International Center
When it’s serious, come to Detroit
Patients from over 100 different countries around the globe trust our experts, which is why the Detroit Medical Center provides the highest quality, compassionate care possible. We understand being an international visitor can be confusing and overwhelming, and we take pride in being a family-centered medical system.
Our eight world-class specialty hospitals and two partnered institutes allow us to offer patients from around the globe access to state-of-the-art technology, including the most advanced diagnostic procedures and treatments, the latest in medical research and excellent physicians.
The International Services staff of the Detroit Medical Center is dedicated to meeting the needs of you and your family. We offer efficient and comprehensive assistance that coordinates all services and provides any resources you may need during your stay as an international visitor to the Detroit Medical Center.
One Call, One Point of Entry:
DMC International Services
(313) 745-8761
Toll Free (800) 745-6447 (From Canada and Abroad)
[email protected]
Why choose Detroit Medical Center?
The Detroit Medical Center is a leading academically integrated medical system with more than 2,000 licensed beds and 3,000 affiliated physicians to provide you with the high quality and compassionate care you want. Our medical excellence is recorded throughout history, from the founding of the nationally recognized Children’s Hospital of Michigan in 1886, to the creation of the first mechanical heart at Harper Hospital more than 50 years ago, our legacy of caring is unmatched.
As the recipient of dozens of awards and recognitions, including industry-leading Electronic Medical Records, the Detroit Medical Center has achieved a reputation of excellence. Hundreds of DMC doctors across multiple specialties are noted as medical experts and are nationally recognized in the list of America’s Best Doctors. We are proud to be the official healthcare provider for Detroit area professional athletes and teams, including the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers.
Where is the Detroit Medical Center?
Located in Detroit’s Midtown and Cultural District, we are the premier healthcare resource in Southeast Michigan and among the finest healthcare centers in the United States. Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State, and provides a vast array breathtaking sites, exhibits, music, cultural centers, museums, and more. Known as the “Motor City,” Detroit is the automotive capital of the world and home to the headquarters for all the major American automobile companies.
More than 4 million people reside in the metropolitan Detroit area. Detroit’s international status is enhanced by its proximity to Windsor, Ontario, Canada, just across the Detroit River, only a 10 minute drive away through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or across the Ambassador Bridge, the longest suspension bridge linking two nations.
Online Inquiry Form
Your Trusted International Health Partner
At the Detroit Medical Center, our International Center is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of international patients and their families to help navigate what can often be a complex and challenging U.S. healthcare system.
Your DMC International Services Coordinator will provide you and your family with:
- Personalized Care Coordination: Our team will support you in preparing for your visit, assisting you with insurance questions, information regarding obtaining prior approval, obtaining your medical records, and providing pricing information before your visit. We’ll work with our clinical teams to review your medical records and/or physician orders for testing to ensure we can obtain an opinion or recommendation for next steps in care. This could include requesting additional records or consulting with our doctors to determine the treatment options available to you within our family of hospitals and specialty clinics.
- Transparent Cost Planning: Benefit from clear cost estimates, package pricing, and easy bundle billing to combine facility and clinic fees with physician/provider fees in one convenient quote. We’ll verify coverage and, if applicable, directly bill your international provider.
- Seamless Communication and Support: DMC International Services will coordinate all aspects of your visit from scheduling appointments, consultations, diagnostics or surgical procedures, providing accommodation and transportation recommendations, coordinating translation services, and ensuring we can accommodate certain dietary needs. We’re here to help make the process as smooth and convenient as possible.
If you have an international insurance carrier that provides coverage for US healthcare services, the DMC International Services staff will work with you and your insurance carrier to ensure completion of all requested documents and/or obtain authorization for payment of medical services.
Financial Options
Through DMC International Services you will receive significantly discounted package pricing for medical services that are paid out-of-pocket. The first step to obtain the appropriate discounted package pricing for your care will be to provide medical records for review to ensure identification of the appropriate treatment care plan. Once identified, the corresponding global pricing will be provided.
All major credit cards Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express may be utilized for remittance for your medical services. Should you choose to use a bank wire, your International Services Coordinator can assist.
Please call or e-mail to receive package pricing information:
(313) 745-8761
(800) 745-6447 (toll-free from Canada or Abroad)
Email us at [email protected]
OHIP Assistance for Canadian Patients
To have your medical care paid for by the Ontario Ministry of Health, your Canadian primary care doctor will need to complete a “Prior Approval Application for Full Payment of Insured Out-of-Country Health Services” form. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in the verification process.
Download the Prior Approval Application
The Ontario Ministry of Health will contact DMC International Services regarding the procedure and related costs. If the Ministry authorizes your request your International Services Coordinator will contact you to coordinate your procedure schedule.
If the Ministry does not authorize your procedure, you will be given the option to remit directly for your procedure at a significantly discounted rate.
