In addition to providing world-renowned health care, Duke is experienced in meeting the special needs and concerns of international patients. The links below were designed to assist you before, during, and after your stay to ensure your experience with Duke is a positive one.

• Medical Translation and Interpretation
• Services for International Patients
• Appointments
• Visas
• Travel and Transportation
• Accommodations
• Orientation
• Host Family Program
• Cost Estimates and Billing Inquiries
• Contact International Patient Services

Medical Translation and Interpretation

Duke Medical Interpreters are at the core of our visiting patient and family services. Interpreter services can be arranged for any language at no cost to the patient. Respect for cultural practices and beliefs and adherence to a strict code of ethics, which includes the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality, are upheld at all times. If an interpreter is necessary, please inform a member of your unit's health care team. Advance notice is recommended to ensure that we can best meet the needs of the patient.

In addition, translation of medical documents into the appropriate language can be facilitated by the Duke International Patient Center.

Services for International Patients

Duke's staff of specially trained international patient representatives will act as your main liaison to ensure effective communication between you and your health care providers. Our services include representatives fluent in Arabic, French, and Spanish, and we have access to a network of interpreters for dozens of other languages. Non-English-speaking patients will be accompanied by medical escorts, who help patients and Duke staff establish comfortable, supportive relationships that promote the best possible medical care.

Top of Page

Appointments

Patients who contact the International Patient Center will be asked to provide a copy of the most current medical information related to their clinical condition. Medical information already translated into English may expedite the appointment process.

Our staff is fully acquainted with Duke University Medical Center's various departments and specialties and will refer each inquiry to the appropriate department and schedule the earliest appointment convenient for both patient and physician.

Medical information may be faxed directly to the International Patient Center at 919-684-5192.

Top of page

Visas

Duke University Medical Center will support your medical visa application by working with United States embassies or consulates in your country to provide documentation of your pending medical treatment and appointment.

The Center will make every effort to expedite the processing of your visa. However, only the embassy or consulate concerned can approve a visa application.

Top of page

Travel and Transportation

The staff can advise you of the most convenient connections to reach the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, where a Duke patient representative will meet you and your accompanying family members upon your arrival at the airport.

While shuttles to and from the Medical Center are available from some local housing facilities, many visitors prefer the convenience of their own transportation. Therefore, we strongly recommend that patients, family members, and escorts bring with them an international driver's license. Your Duke patient representative will be able to assist you in renting a car.

Top of page

Accommodations

In addition to our own lodging facilities, Duke International Patient Services maintains relationships with a number of hotels and residential businesses and will work with you to identify accommodations that best suit your needs.

Top of page

Orientation

Duke's patient representatives meet with each patient and his or her family shortly after arrival for an extensive orientation covering the immediate health care plan, financial and housing arrangements, car rental, and an introduction to the Duke and Durham communities. Our representatives are familiar with a wide range of ethnic, religious, and cultural customs-their goal is help you become as independent and comfortable as possible during your stay here.

Top of page

Host Family Program

For family members visiting from out of town or abroad, Host Home representatives can arrange short-term housing in area private homes or provide rental and apartment information. Some accommodations are free while others charge a nominal fee. For more information, call 919-681-6088.

Top of page

Cost Estimates and Billing Inquires

Cost estimates for international patients are assessed by a specialized medical staff and are provided to patients before they travel to Duke. To improve the accuracy of these estimates, patients will be asked to provide their most recent medical records or diagnosis. In addition, the Center makes a special effort to clarify the scope of coverage for patients sponsored by government or embassy agencies.

Top of page

Contact International Patient Services

Duke International Patient Services
120 Baker House
Duke University Hospital
Trent Drive
Durham, NC 27710
USA

Tel: 919-681-3007
Fax: 919-681-5192

Top of page