Personal Services

Formal Second Opinions
To obtain a formal second opinion from physicians at the University of Chicago Hospitals, please contact the Center for International Patients. To expedite your request, please send the following information:

• A complete medical history typed in English by the patient's treating physician
• Copies of reports and films, including ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and pathology slides or reports
• Complete birth date: date, month, and year
• A photo ID or passport copy

PLEASE NOTE a second opinion does not replace a full medical opinion or a diagnosis that would otherwise be given with an examination of the patient in person.

Doctor Appointments
Our Center staff will help identify the best doctor(s) for you to meet with during your stay here. Then, we will schedule and coordinate all appointments, including doctor visits and procedures. You or your doctor can assist us by contacting our office and providing us with the following information:

• Your date of birth.
• Your medical history--preferably in English
• A way to contact you by telephone, email, or fax

Travel Coordination
If you need help coordinating travel, our Center liaison will assist you and your family with all travel arrangements to Chicago. For instance, we can help with the following:

• We will support medical visa applications by working with United States embassies or consulates in the patient's respective home country to provide documentation of any pending medical treatment and/or appointments. The Center will make every effort to expedite the processing of the visa. However, only the embassy or consulate concerned can approve a visa application.
• Schedule and confirm airline and hotel reservations. Patients from all over the world can catch flights into and out of two nearby airports: Chicago-O'Hare International Airport and Chicago-Midway Airport.
• Obtain travel documentation with foreign consulates and embassies.
• Arrange to have you and any family members picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel. When you're ready to go home, we will provide transportation back to the airport.
• When necessary, coordinate medical transport services.

Medical Transport Services
When necessary, your Center liaison will arrange for medically appropriate transportation to and from the University of Chicago Hospitals. This might include the following:

• An air ambulance or other emergency transportation.
• Any medical equipment needed during your trip, such as oxygen or an incubator.
• A University of Chicago doctor to escort the patient--either on an air ambulance or a commercial airline flight.

Hotels and Other Accommodations
Our Center liaison can help you find a hotel that best fits your needs. The University of Chicago Hospitals has arrangements with many area hotels that offer discounted rates, shuttle transportation, and other special services to our patients.

Living expenses are not included in the estimated medical expenses. These expenses are separate from any medical fees and are the responsibility of the patient and their family.

Language Interpretation
Upon your request, our Center will provide you with an interpreter when you arrive at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Your interpreter will help you communicate with our doctors and staff. He or she will also help you translate medical records and other information.

Financial Transaction Assistance
After a University of Chicago doctor has reviewed your medical report, our Center can provide you with advance estimates for all costs. Staff from our Center can help handle deposits and assist you with other financial matters before, during, and after your visit.

For patients who are covered through a foreign insurance plan, we will provide all necessary documentation for insurance reimbursement. Our office will provide estimated costs for medical treatment based on review of medical records. Uninsured patients will require payment of estimated charges prior to or the day of registration in clinic.

All charges quoted prior to consultation or at the time of treatment are estimated charges and not conclusive of a final bill. If the actual charges are less than the payment received, the patient will be reimbursed with the difference. If the charges are more, payment is expected before the end of the patient's stay in Chicago.

Executive Health Program
Our Center liaison can also assist you with scheduling a comprehensive medical evaluation, through our Program for Executive Health. This program is carefully designed to meet the needs and expectations of today's international executives.

The one- or two-day check-ups are tailored to your fast-paced work and lifestyle. You may also schedule special tests and appointments with other University of Chicago specialists at the time of your visit.

Special Services
The Center for International Patients can accommodate any requests to make you and your loved ones' stay in Chicago as enjoyable as possible. Our liaison can help arrange religious, cultural, and leisure activities for you and your family. Please do not hesitate to ask us for help in making your stay as pleasant as possible.

After You Go Home
Once you return home, our doctors can provide information to your local doctor, ensuring continuity of care.