Posts Tagged ‘cost saving solutions’
Why Employers Should Consider Offering a Medical Travel Program to their Employees
Written by Satori on March 12, 2010 – 11:24 am -By Keith Mendoza, Director of Sales of Satori World Medical
The continual rise in employer-funded healthcare costs has prompted more U.S. companies to explore innovative alternatives to traditional health insurance plans. As such, insurance brokers and advisors are continually looking to partner with companies that can provide solutions that lower employers’ healthcare costs while offering benefit programs that their employees will value.
Employers are now integrating medical travel programs into their benefit plan designs. Through such programs, their employees have the option to travel to international Joint Commission International (JCI) hospitals to undergo select surgical procedures at an average cost of 40-80 percent less when compared to a hospital in the U.S. That 40-80 percent savings is generated even after factoring in all hotel accommodations and roundtrip airfare for the patient and a companion.
Through medical travel programs, the employee who receives medical care internationally is able to retain dollars they would have otherwise spent if they had chosen to have their procedure done domestically. Employers who have incorporated a medical travel program allow the individual to waive their copays, deductibles and coinsurances. Additionally, a feature that is unique to the Satori World Medical program is its financial sharing concept, whereby a portion of the savings of global healthcare is passed along to the employee through a tax-advantaged, employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Because the savings of global healthcare are so significant, many employers are establishing HRA’s and funding a portion of the savings generated to their employees.
Here’s how it works: An employee selects the employer option to go to Mexico for a major medical procedure through the Satori Global Network™. All out-of-pocket cost for the individual are waived and the employer deposits a fixed dollar amount (between $5,000-$10,000) in the employee’s HRA, representing an employee’s share of the savings. The funds deposited are tax-deductible to the employer and tax-free to the employee. The employee can then use those funds to pay for future medical expenses, such as premiums, deductibles, co-pays, prescriptions, and more. The funds roll over annually, so essentially the employee can cover their out-of-pocket medical expenses for several years by choosing to go internationally for a major medical procedure.
Why medical travel is attractive to employers and their employees:
- Significantly reduces healthcare cost. Employers have the opportunity to save dollars on their surgical claims experience. Many medical travel programs do not charge a Per Employee Per Month (PEPM) or network access fee. Savings are based on utilization, so there is no need to invest dollars in the medical travel program up front.
- Gives moderate income employees the opportunity to hold onto dollars otherwise allocated for out-of-pocket expenses. Typically, medical travel programs waive all out-of-pocket expenses for the employee and offer a cash incentive. A medical travel option empowers employees with the ability to choose where they receive their care based on quality and price. Employees have the opportunity to avoid going into medical debt for a major surgical episode.
- Meets the needs of a culturally diverse workforce. A large share of the workforce in the U.S. 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.
The fact is that opportunities and innovation in healthcare delivery exist all throughout the world, whether it’s in India, Mexico or Singapore. Embracing these opportunities allows organizations to be at the forefront of providing innovative alternatives to lowering healthcare costs. Medical travel essentially is a cost savings strategy that is tangible, and just makes sense.
Tags: cost saving solutions, Employee Benefits, Financial Savings, Global Healthcare, HRA, Joint Commission International, Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, Satori World Medical
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The Satori World Medical Cross Border Network™
Written by Satori on February 18, 2010 – 11:06 am -By, Keith Mendoza, Director of Sales of Satori World Medical
Approximately 1 million Californians cross the border every year to seek medical and dental care in Mexico, as reported in a study done by UCLA’s Center for Health Policy Research. Many U.S. Hispanic employees living along the border have taken advantage of the increasingly popular option of accessing health services in Mexico, given that procedures can cost as low as one third of the price in the U.S. Cultural and linguistic preferences are also other strong motivators for Hispanic employees seeking medical care across the border.
