FAQs

Caring for international patients presents various challenges, including:

• Fragmented case management
• Institutional / bureaucratic barriers
• Communication difficulties
• Sparse medical records
• Financial considerations
• Cultural differences and language barriers
• Efficient use of insurance coverage

Prior understanding should be established on potentially sensitive topics such as:

• Physical examinations
• Payment procedures
• Tests and Preparation for Procedures
• Treatment options

Whether you are the patient or you are caring for family and parents who is faced with a serious diagnosis or condition, navigating the complex U.S. healthcare environment can be challenging. We take on the burden of these challenges to deliver the resources and access you need when you need them. However, even before providing you with options here in the U.S., we would assess which specialist(s) and/or treatment(s) is available in your country. We always provide you with options at home first and then also options here in the U.S. Based on our experience and knowledge of what's available in your country, we can guide you. If you do not have a particular service/treatment optimally available, then we provide you with our services here which are:

• Serve as your personal health advocate
• Access to have your case reviewed by specialists to guide you. Specialist Second Opinion: we have standing relationships with specialists, which enables us to connect individuals with quality treatment options for a specific medical need.
• Organize and expedite your appointment(s).
• Access to great discounts to cost for service(s) and treatment(s).
• Medical Record Management: As appropriate and with patient consent, we will gather, organize, and transfer relevant medical records in advance of an expedited appointment.
• Access to all your medical records.
• We communicate with your medical team(s), home country and abroad, have them kept abreast of your case.
• We assist patients with understanding their medical options, their bills and their care.
• We liaise with your insurance company, when permitted, to access authorization(s), coverage details.
• We attend appointments and follow-up with patient, a patient navigator, when needed.
• Provide assistance with travel coordination from hotel discounts, transportation, etc.
• Provide solutions to healthcare challenges.
• Provide health and wellness service options.

Hiring a U.S.-based care manager can streamline the process of coordinating surgery in the United States. At H.O.P.E. Care Management, we offer years of experience in navigating the healthcare system, managing logistics, and providing support throughout the entire surgical journey.

In Canada, where a publicly funded healthcare system is in place, some individuals opt to seek medical treatment, including surgery, in the United States and choose to pay for these services privately. Securing the "right" surgeon and obtaining timely surgical care can be challenging; hence, the reason Canadians can benefit from hiring a care manager.

Accessibility, When Timing is Critical

A key factor motivating the decision to have surgery in the United States versus Canada is the concern over prolonged wait times for certain medical procedures within the Canadian healthcare system. While the system aims for equal access, high demand for specific treatments can result in delays, prompting some individuals to seek timelier care in the United States. Additionally, the choice to access specialized care, certain medical expertise, or technologies that may be less readily available in Canada plays a role in this decision. Some individuals may prefer specific doctors, hospitals, or treatment approaches in the U.S., leading them to pay privately for healthcare services to maintain greater control over their healthcare decisions. Moreover, private health insurance coverage may contribute to Canadians seeking treatment in the United States, as it can offset the financial burden. This phenomenon is not reflective of the entire Canadian healthcare system, as the majority of healthcare services are still provided through the public system. The decision to pursue private healthcare in another country is influenced by individual circumstances, preferences, and the nature of the medical condition.

It depends. If you send us a copy of your insurance card, front and back, with your medical record, we can certainly look into the coverage you may have while here. You can also contact your insurance and ask them what are the requirements to cover your service. At times, if the service/treatment is not available in your home country, they cover, depending on your policy. You can always confirm with them directly and they will let you know the details. Many times, we have seen patients pay for service here and bring a reimbursement form, which our provider will fill out, and then you can go back to your insurer and get reimbursed for that service/treatment, however we ask that you confirm this information with your insurance company and we recommend that they also confirm this in writing to you, unless your policy dictates this reimbursement.

No, unless it's an emergency and at that point, we advise you call 911 (or your nearest hospital/ambulance) in your own home country and get stabilized before traveling. If it is not an emergency, we advise you get your medical records together and send to us asap. You can contact us immediately and advise us of your case with the records and we can act quickly to advise you on next steps. Then you can book travel more efficiently, not wasting time and resources, by contacting us first before making travel arrangements.

