Surgical Centers
WellCard Health empowers its members with access to cutting-edge surgical procedures
at pre-negotiated savings of up to 50% off the regular pricing. Reduce your family's
health care costs today, all while gaining access to today's top surgeons and surgical
facilities.
Considering Surgery?
The Surgery Centers of Excellence offer access to a wide range of surgical procedures
including:
- Joint replacement for knees and hips and other orthopedic procedures such as ACL
repair, shoulder reconstruction, and carpal tunnel repair.
- Heart surgery, including bypass procedures and valve repair/replacement.
- Heart procedures, including catheter/stent procedures and placement of pacemakers
or defibrillators.
- Spine surgery for decompression (laminectomy or discectomy), spinal fusion, and
placement of artificial discs.
- Vascular (vein) surgery, including carotid artery repair.
- Weight-loss surgery, including gastric banding, bypass procedures, and gastric sleeve
procedures.
- Cancer therapy using the CyberKnife – a non-surgical radiation therapy for tumors
of the brain, lung, prostate, pancreas, and spine.
- Conditions related to seizure disorders and epilepsy.
- Repair of detached retinas, corneal transplants, cataract procedures, and other
eye procedures.
- Transplants – heart, lung, kidney, liver or pancreas.
WellCard Health not only gives you access to high quality surgical care; it also
includes a pre-negotiated fixed price that is lower than what is available outside
our empowering health and wellness program. Start saving today!
F.A.Q.
Q: What is WellCard Health's network of surgical centers?
A: WellCard Health members get automatic access to a high quality medical network for orthopedics (joint replacements), cardiology (bypass surgery and heart valve replacements), spinal fusion, and other planned surgeries.
Q: Where are these centers located?
A: Providers are located in over 30 cities throughout the US, as well as in 11 countries around the world. All of the surgical centers meet high quality standards and offer pre-negotiated fixed pricing for planned surgeries.
Q: How does the process work?
A: Expert coordinators manage every step in the process, from initially explaining options available to the WellCard Health member, to assisting in the transfer and review of medical records as well as handling all travel arrangements to make sure the overall experience is hassle free.
Q: What will it cost?
A: Providers in WellCard Health's surgical network offer very competitive "case pricing" that results in substantial savings averaging 20% - 40% below the local PPO network. Savings at international locations is even greater.
Q: What is included in the "case pricing"?
A: Case rates are built around an "episode of care," which is defined as a period of time beginning when the patient arrives for the pre-surgical consultation and ends when the surgeon discharges the patient to return home. Case rates include all medical costs incurred during this episode of care including inpatient hospital days, laboratory tests, radiology, anesthesiology, surgeon services, facility costs, surgical team, pharmacy, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment.
Q: What about a patient who has a complication from the surgery requiring a longer hospital stay?
A: The case rates will cover most circumstances resulting from a complication. The provider agreements actually makes the provider "at risk" for costs greater than the global case rate. Any expenses not included in the case rate with receive a deep discount.
Q: What criteria are used to identify "high quality" providers?
A: Only providers who are in the top quartile nationally for their surgical specialty are accepted into this network of surgical centers.
Q: Why are these providers offering such good rates?
A: This network offers providers access to patients outside of their local market areas. This enables surgical centers to build their patient base and gain name recognition around the country. Also, the providers are paid prior to the procedure being done, thus eliminating the high cost of collecting insurance payments.
Q: What is the cost for accessing the surgical network?
A: Administrative fees are included in the medical case rate costs. The travel costs are itemized separately and pre-arranged with you and any travelling companion. With WellCard Health, it's that easy to reduce the cost of health care for you and your family.