When threatened with a serious disease, most of us want to have the confidence and peace of mind of knowing that we have done everything we can to ensure the best possible healthcare outcome. This is where MediGuide can help, by providing a second medical opinion.
The company was established in 1999 as MediGuide America – now MediGuide International – LLC in Delaware, USA, and over more than two decades has grown its world-wide operations. Today, MediGuide has offices in 7 countries and clients in more than 70, managing members’ medical second-opinion cases in more than 150 countries world-wide. The company claims that in 2022, of 91.43% of the cases evaluated, 3.20% resulted in a change in diagnosis, and 88.23% in a change in treatment choice.
“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year, we take pride in our quarter-century commitment to the healthcare sector, specializing in delivering medical second opinions,” says Vera Guerreiro, CEO at MediGuide International, adding that over the years, the company has not only grown in size but also in terms of services.
“We have gradually expanded our offering to include an International Concierge service facilitating treatments abroad. To enhance our comprehensive care approach, we’ve integrated telemedicine and established a preventive care program, creating a holistic 360-degree care ecosystem for our valued patients. And we are very excited about what’s about to come, but which we can’t reveal yet.”
The human touch
She insists that comparing medical advice is not about not trusting your physician or being in denial of your condition, as physicians agree that a medical second opinion adds value – often it is medical professionals themselves who ask for a second opinion of their colleagues.
In addition to the expertise, MediGuide also offers something else. “In an era dominated by technological advancements in healthcare, where AI plays a pivotal role, we distinguish ourselves by prioritizing genuine human interactions,” says Guerreiro. “While we acknowledge the possible support that technology can provide, we believe in leveraging it to afford our healthcare professionals more time and information for making informed decisions and actively listening to our patients.”
“While it’s crucial to stay updated with all advances in the industry, it’s equally important, if not even more so, not to lose sight of the human element in what we do and how we do it. Striking a balance between staying current and maintaining the human touch is key, and it’s a very big challenge: it’s so easy to get lost in automation.”
Another benefit is that MediGuide’s approach to second medical opinions extends beyond the conventional practice of forwarding medical records to a single specialist; instead, it involves a collaborative effort from a diverse, multidisciplinary team of specialists. “Placing our patients at the forefront of our care, we take the time to establish meaningful connections, maintaining the essential human touch. The outcome is a blend of brilliance, compassion, and emotional support.”
Personalised experience
Speaking about recent achievements, she reflects that, in addition to improving the health outcomes for countless patients, MediGuide’s ability to not only endure but also to thrive in the industry, has been the company’s most significant accomplishment.
“Our 25th anniversary is an important milestone, reflecting a robust operational foundation, an in-depth understanding of delivering top-level products, and the agility to tailor them to diverse global sensibilities. While health and disease may seem universal, the perception and comprehension of these concepts vary widely worldwide.”
“MediGuide’s success is attributed not only to its dedicated teams but also to the invaluable contributions of its partners. This achievement is a testament to the seamless teamwork between our internal and external collaborators. We bring international expertise to our clients wherever they are.”
When asked about recent MediGuide’s development, she points out that for a company to thrive in the market, it is essential not only to anticipate needs but also to continually update and enhance its service delivery. “I see this as a pivotal moment for optimization. While ongoing innovation in service delivery is crucial, it is equally imperative to recognize that patients have evolved – they are more informed, actively participating in clinical decisions, and, above all, they demand a personalized experience.”
“This demand extends beyond individual preferences; it encompasses cultural and economic factors that shape their expectations. As we operate within a B2B2C model, it is evident that the end consumer (C) plays the decisive role in shaping our approach.”
Enhancing awareness
Still, not everyone is aware of the possibility of having a second medical opinion, and Guerreiro agrees that external communication is something that MediGuide should focus on more. “To improve general awareness of what we do and of the impact that we make will be one of my main goals for this year and beyond. It is important that people are aware of the advantages a second medical opinion can bring them.”
Better patient awareness will also support MediGuide’s further growth. However, rather than increasing the number of offices, the company is planning to expand the teams that it currently has around the world, in order to achieve a closer presence. “The objective is to understand our clients better, to adapt our products to local needs. As mentioned earlier, we find ourselves in an exciting phase of optimization. This signifies imminent updates in our delivery processes and, eventually, in our product offerings. This trajectory is set to propel our global expansion and, in certain instances, bolster our market share.”
As the world moves into the digital age, the role of companies like MediGuide is set to increase. “A year from now, I envision us right here, enjoying a coffee, and having a conversation that extends beyond the remarkable impact we’ve made in people’s lives. We’ll be recounting our ability to deeply comprehend the needs of our patients, amplify their reach, and contribute significantly to improving access to healthcare,” says Guerreiro, in concluding.
