Medical tourism, also known as medical travel or global healthcare, is the rapidly-growing practice of traveling across international borders to obtain medical care. Below are the top questions I am asked when speaking to clients regarding implementing a medical travel benefit into an employee benefit plan.

1.       What can a medical travel benefit provide my employees?

A medical travel or medical tourism benefit can provide your employees an additional option in their health plans. Typically, a procedure through Satori’s Global Network is 40-80% less than US hospital and physician fees including medical and travel costs. Your employees receive high quality healthcare with access to the top surgeons in the world and the employee can take a companion with them. There are no co-pays, co-insurance or deductibles passed onto the employee and your company can realize real significant savings.

2.       Why choose Satori World Medical?

Satori’s unique Business & Care model is unlike any other medical tourism company in the marketplace.  What sets Satori apart from other medical travel facilitators is Satori’s Global Healthcare Network. Our network is comprised of the “Best of the Best” hospitals around the world and our robust Quality Program, led by our full-time Chief Medical Officer, ensures optimal delivery of care. In addition, our proprietary Health & Shared Wealth Program shares the economic savings with all insurers, employers, and individuals, and our program includes world-class client services and a companion care program. Satori offers fixed price case rates that include air travel, luxury hotel accommodations and ground transportation for the patient and companion, all on a convenient single bill in US dollars. 

3.       Are there any costs associated with adding Satori World Medical to our medical plan?

There are absolutely no charges associated with adding Satori to a medical plan. Satori World Medical does not charge a Per Employee Per Month (PEPM), network access fee, or rental fee for our program.  There are no monthly or recurring costs for embedding Satori into a health plan. There is no downside to adding the Satori Global Healthcare Network. It truly is a new innovative benefit for employers to provide their employees.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG), also known as CABG surgery or bypass surgery, is performed to improve blood flow to areas of the heart, reducing the risk of future heart attacks and preventing death from coronary artery disease. Artery and vein grafts are used to bypass blocked coronary arteries.  

Medical tourism, also known as medical travel or global healthcare, is not limited to just cosmetic surgery and dental procedures. Some of the best heart surgeons in the world that perform CABG surgery are available through Satori World Medical’s Global Network at International Centers of Excellence in India, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Turkey and Mexico. All physicians in the Satori Global Network are U.S./U.K or equivalently trained and Board Certified. In addition to the world-class quality of care, there are significant financial savings when going international for a CABG procedure. While U.S. cost for CABG surgery can cost up to $100,000, CABG surgery through a Satori’s Global Network provider, would cost around $30,000.

Kristen Montez, Director of Legal and Regulatory Services of Satori World Medical, provides insight on stop loss insurance in the medical travel industry in the February online issue of Agent’s Sales Journal.

The passage of PPACA has caused many agents to consider alternative health care products for self-insured clients. Among those products is an international provider network through a medical travel facilitator — a medical travel health care benefit.

Medical travel is the practice of traveling across international borders to receive high-quality health care at a fraction of its U.S. price. A medical travel facilitator oversees the medical travel process, from managing the international provider network to coordinating the procedure and travel arrangements for the patient and companion. Many U.S.-based medical travel facilitators provide an international network of hospitals and providers that can be easily added to an employer’s existing self-insured health plan. Typically, adding a medical travel health care benefit to an existing health plan costs nothing with no compromise on the quality of care, and the medical procedure savings range from 50 to 80 percent of U.S. prices.

Read the entire article online:

http://www.asjonline.com/Exclusives/2011/2/Pages/Offering-Stop-Loss-Insurance-Through-a-Medical-Travel-Facilitator-.aspx?k=satori

In the January issue of California Broker Magazine, Steven Lash, President & CEO of Satori World Medical provides insight on why implementing a global medical travel program can be an attractive option for the growing number of minorities in the United States.  Below is part of the article “Medical Travel: A Proven Resource to Market an Ethnically Diverse Population”.

Read the entire article in the January issue of California Broker Magazine or online here.

Minorities make up more than one-third of the United States population, according to the Census Bureau. By 2050, ethnic Americans are expected to represent close to half of the U.S. population. Among the fastest-growing ethnic populations are Hispanics and Asian Americans (including Asian Indians). In the next 25 years, more than half of the U.S. workforce will be of second and third generation descent. A large share of the labor force is comprised of Hispanics, Filipinos, Asian-Indians, Vietnamese, and Chinese employees.  Companies with largely diverse workforces have a vested interest in meeting the health and welfare needs of their employees and being responsive to these cultural ties.

By Dr. Ron Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Satori World Medical

This Sunday, September 26, is the 10 year anniversary of World Heart Day. World Heart Day was created to promote heart health and inform people around the world that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming more than 17 million lives each year. In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Heart Federation organizes events in 100 countries to spread awareness through health checkups, organized walks, and lectures.

Although major risk factors of heart disease such as family history and age are beyond control, there are a few key healthy steps you can adopt today to reduce your risk of heart problems.

