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Destination medicine: Better outcomes

Concierge, cost-effective healthcare for your employees

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DISCOVER DESTINATION MEDICINE WITH GEISINGER

Exceptional care, closer than you think at our Centers of Excellence

Geisinger’s Destination Medicine Centers of Excellence (COE)1 offer a next-generation, cost-effective solution for employers seeking high-quality surgical and specialty care. This innovative program brings together Geisinger’s nationally recognized clinical expertise and health plan coordination to deliver bundled, concierge-style care for complex procedures — now available to local employer groups.

What is destination medicine?

Destination medicine refers to patients traveling — often to another region — to receive care at Centers of Excellence. Unlike traditional medical tourism, this model is employer-sponsored and prioritizes quality, outcomes and value. Patients benefit from coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Employers gain predictable costs and improved health outcomes. 

Geisinger’s Destination Medicine/COE Program Includes:

  • Bariatric surgeries
  • Cardiac care
  • Elective spine surgeries
  • Hip replacements
  • Knee replacements

With Geisinger, patients receive seamless care delivery — from pre-op to recovery — with a focus on clinical excellence, patient safety and concierge-level support.

Member benefits: Concierge-style care, every step of the way

From travel to recovery, our care team supports patients throughout their healthcare journey. We take care of everything so members can focus on healing. 

  • Personal touch: From travel to recovery, a seamless experience
  • Nurse navigator: Personalized care coordination
  • Caregiver support: Travel expenses fully covered
  • Improved outcomes: Readmission rates dropped by 62%2
  • Top-tier care: Elite physicians and hospitals
  • Hospital stays: Reduced from 3 days to 2.4 days2

Why employers choose Geisinger’s Destination Medicine

Fortune 100 companies choose Geisinger Destination Medicine COE.
a physical therapist helps a patient with leg stretches
Whole-person care
All medical needs managed
a female accountant paying bills
Bundled-cost model
Predictable, transparent pricing helps control expenses
A male patient talks with medical staff
Top-tier providers
Elite surgeons and facilities
a man sits on a couch with a laptop during a telehealth visit
Flexible care options
In-person and virtual care to minimize disruption
A MRI tech assist a patient in the machine
Care closer to home
Local options reduce travel needs
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Travel support
Covered travel for patients and caregivers
Jonathan Slotkin

Nearly half of patients referred to us for surgery were able to avoid it and achieve the desired outcome via conservative treatments.

Jonathan R. Slotkin, MD

Director of Spine Surgery

Results by the numbers

Hospitals designated as Centers of Excellence routinely have better patient outcomes2. Often, their skilled providers refine a patient’s diagnosis and conclude they need more conservative care, like physical therapy. Here’s examples of results comparing Centers of Excellence to other hospitals:
Elective spine surgery
  • 95% fewer readmissions
  • 20% faster return to work
  • $11k average employee savings compared to typical spine surgery

Offer your employees the best

Explore your options with Geisinger Destination Medicine
Have GHP coverage?
Is your organization a GHP member? Contact your account executive.
Employees seeking care
Is your employer a GHP member and you’d like to learn more?
Contact your human resources department.

1 Geisinger’s Destination Medicine/COE program is a Geisinger Clinical Enterprise product administered by Geisinger Health Plan, with medical services provided by Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Clinic.

Not available in all counties. Available for select plan types.

2Source: Slotkin JR, Ross OA, Coleman MR, Ryu J. Why GE, Boeing, Lowe’s, and Walmart are directly buying healthcare for employees. June 2017. Harvard Business Review site. https://hbr.org/2017/06/why-ge-boeing-lowes-and-walmart-are-directly-buying-health-care-for-employees.