We understand the needs of a culturally and religiously diverse population, and we are proud of the personalized services offered by the Detroit Medical Center. Our highly trained staff will address your specific needs, and strive to maintain the highest concern for your cultural or religious preferences. Let us know of any special requests you may have, we will be happy to assist.
Arabic Culture and the DMC
Located a mere 10 miles from our Midtown Detroit campus, the city of Dearborn is home to one of the largest Arabic communities outside of the Middle East. This community offers many bakeries, restaurants, shops, mosques and Islamic centers representing a diverse array of Muslims and Arabic culture from around the world.
We recognize that Arabic culture can require special arrangements for medical procedures, and we have International Services Coordinators dedicated to ensuring you have the most comfortable experience possible during your medical stay with the Detroit Medical Center, including support for religious and cultural customs.
DMC offers dietary options to fit your needs, such as Halal meats, and ensure any cultural requirements for exams are met, such as requesting specific providers for women.
Why choose Detroit Medical Center for my health care needs?
When you choose DMC, you are choosing a comprehensive system that has been consistent in its standard of high quality care for decades. DMC is at the forefront of clinical quality with the latest in medical treatments and technology. With its eight hospitals and Institutes, including Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Harper University Hospital, Huron Valley-Sinai Grace Hospital, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, and Sinai-Grace Hospital.
Where is the DMC main campus?
Detroit Medical Center is located in the City of Detroit, in Southeast Michigan, across the Detroit River border from Windsor, Canada, and adjacent to Dearborn, Michigan. DMC also has hospitals in western Detroit, and in Oakland County, to the north and west of the city.
What is the average cost for a consultation?
The average cost for a consultation can range from $200 - $300 depending on medical specialty. Fees quotes are inclusive of the physician and facility fee and are significantly discounted.
How can I remit payment for the services I receive?
Payments are accepted in U.S. dollars, cash, traveler’s checks and major credit cards. All payment is expected before receiving services. Wire transfer can be used; your International Services Coordinator can assist you.
How quickly can I get an appointment for services at DMC?
Diagnostic services such as MRI, CT or PET scan are within 72 hours. Your International Services Coordinator will assist you to ensure your appointment is prompt, efficient and convenient.
Do I need to bring my medical records?
Yes. This allows the specialist you are seeing to review all information relevant to your care. We will provide a list of what records are needed and assist you in obtaining them from the medical facility and/or provider. You may be asked to sign a “Release of Medical Information Form” in order for your International Services Coordinator to request the necessary medical records on your behalf.
What about International Insurance?
International Services will obtain your international insurance information and contact your carrier to verify coverage and obtain authorization. Once authorization has been received International Services will bill your international insurance carrier directly if applicable.
If needed, is there a financial assistance program for international patients?
DMC International Services does not offer financial assistance, however, fees are significantly discounted and package pricing is offered to self-pay patients to ensure rates are competitive and processing is efficient.
If I need overnight accommodations where would you suggest I stay?
DMC International Services has established corporate rates with several area hotels and will assist you in finding accommodations to best suit your needs. Visit our Accommodations Page for more information.
FAQ – Canadian Citizens
Do I need a referral from a physician?
Referrals are not needed for consultation appointments. Diagnostic services such as MRI, CT, ultrasounds, etc. require a prescription from your Canadian physician.
Under what circumstances will the Canadian Ministry of Health cover the cost for services received from DMC?
The Ministry may cover for services that are not available in Canada or if it is substantiated that there is a very long wait. Traditionally the Ministry does not cover clinical trials. Your Canadian physician has the ability to submit a request to the Canadian Ministry of Health for pre-approval/authorization. If the services are pre-approved the Canadian Ministry will then pay for your services. You may obtain these forms via the Ministry of Health website at Prior Approval Application for Full Payment of Insured Out-of-Country Health Services or contact your local Ministry of Health Office.
If the Canadian Ministry of Health does not approve my request for out-of-country services what are the alternatives?
If you or your spouse has U.S. or international health care coverage, DMC International Services will work with you to obtain authorization for payment by your insurance carrier. You also have the option to pay directly for services. All fees are significantly discounted for self-pay patients.
FAQ – Arabic Culture
Do female patients have the option of treatment by a female doctor?
Yes, your International Services Coordinator will schedule you with a physician of your preference. DMC has many Arabic speaking female physicians, especially in the area of childbirth and gynecology.
During treatment, must a female patient open her veil?
If a test or doctor’s visit requires removal of the veil, this will be explained to the patient. More details can be obtained by speaking to your International Services Coordinator.
Will I be able to get Halal meat?
Halal meat is available at DMC hospitals for our patients. The Detroit Metropolitan area has a variety of Arabic stores where Halal meat may be purchased, and your International Services Coordinator can provide you with a list of resources of these stores.
Is there a mosque or chapel in the hospital or nearby?
Yes, there is a prayer room located on the DMC main campus as well as an Interfaith Center. Your International Services Coordinator will be able to provide you with a list of the nearby mosques and chapels.