Unfortunately, we have encountered this far too often. In the U.S., it is a legal patient right to have a copy of your medical records, however we cannot say this for the rest of the world. So, I would be persistent as a patient and kindly ask your doctor's practice to provide you with a copy of all records because you are being diligent and organizing a file with your case. If need be, it is only right to also have your family/caretaker involved to keep your medical file organized. You are entitled to receive a second, third or fourth opinion. If need be, ask that you pay for a copy of the medical records and get it expedited and pick it up when ready. Same goes for a copy of images/a CD with diagnostics you may need to ask for at a hospital. In the U.S., it is our right, however we also pay a nominal fee per page per copy and the usual turn-around time here to have a copy ready to be picked up or e-mail to us is about 1-4 business days.

We also ask that when you go to a specialist and bring a copy of your records, do not leave your only copy with them. Show them your records and ask them to make a copy for their records. You always keep your own copy.

H.O.P.E. is not a foundation, not an NGO, not a charity organization, however we have collaborations with many organizations and depending on the case we are dealing with, there may be option(s) to seek assistance through these collaborations. Please don't let limited finances/resources prevent you from seeking our assistance. We have been able to help others through various cases. We can't promise to do so in every case, however we will try our best!

Eventually H.O.P.E.'s goal is to be able to directly assist those who cannot afford service/treatment. We are not there yet but we are working towards that goal!

Yes absolutely. We will always offer you the providers we work with simply because it's where we would go should we need a particular service; the doctors and specialists we work with are solid, well-trained and specialist in their respective field; their work speaks for itself; their technology; beautiful centers; their customer service by their wonderful staff - all were hand-picked for us to work with. They understand our patient's needs for excellent customer service, expedited service and they understand our urgency in access to care and finally their costs are competitive and have been set for our patients to be able to afford. For all these reasons, we work with our providers. However, if a patient has a specific request to go elsewhere, we will certainly still assist with concierge service but at that point, cannot guarantee all we have to offer. We can navigate the system for you as well and get you in, however the guarantee of us getting you the expedited concierge service is limited and the costs are usually set. We will negotiate as much as possible, however they are very little flexible.

A care manager can provide crucial assistance and support for your mother after a dementia diagnosis. They start by conducting a thorough assessment of her individual needs, taking into account her medical, cognitive, emotional, and social requirements. This assessment forms the basis for a personalized care plan tailored to ensure her safety, well-being, and quality of life throughout her dementia journey.

One of the primary roles of a care manager is to connect your mother with relevant local resources and services. They have extensive knowledge of available support options for individuals with dementia, including medical specialists, support groups, respite care, and in-home assistance. This enables them to offer recommendations tailored to her specific needs and circumstances.

Effective medication management is essential in dementia care. Care managers collaborate with healthcare providers to oversee your mother's medication regimen, ensuring that she receives the correct medications in the appropriate doses and on schedule. They also monitor for potential side effects and interactions, providing valuable peace of mind for both your mother and your family.

Dementia often presents with challenging behaviors and symptoms. Care managers are equipped with strategies and interventions to address these issues effectively, enhancing your mother's quality of life and reducing stress for all involved. Additionally, they assess your mother's living environment for safety and may suggest modifications to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.

Emotional support is another critical aspect of care management. Dementia can be emotionally taxing, and care managers can offer guidance and facilitate access to counseling services or support groups to help your mother cope with the emotional impact of the diagnosis. They also serve as advocates, ensuring that her rights are upheld and that she receives appropriate care and services.

For family members involved in your mother's care, care managers provide valuable guidance and support. This includes education on dementia care, strategies for managing caregiver stress, and assistance in finding respite care options to prevent burnout. As dementia progresses, care managers adapt the care plan to address new challenges or changes in your mother's health, ensuring continuity of care.

In summary, a care manager is an essential partner in providing comprehensive support to your mother as she faces the challenges of dementia. Their expertise, individualized care plans, and connections to resources can significantly enhance her quality of life and alleviate the caregiving burden for your family.

The Founder believes in helping people in their tough times and for years, we did not charge. We continue to not let a fee stop a patient from contacting us and us helping them.

