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

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/

By Steven Lash

As reported in the recent Financial Times article, “Travel Sickness,” the rising costs of healthcare in developed countries is having a positive effect on countries like Mexico, Thailand and India where medical care is available at a fraction of the cost. According to a recent report by Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, medical tourism is likely to expand at 35 percent a year by 2012. This means an economic boost and advanced infrastructure for developing countries.

The number of internationally accredited medical facilities is growing rapidly. There are now more than 200 international hospitals which have received accreditation by Joint Commission International, the international arm of the U.S. accreditation body for domestic hospitals in the U.S. Foreign governments are investing in world-class facilities to complement the influx of Western medical tourists and tourism bureaus are reaping the benefits of Westerners combining medical procedures with exotic vacations. Ideally, this will have a trickle down to improved health systems for those countries’ citizens, as stated in the Financial Times article.

International accreditation benefits everyone. It raises healthcare standards and increases competition, which raises the bar even in the public sector. In South Korea, for example, the government has launched a public-private initiative designed to do just this. The Council for Korea Medicine Overseas Promotion was established in 2007 to develop world-class healthcare infrastructure and to promote Korean healthcare to international patients.

Domestically, U.S. health insurers are buying into the growing trend of medical tourism, as well. Blue Cross of South Carolina, for example, has brought hospitals in Europe, Asia and Latin America into its network of coverage. State governments have also taken notice of the financial opportunities medical tourism provides. Although the bills have not yet passed, both West Virginia and Colorado have proposed legislation that would provide incentives to insurers that include medical tourism in their plans.

To make medical tourism a seamless, high-quality and convenient healthcare option for more and more U.S. patients, employers and payors, companies like Satori World Medical have entered the marketplace to offer a “one-stop-shop” for medical travel. Through such programs, all services and procedures for the patient are arranged by a reputable medical travel partner to ensure that all aspects of the patient’s care and travel are properly handled, from helping the individual select his or her surgeon and hospital abroad and transferring his or her medical records to the destination hospital, to handling all travel details, such as flights, hotel, ground transportation, etc.

Companies, such as Satori World Medical, also offer fully integrated medical travel plans that employers can add to their existing employee benefit offerings at no cost, whatsoever, because the savings are achieved through utilization. Additionally, with the Satori World Medical program, for instance, the participating patient directly receives a portion of the savings as well – anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 per procedure is deposited into an employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). This offers everyone a compelling reason to participate in medical travel – the employer, payor and the individual receiving care.

As reinforced by this Financial Times article, as medical costs in mature markets continue to soar, medical tourism will continue to rapidly evolve in developed and developing nations, alike.

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 fourth of the destination cities of the Satori Global Network™ I am highlighting is Singapore, an island located at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula.

Your ‘to do list’ while in Singapore:

• Visit the Orchard Road shopping disctrict
• If you are traveling in the summertime, go to the Singapore Food Festival
• Catch a concert or a show at Esplanade
• Go on a Night Safari at the world’s premier night zoo
• Relax at East Coast Park

Transportation

Singapore has a wonderful public transport system that has special pricing for those visiting the island. Tourists can purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass which provides unlimited travel. For a current ticket price of $8 per day, visitors can travel via Singapore’s buses and an extensive railway systems. Due to Singapore’s tropical climate, buses are air conditioned, and provide a comfortable ride. The railway systems are very fast, and provide 5 lines with over 80 stations.

Tours

Singapore has many attractions for tourists, and it’s easy to just explore the island yourself and find a day’s worth of adventures. However, for those who like to relax and watch the scenery, there are many great options available! For those wanting to spend time with a companion on their medical travel experience, there are numerous harbor and river cruises around the islands of Kusu, St. John’s, Sisters and Lazarus. Lunch, dinner, and tea is available on these tours of the waterways, and they are a great opportunity to relax and see new sights. For those feeling more adventurous and looking to catch a glimpse of the culture, trishaw tours are also available through Little India and Chinatown. Take a ride on three wheels and see some of Singapore’s hidden delights from a different prespective!

