Emerging Healthcare Options

There are numerous innovations in healthcare delivery beyond traditional point of service physician networks. One might miss these with all the focus on just health insurance. I am writing to describe a few and how they may impact your insurance planning:

• Concierge Medicine: Establishes a relationship between patient and physician usually funded by an annual fee or retainer. There are advantages in enhanced patient care. Hospital and/or catastrophic insurance coverage are often still needed.

• Health Maintenance Organizations: Many HMO’s are no longer just a business association but they often provide one stop healthcare and strong coordination of services. You can enroll in insurance plans specific to that HMO. In some cases, these plans provide out of network benefits or develop expanded network arrangements.

• Health Care Companies & Urgent Care Centers: There are many urgent care facilities with some now expanding into primary care. It is important to check on specific fees and services offered by the centers or just their policy on accepting traditional major medical insurance. Some insurers are acquiring or aligning with some of these centers. 

• Minute Clinics: Staffed and/or supervised by physicians also utilizing physician assistants or nurse practitioner’s for routine or common illnesses, minor injuries, or many skin conditions. Many accept traditional insurance plans but make sure you check.

• Alternative Care Options: These can include chiropractic, homeopathic, natural, improved & nutritional care methods with strong focus and expertise in these emerging areas. 

• Consumer Directed Health Plans and Traditional Physician Practices: Many of us prefer their physician and traditional physician practices. Note that preventive care is covered by major medical plans regardless of deductible. You can reduce your premium significantly with a high- deductible/health savings account (HSA) qualified plan. Qualified expenses can be paid from your tax advantaged HSA.

• Diagnostic Centers, Outpatient Surgical Centers: Free standing centers that compete for your needs in these areas. Many accept traditional insurance plans but make sure you check.

Some Recommendations:

• Make sure your health insurance plan is aligned with your personal situation and preferred method of obtaining healthcare. Check networks and coverages.

• Make sure you have catastrophic protection in case of a severe illness or accident. This is usually best provided by a major medical policy. 

• You can reduce your premium payments through high-deductible plans or health savings account qualified plans (HSA; these also have high deductibles). Check the qualified health savings account qualified expense list.

Editor's Note: is a health, long-term care and life insurance professional, and blogger for Cumming Patch.