Every case is not the same so we may not charge depending on the need. We have a staple one time fee of $385USD which takes care of a one time evaluation of your case and set up of appointments, etc.

H.O.P.E. is a not a charity/NGO organization nor a non-profit company. We have other avenues to maintain our business.

Please note that we do not charge NGO/Foundation referred patients. Their fee will be waived always, please let us know which foundation or support organization referred you.

This is a very common question. We suggest following up with all specialists and asking what other option(s) besides the one they have provided you with are available for your particular case. Tell them to think outside the local area in which you are in, what would be all options for your case. Many times, they may not offer you a treatment option simply because it's not available in your country.

Another reason could be that you are seeing a specialist who knows her/his particular area of expertise, however the doctor should also share with you if there are other options outside her/his specialty which you should consider consulting with for treatment option(s).

Also, ask what do the studies say are the outcomes of the particular treatment they are recommending, what are the side effects and the risks associated with their recommendation? Statistics of success? We would even ask for those studies/journals and you ready them for yourself and educate yourself. Lastly, we suggest getting 2nd, 3rd or even 4th opinions and then make a more informed decision.

Determining the opportune moment to enlist the services of a care manager depends on your particular situation. There are various scenarios in which considering the hiring of a care manager can be beneficial. For instance, when dealing with multiple chronic illnesses or intricate medical conditions, a care manager can step in to efficiently coordinate care, oversee medication management, and ensure that all healthcare needs are adequately addressed. Following a hospitalization, particularly for seniors, a care manager can assist in the transition back home, ensuring that essential post-hospitalization care, medication management, and rehabilitation services are seamlessly in place to support recovery and minimize the risk of readmissions.

Furthermore, if you or a family member intends to age comfortably at home, a care manager can evaluate the home environment for safety, arrange for necessary home health services, and provide ongoing support to ensure that independent living remains a viable option. In situations where family caregivers are experiencing stress and exhaustion due to the demands of caregiving, enlisting the services of a care manager can provide respite and offer professional guidance and support. For individuals grappling with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, a care manager with expertise in dementia care can be an invaluable resource in managing the condition, planning for future care needs, and providing assistance to both the patient and their family.

Geographic distance can also be a determining factor. If you live far away from an aging or ailing loved one and are unable to provide hands-on care, a care manager can serve as your local representative, ensuring that your loved one's needs are met, and keeping you informed about their well-being. In situations where complex legal and financial matters require attention, such as estate planning, Medicaid planning, or guardianship, a care manager can facilitate connections with the appropriate professionals and provide guidance. Additionally, during times when end-of-life decisions need to be made, a care manager can assist in creating advance directives, coordinating hospice or palliative care, and ensuring that the patient's wishes are honored.

Moreover, following surgery, injury, or a significant health event, a care manager can help plan and coordinate rehabilitation and recovery services, as well as provide essential emotional support. Finally, if navigating the complexities of the healthcare system feels overwhelming or bewildering, a care manager can advocate on your behalf, clarify your healthcare options, and ensure that you receive the appropriate care. In essence, the ideal moment to engage a care manager is when you or a loved one encounters complex care needs, transitions in care, or when the demands of caregiving become daunting. Care managers bring valuable expertise, support, and peace of mind during challenging times, promoting the well-being of both the care recipient and their family.

We work quickly with every appointment, however it really depends on the complexity of your case and the service needed. We are known to confirm appointment(s) as soon as same day, however this would be for a diagnostics test or a consultation, however if your case is a rare case or very complex case, then it may take more time but usually we would work for the same week.

The key to expediting your appointment(s) is that you send us a copy of your medical records. Why? because this avoids a waste of time by us expediting your appointment and when you get here, if you don't have records, your appointment will not be as effective, meaning if a test is missing or a report is missing, you may need to get it done again which means more $ and delays in getting a proper recommendation by specialist.

