How Medical Second Opinions are Redefining Patient Advocacy
A conversation with Vera Guerreiro, CEO of MediGuide International
With extensive leadership experience and a keen insight into the global complexities of healthcare, Vera has been instrumental in steering MediGuide to new levels of innovation and patient empowerment. Under her guidance, MediGuide continues to redefine how medical second opinions can enhance patient advocacy and transform healthcare decision-making.
In this Q&A, Vera shares her perspectives on the pivotal role of expert second opinions in healthcare and how MediGuide’s specialized services are designed to support patients worldwide.
Q: Why is access to a medical second opinion so important?
A: The path to optimal health often begins with a medical diagnosis – a pivotal moment that can significantly impact a person’s wellbeing. When confronted with a medical diagnosis, the innate desire for peace of mind is universal. It’s about having the assurance that every avenue has been explored to secure the best possible healthcare outcome.
By equipping individuals with additional medical insights and perspectives, we help patients to navigate their healthcare confidently, transforming them from passive recipients of care into active participants in their wellness journey.
Q: Can you briefly introduce MediGuide’s core business?
A: Absolutely. For 25 years, as a globally recognized leader in expert medical second opinions, we’ve connected individuals with top-tier healthcare experts on our international network, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Our comprehensive service is integrated into health insurance plans or corporate benefit packages at no extra cost to members or employees, helping individuals worldwide to make well-informed health decisions.
Q: What makes your offering stand out from your competition?
A: Three things really set us apart:
A: Definitely. Some people worry about offending their doctor, but it’s not about distrust. Most physicians recognize that medical second opinions add value, offering reassurance and prompting patients to consider alternatives.
Plus, many people remain unaware of the availability and benefits of a medical second opinion, so we’re boosting our external communication efforts.
Q: Can you share any data on the value or impact of a medical second opinion on health outcomes?
A: Sure, our statistics are compelling. For example, 79.6% of our cases led to a change in diagnoses or treatment plan. We deliver these results within an average of just 7.9 days, achieving a net promoter score of 98.8%, highlighting high patient satisfaction.
Q: What trends are shaping your services?
A: The healthcare landscape demands that we stay ahead by adapting and refining our services. Today’s patients are informed, engaged, and expect personalized care that goes beyond individual preferences, respecting their cultural and economic backgrounds. Our B2B2C model reflects this, as we continuously innovate to meet these evolving needs, aiming for global expansion, and in certain instances, market share growth, as well as improved healthcare access.
Our service isn’t just an added extra – it’s a vital part of protection cover. Interested in learning more? Contact us today to see how a MediGuide medical second opinion can enhance your offering and benefit your members.
With extensive leadership experience and a keen insight into the global complexities of healthcare, Vera has been instrumental in steering MediGuide to new levels of innovation and patient empowerment. Under her guidance, MediGuide continues to redefine how medical second opinions can enhance patient advocacy and transform healthcare decision-making.
In this Q&A, Vera shares her perspectives on the pivotal role of expert second opinions in healthcare and how MediGuide’s specialized services are designed to support patients worldwide.
Q: Why is access to a medical second opinion so important?
A: The path to optimal health often begins with a medical diagnosis – a pivotal moment that can significantly impact a person’s wellbeing. When confronted with a medical diagnosis, the innate desire for peace of mind is universal. It’s about having the assurance that every avenue has been explored to secure the best possible healthcare outcome.
By equipping individuals with additional medical insights and perspectives, we help patients to navigate their healthcare confidently, transforming them from passive recipients of care into active participants in their wellness journey.
Q: Can you briefly introduce MediGuide’s core business?
A: Absolutely. For 25 years, as a globally recognized leader in expert medical second opinions, we’ve connected individuals with top-tier healthcare experts on our international network, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Our comprehensive service is integrated into health insurance plans or corporate benefit packages at no extra cost to members or employees, helping individuals worldwide to make well-informed health decisions.
Q: What makes your offering stand out from your competition?
A: Three things really set us apart:
- Collaborative expertise. We don’t just forward medical records to another doctor; we use a multidisciplinary team approach, accessing the best medical minds at world-leading medical centers globally.
- Human connection. In an era dominated by tech, where AI plays a primary role, we prioritize genuine human connections. Tech is great. We appreciate the support and efficiency it provides, but we use it to give our case managers more time to engage deeply and effectively with patients.
- Patient control and full support. Patients control their care choices, which includes comprehensive support for overseas treatment and customizable treatment options. Local partners at their treatment destination provide language and culture-sensitive support, ensuring every aspect is as stress-free and seamless as possible.
A: Definitely. Some people worry about offending their doctor, but it’s not about distrust. Most physicians recognize that medical second opinions add value, offering reassurance and prompting patients to consider alternatives.
Plus, many people remain unaware of the availability and benefits of a medical second opinion, so we’re boosting our external communication efforts.
Q: Can you share any data on the value or impact of a medical second opinion on health outcomes?
A: Sure, our statistics are compelling. For example, 79.6% of our cases led to a change in diagnoses or treatment plan. We deliver these results within an average of just 7.9 days, achieving a net promoter score of 98.8%, highlighting high patient satisfaction.
Q: What trends are shaping your services?
A: The healthcare landscape demands that we stay ahead by adapting and refining our services. Today’s patients are informed, engaged, and expect personalized care that goes beyond individual preferences, respecting their cultural and economic backgrounds. Our B2B2C model reflects this, as we continuously innovate to meet these evolving needs, aiming for global expansion, and in certain instances, market share growth, as well as improved healthcare access.
Our service isn’t just an added extra – it’s a vital part of protection cover. Interested in learning more? Contact us today to see how a MediGuide medical second opinion can enhance your offering and benefit your members.