CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits

21 March 2008

CIGNA International Expands Network Through Direct Settlement Arrangements with Hospitals in Turkey

CLAYMONT, Del. - CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits (CIEB) has expanded its international network through three direct settlement arrangements with hospitals in Turkey. These arrangements will provide access to more hospitals and physicians, at a lower cost, for the growing number of expatriates in Turkey with CIEB coverage.

Jinemed Medical Center, Yeditepe University Hospital, and Acibadem Health Group are now included in CIEB's extensive global network. All three providers operate hospital or health center locations in Istanbul. Acibadem Healthcare Group also operates additional medical centers in Bursa and Kocaeli. The direct settlements will enable Acibadem, Jinemed and Yeditepe hospitals and medical centers to submit invoices to CIEB directly, significantly reducing the financial burden on CIEB members.

"Our goal is to fulfill the needs of those we serve by expanding our regional networks to include world-class hospitals and physicians so that members can get the care they need wherever they are in the world. These new relationships in Turkey are a substantial addition to our worldwide network offering, " said Cindy Gatanis, manager of provider services at CIEB.

Jinemed Medical Center is the premier provider of obstetric and gynecological services in Turkey. Its medical centers also specialize in pediatrics, general dentistry, gastroenterology, dermatology, orthopedics, urology and ear, nose and throat conditions. Dr. Teksin Camlibel, president of Jinemed Medical Center, noted that Istanbul has become increasingly popular for expatriate assignments.

The Acibadem Health Group is internationally renowned and includes six hospitals and seven medical centers. The group also operates an ophthalmology center and an outpatient clinic. All of Acibadem's medical centers and hospitals have received accreditation from the Joint Commission International. Ahmet Deniz Yurt, of Acibadem Health Group, said the agreement combines the capabilities of CIEB and Acibadem Health Group to better meet the needs of patients.

Yeditepe University Hospital is a private hospital specializing in oncology, cardiology, organ transplants, ophthalmology, and orthopedic operations. Yeditepe is the only private university hospital in Istanbul licensed to perform kidney, liver and pancreas transplants. Yeditepe University Hospital's director, Seyda Norin, said that the hospital's health care professionals are dedicated to science and medicine and use the advanced technological opportunities at the facilities to continually strengthen their expertise. Yeditepe also has received accreditation from the Joint Commission International.