Introducing Destination Medicine

Whether you come to Dignity Health in Arizona from another country, another state or another part of Arizona, participating in our Destination Medicine Program is a great choice for health care. That’s because we provide access to world-class medical expertise, technology, procedures and healing. We can smooth out challenges like travel, insurance coverage and even language. Our Destination Medicine Navigator is your first and main point of contact for: care coordination, clinical services, financial arrangements, travel itinerary and accommodation requests. Throughout every step on your healing journey, you have our commitment to making the entire process of receiving care supportive and effective. That’s what humankindness is all about.

Call to speak with a Destination Medicine Navigator: 602.406.6293

Reach Our Destination Medicine Navigator

Fill out the form below and we will connect you with a navigator. We may also email you occasionally with additional health-related news and information.

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A caregiver from Dignity Health will reach out to you as soon as possible.

Destination Medicine Premier Services

Bariatrics

If you’re ready to reclaim your life, get healthy, and start living an active life, our highly skilled surgical weight loss team is here to help. At Dignity Health’s Weight Loss Center at St Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center, physicians and staff will guide you every step of the way, from initial bariatric surgery consultation to post-surgery support.

If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more, and are ready for a change, we are ready to help — and offer you a life of improved health, activity, and longevity. Call us for more information.

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Pelvic Pain

Dignity Health–St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center’s Pelvic Pain in Phoenix, Arizona, is dedicated to pelvic pain treatment and advanced gynecologic surgery.

Our gynecologic surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all conditions leading to chronic pelvic pain in women—especially complicated diagnoses that require advanced surgical procedures.

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Liver Disease and Transplantation

Unlike other centers, Dignity Health–St. Joseph’s Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation offers a whole-body approach to liver disease, investing equally in the prevention and treatment of early-stage disease as well as end-stage disease management. The liver team treats among the highest volume of hepatitis C patients in the country. The Center’s team includes transplant hepatologists, infectious disease specialists and surgeons.

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Norton Thoracic Institute

Norton Thoracic Institute (NTI) is one of the nation's leading medical centers for the diagnosis and treatment of lung, esophageal, and chest diseases. Home of the nation's busiest lung transplantation program, NTI has earned a reputation for excellence and innovation in caring for patients with complex and difficult thoracic problems. NTI also conducts groundbreaking research and trains young physicians to improve outcomes for patients in Arizona and beyond.

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Cardiology

St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center offers cutting-edge preventative care and cardiovascular diagnostic and treatment services. We are proud to be an Accredited Chest Pain Center from the American College of Cardiology, a recognition given to hospitals that have achieved a high level of expertise in dealing with patients who arrive with symptoms of a heart attack.

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Cancer Care

Dignity Health is your gateway to world-class cancer care. Our cancer services at Dignity Health–St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center extend beyond the traditional doctor-patient relationship. They start with a range of screening options for early detection and extend through personalized treatment following a cancer diagnosis—enabling you to take charge of your health.

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Coming From Outside of Phoenix?

If you are coming to Dignity Health's Destination Medicine Program, we want you to feel right at home in the greater Phoenix area. Our interdisciplinary team is ready to assist you prior to, during, and after your arrival.

A Destination Medicine Navigator will be on hand to help you with details associated with coming from out of the country, out of the state or within the state. That includes providing guidance on:

Coordination of care, financial arrangements, and appointments you may have during your stay
Hotel and/or lodging arrangements and options in the area
Transportation options to and from the hospital
Medical cost estimates and arrangements
Language interpretation (over 40 languages)

We’re providing world-class care in Bariatrics, Cardiology, Gynecology, Lung Transplants, Esophageal Disease Treatments, Oncology, and Thoracic medicine. And we’re welcoming visitors from around the world, throughout the United States, and all over Arizona for our humankindness, quality, affordability, and care without compromise.

Please contact a Destination Medicine Navigator to begin the process of seeking care for any of the above health care services or working through travel-related questions.

Please call 602.406.6293 or email [email protected] for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What health care services are available to destination medicine patients?

Patients come to Dignity Health for many different types of care, often because our physicians, nurses and therapists offer a higher level of care that is more accessible than is available at home. Bariatric (weight loss) surgery, cancer, chronic pelvic pain evaluation and treatment, esophageal, heart, lung care and surgery are available.

How do I know which doctors to see and how do I make appointments?

Our Destination Medicine Navigators, all nurses, will help you through the process. You make one call to us 602.406.6293 and a Registered Nurse will speak with you over the phone, or email (whatever you are most comfortable with). Your Destination Medicine Navigator will assist you in determining which physician(s) to see and will assist you in making appointments. Our nurse will guide you through each step. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Is someone available to me on my time zone, and on nights and weekends?

Your Destination Medicine Navigator will be available to you any time. Please call 602.406.6293, or email [email protected] for assistance.

How do I transmit my medical records?

Contact your Destination Medicine Navigator to learn how to transmit your medical records securely. Rest assured that we have a secure fax and other secure transmission capabilities available.

Are language translators available?

Yes. Dignity Health offers language translators who are proficient in medical terminology.

Do my records have to be in English?

Please have your medical records translated into English before you send them. We highly recommend that you utilize a certified medical translator, because medical records are complex and accuracy is very important. Your Destination Medicine Navigator can guide you through this process and provide a secure method to transfer your records.

Do you require medical images or are imaging reports sufficient?

Your Destination Medicine Navigator will work with you and your physicians to determine how to securely share imaging and imaging reports.

How is my privacy protected?

Your privacy information is protected through secure electronic means. Your privacy is of the utmost importance. We protect your information under United States federal, and state privacy laws (HIPAA), as well as any other laws that cover your medical records privacy.

Costs and Coverage

How do I know what this will cost, in my currency?

We will provide a written estimate of costs in US dollars. Your Destination Medicine Navigator will work with you, your physicians and the hospital to determine your health care needs, and provide a written estimate that includes all foreseeable costs (examinations, tests, surgeries and post-operative care as well as payment to specialists such as anesthesiologist, radiologist, pathologist, etc.).

Will you work with my country's embassy or ministry of health?

Our Destination Medicine Navigator will work with your embassy, employer, physicians and ministry of health. Some countries will advance payment through their embassies or health ministries. Cash packages are available to these entities, as well as to patients themselves.

Do you take travel insurance?

Your Destination Medicine Navigator will guide you through insurance questions.

Will my insurance pay for my travel and lodging?

Please check your insurance policy or call your insurance provider for specific details.

What happens if I have a complication and my stay is prolonged – how are those cost covered?

Your Destination Medicine Navigator will provide a written estimate, which includes unexpected costs up to a pre-determined amount.

What happens if I have a complication once I am back home?

Your Destination Medicine Navigator and your Arizona physicians are available to you and your treating physician back home, for phone consultations. You are responsible for costs incurred at home.

Travel Arrangements

Who sets up my appointments and flights?

Your Destination Medicine Navigator can help set up your appointments and can provide discount codes for some airlines and hotels. You are responsible for setting up your flights and lodging.

Will I need a car?

It is up to you whether you rent a vehicle. Your Destination Medicine Navigator can provide guidance on ground transportation options.

How will I know how long to arrange to stay?

Your Destination Medicine Navigator will work with you and your physicians to estimate the timing of your visit to Phoenix.

If I want weight loss surgery, how do I prepare for it so that I am successful?

Your Destination Medicine Navigator will put you in touch with resources that will support you before and after surgery.