One of the most important services we provide to our clients is our global safety net. We are equipped to ensure that our patients receive the best care available in emergency situations in 180 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
While on a business trip to Sao Paulo, Private Health patient "Mr. B" woke up at 2 AM "sick as a dog." Light-headed and extremely dizzy, a call to the hotel’s front desk didn’t comfort him; the clerk suggested that he go to the local hospital emergency room. The idea of being transported to a strange hospital alone, unable to speak Portuguese, terrified Mr. B.
That’s when he called his Private Health physician’s cell phone. She answered the call after just 2 rings. After assessing his symptoms, the physician concluded that Mr. B was most likely dehydrated from food poisoning and needed intravenous hydration as quickly as possible.
Within 30 minutes, a car and driver, accompanied by a qualified translator, arrived at the hotel to escort Mr. B to the best emergency facility in Sao Paolo. Private Health had already electronically dispatched his medical records and briefed the supervising physician on the patient’s condition, which expedited his treatment. IV fluids as well as a medication to control nausea were administered and after an examination and further treatment, Mr. B was able to return to his hotel.
By mid-afternoon he was back on schedule, meeting with business colleagues who had flown in that morning and preparing for a key dinner meeting. As Mr. B said to his Private Health physician later that day, "There is nothing worse than getting sick in a strange city where you don’t speak the language, especially when you’re all alone. Not only were you there for me, the staff at the hospital were able to treat me immediately and effectively because you had just gotten off the phone with them. Everyone was on the same page as to what I likely had and what the appropriate treatment was. Thank you, thank you, thank you."