1.  Do not smoke – Smoking greatly increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease by 50 percent or more.
2. Eat a heart-healthy diet – Watch your fat and salt intake. Saturated and trans fat elevates the risk of coronary heart disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. Main sources of saturated fat include dairy products, animal fats, and oils. Sources of trans fat include deep-fried fast foods and packaged snack foods. High-sodium diets are also linked to an increase in blood pressure and a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. It is recommended to eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium a day.
3. Have an active lifestyle and keep a healthy weight – 30-60 minutes of physical activity a day can control weight and reduce blood pressure levels.
4. Limit alcohol intake – Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain and higher blood pressure. Limit yourself to one to two drinks a day.
5. Get regular checkups – Get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury.
6. Encourage stress-free moments – High levels of stress can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Establish a regular sleep schedule, engage in relaxing activities, and take regular breaks during work hours.

Or as Dr. Jeffrey Williams says, “If you take care of your heart, it will take care of you.” Happy World Heart Day!

Dr. Jeffrey Williams specializes in Invasive/Interventional Cardiology and is a member of Satori’s Medical Quality Advisory Board, a team of expert board certified physicians who are recognized leaders in their sub-specialty field. Satori’s Medical Quality Advisory Board continuously monitors and evaluates clinical procedures and guidelines to ensure that Satori Global Network™ hospitals and physicians follow our established Standards of Excellence.

By, Kevin Poling, Director of Travel & Patient Services at Satori World Medical

The trend of medical tourism, where Americans are traveling outside the United States for medical care, is becoming more common due to the high cost of surgery in the U.S. Countries all over the world such as Thailand, India, Costa Rica, and Mexico are world-renowned for their medical and dental care.  Below are a few of the most popular procedures among medical tourists:

• Cardiac Surgery: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease, stroke and other vascular problems, is one of the deadliest and costliest health problems in the U.S. However, top quality healthcare for heart disease can be obtained internationally at a fraction of the cost than within the U.S. The average heart procedure in India costs a tenth of what it would for the same procedure in a U.S. hospital. The Asian Heart Institute, located in Mumbai, India, performs over 1,200 Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) procedures per year. They are affiliated with the prestigious American hospital The Cleveland Clinic, and provide world-class cardiac care. 
• Joint Replacement: Orthopedic procedures, such as hip/knee replacements are becoming more frequent due to the aging Baby Boomer population, and as Americans remain leading active lifestyles. Having an orthopedic procedure can be done overseas in high quality facilities that can save as much as 50% compared to having it done domestically.
• Cosmetic Surgery: Costa Rica, Thailand, Mexico, and Brazil are known for their plastic surgery. Average savings on plastic surgery procedures can be as much a 50%, while the quality of the care delivered rivals that of top U.S. hospital institutions. Top plastic surgery procedures include tummy tucks, breast augmentation, facelifts, and rhinoplasty.
• Dental Procedure: Having dental work done abroad has become popular since most health insurance plans do not cover dental procedures and the average cost savings for dental treatments can be as much as 75%, when compared to the cost in the U.S. Every year, highly trained reconstructive and cosmetic dentists provide dental treatments to thousands of patients travelling abroad for economical dental procedures. Popular dental tourism locations include Mexico and Costa Rica.

By Ron Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.S., Chief Medical Officer, Satori World Medical

 In 2008 and 2009 the American Medical Association (AMA) and American College of Surgeons (ACS) issued guidelines on medical tourism, the rapidly growing trend of traveling outside the US for medical care.  These guidelines were in favor of patient choice and focused on quality of care and patient safety.  Now the American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) is advising patients who are seeking surgical care internationally to help them make informed decisions.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists is an educational, research and scientific association of physicians organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and improve the care of the patient.

Below are a few of the questions the ASA suggests asking before traveling abroad for surgical care and how Satori World Medical meets or exceeds these criteria.  For the complete list of questions, click here.

Are the physicians who will be performing the procedure licensed specifically for the procedure, and is the facility accredited by a reputable organization such as the Joint Commission International (JCI)?

Find out what professional memberships, training and qualifications the physicians hold (e.g., surgeon, anesthesiologist, etc.).  Choosing an accredited facility ensures that the hospital proved it met certain standards of care intended to keep patients safe.  While most hospitals feature this information on their Web sites, you can find those accredited by JCI at www.jointcommissioninternational.org.  You should also make sure to research mortality rates, infection rates and other performance measurements.

As a quality baseline or “gating” issue, Satori World Medical only contracts with international hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the international arm of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) that accredits all US hospitals and healthcare organizations.  JCI sets over 350 standards of excellence for international hospitals to meet that ensure the quality and safety of patient care.  Moreover, our network of International Centers of Excellence have leading-edge technology, departments designed to cater specifically to international patients, and teams of US/UK or equivalently trained and board certified physicians that are English speaking.

Have I considered working with a medical tourism company?

Medical tourism service providers can guide you through the process by doing everything from transferring your medical records, to coordinating your travel logistics.  It is critical that you research them carefully because, as is the case with hospitals, they can vary in quality of service.  As a first step, you should check with the hospital where you are having the procedure, as it likely has a dedicated medical tourism group.

