February 2003












  Washington Diplomat
  PO Box 1345
  Wheaton, MD 20915
  Tel: 301.933.3552
  Fax: 301.949.0065







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Allegheny General Hospital
Web site: www.wpahs.org/aghint
Allegheny General Hospital has been named among the 25 best medical centers in America in a survey published this year in Modern Maturity magazine, which ranked the hospitalís renal program No. 1 in the nation and its heart program No. 2 in the country. For the past six years, Allegheny General has been rated among Americaís best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Leading health care industry research analyst HCIA-Sachs has rated it among the best in several categories. Over the same time period, consumers in the Pittsburgh region voted Allegheny General the most preferred provider in annual polls conducted by the National Research Corp. The hospital has earned a reputation for exceptional expertise in transplant surgery, cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, diagnostic radiology, ear, nose and throat care, gastroenter ology, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, pulmonary medicine, and womenís care. In addition, it serves as a level I trauma center for a five-state region of northeast United States. The new Allegheny Cancer Center brings the latest cancer-fighting technology, procedures and protocols under one roof along with some of the nationís leading cancer specialists. The center serves as host to the nationís largest study on breast and bowel cancer, as well as scores of other cancer trials, and it has a multi-disciplinary approach to treating cancer. An active, full-service international center provides assistance for international patients requiring visas, accommodations, interpreter services, transportation and other services. For assistance, please contact Dru Ann Delgado, patient care coordinator, at (412) 359-5269 or e-mail delgado@wpahs.org.

The Cleveland Clinic
Web site: www.clevelandclinic.org
The Cleveland Clinic is ranked the third best hospital in America, according to U.S. News & World Report, and has the nationís No. 1 heart center. Millions of people come to The Cleveland Clinic every year from throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. A not-for-profit group practice, The Cleveland Clinic has technologically advanced hospital facilities, scientific research laboratories and an extensive outpatient practice. There are approximately 1,100 full-time physicians on staff representing more than 100 medical specialties and subspecialties. Specialty centers include The Childrenís Hospital at the Cleveland Clinic, the Spine Center, the Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Urological Institute, Digestive Disease Center and Neurosciences Center. Through the Taussig Cancer Center, the Clinic offers the full range of cancer treatments, including radiosurgery for cancer and one of North Americaís premier Gamma Knife practices. In addition to offices in Cleveland, Ohio, The Cleveland Clinic has hospital and clinic locations in Weston and Naples, Fla. The Cleveland Clinic operates one of the largest graduate education programs in the country and has trained doctors from around the world. The Cleveland Clinic International Center provides special concierge services catered to the needs of international patients and their families, including arranging interpreters, airline reservations, hotel accommodations and car service to and from the Cleveland airport at special patient rates. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact the International Center at (800) 218-1888.

DB Aviation, Inc.
Web site: www.dbaviation.com
DB Aviation, Inc. is an FAA certificated, Wyvern Recommended executive jet operator. We operate a diverse fleet of aircraft ranging in size from six-seat King Air turbo-props for regional missions to 12-seat intercontinental Falcon 900 aircraft for international missions. Our internationally experienced staff and crew members are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on as little as two hours notice. Experienced in moving powerful corporate executives, professional athletes, performing artists and U.S. and foreign heads of state, presidential service is our signature. For more information, please call (847) 263-5600 or (800) 638-4990 or fax (847) 263-6486.

The George Washington University Hospital
International Patient Services

Web site: www.gwhospital.com
The George Washington University Hospital offers state-of-the-art technology and superior patient care. With the most high-tech equipment for medically advanced procedures, GW physicians are known for their expertise in cardiac care, cancer, neurology, orthopedics, advanced surgical techniques, and obstetrics and gynecology. International patients and their families are provided with highly personalized services at the hospital. Patients are assisted with scheduling medical appointments, financial estimates, medical consultations, and travel and hotel arrangements. After reviewing a patientís medical history and reports, a list of items necessary for treatment and estimated fees for service are provided. Financial arrangements can be made with referring employers and insurance companies. Discounts are offered to individuals who choose to pay in advance. On Aug. 23, 2002, a new $96 million hospital opened to the public with expanded operating rooms, new medical equipment, private patient rooms and the most modern amenities. For more information, please contact Helen Salazar-Fowler, director of international business development, at (202) 715-5100 or e-mail hsalazar@gwu-hospital.com.

