The International Patient Care Services (IPCS) Program at USC University Hospital and USC/Norris Cancer Hospital is designed to meet the unique requirements of international visitors. When a physician, case manager or patient contacts us from their home country, care can be coordinated by our multi-lingual staff throughout the patient’s stay at our hospitals, until their return home. A director, manager, care coordinator and hospital staff are dedicated to international patients on a full-time basis.

Medical Records Review

Service begins with a telephone call to dedicated IPSC coordinator. Prior to the patient’s travel, a USC physician will review the patient’s medical history to determine a possible course of treatment.

Coordination of Physician Appointments

Once the patient’s medical records are reviewed and healthcare needs identified, the IPCS staff will schedule physician visit and procedures to help make the most efficient use of the patient’s time. Referring physicians and case managers are encouraged to contact our IPCS office prior to their patient’s departure to provide important information such as: vital healthcare information, medical history, telephone number, fax number, e-mail and mailing address for the referring physician.

Travel Assistance

IPCS representatives can assist in making patient’s and family members travel arrangements to the Los Angeles area. In addition, our program coordinates with embassies throughout the United States and in Los Angeles to assist with travel documentation.

Long and Short-Term Housing Assistance

IPCS staff can also assist with hotel or apartment accommodations that satisfy geographic preference and budget. Many area hotels and apartments offer discounted rates, shuttle transportation and other special services to USC patients when reservations are made through our office.

Language Interpretation

When patients arrive on campus they are greeted by an interpreter to facilitate communication with physicians, nurses and support staff. The interpreter plays a key role adding a comfort level throughout the course of their stay. Combined, USCUH employees speak up to 50 different languages.

Hospital Pre-Admission

One of the advantages of the IPCS program is rapid hospital pre-admission, financial counseling and insurance benefit coordination. Patients’ information is maintained in our database for continuous coordination with other hospital departments.

Concierge Services

Located in the Main Lobby of USCUH, our Concierge Desk is staffed by professionals who are available to serve patients and their families. In addition to providing information about the hospital, our Concierge staff seeks to make the stay of patients and families as comfortable as possible.

Private Hospital Rooms

We offer private hospital rooms for our international patients. A family member/escort may remain with the patient overnight. However, family is not permitted to stay overnight in the Intensive Care Unit.

Personalized Service

An IPCS coordinator visits patients regularly during their stay and is available to answer any questions both during hospitalization and upon discharge.

Financial Information Services

A variety of financial packages are available to international patients. Our staff can facilitate this process.

Post-Care Medical Updates for Referring Physicians

Upon discharge, the International Patient Care Services department creates a package for the referring physician, or case manager detailing patient status, follow-up care and medication requirements. In addition, referring physicians are encouraged to contact the IPCS staff at any time if additional information is needed.