When it comes to choosing your health care team and your health plan, you want to make decisions based on reliable and sound information. This information can come from different sources like provider reviews, plan certifications, cost analysis, and more. But did you know that your instinct and how you feel can be just as an important source of information? Your gut can help you evaluate your experiences and whether your needs are truly being met. Equipped with that self-provided data, you can make the right decisions for your health.
A Good Doctor-Patient Relationship
Studies have shown that a good provider-patient relationship can reduce costs, improve outcomes, reduce errors, and create a better experience for everyone. The same studies also discovered five pillars of a good provider-patient relationship that can help you know what you should expect from your provider and their care. These pillars include respect, engaged curiosity, focused listening, mutual participation, and provider self-awareness. These pillars can’t be objectively measured, but rather, they are felt between a provider and patient. As a patient, your own perception of how the interaction made you feel is crucial. Although feelings and opinions are subjective, how you feel about your treatment, care, and the personality of your provider can impact health outcomes.
Watch VEBA’s roundtable where medical experts discuss the significance of patient-doctor relationships and provide insights on the “green flags” to consider.
Once you’ve found a provider that you feel confident and comfortable with, you’ll want to pay attention to your health plan’s network. Sometimes providers leave or join networks throughout the year. Seeing providers in-network usually saves you money. And if your favorite provider is out-of-network, that may be a sign to start comparing plan options during Open Enrollm
How Do You Feel About Your Health Plan?
Recent studies have shown that most insured adults have had problems with their health plan carriers. These same studies also show that those in poorer health have even more challenges. During this time of year, reflect on your experience with your health plan carrier. Have you had an easy time getting information from your health plan carrier? Do you feel valued as a member?
Working Through Your Experiences
From choosing a doctor to choosing the right health plan for you, health care decisions are stressful. These decisions impact both your health and your budget. It may seem scary to allow your feelings to be a part of the equation, but it’s a valid tool in your decision-making toolbox. We’ve put together some prompts to help structure your feeling analysis. As you evaluate your feelings about your healthcare experiences, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you like your doctor?
- How did your last interaction make you feel?
- Did you feel listened to?
- Did you feel respected?
- Are you able to get an appointment easily?
- Think back to your experiences with doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and of course, your health insurance carrier over the past year. What did you like or dislike?
- Were able to refill prescriptions easily?
- Could you get answers to questions on such things as billing or claims?
- Are you confident in the care and coverage you’re receiving?
VEBA Resources
MyVEBA Portal: View your current benefits information quickly through the MyVEBA app or online portal. Download the app for Apple or Android, or visit the MyVEBA Portal for desktop access.
Benefit Contacts: For assistance with specific carrier benefits or issues, such as claims or coverage details, visit vebaonline.com/benefit-contacts to contact them directly.
Get Support: Before you make your choices during Open Enrollment, it’s helpful to talk through your health plan options with someone. The VEBA Advocacy Team is there for you during Open Enrollment and beyond. Call 888-276-0250 or visit vebaonline.com/contact for assistance. For urgent requests, use the “Urgent” box on the contact form.
