Continuity of Care Protocol
STC serves to ensure continuity of care between Canada and STC’s Partner Hospitals around the world. All persons seeking to utilize STC services will be required to follow the STC protocol for managing care between Canada and STC’s Partner Hospitals. Differences in this protocol will occur depending on the payment methodology
STC is in discussion with private and public health insurance agencies about facilitating arrangement to cover the expenses of their beneficiaries, in whole or in part, who participate in STC services. It is possible that some insurance agencies will require the patient to pay up front and will cover all or some portion of the cost after the treatment. STC was Instrumental in the creation of the Medical Tourism Insurance, provided by its Insurance Partners, Global Protective Solutions and The Sun Life Financials. The STC Continuity Protocol is presented to explain what is expected of persons who may be considering availing themselves of STC services and how the services are reimbursed.
1) Individuals seeking care should familiarize themselves with STC services either by contacting STC directly or visiting the STC website
2) Upon deciding to avail themselves of the services being offered through STC, an individual will be required to pay in advance in accordance with the schedule of STC fees listed.
3) The individual signs a consent form for all relevant medical records to be forwarded to STC by their family physician.
4) STC couriers, or faxes, the patient’s medical records to the designated medical facilities who will be coordinating the provision of clinical services.
5) STC arranges a telephone consultation between the patient and the physicians internationally and a date for the surgical procedure is scheduled. The patient’s family physician or other attending physician in Canada may be included in this conference call.
6) STC, in consultation with the patient, makes all travel, en route accommodation, travel vaccination, and visa arrangements for the patient.
7) The patient begins international travel from a designated location in Canada after the STC Medical Director, or delegate, admits the patient to the STC designated hospital program.
8) The patient receives treatment as required and undergoes the convalescent / early rehabilitation phase of care within a length of stay of about 10 days (depending on procedure).
9) STC arranges for a detailed report on the patient’s treatment and prognosis to be faxed / sent to the patient’s family physician and any other attending physician in Canada, as requested, upon the patient’s discharge from the acute phase of treatment.
10) STC arranges for the patient’s return journey to Canada.
11) Upon arriving in Canada, STC Medical Director or delegate assesses the patient’s condition and the patient is discharged from the STC program.
12) Patients have the option of continuing further rehabilitation provided appropriate arrangements are made to cover the cost of these services.
13) If the patient requires a family member to accompany him / her, STC will make all travel and accommodation arrangements for a companion at a modest additional cost to be paid in advance.
14) Virtual patient visits for relatives back in Canada are available to make the patient’s stay a warm, welcoming and enjoyable one.
Should the need occur to treat any complications arising from services received through STC, arrangements will be made for the patient’s attending physician in Canada and the treating physician to communicate via video-conferencing to decide further action. If additional surgical treatment is required, STC will facilitate the necessary arrangements for the patient to return for treatment.