{"id":6885,"date":"2023-09-15T21:09:08","date_gmt":"2023-09-15T21:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blog\/?post_type=blue_agent_articles&p=6885"},"modified":"2023-09-20T16:16:58","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T16:16:58","slug":"sept-2023-er-pcp","status":"publish","type":"blue_agent_articles","link":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blog\/blue_agent_articles\/sept-2023-er-pcp\/","title":{"rendered":"Sept 2023 ER\/PCP"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ERs get all the love, perhaps too much. People visit for big reasons and far too often for small ones. There are over users who end up in the ER on a regular basis and patients who simply don\u2019t know their care options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue KC is committed to members getting the right care at the right place. Educating them about where to go for care<\/a> as well as the benefits of having a PCP is one strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please help reinforce this message to your clients by pasting the story below into an email or posting it on your business website or blog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting the right care at the right place may not mean going to the ER<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

ERs get all the love, perhaps too much. While an ER is absolutely where you should go for a life-threatening emergency, chest pain, head trauma, and other serious conditions<\/a>, it\u2019s not the ideal choice for less severe injuries or illnesses. For those \u2013 such as a respiratory infection, UTI, sinus infection, or sprain \u2013 you have options where you\u2019ll get less costly and more appropriate care. One of those options is a primary care provider (PCP). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your PCP may be a Spira Care provider if your health plan includes Spira Care, an in-network doctor, a nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant. You should be able to tell your PCP anything \u2013 so choose one you trust. You can expect your PCP to do the following for you. \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Provide care when you\u2019re sick<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make your PCP \u2013 not the ER \u2013 the first call when you\u2019re sick or have a minor injury. You\u2019ll pay less, avoid long wait times, and get the most appropriate attention for your condition. When in doubt, refer to our Know Where To Go<\/a> guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Provide proactive preventive care\u202f <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A PCP provides proactive preventive care and can help identify issues like infectious disease, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental health disorders, substance use, and violence.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Ensure a chronic condition gets consistent attention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A chronic condition \u2013 such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma \u2013 requires consistent management. Your PCP knows you and your conditions and is the best choice for providing the ongoing care you need. If you need a specialist to treat your chronic condition, your PCP can refer you to one and coordinate with them throughout your care journey.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Lower your healthcare costs\u202f<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintaining good health can help you avoid bigger, more costly healthcare issues. Blue KC members enrolled in a plan with Spira Care can visit a Spira Care Center for their primary care needs for $0*. Spira Care Centers offer same-day and next-day appointments for sick care and urgent care needs. For members who use an in-network PCP, your annual preventive visit \u2013 and many other preventive services \u2013 are covered at 100%.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Save time\u202f<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your PCP can provide multiple services in one appointment, such as a checkup, screenings, and immunizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Have a PCP? Don\u2019t worry. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n