The cost of health insurance includes deductible, co-insurance and co-payments along with insurance premiums. In other words, consumers now bear more financial responsibility for their healthcare, much like when full indemnity insurance plans were common.
It's not all bad news. Higher out-of-pocket expenses come with increased flexibility within health plans. Consumers have more choices when it comes to selecting primary or specialty care providers.
How do you, as a consumer of healthcare, deal with this array of choices and responsibilities?
Timely, relevant information is critical--which is why you read our newsletters and keep in touch with your Member Services Department at Health Plan Select. In addition, let me share same strategies with you to keep your out-of-pocket expenses at a minimum.
More often than not you can plan for your care. Planning ahead allows you to choose a healthcare location where your out-of-pocket expenses will be lower. UsuaIIy this means seeking care in your primary care provider's office, if you don't have a primary care provider then find one today by calling our Member Services Department.
If you need care during off hours and an urgent care center & open, then seek care there. The caliber of care delivered by the physicians in our urgent care network within Northeast Georgia is tremendous. Therefore, stay in network for the best of care with your least out-of-pocket expense.
Life threatening emergencies should be cared for in the nearest emergency room. Fortunately, emergencies are rare. In my 15 years as a practicing neurosurgeon in Athens, I rushed to the hospital-running red light only twice - in my thousands of trips there. My point is that real, life-and-death emergencies are rare.
If I were to rank the value of the various components in the examination process, then nothing is more valuable to your health than your physician's assessment of the problem. Although they may incur an added expense, all the tests, blood work and scans support a diagnostic impression that your physician attained while examining your history and performing a physical during your visit.
Please contact me at (706) 549-0549 if you have any questions for which I may be of help. Our attentive, award-winning Member Services Department stands ready to answer your questions as well, at (706) 549-0549, extension 2301.