Georgetown University Hospital
Web site: www.georgetownuniversityhospital.org
Georgetown University Hospital is the national capital areaís most recognized academic teaching hospital. Founded in 1898, the hospital is dedicated to promoting health through education, research and patient care. The hospital is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best hospitals in the nation for cancer, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynecology, kidney disease, neurology/neurosurgery, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pulmonology, rheumatology and urology. The Lombardi Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated facility in the Washington, D.C., area. The hospitalís Transplant Institute is one of the few centers in the United Stated that provides living-donor liver transplants and is ranked among the best in the Mid-Atlantic region for liver transplant outcomes. Georgetown Hospital is the first on the East Coast to offer the CyberKnife, the latest in stereotactic radiosurgery to treat tumors and lesions of the brain, neck and spine. Georgetownís International Services Department provides a full range of support and interpreter services to assist international patients in navigating all aspects of health care at the hospitalófrom physician selection to inpatient stay and family accommodation. Our multilingual patient care coordinatorsóArabic, Spanish, French and Italianócoordinate, advocate and assist international patients for both outpatient and inpatient services. For more information, please contact the International Services Department at (202) 687-1588 or e-mail International@gunet.georgetown.edu.

Hygeia Corporation
Web site: www.hygeia.net
Hygeia Corporation provides insurers, third-party administrators, claims handlers, self-funded plans and international governments with U.S. cost containment solutions for their foreign travel, major medical and ex-patriot health insurance plans. The PPO network of acute care medical providers, including medical "Centers of Excellence," along with the out-of-network Claim Arbitration Service combine to provide high savings rates, complete claims transaction coverage and quality medical services. Headquartered in Miami, Fla., Hygeia has offices in Toronto, Canada, and Washington, D.C. For more information, please call (305) 594-9291 or e-mail payerpartner@hygeia.net.

International Planned Parenthood Federation, Western Hemisphere Region, Inc.
Web site: www.ippfwhr.org
IPPF/WHR seeks to improve the health of women and men, including young people, by strengthening the capacity of local organizations to provide quality sexual and reproductive health services. Working with a network of member affiliates in North and Latin America and the Caribbean, IPPF/WHR reaches approximately 10 million people each year with information and services. For more information, please call (212) 248-4221 or e-mail info@ippfwhr.org.

Mayo Clinic
Web site: www.mayoclinic.org
Today, nearly 9,000 international patients visit the Mayo Clinic each year at its sites in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Our 1,600 physicians representing more than 100 medical specialties work tirelessly to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment for complex and common medical conditions. Mayo Clinic combines an emphasis on the pure science of medicine with a keen appreciation for each personís humanity. With caring staff, advanced medical care, accessibility and efficiency, the Mayo Clinic is a preferred choice of the international patient.

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Mayo Clinic in Rochester Mayo Clinic Scottsdale
Jacksonville, Florida Rochester, Minnesota Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona
(904) 953-0321 telephone (507) 266-0999 telephone (480) 301-9710 telephone
(904) 953-2732 0575 fax (507) 266-0997 fax (480) 301-9310 fax

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center International Center
Web site: www.mskcc.org/international
As a leader in cancer care, people from all over the world contact Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for opinions and treatment. The center offers a wide range of services to international patients, from the most advanced, comprehensive cancer treatment, to information on "the necessities of life" while they are in New York City. Memorial Sloan-Kettering expedites referrals and treatment, and offers support to patients and family members throughout the continuum of care. The focus is on exceptional customer serviceódelivered with skill, warmth and concern. For more information, please contact Chris Mirianthopoulos, manager of guest services, at (212) 639-4900 or (888) 675-7722 or fax to (212) 639-4938.