Through The Satori Cross Border Network™, employees will gain access to high quality providers which include SIMNSA – Sistemas Medicos Nacionales, S.A. de C.V. SIMNSA physicians and clinics in Tijuana, Mexicali, Rosarito and Tecate. Members can choose over 200 certified physicians across the U.S.-Mexico border. This gives U.S. Hispanic employees & their dependents, who prefer to receive their care in Mexico, access to quality medical care at a reduced cost. Moreover, all network claims are submitted to the plan sponsor in English using U.S. insurance industry standards.
Additionally, employees can choose Satori Global Network™ hospitals for non-emergency surgical procedures at our contracted JCI accredited hospitals, located in the Western Mexico and Costa Rica. Some of the surgical procedures available are Cardiac, Orthopedic, Bariatric and Spine.
Features & Benefits
• Over 200 primary care physicians and specialists along the California/Mexico Border
• Medical clinics are in close proximity to border
• Grupo Medyca, a state-of-the-art outpatient surgical center
• Provides practical and economical healthcare to both employers and their cross border workforce
• Online Lab Results through InterLab , one of the most modern and technically advanced laboratories in Mexico
• Digital Records give any participating physician the capability to view patient’s medical records online, 24 hours a day
• Information Safeguards meets specific HIPAA and other electronic medical record standards
Significant cost savings combined with the access to high quality, culturally sensitive facilities in Mexico makes a Cross Border program an attractive option to the California workforce.
For more information about The Satori World Medical’s Cross Border Network™, visit http://www.satoriworldmedical.com/crossborder or email Keith Mendoza at k.mendoza@satoriworldmedical.com
Tags: California, cost saving solutions, cross border, Financial Savings, Global Healthcare, Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, Satori, Satori World Medical, SIMNSA
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Top Plastic Surgery Procedures for Medical Tourists
Written by Satori on January 13, 2010 – 2:39 pm -By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel & Customer Service
Due to the high costs of plastic surgery in the U.S., many Americans are now packing their bags and heading to exotic destinations to have surgery at a fraction of the cost of what they would pay here in the states.
Countries all over the world such as Costa Rica, Thailand, Mexico, and Brazil are world-renowned for their medical care. Plastic surgery is no exception. What’s the difference between cosmetic surgery in the U.S. and say in Thailand? One word, cost. The U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world, including plastic surgery. Average savings on care can be as much a 50% when compared with the U.S., while the quality of the care delivered rivals that of top U.S. hospital institutions.
The trend of medical tourism, Americans traveling outside the U.S. for medical care is becoming more common. Let’s look at the top plastic surgery procedures for these medical tourists:
• Breast augmentation: Involves using implants for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume due to a mastectomy following breast cancer or other illness.
• Tummy Tuck: A tummy tuck, also commonly referred to as abdominoplasty, is whereby excess fat and skin from the abdominal area is surgically removed. Tummy tucks are a type of procedure typically for medical tourists seeking weight loss and a tighter, slimmer waistline.
• Facelift: Facelifts are another common procedure for those looking to reduce wrinkles and the aging of the face and neck. Facelifts are popular among both men and women.
• Eyebrow Lift: An eyebrow lift is a surgical procedure designed to make an individual’s brow line and forehead regions more youthful. Both men and women (45-70 years of age) are common candidates for an eyebrow lift.
• Rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty is a procedure sought after by women and men of all ages who want to improve the shape and look of their nose. Rhinoplasty involves reshaping an individual’s nose surgically to achieve a more attractive look. Rhinoplasty is commonly performed in many hospitals and cosmetic surgery specialty centers around the world.
If you are interested in saving as much as 50% on your next cosmetic procedure, consider becoming a medical tourist. You can get the same high quality care you desire without breaking the bank.
For more information about Satori World Medical’s Plastic Surgery Global Network, visit http://www.satoriworldmedical.com/plastics/
Tags: cosmetic, cost saving solutions, Financial Savings, Global Healthcare, Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, Plastic Surgery, Satori, Satori World Medical
Posted in Medical Tourism, Satori World Medical | No Comments »
What to Experience in New Delhi During Your Medical Stay
Written by Satori on January 6, 2010 – 3:01 pm -By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel of Satori World Medical
Satori World Medical offers many choices in destinations to receive medical care. Whether you are traveling internationally for a shoulder or knee replacement or even a cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, you and your companion can take some extra time on your trip to enjoy the amenities of your hotel and experience the rich cultural areas in which our International Centers of Excellence are located.
