Penn Global Medicine
Personalized, world-class care
Penn Medicine offers advanced technologies and surgical expertise not found elsewhere in the world. The Penn Global Medicine program exists to help international patients who turn to Penn Medicine for clinical treatment. Our dedicated team provides coordinated concierge services designed to make your visit as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Expert care for international patients
As the highest rated academic medical center in the region, we have physicians, nurses, researchers and scientists all working together to provide you with expert care. Penn Global Medicine is a program for international patients that is dedicated to caring for you and your family while meeting your cultural, personal and religious values. We work with you and doctors from your country to coordinate your care from start to finish.
Penn Medicine offers a wide range of comprehensive treatment services for all adult health care needs.
If you are seeking treatment for a specialty not listed here, please contact a Penn Global Medicine care coordinator for more information.
Support services for international patients
Penn Global Medicine communicates regularly with you and your family to assist in travel planning, document coordination and appointment scheduling. As an international patient, you are given the highest-quality medical care available, on-site concierge assistance and services tailored to your personal and cultural needs. When the treatment is complete, Penn Global Medicine remains as your key point of contact to assist you with any questions or needs you may have.
Remote medical record review
Penn Global Medicine will arrange for a review of your medical records. This review is performed by Penn Medicine specialists to help develop a treatment plan and to inform you of the latest treatment options available at Penn Medicine. This service is offered to you at no fee. Second-opinion services are also available for an additional fee. You must complete a HIPAA form and an intake form prior to us reviewing medical records.
Appointment scheduling
Penn Global Medicine schedules your initial and follow-up appointments. We will provide you with appointment times and locations, along with other important information, prior to your arrival at Penn Medicine.
Document and record coordination
The Penn Global Medicine team assists you and your family in obtaining a visa by providing a letter stating that you will be receiving care and treatment at Penn Medicine. This step is completed once we have reviewed your case in full and received payment for treatment.
We will also assist in coordinating any travel and medical documents necessary for your trip to the United States.
Medical documentation
We require the following documentation in order to schedule your first appointment. Failure to provide these records may delay your treatment. In some cases, you may be asked to mail these materials to Penn Medicine before your arrival.
- Medical reports—Bring a hard copy of all medical reports that you have provided to your international patient assistant and any new reports that you have gathered since then.
- VISA—When your appointment is confirmed, you will receive a packet of information that includes a visa letter. This important document verifies your appointment at Penn Medicine and estimates the time needed for your initial evaluation and treatment. This letter must be taken to a U.S. embassy or consulate when you apply for a visa. Only a U.S. embassy or consulate can grant visas. You can apply for a U.S. visa online.
We strongly recommend that you obtain a B1 (business) or B2 (pleasure) visa, in case you need to extend your stay. The initial trip to Penn Medicine may only require a short stay, but it is important to have the flexibility to stay longer once a treatment plan is recommended. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) obtains I-94 arrival and departure information for air and sea travelers from electronic travel records. CBP will still issue a paper form I-94 at land border entry points.
For more information about visas, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
When you arrive, you will be greeted by a Penn Global Medicine representative and escorted to your accommodations or medical appointment. During your stay, a Penn Global Medicine team member is available at all times to offer you and your family assistance with:
- Banking assistance
- Cultural needs
- Dietary requests
- In-town travel/attractions information
- Personal needs
- Religious/pastoral care services
Medical records
Following your treatment, we will provide you with both paper and electronic copies of your medical records, along with any radiology films. You will also have access to your medical records through myPennMedicine, a free, secure, online health management tool for patients.
Discharge coordination
When your treatment is complete, your care team will organize discharge plans and medical equipment on your behalf. They will also inform you about any follow-up care instructions you may need.
Follow-up communication
Following your treatment, a Penn Global Medicine representative will continue to be your point of contact for any questions or needs, including assistance with return travel home, medical records, billing and future appointments.
Financial information for international patients
Prior to treatment, a Penn Global Medicine representative will discuss the payment process with you and make sure you understand all fees associated with your medical case.
The Penn Medicine advantage
Penn Global Medicine is a full-service resource at Penn Medicine that helps international patients, their families, and their referring physicians access the medical care they need. We welcome patients from around the world, regardless of religion, culture, language, sexual orientation, gender or age.
When you come to Penn Medicine, you can rest assured the doctors taking care of you aren’t just using the latest medical technologies; they’re also developing them. As an academic medical center, our physicians, nurses, researchers and scientists work together to provide you with the highest level of care. Over the years, Penn Medicine has received many awards and been recognized for our compassion and commitment to providing patients with quality clinical care. Here at Penn Medicine, our patients come first.