A gateway to world-class, academic care
Rocco DeCicco, Senior Director, Strategic Programs and Global Medicine at Tampa General Hospital, tells ITIJ about their Global Medicine Program
In today’s interconnected healthcare landscape, international patients and referring providers need more than access – they need assurance. Tampa General Hospital (TGH), one of Florida’s leading academic health systems, delivers both.
Through its Global Medicine Program, TGH offers a seamless, high-touch experience for patients travelling from abroad, backed by pioneering clinical expertise and a robust infrastructure designed to support insurers, assistance companies, and service providers.
Located in the heart of Tampa Bay, TGH has been ranked the number one hospital in the region for 10 consecutive years, and is ranked among the Top 50 hospitals in the nation in six specialties by U.S. News & World Report. As one of Florida’s premier academic health systems, TGH combines clinical excellence, research, and education through its partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. In 2025, Newsweek named TGH one of the World’s Best Hospitals, affirming its commitment to innovation and world-class care.
A trusted partner for complex care
TGH specialises in treating high-acuity, complex cases that demand multispecialty coordination and advanced procedures. From deep brain stimulation to living-donor liver transplants, our teams offer capabilities few others can. With 24 specialised institutes and participation in thousands of research studies, we deliver precision care informed by the latest research and clinical trials.
For insurers and assistance providers, this translates to reduced risk, improved outcomes, and confidence in referring patients to a centre of excellence.
TGH specialises in treating high-acuity, complex cases that demand multispecialty coordination and advanced procedures
Global coordination, local expertise
The Global Medicine Program is designed to simplify the patient journey while supporting the operational needs of our international partners. Our multilingual patient navigators – including Spanish-speaking team members and certified interpreters – ensure clear communication and cultural sensitivity throughout the care experience.
We offer:
• Visa and travel documentation assistance
• Financial counselling and insurance coordination
• Lodging and transportation logistics
• Real-time updates from our international nurse navigator
• Post-treatment discharge planning and follow-up support.
This comprehensive approach minimises administrative burden for insurers and assistance firms, while ensuring continuity of care across borders.
Why refer to TGH?
• Unmatched expertise in rare and complex procedures
• Academic excellence through a 50-year partnership with USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Florida's top rated medical college for research according to U.S. News & World Report
• Multispecialty teams for coordinated comprehensive care
• Streamlined communication with referring healthcare providers, insurers and assistance providers
• Global accessibility via Tampa International Airport, named the best large US airport for the second year in a row.
Whether you're an insurer seeking a reliable referral destination, an assistance provider coordinating urgent care, or a service firm managing cost containment, TGH offers a proven model of excellence that aligns with your goals.
For more information on TGH
• Phone: (866) 839-9828
• Email: [email protected]
• Web: TGH.org/GlobalMedicine
About Tampa General Hospital
Tampa General Hospital is one of Florida’s leading academic health systems, nationally ranked in multiple specialties. In partnership with USF Health, TGH delivers advanced, research-driven care to patients from around the world, with a focus on innovation, clinical excellence, and global care coordination.
Rocco DeCicco, MBA, MCIS
Senior Director, Strategic Programs and Global Medicine
Rocco is the Senior Director of Strategic Programs and Global Medicine at Tampa General Hospital. He oversees all aspects of the TGH Global Medicine program. He is focused on ensuring that international patients receive personalised, expert care and full support throughout their medical journey.
December 2025
Issue
In this issue of ITIJ we examine breaches of cyber security in the healthcare sector and ask what can be done to prevent them, share travel predictions, including risks and hotspots, for 2026, and look at the global implications of changes in international student travel.
Editorial Team
The Editorial Team updates the ITIJ website daily, and works on features for the print edition. With expert industry knowledge and years of experience in writing about complex travel insurance issues, the Editorial Team is ready to investigate and report on the topics that matter most to ITIJ's readers.
February 2025
Issue
Offering readers a deep dive into the issues facing providers and payers of healthcare services around the world. Cost containment, international patient department development, the role of AI in healthcare delivery and more.
