PPO vs. HMO: What’s the difference?

Are you responsible for obtaining your own private insurance policy?  Do you have questions, concerns, and anxiety when it comes to choosing a plan?  Don’t worry, because you are not alone.  Thousands of working and retired Americans are now finding themselves in the market for an individual insurance policy.  The Arthritis and Infusion Center understands that the world of insurance is confusing.  We have set up a few tips to help you navigate you through the process.

What is an HMO?  An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) is the most common form of managed healthcare.  In this managed care plan, the patient is required to utilize a primary-care physician (PCP) who will oversee all aspects of the patients care.  This physician will be a member of the HMO network.  As necessary, the PCP will refer the patient to a specialist or an outpatient facility for services or treatment.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of an HMO?  The advantage of an HMO is the patient has one physician overseeing the general health and wellness of the patient.  This plan can be very beneficial in ensuring preventative medical care such as yearly wellness exams.  The disadvantage of an HMO is that the patient is required to see in network-physician, therefore removing some of the freedom of traditional plans.  Additionally, in many instances, venturing outside of the “network” for an HMO will result in nonpayment by the carrier. 

A PPO is known as a Preferred Provider Organization and is much different from an HMO.  In the PPO setting, the patient has the freedom to choose any physician and there is no need for primary care physician referrals.  Usually, this type of policy has an annual deductible and coinsurance that the patient is responsible to pay to the treating physician.  Physicians often sign up to become PPO network providers, which is a benefit to the patient.  An in-network physician will accept the negotiated contract payment schedule for the particular insurance company and then the patient is only responsible for the deductible, or coinsurance, of reasonable and customary billed services.  The disadvantage of the PPO plan is that if a patient chooses to see an out-of-network provider, then the patient may be billed for the difference between what the insurance company pays the physician and what the physician actually charges, plus the deductible and coinsurance.  In some cases, there is a separate deductible for out-of-network providers.  Be sure to read the term of your insurance policy for specific information.

Medicare Advantage Plans: What You Need To Know

Medicare Advantage plans are very popular and are a wonderful way to combine three traditional Medicare policies and even add an extra coverage without purchasing a separate policy.  However, be extremely careful when choosing this type of policy.   As with any insurance plan, there are advantages and disadvantages to these particular combined plans.

By definition, Medicare Advantage Plans are a combined Medicare policy that will take the place of traditional Medicare Part A and B and often Medicare Part D.  These plans are offered by a private insurance company that is approved by Medicare, and have a set monthly premium.  Medicare Advantage plans are not supplemental coverage to traditional Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Plans would cover the traditional healthcare cost that are usually covered by traditional Medicare to your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacy.  In many cases you may also purchase additional coverage to include vision, dental, and hearing.  However, keep in mind that additional coverage equals additional premiums. 

There are a few disadvantages to this type of plan.  Here are a few questions you should consider before choosing a policy: 

·    Are you required to choose a physician that accepts, and participates, in Medicare Advantage Plans?

·    Are you required to have referrals to specialists, outpatient or radiology services?

·    Does the policy have a flat copay for physician services, or is there a deductible and coinsurance?
·    What does the prescription policy cover?  Is there a mail-order supply company offered?

·    Am I locked into the policy for a specific amount of time before I can change back to traditional Medicare or switch to a different policy?

·    Am I purchasing this policy from a reputable company with actual patient reviews of their product?

·    Is there a limit on how much this policy will pay out in one year?

There are many more questions that need to be considered before you make such an important decision for your healthcare needs.  The point of this blog is to get you thinking about your current healthcare situation, policy, as well as your future needs.  Take time, ask questions, and get multiple quotes for coverage. 

DEDUCTIBLES: What to Expect January 1st

There are many concerns regarding the cost of healthcare these days. Now it is more important than ever to know the details of your policy and formulate a budget for your healthcare needs. The Arthritis and Infusion Center understands that healthcare language can often be confusing. We have compiled a few of the most commonly used terms that refer to healthcare insurance policies.

