

But doctors here say there are risks to seeking medical care in a foreign country, such as contracting infections or having medical complications.

"It's important to verify what kind of care is being provided and what kind of materials are being used and what kind of methods are used to not spread infection," said Dr. Claudia Jonah.

Here are some tips: research information on your doctor and the hospital you will be using ,comma such as credentials, reputation, areas of specialization, and equipment used. Also ask about the medications that will be administered or prescribed and ask about sanitation procedures. Also check to find out if your medical insurance covers any complications and what your legal rights are as an foreign patient.