The fifth of the destination cities of the Satori Global Network™ I am highlighting is New Delhi, the capitol city of India.

Your ‘to do list’ while in New Delhi:
- Visit the Akshardham Temple on the outer edge of the city
- Take a spin at Connaught Place
- Go watch the Dances of India – a nightly performance of regional dance
- Make your rounds shopping at Ansal Plaza
- Explore the back alleys of Chandni Chowk for great value on jewelry and more

Transportation
New Delhi is a planned city, and thus, has a vast web of efficient public transportation. Private vehicles make up less than a third of the total transportation demand within the city! There are over 15 subways, over 2,700 bus stops, and a metro railway that can get commuters from place to place quickly. Delhi’s bus system is the largest fleet of environmentally friendly buses in the world. Taxis are also readily available, however aren’t as widely used because the public transport is so easy to get along with. Rental car services are also widely available.

Shopping
Shop for great deals on designer brands where the locals shop – Ansal Plaza. Here you will find great high-end items that are unique, and there is a wide variety of items and styles that will not break the bank. If you are in search of handmade items, but do not feel like haggling with the locals, pay a visit to the Central Cottage Industries Emporium. This is a huge store, with six floors of goods ranging from paintings and clothing, to textiles and furniture.

Culture
Many places in Delhi (greater metropolitan area) radiate hundreds of years of Indian culture. Visitors should stop by the Jama Masjid mosque, which was built over 350 years ago, and took 14 years to complete. This giant mosque is the largest in India and its courtyard has a maximum occupancy of 25,000 people! Another sight to see is the Qutb Minar. This tall tower marks the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi, and the new Islamic ruling in India over 800 years ago. The construction of this tower spanned nearly 200 years, and it’s five stories rise to over 200 feet!

Dining
Like any other popular destination, India is home to the usual suspects of world cuisine. Italian, Asian, and even American food can be found in New Delhi… However, the Indian food in Delhi is hard to beat. Who would have thought? There are a lot of chicken dishes to be found here, from kebabs to butter chicken. Tandoori dishes are a favorite, as well as curry. Vegetarians will love India, as vegetables are an integral part of all indian food.
View more of Satori World Medical’s popular destinations
References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Delhi
[2] http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/delhi
Tags: cost saving solutions, Global Healthcare, India, Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, New Delhi, Plastic Surgery, Satori, Satori World Medical
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Brad H. saves thousands on a facelift through Satori; the quality of care was exceptional
Written by Satori on December 3, 2009 – 3:11 pm -
Brad H., a 63-year-old man from Palm Springs, California traveled to Bangkok, Thailand in September to undergo a facelift. Below is a recap of Brad’s medical travel experience:
I had heard about medical tourism through friends and the media, and I knew that people were traveling to exotic destinations to have medical procedures. When I heard about Satori World Medical in San Diego, I really felt like this was the best company for me.
I contacted Satori and spoke with Kevin Poling, the company’s Director of Customer Service. Kevin was very knowledgeable and helpful. Initially, I had some reservations about the care I would receive but after I spoke with Kevin, I felt assured I would have a positive experience.
I decided to go to Samitivej Hospital in Thailand for my facelift. I can’t say enough about Satori’s staff, their customer service was outstanding. They handled every aspect of my trip and medical procedure, making all my travel arrangements and transferring my medical records. The service and support I received really helped me understand and feel comfortable about the process and what to expect from the experience.
