Making decisions about healthcare for your organization is not something you decide quickly; it’s a big deal!

You need to know how it will affect the well-being of your employees and your organization's budget. For this simple reason, asking the right questions is important when looking at the best hospitals and doctors worldwide. This way, you can ensure you're choosing the best healthcare options to keep your team healthy and happy—without breaking the bank.

What are Centers of Excellence (CoEs)?

Centers of Excellence are groups of healthcare providers who offer high-quality care at reasonable and predictable prices. Typically, these groups are selected to perform specific services or procedures based on their expertise, positive outcomes, and favorable financial arrangements.
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Organizations have turned to CoE programs over the past 20 years because it offers employers a genuine opportunity to take care of their employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being. In fact, the Business Group on Health predicts that most large employers will offer at least one CoE in 2025.

7 questions to consider when evaluating a Global CoE

Global CoEs offer desirable benefits in the form of better care at more attainable prices. Still, it’s vital to investigate the CoE you’re considering, as no two networks are built the same. 

For example, you must know what services the group offers, the procedures they cover, any fields or disciplines they specialize in, and how they address cultural or language barriers for patients who need to travel internationally to receive treatment. 

If you’re open to working with a Global CoE, consider the following seven questions. They will help you make the best decision possible for your organization and employees. 

1. Which conditions or procedures are covered by your CoE?

Different CoEs specialize in treating specific conditions, so ensuring the CoE covers the conditions most relevant to your employees will lead to better outcomes. If you take specialized treatments like transplants or heart surgery as an example, patients are more willing to travel to receive the highest quality care. This improves outcomes and can lead to significant cost savings by reducing complications and readmissions. In contrast, procedures like joint replacements, which are more common, can often be handled by community medical professionals at a lower cost.

Moreover, there’s a number of emerging conditions and procedures that Global CoEs cover. Some of these include cancer, cell and gene therapy, maternity, mental health, and gender-affirming care. Taking cancer as an example, many organizations cite the disease as the top condition driving up their healthcare costs. It would behoove you to question whether or not the CoE you’re considering specializes in treating different types of cancer.

2. How will your travel program address international travel when necessary?

Asking about the travel program before signing a contract with a Global CoE is crucial because international travel can be a significant part of accessing top-tier healthcare services. You need to know how the CoE handles travel logistics, such as transportation, accommodation, and support during the journey. 

This helps ensure a smooth experience for your employees and reduces any potential stress or complications associated with traveling for medical care. Additionally, understanding the travel program can help you better manage costs and make informed decisions about the overall value of the CoE's services.

3. What are examples of high-cost conditions that appear frequently across your employee population that are currently not offered by your health benefits?

It's essential to ask about high-cost conditions that frequently appear in your employee population because it helps you identify potential gaps in coverage. If the CoE doesn't cover certain high-cost conditions, your employees may have to seek care elsewhere, which can lead to higher expenses and more complex logistics. 

By understanding these gaps, you can better assess whether the CoE can meet your employees' healthcare needs and plan accordingly to provide comprehensive care without unexpected costs. Simply put, only partner with the CoE if it covers the conditions impacting your employees most.

4. What specific areas of global health does your center specialize in (e.g., infectious diseases, maternal health, mental health, etc.)?

Knowing what areas a CoE specializes in will help you determine if the program is a good fit for your employees' needs. CoEs have expertise in different medical fields, such as infectious diseases, maternal health, and mental health. By understanding their specialties, you can ensure that the CoE can provide the necessary care for the most common and high-priority health issues among your employees. This way, you can offer them the best possible healthcare services and improve overall health outcomes within your organization.

5. What measurable outcomes has the CoE achieved in terms of health improvements, research breakthroughs, or programmatic success?

Asking about measurable outcomes is key to understanding the effectiveness of a Global CoE. When a CoE can demonstrate tangible health improvements, research breakthroughs, or successful programs, it’s evidence of their expertise. 

For example, a Global CoE can reduce readmission rates by 65% compared to the industry benchmark. This information helps you gauge the CoE’s ability to deliver results for your employees. It also shows a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, which are important factors for your employees receiving the best possible care. By knowing these outcomes, you can decide whether the CoE aligns with your organization’s health and wellness goals.

6. How does the CoE ensure adherence to global healthcare regulations and standards?

You want to make sure the CoE you plan to work with plays by the rules because it guarantees that your employees will receive safe care. Adherence to international regulations means the CoE follows best practices and maintains high standards in medical treatments, patient safety, and ethical practices. 

This minimizes risks associated with healthcare and ensures that the CoE is recognized and trusted internationally. The only way to feel confident in the quality of care your employees receive is by partnering with a CoE that’s compliant with global healthcare standards. Clarifying this will also help you steer clear of any legal issues.

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Related Article: Leveraging Medical Travel Benefits to Satisfy CAA & ERISA Obligations

7. How does the CoE address language barriers and cultural differences when explaining legal and medical terms to patients internationally?

While this one may seem obvious, having a complex medical procedure done is physically and emotionally taxing. You’ll want to know how the CoE addresses language barriers and cultural differences because clear communication is crucial to receiving the best care. 

When legal and medical terms are not understood due to language differences, it can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and even mistakes in treatment. By ensuring that the CoE has strategies in place to explain these terms clearly, you can help your employees feel more comfortable and confident about their care. This also shows that the CoE respects and values cultural diversity, providing a more inclusive and supportive environment for all patients.

Making the Right Choice for Your Team’s Health

These seven questions are just the starting point for evaluating a Global Center of Excellence. By asking the right questions, you can ensure you’re choosing a partner that aligns with your organization’s unique needs and prioritizes the well-being of your employees.

Ready to explore a network that delivers exceptional care worldwide? Discover how World Class Health can support your team with access to top providers, predictable costs, and personalized care.