By Angie Robert, Director of Marketing & Communications at Satori World Medical

Buncher Brings Nearly 40 Years of Health Care Management Experience

Satori World Medical, the leader in medical travel, announces the appointment of health care management leader James Buncher to its board of directors.

Spending nearly 40 years in the formation, financing and delivery of health care, Buncher will provide strategic input on the development of Satori and the overall Satori Experience™.  

“Jim’s joining the board comes at an exceptional time of growth for Satori,” said Steven Lash, president and CEO, Satori World Medical. “Jim has experience in successfully leading health care organizations, including his most recent position as CEO of Safeguard Health Enterprises – a dental and vision insurance company. We are expanding our dental network worldwide and his expertise in the dental industry will prove to be valuable in the build-out of this program.”

 Read the full press release here: http://www.satoriworldmed.com/content.php?id=109

By, Kevin Poling, Director of Client Relations 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

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.

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/