with Innovative Strategies to Optimize Medical Travel Benefits

Denver, Colo. (November 18, 2008) – Third party administrators (TPAs) seeking fresh opportunities to be more competitive with their service offerings and capture increased market share welcome recommendations on medical travel from BridgeHealth International, Inc. (BridgeHealth; http://www.BridgeHealthInternational.com).  As the premier service provider in the medical travel industry, with a focus on serving businesses and individuals for the delivery of international medical care, BridgeHealth understands the unique needs of TPAs and tailor programs that make good business sense for specific markets and clientele.

“Medical travel is a strategic health benefit that improves access to care and significantly reduces healthcare spending,” says Victor Lazzaro, Jr., CEO of BridgeHealth.  “As this option becomes increasingly popular among employees, BridgeHealth helps TPAs and employers to meet the demand for high quality medical care and exceptional cost savings on acute care procedures, surgeries and dental care.  This is an opportunity for TPAs to differentiate their product offering, introduce cost savings, and improve client relationships.”

Lazzaro stresses the importance of selecting the best practice service partner, one that can provide the best global provider network, turnkey customer care, concierge services, and full data reporting (outcomes, savings, and claims) to assist in adoption and implementation.  The optimal service provider must be able to demonstrate genuine healthcare experience, leadership, an emerging suite of vendors, and in-depth understanding of the healthcare continuum.

“In other words, avoid service providers that are little more than glorified travel agents,” advises Lazzaro.  “A professional medical travel organization should incorporate patient advocacy and coordination services, with a dedication to ensuring patient satisfaction.”

TPAs should look for these qualities and capabilities when selecting a medical travel partner:

•   A network that provides geographic choice, giving employers and employees more options for treatment and preferred destinations.
• A high regard for personal and medical safety in all provider locations—hospitals, outpatient facilities, and the destination country.
• Willingness to create customized solutions as well as streamlining administrative functions such as provider sourcing, scheduling, evaluation and contracting, coordinating with employees, and payment.
• An easy and understandable billing process that removes the undue administrative burden from employers.
• Financial viability to deliver on promises to businesses and individuals.
• Functioning staff of employees serving all areas of the medical travel company to meet the ongoing activities and reporting requirements.

“In this economic downturn, medical travel emerges as beacon for healthcare cost containment,” Lazzaro adds. “With the guidance and resources of a medical travel partner, TPAs can seize this opportunity and introduce a option that represents positive change.”

About BridgeHealth International, Inc.
BridgeHealth International, Inc. (BridgeHealth) is the premier service provider in the burgeoning medical travel industry, founded in with a vision “to create a trusted bridge to the world of international healthcare.”   BridgeHealth serves health plans, insurance carriers, employers, third party administrators, individuals accessing benefits via voluntary benefits plans, health and affinity card programs or Consumer Directed Health Care Plans (CDHP), and individual consumers seeking medical travel options.  Visit www.bridgehealthinternational.com.