Mercy Hospital
Web site: www.mercymiami.org
Mercy Hospitalís International Services Department in Miami offers comprehensive concierge services including assistance with travel planning, immigration documents and financial/insurance matters. Patients have access to private registration, consult scheduling, translation services and a patient center with a private waiting area and a fully equ ipped business center. For more information, please call (305) 285-2735 or e-mail international@mercymiami.org.

The Methodist Hospital
Web site: www.methodisthealth.com/international
The Methodist Hospital has earned an international reputation as one of the leading, most respected health care facilities in the United States. Located in Houstonís world-renowned Texas Medical Center, Methodist treats thousands of international patients each year. It operates information centers in Mexico and Guatemala, and is affiliated with hospitals and physicians from all over the world. Methodist has been listed by U.S. News & World Report as one of the countryís top hospitals in numerous clinical specialties, including neurology/neurosurgery, urology and otolaryngology. As the primary adult teaching facility for Baylor College of Medicine, one of the nationís leading institutions for medical education and research, Methodist is able to direct millions of dollars in research funds to innovative programs. Such programs, or Centers of Excellence, include the DeBakey Heart Center, The Urology Institute, Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, The Stroke Center and The International Multiple Sclerosis Center. For more information, please contact International Patient Services at (713) 441-2340 or e-mail methodistinternational@tmh.tmc.edu

National Rehabilitation Hospital
Web site: www.nrhrehab.org
As Washington, D.C.ís only comprehensive hospital dedicated solely to medical rehabilitation, the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) welcomes international patients with a host of special services that are designed to make them feel comfortable and well cared for. Patients from more than 24 countries have sought rehabilitation care at what is consistently listed by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. In addition, NRH provides excellent rehabilitation services to patients and professionals who are not in proximity to the hospital. The NRH Telehealth Center is equipped to provide individual consultation and diagnostic services anywhere in the world for patients with rehabilitation needs related to stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic injuries, amputation and skin care. NRH also provides education and training services to meet the needs of rehabilitation professionals and facilities abroad. For more information, please contact Wendy Baynard, MSW, director of International and Telehealth Programs, at (202) 877-1775 or 1779 or e-mail Wendy.F.Baynard@MedStar.net.

St. Lukeís Episcopal Hospital
Web site: www.stlukestexas.com
St. Lukeís, a member of the Texas Medical Center, is a tertiary teaching hospital affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas. For 12 consecutive years, the Texas Heart Institute at St. Lukeís has been ranked among the top 10 in cardiology and cardiac surgery in U.S. News & World Report. For more than four decades, St. Lukeís has offered high-quality medical care by blending compassion with expertise. The multilingual staff of St. Lukeís International Patient Center understands the special needs of international patients who come to St. Lukeís and the Texas Heart Institute, and we offer numerous special services and amenities. For more information, please call (832) 355-3350 or (888) 648-7802 or fax (832) 355-3002.

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Web site: www.seattlecca.org
The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is a unique collaboration of three internationally renowned cancer centers: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the University of Washington Academic Medical Center, and Childrenís Hospital and Regional Medical Center. Patients come to the center for the most advanced methods of cancer treatment, based on research conducted by physicians, who are among the best in the world. These treatments include bone marrow transplantation. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center pioneered the development of bone marrow transplantation, which has proven to be a successful treatment for leukemia, lymphoma, immune system diseases, and other serious blood and genetic disorders. Physician scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have won two Nobel Prizes in the last decade for groundbreaking discoveries, some of which have enabled successful bone marrow transplants. Another breakthrough therapy developed here is the mini-transplant, an alternative for older patients and others who cannot tolerate the rigors of traditional bone marrow transplantation. The mini-transplant, also known as a non-myeloablative stem-cell transplant, is available through a phase II clinical trial. To learn more, please call the International Patient Liaison at (800) 804-8824.

