World's Largest Medical Tourism Network Joins with DirectLabs to Support Diabetes Awareness Month

Nov. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- "Diabetes is on the rise. We note that almost 100% of our gastric bypass and LapBand patients have either Type 2 Diabetes or pre-diabetes. In some cases, getting it under control delays their medical tourism travel and acceptance by the surgeon, either in the USA or abroad, because having surgery when one's diabetic condition is out of control can increase the chances for complications from the surgery, the travel itself, (DVT and VTE), wound healing and recovery and a host of other comorbidities," says Maria K Todd, MHA PhD, CEO and Founder of Mercury Healthcare International and who is also a former surgical nurse.  "As the condition progresses, insulin might need to be taken because high sugar can effect organs and tissue and can cause death."

Through DirectLabs, our U.S. laboratory partner for pre-operative blood testing for all our health travel patients coming to or from the USA, we are able to offer diabetes profiles during Diabetes Awareness Month at  reduced rates:  
- Hemoglobin A1c, the standard tool for diagnosis of diabetes at only $29,
- Diabetes Package, which includes CMP-14 and Hemoglobin A1c for only $39, and
- Diabetes Package Plus, which includes a CMP-14, Hemoglobin A1c, Insulin, Urinalysis, Microalbumin and C-Peptide for only $119.

DirectLabs has over 3200 clinical lab stations available nationwide* who honor these discounted prices.  Discounts are also available through Mercury Healthcare International on all lab services, especially those test usually required prior to medical tourism cases either in the USA or abroad.  Clients simply need to call 800-908-0000 and tell the operator their MHI Plan code (RMTOD).  Convenient online ordering and prepayment is also available through a simple to use patient portal at MYDLS. check the website for additional specials on routine laboratory testing.

Convenient Access, Simple Web Portal, Confidential and Private

First time users will create an account called MyDLS. Clients are able to access this account with their chosen username and password at any time to find a lab location close them, view test orders, sign HIPAA release forms, print their lab requisition slip and appointment reservation card, and view or print their results.  To create an account, visit (http://www.directlabs.com/mercury)

Medically Necessary Lab Testing is eligible as a qualified expense through an HSA or HRA  and you can use your HRA or HSA-funded debit card to pay your bill.

Medically necessary diagnostic lab tests are qualified medical expenses as defined by IRC 213 (d). "If an employer offers a Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with a limited sum of money available to the employee each year, using our network savings options make those dollars go further in spending power", says Todd.  

"Individuals with or without insurance coverage can save money on imaging at 3200 locations nationwide if using their HSA funds simply by calling our toll free number and calling our special toll free number (1-800-908-0000) and telling the operator they are using plan code RMTOD for concierge level assistance. For international locations in over 40 countries, they can call 1-800-727-4160. How easy is that?"

They can pay by any of the usual Debit or Credit cards directly to DirectLabs and when the lab has their results, the lab can send Mercury Healthcare International all results electronically straight into the electronic medical records system at MHI that is accessed by the medical tourism care team and destination providers.  The fully-transparent prices charged are all inclusive, and no extra charges are added within the continental USA.

If clients are unsure or apprehensive about using the self-service portal, MHI Certified Medical Travel Care Navigators™ will handle everything for them in concierge style by calling 800.727.4160.  In addition, we also have great savings on diabetes medications through our free discount pharmacy savings card, which works at 54,000 USA pharmacies.

*State law prohibits direct access testing in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island. You must have an order from a physician to have a diagnostic blood or other lab test.

About DirectLabs:
DirectLabs is the leader in direct access laboratory testing. They offer a wide variety of important health and wellness blood chemistry tests directly to patients online at extremely discounted prices. Confidential results are available online in as little as 24 hours for most tests.  DirectLabs offers Mercury Healthcare International medical tourism clients and employer-sponsored health plan participants private and secure online portals called "MyDLS" where they can find labs near work or home, access orders, print lab requisitions, and retrieve results.  (http://www.directlabs.com/mercury)

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About Mercury Healthcare International, Inc.

Mercury Healthcare International, Inc. is a globally integrated health delivery system®. The company offers the largest integrated health delivery system access in the world, offering health savings at over 800,000 domestic and international healthcare providers to employers, expatriates, insurers, and individuals. MHI Certified Care Navigators™ assist clients to arrange care for routine, emergency and elective healthcare needs both in the USA and more than 40 other countries. MHI's provider network includes over 6000 hospitals that have been pre-screened and subjected to detailed inspections, and over 750,000 doctors and over 65,000 ancillary professionals whose credentials have been verified and reviewed to U.S. managed care standards. (http://mercury-healthcare.com)