How Cleveland Clinic supports international patients with appointment scheduling and care coordination

Cleveland Clinic supports international patients with appointment scheduling and care coordination through its dedicated Global Patient Services (GPS) team. This team acts as a primary point of contact, guiding patients through the entire process before, during, and after their visit. They handle appointment scheduling, inform patients of appointment times and locations, and coordinate communication between patients and their doctors or pharmacies. Interpreter services are provided to ensure clear communication during appointments, using live interpreters or technology when needed. The GPS team also keeps the patient’s local medical team or sponsor updated on their care progress and assists with obtaining necessary treatment authorizations.

International patients can initiate appointments by contacting the GPS team, providing personal and medical details, including medical records, which help match them with the most suitable specialists and prepare care plans in advance. Patients may request specific physicians, but the clinical team reviews such requests to recommend the best fit based on expertise. The GPS team also assists with insurance information or payment methods if insurance is not available.

Additional services include virtual second opinions for those unable to travel, language interpretation, and access to in-country representatives who help with appointment scheduling and answering questions. This comprehensive approach ensures seamless care coordination tailored to each patient’s unique needs and cultural background.