Cleveland Clinic Expands Access to Care with a China-based Representative

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. As one of the world’s top hospital systems – according to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2022 list – Cleveland Clinic provides patients access to a global network of physicians and specialists to provide the highest quality care, as well as world-class patient experience.

The Cleveland Clinic health system, which employs more than 72,000 caregivers worldwide, has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery, as well as the first face transplant and the first uterus transplant in the United States.

As part of its continued efforts to ensure greater access to quality care for patients around the world, Cleveland Clinic is broadening its network of in-country representatives to five locations, including China.

Cleveland Clinic’s local representatives throughout the world have in-depth knowledge of the latest treatments available and draw on their shared language and cultural understanding to facilitate a smooth journey for patients. With 24/7 access to global patient services, the in-country representatives can connect patients to Cleveland Clinic care available at locations across the United States, and in Toronto, Canada; London, U.K.; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. They can arrange online educational consultations, second opinions where available, and follow-up appointments, as well as in-person treatment at the most convenient Cleveland Clinic hospital, complete with travel arrangements for patients and their families. Cleveland Clinic has been awarded “Accreditation with Excellence” for its medical travel services by Global Healthcare Accreditation.

To expand access to Cleveland Clinic care for patients in China, Cleveland Clinic – through its Chinese subsidiary – has engaged Ruby Chen as its in-country representative for China.

Chen said: “Cleveland Clinic is known for its provision of specialized medical care focused on clinical excellence and superior patient outcomes, as well as pioneering treatments and innovations that are not widely available yet. For this reason, many patients are interested in travelling to one of our locations for care, but they are concerned about language barriers and the practical issues involved. My role is to ensure that the entire process runs as smoothly as possible, and to see to it that the patient feels fully informed about their treatments and options. I focus on providing the same patient-centered approach that the hospital takes when delivering care.”

According to Curtis Rimmerman M.D., M.B.A., chairman of Cleveland Clinic International Operations, “We have seen strong growth in demand for our services worldwide, and we believe every individual can benefit from the quality of care we provide. By expanding our network of in-country representatives, we are able to increase access to care by breaking down language and cultural barriers that may have prevented patients from seeking treatments that might not have been available to them previously.”

Dr. Rimmerman said that the representatives have been selected for their local knowledge including a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape. “They are trained and kept up to date with the range of expertise and newest treatments available in Cleveland Clinic’s global network, so we can ensure they connect our patients with the correct team of experts for their needs. The aim is to provide a seamless patient journey from the initial consultation to post-treatment follow-ups by leveraging the interconnectedness of our global health system.”

The in-country representatives’ roles also include connecting local medical professionals with training and continuing medical education offered by Cleveland Clinic. In addition, they connect with philanthropists who wish to donate to the non-profit hospital system’s global efforts to elevate delivery of medical training, care and research.

Cleveland Clinic’s health system currently has 22 hospitals and more than 220 outpatient facilities globally. Patients came for treatment from 185 countries. Access for international patients is enhanced by a seamless, global interface with 24/7 access portals as well as digital medicine capabilities. In addition to China, Cleveland Clinic now has in-country representatives covering the following countries: Bahamas, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, Panama, , Peru, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.