Cleveland Clinic Expands Access to Complex Care for Ecuadorians by Appointing Second Locally Based Representative to Support Brokers and their Patients

CLEVELAND and QUITO, Ecuador: To keep up with increasing demand among Ecuadorians for access to high-quality complex care at Cleveland Clinic, a second in-country representative has been appointed by the healthcare network.

Cleveland Clinic’s in-country representatives are local citizens with in-depth knowledge of the latest healthcare treatments available. Representatives are able to remove language, cultural and logistical barriers to ensure a smooth patient journey for their compatriots.

Cleveland Clinic is known for pioneering medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery, the first face transplant and first uterus transplant in the United States, as well as world firsts including deep brain stimulation surgery to restore function after stroke and the development of a vaccine to prevent deadly triple-negative breast cancer, currently in a phase one trial.

Integrating clinical and hospital care with research and education, the health system has locations across the United States, and in Toronto, Canada; London, UK; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Rafaela Quintero is the second Ecuadorian Cleveland Clinic in-country representative to be appointed, who joins Maria Paula Loor.

| Cleveland Clinic amplía el acceso a tratamientos complejos para ecuatorianos al nombrar un segundo representante local para apoyar a los agentes y sus pacientes |

“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.” said Quintero. “For this reason, increasing numbers of Ecuadorian patients are interested in travelling to Cleveland Clinic locations for care, particularly for heart disease and other complex medical conditions. My role is to ensure that the entire process runs as smoothly as possible. I focus on providing the same patient-centered approach that Cleveland Clinic takes when delivering care.”

Rafaela is from Guayaquil and speaks English fluently. With a background in customer service and insurance, Rafaela says she is able to understand the needs of brokers and their patients. “I can share the available treatment options to brokers and provide patients with end-to-end support to ensure the entire process runs as smoothly as possible. I understand patients’ needs, speak their language, and can advocate for them, while making sure they are fully informed about their options,” she explains.

With 24/7 access to Cleveland Clinic’s Global Patient Services, the in-country representatives are able to connect patients with various medical experts. They can arrange online consultations, follow-ups and second opinions, as well as in-person treatment at the most convenient Cleveland Clinic location.

Due to a strong demand, Cleveland Clinic has increased the number of countries supported by representatives over the past couple of years, with reps now covering 15 markets globally.

“Our goal is to touch more lives and give every patient the best care and experience possible. Our in-country representatives are kept current with the range of expertise and the newest treatments available in Cleveland Clinic’s global network,” said Tommaso Falcone, M.D., Cleveland Clinic Executive Vice President and President, International and Emerging Markets. “We ensure they connect our patients with the most appropriate team of experts for their needs. The aim is to ensure a seamless patient journey from the initial consultation up to post-treatment follow-ups by leveraging the interconnectedness of our global facilities.”

Globally, Cleveland Clinic has 23 hospitals and 276 outpatient facilities, covering a total of 140 specialties and subspecialties, Access for international patients is enhanced through a seamless, global interface with 24/7 access portals as well as digital medicine capabilities. 

Cleveland Clinic's regional health system in southeast Florida comprises five hospitals, including Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Martin Health. The Florida region is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, with 1,088 beds across five hospitals and 33 outpatient locations in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. The physicians at Cleveland Clinic Florida are highly skilled in treating complex medical conditions and are at the forefront of innovation.

In-country representatives also assist local medical professionals with training and continuing medical education, as well as liaise with philanthropists who wish to donate to the hospital system’s global efforts to elevate delivery of medical training, care and research.