I traveled to Thailand in September. I was really impressed with the quality of the hospital. I had never before seen a hospital room with so many amenities. My room even had a flat screen TV. The service at the hospital was exceptional. The medical and nursing staff were very attentive and my surgeon was great. He took the time to explain my procedure and the recovery process. I had my facelift and saved over $7,000 on my procedure! Overall I had a great experience and I wouldn’t think twice about doing it again.
Tags: California, cost saving solutions, Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, Plastic Surgery, Satori, Satori World Medical, Testimonial, Thailand
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What to Experience in Istanbul During Your Medical Stay
Written by Satori on November 11, 2009 – 2:43 pm -
By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel of Satori World Medical
Satori World Medical offers many choices in destinations to receive medical care. Whether you are traveling internationally for a shoulder or knee replacement or even a cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, you and your companion can take some extra time on your trip to enjoy the amenities of your hotel and experience the rich cultural areas in which our International Centers of Excellence are located.
The first of the destination cities of the Satori Global Network™ I am highlighting is Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, and fifth largest city proper in the world with a population of 12.6 million. Istanbul is also a megacity, as well as the cultural and financial centre of Turkey [1].

Your ‘to do list’ while in Istanbul:
- Take a tour of the Bosphorus
- Take a quick city bus tour of Istanbul
- Experience shopping like you never have before
- Try some fresh seafood on the Bosphorus
- Listen to live music at one of many venues throughout the city
- Explore the cultural richness and history at one of Istanbul’s renowned museum
- Create your own adventure! Istanbul is home to many avenues and cosmopolitan districts which are just waiting to be explored… You won’t have to go far to find a new and exciting experience!

Transportation
Istanbul is connected via a series of railways, trams, funiculars, a light rail transit system, as well as busses, various motorways and plenty of sea transportation. The city is mostly surrounded by sea, so there are many ferry and sea bus systems available to explore surrounding areas, such as the Princes’ Islands.
Tours
Many tour programs are available, especially throughout the summer months, when tour boats take many tourists up the Bosphorus, while making stops on the Asian side and in Anadolu Kavagi. There, tourists can enjoy live music and dine on fresh fish. City bus tours are also available throughout Istanbul, and often cover most popular areas of the city within a couple hours. This gives tourists an opportunity to seek out areas of interest, and easily return to explore them more thoroughly.

Shopping
Istanbul is a shopping Mecca, and tourists can find anything from modern world class brands, to spices, jewelry, and more in any of the cities shopping districts. Many places such as the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar are known for finding one of a kind items, as well as a vast selection of crafts and pottery from the thousands of shops and vendors located within. Modern shopping malls are also found throughout the city, and shoppers can treat themselves to luxury items from around Asia, Europe and also a large collection of world-famous fashion brands.

Culture
There are many entertainment options throughout Istanbul, as the city is becoming increasingly rich in cultural, social, and tourist-friendly activities. Year round, one can catch an opera, ballet, or enjoy Turkish theater, while seasonal festivals offer world class orchestras and concerts featuring many world famous musicians.
There are many renowned museums throughout the city, including the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, which is one of the largest archaeological museums in the world. Istanbul Modern is an art museum which frequently hosts exhibitions from famous artists worldwide (not to mention a great website!). There are also other historical museums which feature vintage machines and transportation vessels from the past including trains, submarines, aircraft, and other items. Truly a great collection of both modern and past perspectives! [2]

Dining
Istanbul is known for its seafood and wine houses, which can be found lining the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea on the southern end of the city. There are also numerous cafes, pubs, taverns, and open air spaces, in which tourists can experience live music and local talent first hand. Contact us today to speak to a Travel Care Coordinator and get started on your medical travel experience.
View more of Satori World Medical’s popular destinations
References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istanbul
[2] http://english.istanbul.com/
Tags: Affordable Plastic Surgery, cost saving solutions, Facelift, Financial Savings, Global Healthcare, Istanbul, Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, Plastic Surgery, San Diego, Satori, Satori World Medical, Things to do, Turkey
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Deloitte releases its 2009 report on medical tourism
Written by Satori on October 30, 2009 – 12:02 pm -
By Jessica Yarbrough, Marketing & Communications Manager of Satori World Medical
Last Friday, the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions released its 2009 Medical Tourism Report, “Update and Implications, which serves as an update to Deloitte’s medical tourism study, “Consumers in Search of Value,” issued last year.
