In today’s healthcare landscape, employers are under immense pressure to deliver better care at lower cost. They’re asked to drive down medical spend, support diverse populations, deliver equitable outcomes, and still offer an exceptional employee experience. As the complexity of health benefits grows, Centers of Excellence (CoEs) have emerged as one of the most powerful tools to meet that challenge head-on, especially for high-cost, high variation procedures like joint replacements, bariatric, and cardiac care. 

But here is the catch - not all CoEs are created equal. 

For many vendors, “CoE” is just a label. It is used to describe a vast network of hospitals or a discounted rate on procedures. There’s no standard definition, no guaranteed quality, and often little-to-no support for the people who matter most - your employees. 

At World Class Health, we believe the future of CoEs lies not only in a network, but in a model, one that is human-centered, outcomes-driven, and built to meet the needs of today's diverse, globally mobile workforce. Whether you are evaluating your first CoE solution or looking to upgrade from a status quo provider, this checklist will serve as your guide to cut through the noise of vendors and help you identify a best-in-class partner. 

1. Clinical Quality You Can Trust

A CoE is only as strong as the clinical outcomes it delivers. That is why World Class Health starts with a rigorous, provider selection process and criteria, not just convenience or local network contracts. Our clinical panels review complication rates, readmissions, surgical volumes, patient satisfaction scores, and more to identify sites of true excellence. We don’t stop there. Facilities are continuously monitored to ensure performance does not slip once they’re in our network. 

What to look for in a CoE partner:

• Are sites selected based on objective, data-driven criteria?
• Is performance monitored on an ongoing basis?
• Are you given visibility into surgical success rates and complication metrics?

At World Class Health, excellence isn’t a designation - it’s a measurable standard. 

2. End-to-End Navigation That Puts Patients First

Too often, CoE programs drop the ball on the human side of care. Patients are often left to figure out logistics on their own: booking travel, understanding medical jargon, coordinating follow-up care. That is why World Class Health offers full-spectrum navigation, delivered by a dedicated Global Care Team that supports each patient through every phase of their journey. 

From pre-op education and second opinions to travel booking and post-up follow-up, our team is with them every step of the way, offering the kind of compassionate, coordinated care that employees will remember. 

What to look for in a CoE partner:

• Is there a live, dedicated care coordinator for each member?
• Are services inclusive of travel, intake, recovery and follow-up?
• Does navigation extend to caregivers and family members?

The right CoE partner should simplify, not complicate, the path to high-quality care. 

3. A Model Built on Human Connection

Technology matters, but so does humanity. At World Class Health, we believe every person deserves to be treated like more than a member ID number. Our program is designed for inclusivity and empathy, offering culturally sensitive support and trauma-informed communication. Employees can always speak to a real person, in their preferred language, and get the help they need when it matters the most. 

What to look for in a CoE partner:

• Are support teams trained in cultural competency and accessibility?
• Do patients have access to live support across time zones and geographies?
• How does the vendor support the emotional and mental well-being of patients?

People remember how care made them feel. Choose a partner who sees the whole person.

4. Outcomes That Are Transparent - and Actionable 

Employers shouldn’t have to guess whether a CoE program is working. That is why World Class Health gives you real-time visibility into key metrics like utilization, patient satisfaction, surgical success rates, and overall ROI. We also provide quarterly business reviews and executive-level reporting that translates complex health data into clear, actionable insights. 

What to look for in a CoE partner: 

• Are outcome metrics provided regularly and transparently?
• Is reporting tailored to your employee population and benefits strategy?
• Does the partner provide interpretation and strategic recommendations?

A modern CoE should be as data-savvy as it is care-savvy.

5. Seamless Integration with Your Benefits Ecosystem

Even the best CoE program can fail if it creates friction for benefit teams or employees. That is why World Class Health is built to integrate - technically, operationally, and strategically. We support file feeds, digital front door embedding, claims-based eligibility, and single-sign on. No clunky logins, no separate workflows, just a seamless experience from end-to-end. 

What to look for in a CoE partner:

• Does the platform support SSO, HRIS integration and digital navigation?
• Is there technical support during implementation and beyond?
• How well does the CoE program align with your other point solutions?

Your CoE shouldn’t feel like a bolt-on. It should feel like it’s always been part of your benefits ecosystem. 

6. Predictable, All-Inclusive Pricing

Surprise bills and unclear pricing can destroy trust in a CoE program. At World Class Health, we offer bundled transparent pricing that covers procedures, travel, post-op care, and optional allowances. Employees aren’t hit with out-of-pocket expenses they didn’t expect. Employers aren’t left with cost variability that undermines budgeting. 

What to look for in a CoE partner:

• Are prices bundled and transparent?
• Are travel, lodging, and navigation services included?
• Are employees protected from balance billing? 

High-quality care shouldn’t come with hidden costs. 

7. Enterprise-Level Security and Regulatory Alignment

You can’t afford to cut corners on compliance. With extensive experience supporting Fortune 500 companies, World Class Health maintains enterprise-level cybersecurity, HIPAA compliance, and SOC 2 certification. Our security governance framework meets the most rigorous industry standards so your data, and your employees’ is always protected. 

What to look for in a CoE partner:

• Are they HIPAA, ERISA, GINA, and ACA compliant?
• Do they hold cyber insurance and independent security certifications?
• Is there a clear policy for data sharing, breach response, and audit?

Trust is earned, not just clinically, but operationally. 

8. Breadth and Depth of Clinical Conditions Supported

World Class Health supports a wide array of surgical and specialty care needs - from orthopedics and bariatrics to oncology, cardiovascular, and autoimmune conditions. This means employers do not need a patchwork of vendors to cover common and complex cases alike. 

What to look for in a CoE partner:

• Are the top clinical cost drivers in your population covered?
• Is there experience managing rare, chronic, and complex conditions?
• Can the vendor scale with your evolving needs?

A single-vendor CoE solution should be comprehensive, not limited. 

9. True Partnership and Strategic Support

At World Class Health, we don’t just “manage accounts,” we build partnerships. Every client gets a named account team, regular strategy reviews, and ongoing consultative support. We listen, iterate, and innovate based on your evolving needs. Because for us, success means more than implementation. It means transformation. 

What to look for in a CoE partner:

• Is there a dedicated team assigned to your account?
• Are business reviews and performance planning included?
• Does the vendor act as a strategic thought partner, not just a vendor?

Your CoE partner should make your benefits team stronger, not busier. 

Final Thoughts: Choose the Model, Not Just the Network

As you evaluate your options, remember: CoEs are not just a commodity. The wrong partner can create confusion, deliver poor outcomes, and erode employee trust. The right partner can transform how your workforce experiences care, and how your organization manages cost, risk and equity. 

At World Class Health, we believe the CoE of the future is personalized, coordinated, data-driven, and human-first. If your current program doesn’t check all these boxes, it might be time to expect more.