Welcome to the Zion HealthShare community, where you take control of your healthcare journey and become a proactive and well-informed healthcare consumer. As you embark on this transformative path, we want to equip you with essential tips to make the most of your membership and make informed decisions about your health. Here are five valuable tips to help you navigate Zion HealthShare:
1. Understand Your Zion HealthShare Membership
As you consider various healthcare options, make sure that you read carefully and understand the services being offered. For Zion HealthShare members, our go-to document is our Member Guidelines which represents the “rules of the road” in navigating our services. We have worked to keep things simple, but it may still feel a little daunting, especially as health shares are a paradigm shift for many people. It is also important to be aware of the terminology used by health shares. To learn more about Zion HealthShare terminology, please visit our Glossary of Terms.
2. Shop Around for Your Healthcare Services
Don’t assume that your neighbor or doctor always knows the best options for your medical needs. Hospitals often charge more for services like laboratory testing and CT scans compared to outpatient clinics. Surgery Centers can also be much more affordable for specific procedures than traditional hospitals. It’s important to recognize that a higher price does not always equate to higher quality. At Zion HealthShare, our Medical Advocacy team can help you find reasonably priced providers and facilities. Transparency in pricing is one of the perks of choosing Zion HealthShare.
3. Get Itemized Statements
After you have gone to your appointment or after a procedure, be sure to get an itemized copy of your bill. You will need this when completing a sharing request. It’s also good practice to make sure that you were billed correctly. Itemized bills contain detailed descriptions that can help you argue unfair or incorrect charges. According to the Medical Billing Advocates of America, up to 80% of medical bills contain errors! Our Member Care team can help you with any questions relating to your Zion HealthShare Membership.
4. Navigating Health Facilities
Research shows that over 17% of ER visits are unnecessary, which adds up to $4.4 billion in avoidable costs. It may be beneficial to consider urgent care clinics for non-emergent after-hours care. Many of them are open seven days a week, have far shorter wait times than an emergency room, and cost less than a traditional hospital emergency room visit. For members who are enrolled in Teladoc (Direct Members and Essential Members who have opted in), there is 24/7 access to board-certified doctors via phone or video conferencing. This is often a great no-cost option for non-emergency situations. Learn more about Teladoc.
5. Prioritize Your Health
Finally, becoming a better healthcare consumer starts with you. Think about how you take care of your body and mind and how it affects your healthcare spending. Eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress are all very important to your overall health and wellness in the short and long term. You may be surprised to learn that according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), up to 40 percent of annual deaths from each of the five leading causes are preventable! They are heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, and unintentional injuries. Many of these risks are avoidable by making changes in personal behaviors.
Find more articles to learn more about navigating Zion HealthShare. Remember, the choices you make today can pave the way for a healthier and happier future.
