Quality healthcare is a basic human right, but it is not always easy to get. In the US, there are over 45 million people who are uninsured and many more who have high deductibles or copays. 

The Affordable Care Act has helped millions of Americans gain coverage, but it has not solved the problem of out-of-pocket expenses that keep people from seeking necessary medical care.

There are many challenges that patients face when it comes to finding quality healthcare in the US. Even those who have insurance have difficulty with things like limited access to healthcare facilities, network restrictions, high medical bills, etc.

In addition to the challenges faced by patients, providers also face obstacles when providing quality care. For example, hospitals have to deal with overcrowding and a shortage of beds. When patients cannot be admitted into a hospital due to lack of space, they may go home without receiving treatment and end up in an emergency room later on. This increases costs for everyone involved as well as wait times for those seeking care in an emergency room setting.

Let’s take a look at some factors that should be taken into consideration when it comes to quality healthcare. At 180 Healthcare, we strive to ensure each person, whether you’re an individual, employer, employee, etc., has access to quality healthcare. 

Affordable Care

Access to affordable healthcare could arguably be placed at the top of most peoples’ list of “must-haves” when they are searching for healthcare coverage. The average monthly premium for the most basic Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plan is $928 per month. The highest premium for this plan tops out at just over $1,300 per month. These numbers are extremely high, leaving individuals stressed with a large chunk of their monthly income going towards health insurance.

There are plenty of reasons why health insurance is so expensive, and like most things in life, it all adds up! If you are a patient going in for a doctor’s visit, every touchpoint throughout that visit has a price tag on it. Every individual you encounter from the receptionist checking you in, to the billing department has a salary, and any added swabs, bandaids, or shots you receive during your visit all have added costs. 

At 180 Healthcare, we offer nontraditional alternatives to health insurance. We offer $0 copays when you visit a 180 Healthcare primary care affiliate, and added protection for high medical bills when they arrive in your mailbox.

Access to Healthcare Facilities 

You’ve probably heard of in-network and out-of-network healthcare facilities, but do you know what that means?

Most traditional insurance companies will have a list of healthcare facilities and providers who are considered in-network or out-of-network. In-network means that your provider has agreed to the amount the insurance company will pay for your specific visit. The coverage amount depends on the insurance provider each person signs up for and what their policy is. 

If you go to a provider or facility that is considered out-of-network for your insurance coverage, it simply means that it is between you and the provider to pay whatever bills might come from your subsequent visits or healthcare treatments. 

It can be tricky, but each insurance company should have an explanation of benefits and a customer service representative to help you through the process. 

Effective Communication 

Another big component of quality healthcare is effective communication. This point can be taken many different ways, and that’s why it is such a key factor to take into consideration. Communication for the patient is extremely important, and without effective communication, it breaks down areas like trust and creates additional burdens when it comes to access to healthcare.

Individuals now have many different forms of communication when it comes to patient and provider relationships. These help keep the provider and patient connected so that there are no lingering questions like, “Will they call me with my results? When is my appointment? Do I need to schedule a follow-up visit?”

Most providers or healthcare facilities have their own unique way of communicating with patients. Most healthcare practices and facilities provide you with access to some sort of patient portal to view your healthcare records. In addition to access to a patient portal, facilities and providers will communicate via text, phone, email, or whichever method the patient prefers.

Options for Patients

Feeling stuck in a specific plan when open enrollment comes around can seem daunting. It’s difficult to predict your healthcare needs for the following year, and it can all seem like a gamble. Fortunately, there are other options out there so you don’t need to feel like you’re stuck and don’t have choices.

The traditional healthcare methods require things like copays, and have either high deductibles with low premiums, or vice versa. It’s good to know you have options when it comes to cost-efficient and quality healthcare in the US. Maybe you are an employer searching for alternative options to health insurance for your employees, or you are an individual searching for a plan that will accommodate you and your family’s needs. 

180 Healthcare has options for individuals who are in search of quality healthcare. They provide services which help individuals have lower out-of-pocket costs, and major protection for those high medical bills. Preventative labs and imaging costs are $0 after reimbursement, and like we mentioned above, $0 copays when you visit a 180 Healthcare primary care affiliate.

All of these services, and more, are offered with the patient in mind. We’re here to reduce any stress or burdens that come with dealing with traditional insurance companies, and the billing that will follow. While we aren’t an insurance company, we assist our members throughout the entirety of the healthcare journey so you don’t have to face the burden of high monthly coverage. 

To learn more about 180 Healthcare and how we can help ensure you are receiving quality healthcare, give us a call and we will be happy to help. Call (573) 803-4661 or contact us today to see how we can help you and your healthcare needs.