Introducing Destination Medicine
Whether you come to Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and our affiliated service locations 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. And 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
Speak with a Destination Medicine Navigator
Fill out the form below and we will connect you with your partner in care. 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.
Coming From Outside of Phoenix?
If you are coming to Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and our affiliated service locations for our 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 town whether you’re two hours, two states, or a nonstop flight away. That includes providing guidance on: We’re providing world-class care in Bariatrics, Cardiology, Gynecology, Lung Transplants, Esophageal Disease Treatments, Oncology, and Thoracic medicine, as well as Neurologic conditions. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What health care services are available to destination medicine patients?
How do I know which doctors to see and how do I make appointments?
Our Destination Medicine Navigators 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?
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?
It is helpful if your records are translated into English before you send them. Discuss this with your Destination Medicine Navigator. You are responsible for getting your records accurately translated into English. 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.
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.