Doctor woman holds stethoscope head, close-up. (akkamulator (123RF))
The overall quality and performance of Italy’s universal health system ranks favorably compared to international standards. Health care access and quality as well as life expectancy rank among the highest globally. Though healthcare in Italy is not free, the fees are usually reasonable, and emergency medical assistance is provided to anyone in need without asking for up-front payment.
The health and dental care culture is different in Italy than what you might be used to. Understanding these differences will help you feel less nervous about going to an Italian provider.
Undressing is normal. Doctors will not hesitate to ask you to undress in front of them as they continue talking to you or calling in a specialist to greet you as you are partly dressed.
Timing. If you can’t make it to your appointment, let your provider know. No-shows may be charged. If you find yourself waiting past your scheduled appointment time, be patient or notify the staff and reschedule your appointment.
In order to have affordable health care, hospitals may not issue basics supplies like towels, gowns, soap and other toiletries. Be prepared to bring your own.
Italian pain medication management is an area that differs from the American medical system. If you are in pain or are not responding well to the prescribed treatment plan, stronger prescriptions may be available. Inform your medical team of prescriptions you currently take, ask your doctor questions and seek help with your Near Patient Team if a language barrier exists.
You may find a difference in privacy as well. Hospital rooms are often double occupancy and may have no privacy screens between beds. Take appropriate clothing that allows you to remain semi-dressed during exams. Additionally, host-nation doctors may not always have a chaperone when examining a patient of the opposite sex. If you feel uncomfortable, ask for an additional person. Remember, you can say no.
If you want to leave your room, get dressed. And if you plan on leaving the ward, let the nursing staff know.
Be Prepared
In anticipation of a healthcare emergency, learn the location of local clinics and hospitals. Have a bag packed of key items you would need in an emergency including but not limited to:
Military ID card or passport
List of current medications to include name of drug and dosage
Bottled water
Notebook and pen
Towel/washcloths
Pajamas, slippers, robe
Personal hygiene items
Reading materials
Extra clothing
Electronic devices and earphones
The Referral Management office offers services to assist TRICARE beneficiaries with referrals and care in the Italian healthcare system.
Referral Management
USNH Naples, Room 1319A
Comm: 081-811-6636/4132/6331/4141/6212
DSN: 629-6636/4132/6331/4141/6212
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tuesday closes at noon)
Case Management (CM) is recognized as an essential component to optimize services that can enhance clinical and resource efficiency and improve quality of care. CM interventions result in integration, patient care coordination, and continuity of care. At U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Naples, the CM coordinates complex cases that require a multidisciplinary approach.
Case Management services can be initiated either through self-referral or through your primary care provider.
Patient Liaisons are coordinated to bridge the gap between care provided off-installation and at the MTF. They can provide the following services.
Ease language barriers between patient and Italian providers.
Accompany patients to their first visit to an Italian provider (per request).
Answer questions about treatment, medical forms and Italian medical practices, hospital environment or culture.
Upon request, talk to Italian providers about a patient’s medical condition and treatment plan to facilitate patient understanding.
Assess and interpret patient concerns to determine specific assistance needs.
Visit in the Italian hospital to assess treatment progress and plans.
Help coordinate a transfer between Italian medical facilities and/or the MTF.
Assist with the discharge of a patient from an Italian treatment center.
Utilization Management assists with:
Specialty referrals to Preferred Provider Network (PPN)
Billing assistance
Transportation
Patient Liaisons
Translation Services: Some health care providers may not be proficient in speaking English and may not provide documents or bills written in English. Additionally, your insurance company may require bills to be translated to English prior to reimbursements.
In most cases, when you see an Italian provider, you will have to pay your bill at the time of service. Then you will need to submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Ask for the cost of the visit in advance so you are prepared to pay for it.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Care FSA (HCFSA) reimburses you and your dependents for eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses from copayments to deductibles and more. Check with FSAFeds or your employer program for specific details.
Civilian Employee Insurance
Below is a partial list of insurance companies for civilians in the community. Self-filing processes will vary so contact your insurance agency for specific instructions. Be sure to become familiar with your specific plan, the self-filing process, reimbursement, covered providers, etc. Your insurance company may also cover translation and/or interpreter services. Consult with your insurance company for more information.
Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP/AFSPA) - Uses the Aetna Choice POS II (Open Access) network and considers all covered providers outside the U.S. and Guam (including Military Treatment Facilities).
Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEPBlue/GMMI) - For overseas benefits, covered services are paid at the preferred level. Physician care performed outside the U.S. is paid at the preferred level using their Overseas Fee Schedule or a provider-negotiated amount.
Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) - Providers outside the U.S. are paid at the GEHA preferred provider rate for medically necessary covered services. You will need to check your plan brochure for specifics.
Compass Rose Health Plan - If you need medical care outside the U.S., you may see any health care provider or visit any hospital.
