1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,567 Welcome to Lesson 2: Finding a Provider! 2 00:00:02,567 --> 00:00:09,512 Now that you have coverage, it is important to know where to find providers and how to schedule an appointment. 3 00:00:09,512 --> 00:00:14,863 In this lesson, we will talk about the different types of healthcare providers and when to see each. 4 00:00:14,863 --> 00:00:20,149 Then, we will learn how to find and schedule an appointment with the provider that is right for you. 5 00:00:20,349 --> 00:00:21,881 Let's get started! 6 00:00:22,081 --> 00:00:27,199 When looking for healthcare services, an important first step is to find a provider. 7 00:00:27,199 --> 00:00:32,244 When we say "Provider", it means a professional who provides healthcare services. 8 00:00:32,244 --> 00:00:39,525 Providers can have many different titles, including doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, and many more. 9 00:00:39,525 --> 00:00:46,013 Even though some providers have different titles, many can provide the same or similar types of care to you. 10 00:00:46,013 --> 00:00:51,190 A provider that you will typically see for most health problems is your Primary Care Provider. 11 00:00:51,190 --> 00:00:54,860 Your Primary Care Provider will keep your health records, get your 12 00:00:54,860 --> 00:00:58,202 recommended health screenings, help you manage any chronic 13 00:00:58,202 --> 00:01:02,396 conditions, and connect you to more specialized providers if you need them. 14 00:01:02,396 --> 00:01:09,015 We will go into more detail about the importance of preventative care with your Primary Care Provider in the next lesson. 15 00:01:10,415 --> 00:01:15,186 Specialists are providers who focus on specific health services or conditions. 16 00:01:15,186 --> 00:01:21,570 Examples of specialists include cardiologists for heart health or orthopedists for bone and joint health. 17 00:01:22,070 --> 00:01:25,859 If you need to see a specialist, you may need to visit your primary 18 00:01:25,859 --> 00:01:30,078 care provider first so they can make a referral for you. For some 19 00:01:30,078 --> 00:01:35,059 services, you may also be required to get prior authorization from your health plan. 20 00:01:35,059 --> 00:01:38,988 This means your health plan has to decide if a service is necessary, 21 00:01:38,988 --> 00:01:43,829 and may require other treatment options before approving care from a specialist. 22 00:01:43,829 --> 00:01:47,867 If you ever have any questions about whether a specialist or specific 23 00:01:47,867 --> 00:01:55,457 treatment is covered by your health insurance, contact your insurance by calling the phone number on your health insurance card. 24 00:01:57,457 --> 00:02:03,722 Now lets talk more about how to select and schedule an appointment with a primary care provider that's right for you. 25 00:02:03,722 --> 00:02:07,985 The first thing you'll want to do is identify providers that are "in-network". 26 00:02:07,985 --> 00:02:11,731 If you are enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare but do not 27 00:02:11,731 --> 00:02:17,674 receive insurance through a health plan, you will need to find what are called "Fee-for-service" Providers. 28 00:02:17,674 --> 00:02:23,616 There is a directory of Fee-for-service providers available online where you can search by health care need. 29 00:02:24,116 --> 00:02:27,733 If you are enrolled in a coverage option through an insurance plan, 30 00:02:27,733 --> 00:02:32,190 you will need to contact your insurance provider's member service team directly. 31 00:02:32,190 --> 00:02:35,161 Visit the description of this video for the links to the 32 00:02:35,161 --> 00:02:39,230 Fee-for-service directory and a health plan member service contact list. 33 00:02:40,230 --> 00:02:43,404 Once you identify a few primary care providers that you are 34 00:02:43,404 --> 00:02:50,723 interested in seeing, call their office and consider asking some of the following questions to make sure they are the right fit for you. 35 00:02:50,723 --> 00:02:53,184 Are they accepting new patients at this time? 36 00:02:53,884 --> 00:02:56,068 Do they accept your insurance? 37 00:02:56,768 --> 00:03:01,173 Where is the office located and is public transportation or parking accessible? 38 00:03:01,673 --> 00:03:06,012 Does the provider speak your language or have interpreter services available? 39 00:03:06,012 --> 00:03:09,510 It can be helpful to take notes on a sheet of paper while talking to 40 00:03:09,510 --> 00:03:14,173 a doctors office to make sure you ask the questions you have and write down the answers. 41 00:03:14,173 --> 00:03:21,298 If the answers to any of the question do not seem to be the right fit for you, kindly end the call and call the next provider on your list. 42 00:03:21,298 --> 00:03:27,062 If you are happy with the answers to your questions, ask to schedule an appointment with the provider. 43 00:03:27,062 --> 00:03:30,927 When scheduling an appointment, especially the first time you see a 44 00:03:30,927 --> 00:03:34,927 new provider, you may be asked to provide some information including: 45 00:03:34,927 --> 00:03:38,250 why you want to see the provider, what days and times you are 46 00:03:38,250 --> 00:03:41,776 available for an appointment, and information on your health 47 00:03:41,776 --> 00:03:46,073 insurance card. Once an appointment is scheduled, it is important 48 00:03:46,073 --> 00:03:51,023 that you let the clinic or office know if you need to cancel or reschedule for any reason. 49 00:03:51,023 --> 00:03:57,601 Many providers and clinics will charge a fee if you are late or do not show up for an appointment without prior notice. 50 00:03:57,601 --> 00:04:00,381 Your health plan will usually not pay these fees. 51 00:04:00,381 --> 00:04:07,593 To avoid missing an appointment, ask the office if they send any appointment reminders by text, email, or phone call. 52 00:04:07,593 --> 00:04:13,774 It may be helpful to also make reminders for yourself in your cell phone or on your personal calendar. 53 00:04:13,774 --> 00:04:20,839 If you worry about forgetting an appointment, you may also want to ask a family member or friend to try to remind you. 54 00:04:20,839 --> 00:04:24,432 When you arrive at your appointment with your provider, especially 55 00:04:24,432 --> 00:04:28,466 the first appointment, be sure to bring your health insurance card with you. 56 00:04:28,966 --> 00:04:32,370 If you have any specific health concerns that you want to ask your 57 00:04:32,370 --> 00:04:35,710 provider about, it may be helpful to write them down on a piece of 58 00:04:35,710 --> 00:04:40,879 paper to bring with you to your appointment so you don't forget to ask any of the questions you have. 59 00:04:42,379 --> 00:04:45,953 Thank you for joining Lesson 2: “Finding a Provider”. 60 00:04:45,953 --> 00:04:53,022 For more information on the topics covered in this lesson, visit the video description for helpful links. 61 00:04:53,022 --> 00:04:57,073 If you would like to connect with a Portico Health Coach to get 62 00:04:57,073 --> 00:05:04,221 one-on-one assistance with understanding these topics, call (651) 489-2273 to schedule an appointment.