Healthcare definitions according to the Medicare website: 

• Assignment - An agreement by your doctor, other health care provider, or supplier to be paid directly by Medicare, to accept the payment amount Medicare approves for the service, and not to bill you for any more than the Medicare deductible and coinsurance.
•  Coinsurance - An amount you may be required to pay as your share of the cost for services after you pay any deductibles. Coinsurance is usually a percentage (for example, 20%).
• Deductible - The amount you must pay for health care or prescriptions before Original Medicare, your prescription drug plan, or your other insurance begins to pay.
• Medically Necessary - Services or supplies that are needed for the diagnosis or treatment of your medical condition and meet accepted standards of medical practice.
• Medicare Approved Amount - In Original Medicare, this is the amount a doctor or supplier that accepts assignment can be paid. It may be less than the actual amount a doctor or supplier charges. Medicare pays part of this amount and you’re responsible for the difference. 

Typically deductibles renew on January 1st each year. In other words, the slate is wiped clean from the previous year and you are required to pay your annual deductible again. Keep in mind, when making your healthcare budget, often deductibles and coinsurance will be collected at the same time from your provider until the annual deductible is satisfied. Be prepared, before your office visit, with the necessary monetary means to satisfy your obligations at the time of the service.

The Arthritis and Infusion Center is ready to help. If you are unsure of your policy’s deductibles or coinsurance, give us a call and we will be more than happy to help you determine this information. An informed patient is a happy patient.

GETTING the MOST from Your FIRST Appointment: Getting Comfortable

At The Arthritis and Infusion Center we understand that coming to your first appointment with Dr. Crayton (or to any medical appointment for that matter), can be very nerve racking.  In fact, some people even experience a rise in blood pressure, which is often humorously referred to as “White Coat Syndrome”.  However, our team of healthcare professionals does not want your visit to our practice to be anything but a very positive experience.  In our previous two blogs, What Should I Bring? and Notes and Medicine Bottles, that discussed Getting the MOST from Your FIRST Appointment, we explained how to prepare ahead of time with your paperwork.  Now, we suggest the following. 

• As previously suggested, bring your physician’s order with you.
• Dress in loose, comfortable clothing.
• Take all your regular medications, unless your referring doctor prescribes otherwise.
• Plan ahead of time by allowing enough time to complete the necessary radiology and/or diagnostic exams and/or treatments.
• Arrange for transportation, if needed.



If you are coming for an Infusion, we suggest that you wear comfortable, layered clothing that you can adjust in case you become overly warm or cool.  Bring along an extra sweater or blanket to have handy.  To pass the time, you may want to bring:

• Games
• Reading material
• Handwork (knitting, crocheting)
• MP3 Player (We offer WiFi & headphones)
• You can also use the time for meditation.

Perhaps the most important thing you can bring is a smile and a positive attitude, knowing that you are in good hands at The Arthritis and Infusion Center.  And don’t forget:  “Pain is not normal.  Let us help!”

GETTING the MOST from Your FIRST Appointment: What Should I Bring?

At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, we want your first appointment to be a pleasant as possible.  Therefore we request that you bring the following information with you:

• Medical Records – Knowing your medical history and what care you have previously received (hospitalizations, office visits, treatments) helps us with compiling a more thorough medical history.
• Referring Physician Information – Although you do not have to be referred by another physician to see Dr. Crayton, we may want to consult with the physician who may have referred you to our practice.  Please bring addresses, with phone/fax number of your primary care and referring physicians to your first appointment.
• Medications – As we mentioned in our previous blog post, knowing what medications you are taking is important.  Please bring all bottles with you.
• X-rays -- If possible, please bring any actual x-ray films related to your condition. 
• Insurance pre-authorization form and an ID card – Your healthcare insurance coverage may have been discussed before you arrive, but please bring your health insurance ID card, along with a photo ID, such as a driver’s license.

For more information, new patient forms, driving directions and more visit our Patient Center.

This information is very important to ensure the most prompt and thorough care of you – our patient.  And remember, “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”

GETTING the MOST from Your FIRST Appointment: Bring Notes & Medicine Bottles

About a week before you go to your first appointment with Dr. Hulon Crayton, start preparing for your visit with this experienced Rheumatologist.  Do a self-assessment of the exact spots of your aches and pains, along with making notes as to any physical limitations these areas may cause you.  For instance, can you pick up things easily and carry them from one place to another?  Can you do basic chores around house?  Then, during your first visit, Dr. Crayton will be taking a full medical history, so you need to provide information regarding any family history of you condition.  In addition, he will need to know about surgical procedures you’ve undergone or allergies you may have.  It is also extremely helpful for you to bring in ALL the medicine bottles you currently take, which includes over-the-counter pills, vitamins, as well as all prescriptions.  At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, a large portion of our very personalized service includes educating our patients.  By looking at your medicine bottles, it helps us make certain of the spelling of your meds, since many medicines sound similar in pronunciation.  Plus, we need to know the directions other physicians have been giving you as to dosage, etc., so that we can make certain Dr. Crayton prescribes the correct treatment plan for you to follow.  Your healthcare is truly a team effort, and you are at the very center of the team!  Remember:  “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”

Visit the Arthritis and Infusion Center's Patient Center!

