Medical Assistance (2024)

The U.S. Embassy in Rome and the Consulates General in Milan, Florence and Naples prepared the following listings of hospitals, English speaking doctors, ambulances, laboratories and pharmacies as a service to U.S. citizens. The lists are available through the links in the box on the right.

We welcome both favorable and unfavorable comments concerning the performance of doctors and medical facilities listed. Such comments will assist us when reviewing the lists every three years.

An Overview of the Italian National Health System

In Italy, patients are free to choose between public hospitals and private hospitals. Public hospitals normally provide both emergency and non-emergency services. At public hospitals, patients may receive emergency services at no cost or upon payment of a limited contribution, depending on the public hospital’s policy. Non-emergency services provided by public hospitals are subject to a fee.

Public hospitals’ quality standards may be different from those of American hospitals. However, Italian public hospitals must meet quality standards and criteria established by Italian law and are normally equipped to provide emergency services.

In case of an emergency, for immediate medical attention or to call an ambulance dial 112 from any telephone in Italy. No country code is necessary if calling from within Europe.

Private hospitals do not normally have emergency rooms. To be admitted to a private hospital, it is usually necessary to make arrangements with the hospital’s administration or directly with a doctor affiliated with the private hospital prior to being admitted.

Private hospitals normally have higher fees than public hospitals. Patients in private hospitals are generally required to pay fees upfront before leaving the hospital. (Patients with insurance may subsequently seek reimbursem*nt from their insurance companies.) Some private hospitals may be “accredited” which means that fees can be reimbursed by the Italian National Health Service if the patient is an official resident in Italy and affiliated with the National Health System. It is highly recommended that tourists obtain medical insurance with overseas coverage before travelling to Italy.
For more information click here insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Medical personnel working in Italy are not required to speak English. However, some doctors may be able to communicate in English.

Should travelers have any medical issues or questions regarding medicine while staying in Italy, they should contact one of the English speaking doctors available on this website.

Medical Escorts and Medical Evacuation

When a U.S. citizen becomes ill in Italy and requires assistance to fly back to the US, he/she could hire a medical escort. Generally, when a medical escort is hired, a physician with basic medical equipment accompanies the patient on board a commercial airline flight. Costs can vary from 3,000 to 6,000 US dollars excluding expenses. U.S. citizens seeking a medical escort could consult with the physicians or hospitals on this list to see about hiring a medical escort.

If the patient requires additional assistance, he/she may decide to be medically evacuated and hire an air ambulance service. An air ambulance is an aircraft that gives immediate medical assistance in case of emergencies. Each air ambulance is normally equipped with medical equipment along with specialized medical personnel to care for the patient’s needs. Family members are usually allowed to accompany the patient. A listing of air ambulances is available in ourFAQsof the Rome Citizen Services Navigator.

Medical Assistance (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of medical assistance? ›

The term “medical assistance” means payment of part or all of the cost of the following care and services or the care and services themselves, or both (if provided in or after the third month before the month in which the recipient makes application for assistance or, in the case of medicare cost-sharing with respect ...

What is the income limit for medical assistance in Minnesota? ›

Income Limits for Medical Assistance in Minnesota

For example, the income limit for a single person applying for Medical Assistance for the Elderly and Disabled program is $1,149 per month in 2023. For a married couple, the income limit is $1,748 per month.

What is the difference between Medicare and medical assistance? ›

While they are both government-run health insurance programs, they generally help two different groups of people: Medicare provides health coverage to those older than 65 and to some younger individuals with certain disabilities, at any income level. Medicaid provides health coverage for people with low incomes.

What is the Virginia Medical Assistance Program? ›

Medicaid is the state and Federal partnership that provides medical coverage to eligible needy persons. The purpose of Virginia Medicaid is to improve the health of people in Virginia who might otherwise go without medical care for themselves and their children.

What is the meaning of medical assistant? ›

Medical assistants take patients' vital signs, such as their blood pressure. Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients' vital signs. Their duties vary by location, specialty, and employer.

Is a medical assistant the same as a CNA? ›

CNAs support and assist nurses while medical assistants support and assist doctors. This means CNAs take on patient care tasks like showering, dressing, and eating. Medical assistants take on tasks that help doctors conduct exams, such as preparing exam rooms or administering vaccines.

Does Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills? ›

Medicare doesn't typically cover 100% of your medical costs. Like most health insurance, Medicare generally comes with out-of-pocket costs including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. As you'll learn in this article, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) costs can really add up.

Who is not eligible for Medicare? ›

Generally speaking, anyone under 65 will likely not have access to Medicare. Other people who may fall short of Medicare eligibility criteria include: Undocumented immigrants. People with disabilities who have received SSDI benefits for under two years.

Does everyone have to pay for Medicare? ›

Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs. $0 for most people (because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough while working - generally at least 10 years). If you get Medicare earlier than age 65, you won't pay a Part A premium.

What kind of assistance can I get in Virginia? ›

You can apply online through CommonHelp or in person at our office for the following programs:
  • Child Care Services.
  • Energy Assistance (Cooling, Heating, or Crisis)
  • Financial Assistance Programs.
  • Medicaid.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Formerly known as food stamps)

Who qualifies for free Virginia health care? ›

Adults who are age 65 or older or are disabled or blind may qualify for full Medicaid. A resource test may be required for the applicant. A person who does not qualify for full Medicaid because their income is over the limit may “spenddown” their income limit on certain medical bills.

What is the monthly income limit for Medicaid in Virginia? ›

Our Programs
Household sizeYearlyMonthly
1$20,783$1,732
2$28,208$2,351
3$35,632$2,970
4$43,056$3,588
5 more rows

What's another name for a medical assistant? ›

A medical assistant, also known as a "clinical assistant" or healthcare assistant in the US is an allied health professional who supports the work of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health professionals, usually in a clinic setting.

What is the meaning of patient assistance? ›

Pharmaceutical companies sometimes offer discounts or other financial assistance to help patients pay for prescriptions. Known as Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs), this practice can be lucrative for pharmaceutical companies, which raises concerns for some observers.

What is total assistance in medical terms? ›

Total assistance: hands-on activity where the person is incapable of participating in the activity and the provider must perform all services.

What is a medical assistant vs. nurse? ›

Medical assistants work directly under the supervision of a licensed doctor or, sometimes, a registered nurse. A nurse works under their own individual license, whether they are a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse . This allows for a wider scope of responsibilities than a medical assistant.

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