According to Deloitte’s findings in 2009, all indications show that as the cost of healthcare continues to rise, more Americans will seek alternatives to obtaining quality and affordable medical care and fuel the demand for global healthcare.
In the report, Deloitte forecasts that barring any tempering factors such as supply constraints, increased domestic competition, or governmental policies, outbound medical tourism (the practice of receiving medical care internationally) could reach upwards of 1.6 million patients by 2012, with sustainable annual growth of 35 percent.
One key driving factor fueling the industry’s growth is the emergence of medical travel programs that are being offered as a benefit option to individuals through their health plans. More U.S. employers are looking at medical travel programs as a way to reduce their employee healthcare expense while still providing access to high-quality providers at top institutions worldwide.
In the report, Deloitte highlights the introduction of pilot programs, whereby health plans and employers are offering global healthcare programs as a built-in benefit option for covered individuals, with the hopes that such plans will be expanded on a broader scale.
Satori World Medical has created a fully integrated, high-quality global healthcare program that can be easily added to an employer’s benefit plan design at no cost to the plan sponsor. What makes this program so unique is its innovative financial sharing model, whereby for the first time, the employee receives a direct and meaningful portion of the savings of medical tourism. By receiving care at any of the Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited hospitals in the Satori Global Network™, the employee is eligible for a deposit of thousands of dollars in an employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). The money deposited is tax-free to the employee and can be used to fund their future medical expenses for several years.
According to Paul Keckley, the Executive Director for the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, “Medical tourism has transitioned from a cottage industry to an acceptable alternative for elective care that’s safe and cost effective if coordinated by reputable health plans and providers. “ He continues, “With health care costs increasing at six percent per year for the next decade, and medical tourism offering savings of up to 70 percent after travel expenses, we anticipate that the industry will recover from the current economic downturn and attain 35 percent annual growth in the coming years. The concept of “value” in health care is not new. Medical tourism represents another mechanism for value purchasers of health care services.”
Deloitte’s 2009 report is a solid indication that the demand for medical travel will continue to soar, and we’re glad to be at the forefront of delivering high-quality healthcare solutions that America’s workforce will value.
To learn more about Deloitte’s latest findings on medical tourism, you can download the complete 2009 report here.
Tags: cost saving solutions, Deloitte, Financial Savings, Global Healthcare, JCI, Joint Commission International, Medical Tourism, Medical Travel
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Satori World Medical Brings Innovative Solutions to Lowering California Public Employers Healthcare Costs
Written by Satori on September 17, 2009 – 11:16 am -
By Steven Lash, President & CEO of Satori World Medical
Last week in South Lake Tahoe, California, Satori World Medical was proud to sponsor The California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) 27th Annual Fall Conference and Training Seminar. CAJPA, founded in 1981, is the premier organization setting standards for cooperative and fiscally responsible governance enabling California local agencies to work together in the area of risk management. CAJPA represents public entity Joint Powers Authority’s (JPA) that provide risk management services and insurance programs to cities, counties, school districts and special districts. A JPA, is a government-regulated public entity formed by two or more public agencies. CAJPA members employ over 800,000 people and provide local government services to nearly all California residents. Despite the current economic climate CAJPA’s annual conference continues to be the largest educational meeting for the risk management pooling industry in the nation.
Today’s skyrocketing costs of healthcare in the U.S. continue to place a tremendous financial burden on California’s public sector entities and their workforce. At Satori World Medical, we believe in providing innovative solutions to lowering the cost of healthcare for both private and public entities. Based in San Diego, California, our company was excited to present our global healthcare program to the key decision makers for California school districts, fire agencies, housing authorities and other entities.