Shopping

Singapore is a mecca for shopping – and the avid buyer can find great deals on some of the world’s finest designer brands with just a bit of searching. Orchard Road is the main focus of the Singapore shopping experience. Here, shoppers can find anything from electronics to designer clothing, even rare antiques and imports, as well as very upmarket and custom tailored designer wear. Shopping in Singapore goes further than the main shopping districts though, deals can be found all around the city. Bargains can be found on useful every day items in the financial district, and all around the city and suburban areas there are lesser known shopping centers that offer some amazing items at even more amazing prices.

Culture

Singapore’s rich cultural heritage can be seen in many areas including Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Chinatown has recently been renovated, however some historic buildings and sites have been conserved. Chinatown is home to many shop houses, temples, mosques, and great places to eat, and gets quite festive around the Chinese New Year. Little India is a great place to shop for Indian goods and eat delicious Indian food. Traditional Indian goods such as spices, jewelry, silverware, and fabrics can all be found at great prices, and restaurants featuring fine North and South Indian Cuisine. The Kampong Glam is set in what used to be a fishing village and is just a few minutes southeast of Little India. Here, you can find the Istana Kampong Glam, which is ‘the Sultan’s Palace’, and also the Sultan Mosque. There are also a variety of merchants selling fine fabrics, Muslim merchandise, and foods.

Dining

Singapore’s unique blend of cuisine stems from the surrounding areas that have traded goods through this area since the early days of Eastern and Western trading. With heavy influences from both Chinese and Indian heritage, there are many different varieties and hybrids of some already classic food preparations. Singapore holds a high importance to eating, and eating well – you can find multiple course, fine meals 24 hours out of the day. In fact, the popular greeting in Singapore translates as “Have you eaten?”! Not only does the food have incredibly unique taste, and is available at all hours – but Singapore has extremely high standards for hygiene and preparation of food. You really can’t go wrong when dining in Singapore!

View more of Satori World Medical’s popular destinations

References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore
[2] http://www.newasia-singapore.com/

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/

By Jessica Yarbrough, Marketing & Communications Manager, Satori World Medical

Recently, the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions released the 2009 Medical Tourism Report, “Update and Implications” exploring the state of the medical tourism market since last year’s study. According to Deloitte, there are several emerging U.S. healthcare trends that will fuel the demand for medical tourism. Below, highlighted are a few of the key drivers:

• Increased demand for outpatient surgery – The number of outpatient surgical procedures performed in the U.S. tripled from 1996 to 2006. Approximately 35 million patients had outpatient surgery in 2006 alone. Growth is attributed to enhanced technology which allows patients to return home post-op, decreasing lengthy stays in hospital. Patient demand for surgeries has also increased the number of outpatient surgical centers. Outpatient surgeries represent 75% of medical tourism procedures and typically require high out-of-pocket expenses for the patient. As more consumers are faced with paying thousands of their own dollars for surgical care, medical tourism will become a more attractive alternative.

• Increased sophistication of medical tourism operations – The medical tourism industry is adapting to meet the quality needs of the U.S. payor market. Facilitators, who emphasize quality in their patient care model, including coordination of post-op care, safety, outcome data and transparency, will be most attractive to health insurers and employers which are considering adding a medical travel benefit.

• Increased globalization of the U.S. workforce – In the next 25 years, more than half of the U.S. workforce will be of second-third generation descent. As more employees express a desire to return to their ancestral home for care, more insurance plans and employers will incorporate medical travel programs to meet the needs of their culturally diverse workforce.

Other growth drivers outlined in Deloitte’s report include increased coverage and demand for dental and cosmetic surgery, increased access to low-cost global transportation, and increased acceptance by employers and health plans. As the industry continues to mature, it is evident that medical tourism will become a widely accepted option for individuals to receive high quality, cost effective care.

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.

By Jessica Yarbrough, Marketing & Communications Manager of Satori World Medical

Last Tuesday’s 14-9 vote in the Senate Finance Committee to move the fifth and final healthcare reform proposal through the panel brought the nation closer than ever before to assuring quality and affordable healthcare coverage for all Americans.

