paving the way for economic growth - Henry Ford Health System

GrowthCaring for CanadiansOne of Detroit’s closest suburbs isn’t even in thesame nation – it is Windsor and Essex County,Canada. While the Canadian health care systemoffers its patients excellent hospitals and services,the distance to transfer a patient from the Windsorarea to the nearest tertiary hospital in Canada is fargreater than the distance to transfer the same patientto Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Many patientsare treated and stabilized, then return to Canada forcontinued post-acute care and monitoring.“Because of our proximity to Canada, Henry Ford canstep in to offer care for the most complex cases, suchas patients with heart disease, vascular disease andtrauma,” explains John Popovich Jr., M.D., presidentand CEO, Henry Ford Hospital. “In addition, thosewho want to expedite care for elective procedures,especially joint replacement or bariatric weight-losssurgery, have easy access to Henry Ford.”Since January 2006, almost 4,000 Canadian patientshave accessed Henry Ford’s services, who mostfrequently come to HFHS for Bariatrics, Cardiologyand Orthopedics.At the System’s New Center One offices, severalemployees are specially trained to answer questionsfrom Canadian patients who call using 1-800-Henry-Ford. Canadian patients receive a discount forservices and often can use their Canadian healthplan. Ties to Canada offer significant opportunities forthe System to favorably affect financial performance,and have a far-reaching effect into the local economy.Canadian patients come to Detroit for proceduresand often, second opinions. While in the area,they dine at local restaurants, overnight at hotels,and solicit gas stations and shops. Some discoverentertainment opportunities in the area, such asDetroit’s many theaters and sports venues, thatbring them back to the city. This new, local groupof customers is attracted to the city, bringing theirfinancial support to local businesses.“We don’t actively seek or solicit patients fromCanada, but we have become a trusted, availableresource for Canadians and offer programs inpartnership with Canadian health care providers,universities and medical schools. We’re continuingto grow that partnership and good will to create aninternational gateway for healthcare,” concludes Dr.Popovich.Edward Falica, Tecumseh, Ontario, was rushed to Henry Ford Hospital following a major heart attack. Crossing the US-Canada border offered the best chance for quickinterventional treatment, which saved the 57-year-old’s life.6 Henry Ford Health System • 2010 - 2011 System Report