Medical travel benefit options are becoming increasingly appealing to more employers, especially within the public sector space. With the rising cost of healthcare, especially for early retiree populations and the need to lower GASB 45 liability coupled with the current budget crisis in California, there is now more than ever a greater need to find ways to lower healthcare expenses without eliminating choice, quality or benefits. Through our program, public entities can offer their workforce a 100% new medical benefit at no cost to the organization. The employer saves real dollars on their claims expense and the employee gets an additional choice as to where to obtain their healthcare and receive an economic benefit.
Through Satori’s Health & Shared Wealth Program™, the individual who selects to go internationally for a covered non-emergent surgical procedure has no out-of-pocket expenses, all co-pays and deductibles are waived. Additionally, their employer will fund between $5,000-$10,000 into a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) which the employee can then use to offset future medical expenses. What’s unique about a HRA is the funds deposited are tax-free to the employee and tax-deductible to the employer. HRA funds roll over annually and can be used toward future out-of-pocket expenses such as co-pays, deductibles, premiums, prescriptions, and more. Our program is so novel, that we have filed a patent around the business model and method.
The response from the public sector community has been extremely positive. Employers love our quality programs, our patient centric philosophy and being empowered to give their workforce an additional healthcare option with a direct financial reward to the consumer that ultimately makes the decision. Our membership with CAJPA and our sponsorship of their annual conference, demonstrates our commitment to providing high quality, innovative healthcare solutions to the public sector space. We are very excited to be a part of this organization.
Tags: CAJPA, California Association of Joint Powers Authorities, cost saving solutions, Financial Savings, Healthcare Answers, Healthcare Expenses, HRA, Medical Benefit, Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, Public Sector
Posted in Global Healthcare Economic Benefits, Medical Tourism, Satori World Medical | No Comments »
Getting Started with Medical Travel: Helpful Tips and Advice for U.S. Consumers
Written by Satori on July 17, 2009 – 10:51 am -
By Jessica Yarbrough, Marketing & Communications Manager
Satori World Medical
More and more American consumers are seeking high-quality healthcare outside the U.S. in order to dramatically reduce their medical expenses on certain high-cost surgical procedures. This trend, most commonly referred to as medical travel or medical tourism, has also propelled a national interest among U.S. employers seeking innovative ways to reduce their employee healthcare costs. By including a global healthcare benefit option, employers can save 40-80% on high-cost surgical procedures. The savings are so dramatic that the employer or financial sponsor will waive any out-of-pocket expenses for the employee receiving care. For many Americas, medical travel is an appealing and cost-effective option to receiving care. But what items should consumers look for when considering a medical travel company?
- Quality Assurance: While high-quality care is available at many hospitals around the world, not all medical travel programs offer the same level of quality. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with all aspects of the company’s quality assurance program. For instance, as a baseline, choose a medical travel company that only contracts with international hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), an arm of the U.S. hospital-accrediting body, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). JCI sets over 350 standards of excellence for international hospitals to meet that ensure the quality and safety of patient care.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Not every medical travel program is all-inclusive. Therefore, it is essential to understand what is included in the cost of your care. For example, does the cost include roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations? What about travel costs for a companion? Are there any out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles or co-pays that you may incur?
- Current Coverage: There are now medical travel programs available to U.S. employers, which can be easily added as a benefit option to their employees’ existing health plan. Many programs can be added without any recurring cost or network access fee to the employer. Ask your HR manager or benefits advisor if this is a covered benefit. If you don’t already have a medical travel/global benefit option, ask about adding one to your company’s benefit plan design.
- Patient Support Systems: Making the decision to receive surgery outside of the U.S. can be a challenging decision, therefore, it is important to work with a medical travel company that has a strong patient advocacy and support program in place. Specific attributes to look for include access to registered nurses who can guide you through the process in coordinating your care, facilitating your medical record transfer and scheduling your follow-up care with your U.S. physician.