An executive physical, also known as an executive health examination, is a comprehensive medical assessment designed to provide individuals, often executives and professionals, with a thorough evaluation of their overall health. It goes beyond the standard annual check-up, offering a detailed review of one's medical history, a comprehensive physical examination, and a range of advanced medical tests and screenings. What sets an executive physical apart is its customization, as it can be tailored to address an individual's specific health concerns, lifestyle factors, and family medical history. These examinations are conducted efficiently, making them particularly suitable for busy professionals who value their time. Following the assessment, individuals receive personalized health recommendations and guidance, which may include lifestyle adjustments, preventive measures, or referrals to specialists if any health issues are identified.

In the context of an executive physical, a care manager can offer valuable assistance by facilitating various aspects of the process. First and foremost, they help you assess your healthcare needs and objectives, ensuring that these goals are effectively communicated to the healthcare provider. Care managers can recommend reputable healthcare providers or medical centers offering executive physical programs, aligning your choice with your specific requirements. They work with you to customize the executive physical to address your individual health concerns, acting as intermediaries with the healthcare provider to ensure that the examination is tailored to your unique profile. Care managers also assist in preparing for the examination, helping you understand any pre-test requirements and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed.

During and after the executive physical, care managers facilitate communication between you and the healthcare provider, ensuring that all your inquiries and concerns are addressed. They play a crucial role in helping you comprehend the examination results and the recommendations provided. If any health issues or concerns are identified during the assessment, care managers can assist in developing a follow-up plan, coordinating appointments with specialists, and supporting you in adhering to any treatment or lifestyle modifications recommended by the healthcare provider. In essence, a care manager serves as a dedicated advocate and facilitator throughout the executive physical process, enhancing its effectiveness and ensuring that it aligns with your health goals and well-being.

Here in the U.S., we have to abide by HIPAA law which is to protect patients and their confidential information. Without this form, we cannot assist you.

Yes absolutely! we try our very best to keep you outside of a hospital for services which can be accessed through an outpatient center, because their costs are usually exuberant. Here in the U.S., hospitals get the right to charge patients up to 10X more than an outpatient center simply because they have a big overhead (costs to maintain the hospital) thus they pass those exuberant costs onto the patient and are justified to charge so. For example, a simple diagnostic test can cost up to 10X less in an outpatient center vs. a hospital and the quality are at par and at times, superior to a hospital but yet and still they are justified in charging so much more. Same goes for any other treatment. Many patients do not know this information and get caught paying exuberant amounts for routine services.

Patient is responsible for making payments for all tests and services directly to each provider(s) where the patient/client is being seen. We are not held responsible for collecting anything. We provide the client with an estimate or cost, which we receive from the provider, however the provider collects the funds from the client. We do not handle any funds.

If for any reason, the patient has left the provider without paying, it is the responsibility of the patient to ensure payment is made immediately. If you do not make payment, bills will be sent to you directly, depending on the hospital/doctor procedures on how long this may take. Patient makes those payments directly to the provider/facility as indicated on the relevant invoice.

If you for any reason end up in an emergency situation and check into a hospital, it is a separate charge from any provider we work with and you will deal with the hospital directly. Their charges are exuberant and if you have no insurance, they usually will stabilize a patient and still ask for your insurance or a deposit to continue any treatment or service. We have absolutely nothing to do with hospital institutions and how they charge or their costs. We can try to assist with your case regardless in advocating for you, however it is up to total discretion of hospital on what their charges are.

Form of Payment accepted at our network of provider’s office is USD currency, cash or credit card. If using a credit card, it is your responsibility to call your bank and advise them of your travel in advance and advise them of the $ quantities (even if estimates) to be paid out to providers here in the U.S. We advise that you carry if possible more than 1 credit card in order to have a back up when making payment to our network of provider(s).

These are typical questions. We are here to help you. You can contact us at our phone # listed, however the most efficient way for us to help you is by asking your doctor for a copy of your diagnosis and all the medical records associated with your case. You can e-mail or fax this info to us with a summary of how you were diagnosed, dates and any treatments you may have been on (in your own words is fine, it gives us a background of your case). We will then have it reviewed by specialists through our network of providers. It only takes 1-2 days to get an opinion. Once they review, we will have treatment recommendation and option(s) together with costs. We work rather quickly so the quicker you get us your medical records, the quicker we can assist you. Please note that without medical records, we will still speak to you but cannot guide you much onto next steps. When you call us, we will advise this first, to get a copy of your medical records.