The US population spends a massive 3.8 trillion dollars on healthcare services every year. That number has gone up steadily over the last couple of decades and shows no signs of slowing down.
If rising healthcare costs have you scared of how you’ll afford the help you may need as you get older, you should start thinking about investing in ancillary services now. Ancillary services is an umbrella term that describes several healthcare options that fall outside of the scope of what a primary care physician offers. These services can range from radiology to therapeutic massage.
If you live in the Utah area, need ancillary services but are unsure of how best to find a quality provider, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn how you can discover, vet, and bring on great healthcare partners.
1. See a Primary Care Physician First
Before you seek ancillary services, you need to get an understanding of what the underlying issues are that are causing your health concern. That initial diagnosis should be done by a primary care physician.
By working with a physician from the get-go, you can rule out any problems that may require immediate, high-level attention. You can also get a better idea of which ancillary services might be most effective so you don’t invest in solutions that don’t work.
2. Ask for a Physician’s Referral
After you get a diagnosis from a physician, rather than setting off on your provider search alone, ask for a referral. Chances are, your doctor knows several behavioral health, imaging, laboratory, and other service providers in the Utah area.
By letting your doctor direct you to quality providers, you’ll save yourself time. You can also proceed with a fair amount of confidence knowing that where you’ve been directed will offer good service.
3. Seek Out Online Reviews
Does your doctor not know an ancillary services provider in the field you need? Are you skeptical of your doctor’s referral and want to do some solo digging?
No problem!
Ancillary services are usually small businesses that have pages on Google, Yelp, and other review boards. Check out those pages to see what other customers have to say about a provider you’re considering.
If you find a provider with 4 stars or better and 10+ reviews, put them on your shortlist.
4. Speak With Friends and Family Members
There are few referrals more valuable than one you get from a trusted friend or family member. If you know somebody that has struggled with the medical concern you’re dealing with, talk to them! There’s a chance they may point you to a provider.
We’ve seen people get discounts on services, priority booking, and more by being referred to a medical provider from an existing patient so don’t be surprised if your referral results in fringe perks!
5. Discuss Options With Online Communities
The internet has been a powerful tool for healthcare by enabling communities of people with similar issues to come together and discuss options.
Find a medical board online that you like that focuses on the health conditions most relevant to you. Then, chime in to see if anybody has ancillary recommendations in the Utah area.
You’ll be surprised by just how many suggestions, how much love, and support you’ll receive.
6. See What Your Insurance Says
Ancillary services are usually not covered to the degree that primary care services are by insurance. That might lead to you having to pay out of pocket for the help you need.
While that reality is evolving as insurers are beginning to see the preventive care value in ancillary health, for now, be mindful of what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t. The easiest way to do that is to call your insurance company. Let them know what you’re looking for and to see who they recommend you go to to get the most bang for your buck.
7. Try Before Buying Big
Several ancillary services will try to sell you on multi-visit packages when you first meet them. This is particularly common when seeking acupuncture or therapeutic massage.
Our advice is to buy into the smallest service package possible. From there, you can test a provider’s efficacy and then consider buying bigger.
The last thing you want is to be tied to a service provider that you quickly learn can’t treat your issue.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Change Courses
If you’ve exercised our tips to this point, you’ll have found and sampled service providers. That effort oftentimes keeps people from leaving a provider they later find isn’t a good fit for them.
Don’t fall into that trap.
Finding quality healthcare service takes time. Believe us when we say though that your health is worth the effort.
Sample services with an open mind and walk away from those services if you’re not getting the support you need. There are many ancillary providers out there with ample locations near you as is the case with https://reverehealth.com/locations/. There’s no reason to stop your search prematurely.
Ample Ancillary Services Exist Across Utah
Utah is a large state with several major cities. That reality makes it so ancillary services are by no means in short supply.
With that in mind, start your services search with optimism and exercise patients throughout the process. If you do and lean on our tips, we have no doubt you’ll find the care you need to get your health where you want it to be.
For more information on topics that could change your life, our team invites you to explore more content on our blog.
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