Tags: cost saving solutions, Employee Benefits, Financial Savings, Global Healthcare, Joint Commission International, Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, Satori World Medical
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Medical Tourism and U.S. Healthcare Reform
Written by Satori on May 13, 2009 – 11:59 am -
How global healthcare programs provide high quality and affordable healthcare solutions
By Jessica Yarbrough, Marketing & Communications Manager of Satori World Medical
Soaring U.S. healthcare costs, coupled by a crippled economy, continue to put U.S. Healthcare Reform at the top of our nation’s agenda.
U.S. government economists predict that public and private health spending will hit $2.5 trillion this year, taking up a 17.6 percent share of gross domestic product. (Source: Reuters, “Obama sets up formal office for healthcare reform,” Apr. 9, 2009) That ranks the U.S. the most expensive nation in the world for healthcare.
For large multinational corporations, footing healthcare costs presents an enormous expense. General Motors, for instance, covers more than 1.1 million current and former employees, and the company says it spent roughly $5.6 billion on healthcare expenses in 2006. (Source: Associated Press, “Upfront costs complicate Obama’s health care plan,” by Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, May 10, 2009) GM’s retiree health care expenses alone add up to $50 billion a year.
Meanwhile, as healthcare costs continue to rise more employers are being forced to shift a larger portion of the costs of healthcare to their employees in order to remain profitable. As a result, America’s employees have become responsible for a greater share of their own healthcare expenses (deductibles, co-pays, co-insurances, etc.)
How Can Medical Tourism Help Address America’s Healthcare Crisis?
One concept that is continuing to gain widespread appeal among the U.S. public and private sectors is medical tourism, whereby patients travel to hospitals outside the U.S. to receive quality medical care at a fraction of the cost domestically.
A number of factors are driving this movement, including the high quality of care that is available internationally, the ability to dramatically reduce a U.S. patient’s out-of-pocket expenses for typical high-cost surgical procedures, as well as the adoption and integration of global healthcare benefits into plan sponsors’ plan design.
What’s particularly interesting is just how well aligned global healthcare programs are with the key established principles of Obama’s Healthcare Reform agenda.
For example, President Obama has announced three bedrock requirements for real healthcare reform, which Satori World Medical’s business and care model specifically addresses.
· Reduce Costs: Rising healthcare costs are crushing the budgets of governments, businesses, individuals and families and they must be brought under control. U.S. patients now have the ability to undergo high quality surgical procedures performed at International Centers of Excellence through the Satori Global Network™ and tremendously reduce their medical expenses. Additionally, the individual seeking care actually receives a portion of the savings through an employer-funded, tax-advantaged Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) which can be used to offset their future medical expenses.
· Guarantee Choice: Americans must have the freedom to keep whatever doctor and healthcare plan they have, or to select a new doctor or healthcare plan if they choose. Consumer choice is extremely important because employers, health plans and policy-makers recognize that unless consumers are more engaged in decisions about their health and the costs associated with those decisions, costs will continue to soar.
Satori World Medical is directly aligned with this fundamental principle because consumer choice is one of the main hallmarks of its program. The Satori Global Network™ has been specifically designed, so that it can be seamlessly integrated with any existing domestic employer-funded health plan. It does not replace an existing health plan, but rather augments it to provide individuals with more healthcare choices.
· Ensure Affordable Care for All: All Americans must have access to quality and affordable healthcare. That’s why global healthcare programs make so much sense. Any employer can participate in the Satori World Medical program because it can be implemented without any startup costs to the employer or payor, and with no out-of-pocket costs for the employee (including all hotel and travel for the patient and a companion).
The ability to provide all Americans with access to quality, affordable healthcare is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. While global healthcare certainly isn’t the only answer to solving our nation’s healthcare crisis, clearly global healthcare programs, such as those offered by Satori World Medical, make a lot of sense.
Tags: cost saving solutions, Employee Benefits, Financial Savings, Global Healthcare, Healthcare Reform, Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, Satori World Medical, Tips
Posted in Innovations in Healthcare Delivery | 3 Comments »