An important provision of the healthcare reform program is to create a new insurance marketplace – the Exchange – that allows people without insurance and small businesses to compare plans and buy insurance at competitive prices. Additionally, new tax credits will be provided to help people purchase insurance and to help small businesses cover their employees.

“The Obama Plan: Stability & Security for all Americans” summarizes the Obama Administration’s key objectives for comprehensive health reform:

• Reduce long-term growth of healthcare costs for businesses and government
• Protect families from bankruptcy or debt because of healthcare costs
• Guarantee choice of doctors and health plans
• Invest in prevention and wellness
• Improve patient safety and quality of care
• Assure affordable, quality health coverage for all Americans
• Maintain coverage when individuals change or lose their job
• End barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions

So how does global healthcare fit in?

As an active member of the global healthcare industry, one key topic of debate has been how healthcare reform will affect the demand for global healthcare programs.

In looking at how well aligned the guiding principles of medical travel are with the objectives of U.S. healthcare reform, I’m even more confident that medical travel will continue to play an integral role in bringing quality, affordable healthcare to Americans.

President Obama’s proposed $900 billion healthcare reform package promises to control rising healthcare costs, guarantee choice of doctor, and ensure high-quality healthcare. Each of these key objectives is achieved by global healthcare programs, such as Satori World Medical.

• Ability to control rising healthcare costs: The costs of healthcare internationally are substantially lower than the costs of comparable care in U.S. hospitals, on average 40-80 percent less per procedure (which factors in the costs of travel and accommodations for the patient and a companion). As such, medical travel programs offer employers the opportunity to control the rising costs of healthcare and make affordable healthcare options available to their employees.

Satori World Medical, for example, is designed to be added to any employee benefit plan design at no cost to the employer. Additionally, the employee receiving care through the Satori Global Network™ is provided with a 100 percent medical benefit, which includes no responsibility for any of out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-pays, deductibles, etc. One feature that is also unique only to Satori World Medical is the ability for employers to share a portion of the savings of global healthcare with their employee who elects to receive care through the Satori Global Network™. Typically, the employer will deposit funds into the employee’s Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). The deposits in the HRA are tax-free to the employee and tax-deductible to the employer. The funds deposited can then be used by the employee to offset his or her future out-of-pocket medical expenses.

• Ensure High-Quality Care: The growing access to high-quality medical care outside the U.S. has been one of the most important reasons for the increased interest in medical travel programs in the U.S. There are more than 200 Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited hospitals around the world, many of which have quality standards that rival leading U.S. hospitals. These institutions are staffed by U.S./U.K. or equivalently trained and Board Certified physicians and registered nurses that are fluent in English. They also offer state-of-the-art medical equipment and techniques, spacious private rooms with modern amenities, and excellent patient care and quality outcomes. Therefore, while the costs of care internationally are significantly lower than in the U.S., patients still have access to some of the best care in the world.

As U.S. healthcare reform becomes a closer reality for America, I am optimistic that the fundamental changes it offers will only further fuel the demand for global healthcare programs.

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

Recent news reports show increasing interest in medical tourism, or medical travel – but not just for uninsured patients seeking lower-cost care abroad. Several major US health insurance companies have started pilot projects offering medical travel, and others are considering it. Skyrocketing health care costs in the US has driven some of this interest. But is that the only reason?

I talked with Dr. Charles Cutler, who recently retired as the Chief Medical Director of National Accounts at Aetna, who developed a pilot international medical tourism program for Aetna, and who has joined the Medical Quality Advisory Board of Satori World Medical, the leader in Global Health Care Networks.

“The main reason is cost-savings for self-insured customers, such as Maine-based Hannaford Co. The benefits department of this multi-national corporation became aware of the cost differences in international care and a program was launched to send patients overseas for major elective surgery,” explained Dr. Cutler. Another reason is “disruptive market force” – as with the Hannaford program, faced with international prices, local hospitals lowered their prices. Dr. Cutler mentions a third reason: cultural issues. A large part of the US workforce is from a Mexican background; there are also large Asian Indian, Filipino and other nationalities. When faced with major elective surgery, they may wish to travel to their “home” country for care.

