This post has been sponsored by Humana. All opinions are my own.
At 60, I’ve seen significant changes in healthcare.
Back in my younger years and even from the time of my parents and grandparents, you would go to the doctor when you were sick, have a brief consultation and leave with a prescription or advice to treat whatever ailed you.
However, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize the importance of ongoing preventative care and a cohesive medical team to address my health needs. This is the focus of what is known as “value-based care.”
Most seniors will end up seeing a number of different physicians in any given year, depending on chronic conditions or other health issues that may come up. With value-based care, ensuring all of your providers are on the same page is easy. Your primary care physician is like the quarterback of your care team – so your nurses, specialists, pharmacists, social workers, and others all work together to address your care. It’s a team effort with your health at the center.
Over the past decade, value-based care has been a growing care model that compliments many Medicare Advantage plans, like those offered by Humana. This type of care focuses on whole-person health.
This means more frequent visits to your primary care doctor, not just for illness but for comprehensive health management. These appointments are often longer, allowing your doctor to understand you better and address your health needs in a holistic manner.
The goal is preventive care that addresses health issues early on and leverages community resources and Medicare Advantage plan benefits to support our overall well-being.
The importance of healthcare as we age
In my health journey, I’ve learned the importance of a targeted approach, coordinating with various specialists to manage my well-being as I age.
My OB-GYN handles crucial screenings like mammograms, pap smears, and bone density scans. These aren’t just routine checks; they’re key for the early detection and prevention of common age-related issues.
Because of my history of precancerous polyps, I also work with a GI doctor. Here, regular monitoring is vital for catching any changes early and managing my digestive health.
Mental health is another critical area I take care of with a specialist. I consult with a psychiatrist for medication and attend therapy with a psychologist as needed.
Skin checks with my dermatologist are essential and are aimed at early detection of skin conditions, which become more common with age. In addition, I live in Florida, and my younger sister has had malignant melanoma twice, both of which put me at higher risk of skin cancer.
After experiencing posterior vitreous detachment in both eyes (at different times) regular visits to an ophthalmologist have become part of my healthcare routine, ensuring my eye health is closely monitored.
In addition, I have a yearly check-up with a primary care physician, who receives the reports from all the specialists I see throughout the year and can assess whether I need to have additional screenings.
This approach is less about managing illnesses and more about proactive health care. I’m all about early detection, prevention, and addressing both physical and mental health in a comprehensive manner.
The value-based care difference
I want to share how value-based care can reshape our healthcare experience. This approach encourages all healthcare providers to collaborate, focusing on our overall well-being rather than just treating symptoms.
This means decisions are made with an understanding of your overall health history, which can lead to better preventative care, timely screenings, and less need for hospital visits. It’s a proactive rather than reactive approach to healthcare, aiming to keep us healthy.
This not only can improve our health but also provides peace of mind, knowing we’re being looked after in a holistic way. I have personally benefited from fewer hospital visits, which of course, adds up to a better quality of life.
Moreover, value-based care involves the patient in the decision-making process, with providers working to explain options and recommendations clearly. This empowers us to take an active role in our health care, which can lead to more informed choices and a greater sense of control over our health.
Value-based care physicians often also help patients understand any supplemental benefits they may have through their Medicare Advantage plan.
Advantages of value-based care
In my experience, the benefits of holistic healthcare have been transformative, with my primary care doctor playing a key role.
This approach focuses on comprehensive care coordination, where my primary care physician oversees my health by monitoring key indicators like blood work, blood pressure, and heart health, while also integrating insights from the specialists I see throughout the year.
This coordination ensures a unified strategy for my health, avoiding duplicate treatments and conflicting advice. It’s efficient and personalized, covering not just my physical health but also my mental and emotional well-being.
Holistic care has improved my health outcomes significantly. It has streamlined my care, made my treatment plans more effective, and given me a role in managing my health.
Real-life benefits: lower risk of hospitalization and emergency visits
In my healthcare journey, a coordinated care approach has significantly reduced my visits to the emergency room, emphasizing the importance of prevention and early detection.
A prime example of this is my experience with a GI doctor, who helped me avoid a colon resection. He referred me to a GI surgeon, who removed a sessile precancerous polyp in its entirety without having to resort to surgery.
This not only saved me time and energy but also spared me a considerable expense and a long recovery.
The personal touch: Karvin’s story and my own
Karvin Sims’ journey into Medicare, as he approached his 65th birthday, highlights the complexity and confusion many seniors face with healthcare options.
Overwhelmed by the barrage of information, Karvin turned to Pat Ransom, a Humana MarketPoint licensed sales agent and an old friend, for guidance.
Her expertise in navigating Medicare Advantage plans provided Karvin with clarity, ensuring his healthcare providers, including his preferred dentist, were part of his provider network.
The process of signing up was smoother than Karvin anticipated. Karvin chose a nearby CenterWell Senior Primary Care center for his primary care physician, known for its patient-centric and value-based care approach.
Karvin’s story shows the importance of personalized guidance and comprehensive care in navigating healthcare options, particularly for seniors.
As I get closer to 65, I will be following in Karvin’s footsteps, reaching out for guidance to make the best Medicare plan choice in which I can receive value-based healthcare.
Why a primary care doctor is essential
Reflecting on my healthcare management, I realize the importance of having a primary care doctor who oversees all healthcare specialists.
Having a primary care doctor who knows you, your health history, and your risk factors is crucial. This approach and continuity in care have been beneficial in managing my overall well-being.
I urge readers to prioritize their health by building a strong relationship with a primary care provider. If you don’t have one, look to your insurance provider for assistance with finding one that is right for you.
Disclaimer: Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Other providers are available in the Humana network.
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