Debunking Myths ... Arthritis Style

           It doesn’t take you long on the Internet to find some pretty amazing “natural” cures to what ails you -- from apple cider vinegar for gout to gin-soaked raisins for arthritis.  What took us on this quest for “knowledge” was a patient telling us that her mother used a well-known greasing agent (that uses letters and numbers in its name brand) to give her relief from joint pain.  We were appalled, but did our own research and found that it was, indeed, a pretty common MYTH.  Unfortunately, using this greasing agent can not only dry out your skin, but it can also have cumulative harmful effects due to the kerosene it contains.  Therefore, we strongly encourage you to call us to 1) get a proper diagnosis for your Rheumatological condition, and then 2) understand that more medications have been discovered in the last 10 years for arthritis, and its associated conditions, than in the last 100 years!  We do understand that there are some herbs and natural compounds that may give you relief from your pain, but wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry?  Call us today, because – Pain is not normal! And, The Arthritis and Infusion Center can help! 

Start Collecting Your Own Library of Resource Information

Every person who suffers from rheumatological diseases should take an active role in their treatment plan.  The Arthritis and Infusion Center has found the following links to be very helpful to patients we have treated.  We would like to suggest that you begin an archive of these sources on your person computer:

www.arthritistoday.org

www.arthritis.org/chapters/florida/

www.rheumatology.org

www.everydayhealth.com/psoriatic-arthritis

www.fda.gov

www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info

www.lupus.org

If you have found other sites that have been beneficial to you – our patient – please provide that information to us.  TOGETHER we can work towards better outcomes in treatment and therapy if we stay abreast of the most recent scientific discoveries.  Just remember our slogan:  “Pain is not normal.”  Contact us to determine what’s at the root of your pain and how we can work together to provide a better quality of life for you (or someone you love).

Fitness and Arthritis

There is a disclaimer that every person is familiar with:  “Before starting any exercise routine, always contact your physician.”  This article encourages you to see Dr. Crayton before you begin an exercise program; however, even The Arthritis Foundation acknowledges that an exercise program improves the symptoms of this dreaded disease.

“When arthritis causes pain and fatigue, beginning and sticking with an exercise program can be a challenge.  But a new study confirms that doing so can pay off.  Led by Leigh F. Callahan, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.C., the study involved 346 patients with an average age of 70 who had self-reported arthritis.  The participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group that took part in the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (formerly known as People with Arthritis Can Exercise, or PACE), which consisted of exercise classes at basic and advanced levels that met for an hour twice weekly for eight weeks, and a control group that was offered the program after eight weeks.  The researchers measured pain, stiffness, and fatigue using visual analog scales, tools that help patients rate the intensity of sensations.  Physical function was evaluated by using self-reporting as well as performance-based measures such as lifting weights, and psychosocial outcomes were assessed using four different scales.

“The results showed that the intervention group had significant improvements in pain, fatigue, and managing arthritis at eight weeks and maintained improvements in pain and fatigue at six months.”

That said, know this:  Exercise Is Good Medicine!  And for the arthritis sufferer, there should be several goals to an exercise program:

• Increase energy
• Ease osteoarthritis pain
• Reduce fibromyalgia pain and fatigue
• Relieve depression
• Maintain weight
• Prevent osteoporosis or reduce bone loss

Exercise routines should include mild, moderate, and vigorous activity.  However, depending on the type of arthritis you are experiencing – not to mention previous surgeries or injuries you may have experienced – exercise should be specifically designed to your level of age and physical condition.  Dr. Crayton will be more than happy to outline an exercise program expressly designed with YOU in mind.  Plus, doing exercise incorrectly can actually cause further damage to your joints, so seek expert help before you begin to work out through scheduling a consult with Dr. Crayton at The Arthritis and Infusion Center.