Seeking second opinion altered diagnosis in almost 1 in 5 medical cases and treatment plans in 71% of cases, according to independent study
Monarch Intermediaries Inc. has launched Canada’s first Property & Casualty (P&C) brokerage-based program providing employees of businesses and customers of insurers quick and easy access to second opinions from the renowned WorldCare ConsortiumSM of top academic healthcare institutions.
“Despite Canada’s exceptional medical system, individuals diagnosed with critical or life-threatening illnesses may face significant delays and challenges in securing referrals to specialists to verify their diagnosis, prognosis and most effective treatment plan,” says Joyce Usher-Mesiano, President of Monarch Intermediaries Inc.
Monarch Intermediaries now enables private insurers, employers and associations to provide second opinion services to their members as a standalone product, or as an add-on to an existing commercial or personal insurance policy. Importantly, adds Usher-Mesiano, Monarch’s Second Opinion Membership does not exclude coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions or illnesses.
Quick & Confidential Service
To generate a Second Opinion Medical Report, a Monarch member’s medical records are sent electronically, through Worldcare’s secure means, to leading specialists who review them, confirm or modify the diagnosis, and recommend a treatment plan.
The resulting report can involve multiple physicians and specialists. For example, a member diagnosed with cancer may get a report that includes the team efforts of an oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, radiotherapist, and sub-specialist surgeon – all with a turnaround of four to five days after the medical information has been received.
The WorldCare ConsortiumSM: America’s Best Hospitals is a network of over 17,000 physicians, acclaimed specialists and sub-specialists conducting over US$2.6 billion in annual biomedical research. Institutions in the consortium include Children’s Hospital Boston, Duke University Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, Partners Healthcare System Inc., which includes Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Dana-Farber/Partners CancerCare and UCLA Healthcare.
Service Arose From Personal Connection
As the only P&C insurance brokerage in Canada to offer WorldCare’s service, Usher-Mesiano launched Monarch Intermediaries after her own sister’s battle with cancer was influenced by a second opinion.
“Getting a second opinion changed her diagnosis and treatment,” she says. “While treatments here in Canada were not working for her, after the second medical opinion, we completed additional tests in the U.S. and arrangements were then made for a trial drug to be used here in Canada. Now, she is seeing positive results.”
After that experience, Usher-Mesiano realized other families might also be faced with a similar situation and need a second opinion.
As a Managing General Agent, Monarch Intermediaries Inc. is able to work directly with WorldCare, who in turn works with the patient’s physicians here in Canada. Second Opinions are secured without the need for any medical appointments or travel.
The Consortium physicians also can conduct audio conferences with the referring to discuss the case. If need be, the WorldCare can also help arrange treatment in the U.S., sometimes at a reduced cost.
COMMON MEDICAL CONDITIONS
AIDS
ALS
Alzheimer’s disease
Amputation
Benign brain tumor
Cancer
Chronic liver disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic pelvic pain
Coma
Complications of diabetes
Coronary artery disease requiring surgery
Emphysema
Heart attack
Inflammatory bowel disease
Major burns
Major organ transplants
Multiple sclerosis
Neuro-degenerative diseases
Paralysis
Renal insufficiency
Rheumatoid arthritis
Stroke
Sudden blindness due to sickness
Thrombophlebitis and embolism
OR
Any life threatening illness
For more information about the benefits provided by Monarch, visit the Web site at www.monarchintermediaries.com
For re-selling contract information contact:
Joyce Usher-Mesiano, President
Monarch Intermediaries Inc. (MGA)
101-6725 Edwards Boulevard
Mississauga, Ontario Canada L5T 2V9
Office: 905-564-8488
Toll-Free: 1-855-606-2724 (1-855-m∅narch)
E-mail: joyce.ushermesiano@monarchintermediaries.com
Monarch Intermediaries Inc. is proud to be WEConnect International certified.