What are the challenges for US insurers going global? Just as with US providers, due diligence around the quality of the international institutions and physicians is important. Dr. Cutler says that “with something new, with financial incentives, there needs to be quality that is equal or better than the US. It’s just not feasible for health plans to do that due diligence, with the costs, extensive site visits, coordination of all the travel and other arrangements. It’s more cost-effective to have an organization perform those tasks, like Satori World Medical. It is more cost-effective to have Satori negotiate contracts, make travel arrangements, perform the due diligence to rigorous quality standards – including extensive site visits, to see that international hospitals meet or surpass US standards.

“It is important to see the facilities and experience the overall process if you are sending someone there” says Dr. Cutler. “The facilities need to meet US standards, have English-speaking staff and meet the expectations of US patients and companions.” Also, Satori is able to offer unique financial benefits through its Health and Shared Wealth Program.

Aside from the operational and logistical challenges – site visits, getting quality data from the hospitals, etc. – what are Satori’s challenges? Dr. Cutler: “There are some regulatory and legal issues, particularly with fully-insured plans. But the real challenge is working with the plans to overcome their objections: selling the concept.” That is becoming less of a challenge, as health care is commoditized, part of the global economy and everyone, including insurers, is becoming more comfortable with international health care.

The benefits are there: quality, service, cost-savings, “disruptive” competition, increased patient choice, cultural affinity – so interest in medical travel by US insurers will continue. And Satori World Medical is here to help.

By Keith Mendoza, Director of Sales, Satori World Medical

When I attended SIIA 29th Annual Educational Conference & Expo last week in Orlando, a large, annual trade show event for the self-insurance/alternative risk transfer industry, I was extremely excited to see the high level of interest among attendees in medical travel. This was evidence to me that global healthcare programs will play a viable and meaningful role in providing quality, affordable healthcare solutions for America’s self-insured employers and their workforce.

Self-Insurance Institute of America, Inc. (SIIA), which hosts this annual event, is an industry association dedicated to serving all members of the self-insured market, including self-insured employers, captive insurance companies, risk retention groups, TPAs, industry service providers, and global healthcare entities/facilities. Self-Insurance has become an increasingly attractive option for many employers due to the rising costs associated with healthcare and Workers’ Compensation insurance.

In speaking with attendees about medical tourism, it became especially clear to me that while the idea of reducing healthcare costs for employers and their employees is compelling, the global healthcare models that will succeed in the self-insured marketplace will be those that 1) ensure high-quality care for participating employees and 2) offer a real incentive for employees to travel internationally for medical care. Satori World Medical’s program specifically meets both of these requirements.

• Medical Quality: Satori World Medical’s Quality Assurance Program™ has been built to provide access to high-quality care and promote safety for every patient who undergoes a surgical procedure through its program. Satori World Medical only contracts with international hospitals that are JCI-accredited and has a full-time Chief Medical Officer on staff that has personally visited and performed due diligence at each of the international hospitals within its network. Additionally, the company has an active Medical Quality Advisory Board (MQAB) comprised of physicians who are proven leaders in their sub-specialty field. Satori’s MQAB helps to establish guidelines around medical travel eligibility.

• Incentives for Employers and Employees to Participate: Unlike any other medical travel benefit program available today, Satori World Medical is the first to actually provide a direct and meaningful financial incentive for employees who choose to receive care internationally through its program. By undergoing a surgical procedure at a participating, in-network international hospital, the patient is eligible to receive thousands of dollars of savings via an employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). These HRA funds can then be used to offset future medical expenses such as deductibles, copays and more. The HRA funds are tax-free to the employee and tax-deductible to the employer.

It is promising to see such a positive response to medical tourism within the self-insured marketplace, and to recognize how well our program meets the specific healthcare delivery needs and challenges of today’s self-funded employers.