The Medical Travel Commission™ (MTC) has announced that Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center is MTC 2012 Certified, and meets the Commission’s International Patient Program criteria for 2012. The International Patient Program Certification is designed to recognize organizations that provide extraordinary, best-in-class service to patients traveling across international borders for care. The Commission is an independent organization dedicated to setting standards for service excellence to international patients, and elevating the level of service quality by safeguarding patient experiences in the following areas: Communication, Customer Service, Provider Interaction, Quality Care and Medical Information Exchange. As a MTC 2012 Certified organization, Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center completed an inspection process that included interviews, examination of documents and evaluation of policies and programs, and passed inspection of 100 percent of the 2012 criteria. “The thorough inspection process ensures that certified organizations have demonstrated their ability to deliver a positive patient experience through exceptional customer service and quality care,” said Jim Tate, president of the Commission. “I’d like to congratulate Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center which now represents the leading edge in best-in-class service to their international patients.” The MTC Certified mark – a “seal of approval” for hospitals treating international patients – provides the benchmark for optimal patient service experiences. By looking to organizations with the MTC Certified seal, patients, embassies, medical travel facilitators and providers can reduce their risk in selecting a suitable hospital for the delivery of needed medical care. MTC’s certification criteria and its design for a certification inspection process have been thoroughly researched and vetted, taking into account industry best practices and available standards, and comparing certification processes in other industries and other countries. The inspection process is designed to rigorously compare organization practices against the special needs of international patients, including their communication, cultural and clinical needs.