While high-quality care is available at many hospitals around the world, not all medical travel programs offer the same level of quality.  Satori World Medical has a robust quality assurance program and a strong patient advocacy and support program in place.  Satori’s primary focus is providing access to the highest quality patient care.  Our company has developed a proprietary quality management system which includes ongoing quality audits as well as a Nurse Patient Advocacy Program.

Who will be traveling with me for this procedure?

A support group can play a significant role in the overall outcome and experience associated with having a medical procedure abroad. If possible, patients should identify a family member or friend who can accompany them.  In addition to ensuring patients are receiving the best care possible, they can also play a motivational role, which can make the experience more comfortable and decrease recovery times.

Fundamental to Satori’s Business & Care Model is the belief that a companion should accompany the patient while traveling internationally for medical care, enhancing the ease of their trip, comfort, and quality of life while abroad.  Satori’s innovative model includes the cost of hotel and travel accommodations for the patient’s companion.

“With President Obama’s crusade for lower health costs in full swing, many Americans are left wondering where they’ll find quality treatment.

The answer is likely south – as in, yes, Mexico – but trends indicate the border-crossing phenomenon may also be growing at home.

There was a time when traveling across the border for prescription drugs or dental treatment –  much less a surgical procedure – meant returning with a botched boob job or worse, but many U.S. tourism companies are taking the plunge, sending their clients to Mexico, Costa Rica and beyond for medical treatments that rival those at American hospitals at half or even one-third of the cost.

A San Diego-based medical tourism company, Satori World Medical, offers a procedure list that includes everything from plastic surgery to spinal fusion at 40 to 80 percent of the cost of the same procedure done in the U.S…”

Click to read the full article on San Diego News Network

“(CNN) — When Godfrey Davies learned he needed surgery to remove polyps blocking his nasal airways, the self-described bargain shopper set out on a mission to find an affordable surgeon. He quickly learned a good deal is hard to find.”

CNN shares a story of Godfrey Davies, a man who saved nearly $30,000 on a simple procedure that would have cost him $33,127 or more here in the U.S. After jumping through hoops to try and find an affordable price in Indianapolis, Indiana, he turned to family members across the Atlantic to help him broaden his search for affordable surgery… What they found left Davies “speechless”, and resulted in him embarking on a medical journey to the U.K.

Click here to read the full story  on www.cnn.com

Josef Woodman, author of the first comprehensive guide to medical tourism “Patients Beyond Borders”, recognized expert in the medical tourism industry, and member of Satori World Medical’s Strategic Advisory Board shares his thoughts on how the landmark healthcare reform bill will affect the medical tourism industry.

First Thoughts on the Dawnings of Healthcare Reform: How the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Is Likely to Affect Medical Tourism

Author: Josef Woodman, Patients Beyond Borders; CEO, Healthy Travel Media, LLC

Over the course of the past several months, and particularly since the recent signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (otherwise informally known as the Healthcare Reform Bill), I’ve been asked by media and industry people how this new and landmark legislation will affect cross-border medical travel.

The short answer is: who knows?  Most components of the Act take effect gradually, and implementation is likely to be glacial.  At this point it’s not clear the Act will stand, as more than 14 states have now filed lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.  Additional challenges are sure to arise, further muddying the already roiled waters.

Should the Act remain in place, we will undoubtedly see increased burdens on our already groaning healthcare infrastructure.  In accommodating 30+ million new healthcare consumers, all but the wealthiest Americans will likely experience an increased and acute shortage of primary care physicians, nurses, and administrative staff, resulting in longer waits for treatment.  Thus, while the number of uninsured American patients will decrease, the ranks of the underinsured will rise dramatically, as limited resources are triaged by insurers and providers across the healthcare reform landscape. 

In short, the US healthcare system under healthcare reform will likely morph into more of a public-private system found in the UK, and emerging in Canada.  Not unlike the US education system, we’ll see lower cost—albeit less accessible— public care for those who cannot otherwise afford more expensive private care, financed by luxury insurance plans, concierge services or out-of-pocket payments.

To avoid the scenarios experienced by overburdened government-regulated healthcare systems in the UK, Canada and Germany, US insurers and providers would be prudent to take proactive measures.  Thinking globally wouldn’t hurt.  For example, to help mitigate the pressures of our over-burdened healthcare system, US insurers might aggressively accelerate efforts to include cross-border treatment plans for American-accredited facilities overseas. Cost savings can be substantial, even at the wholesale rates.  In like manner, leading US providers should be aggressively planning the build-out of more cost-efficient international facilities and/or creating sustainable affiliations with JCI-accredited hospitals abroad.

With or without healthcare reform, most Americans will in the coming months and years experience compacted access to the relative luxury of quality care their mothers and fathers enjoyed.  However, greater transparencies in quality assurance, cost-comparison and patient satisfaction data will lead consumers to an impressive array of informed, cost-effective choices for medical care, often international in scope.