Swedish Medical CenteróInternational Patient Services
Web site: www.swedish.org
Recognized worldwide as one of the United Stateís leading hospitals, the International Patient Services Department at Swedish Medical Center provides comprehensive personalized services designed to meet a patientís individual needs and preferences. Through Swedish, patients have acce ss to renowned physicians representing virtually every medical and surgical specialty. Visit our Web site at www.swedish.org for links to our international services or for more information, please call (206) 386-3099 or (800) 249-1610 or fax (206) 386-3172.

University Hospitals of Cleveland (UHHS)
Web site: www.uhhs.com
This 947-bed tertiary medical center is a nonprofit teaching hospital affiliated with the medical school at Case Western Reserve University. The hospital is the largest center for biomedical research in Ohio and has 25,000 physicians, nurses and support staff. University Hospitals of Cleveland has 11 hospitals, including Rainbow Babies and Childrenís Hospital, one of the leading pediatric facilities in the country. Rainbow attracts patients from all over the world with its specialty of pediatric cardiology. University Hospitals of Cleveland has a center for international relations that assists overseas patients with everything from travel and banking services to language translators. For further information or medical appointments, please contact Ronald J. Chufo, director of the Center for International Relations, at (216) 844-5801 or fax to (216) 844-5203.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Web site: www.upmc.edu
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is one of the United Statesís premier centers for medical care, research and education. Ranking among the "best of the best" in U.S. News & World Reportís rankings for the past four years and among the top recipients of National Institutes of Health research funding, UPMC helps set the standard for health care in America. UPMC offers a range of hospitality, translation, medical, cultural and financial services to ensure international patients and their families receive the highest standard of coordinated care. These services begin before the patient arrives and continue long after treatment. For more information, please call (800) 533-8762 or e-mail internationalcenter@upmc.edu.

University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Web site: www.mdanderson.org
At the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the sole focus is on cancer. At the more than 4 million-square-foot campus in Houston, Texas, nearly 550 clinical doctors and 12,000 employees build on 60 years of groundbreaking discovery and experience in patient-focused treatment to provide adults, adolescents and children with their best hope for survival. Patients can fill out a self-referral form and get additional information on the Web site at www.mdanderson.org. The International Center provides a range of services dedicated to meeting the unique needs of international patients. For more information, please call (713) 745-0450 or fax (713) 745-0456.

Washington Hospital Center
Web site: www.whcenter.org
Extraordinary competence, compassion and leadership have marked Washington Hospital Centerís more than 40 years of service. With 907 beds, the Washington Hospital Center is the largest hospital in the nationís capital. The Washington Hospital Center offers a nationally ranked cardiac care program, a comprehensive cancer institute, an extensive organ transplant program, a full range of womenís services, MedStar transport, one of the nationís top trauma centers, and the most advanced adult burn facility in the region. In addition, the hospital has an International Services Department that assists with scheduling appointments, providing complimentary language interpreters and hospital escorts, and has a 35-room, on-campus hotel. Washington Hospital Center was ranked among the nationís best hospitals in the 2002 edition of Americaís Best Hospitals, issued annually by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, please contact Brian Miller in the International Services Department at (202) 877-2102 or e-mail Brian.P.Miller@MedStar.net..

Washington University Medical Center ñ St. Louis, Missouri
Web site: www.bjc.org/medexchange
Washington University Medical Center is among the top 10 medical institutions in the country, which receives the third highest National Institutes of Health funding in the country. The Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) is the No. 3 medical school in the United States. Exceptional medical care makes the center the largest provider of endovascular surgery; the center with the best outcomes for lung volume reduction; the only center that performs nerve transplant surgery; a leader in bone marrow transplants; the best in selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) for the treatment of pediatric cerebral palsy; and a leading provider of innovative, cutting-edge therapy for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. International Healthcare Services (IHS) is built on a network of 13,000 physicians in more than 70 countries worldwide. For further information, please contact The International Healthcare Services at (314) 362-6472 (24 hours).

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