The Catalyst Issue 28 | November 2017 | Page 11

Sick Care vs Well Care REIMAGINING CARE: THE NEW PARADIGM SICK CARE WELL CARE • The belief that your provider is there only to treat illness • Access your care provider only for diagnosis and treatment of a specific physical condition or illness • If you don’t have a provider and need care immediately go to an emergency department • Since you seek care only for an illness, accident, or condition, you see your provider rarely • Develop a relationship with your primary care team; they get to know you, your lifestyle and your health background • Take advantage of preventive screenings recommended by your care team to keep you healthy • Receive coaching on healthy, personalized choices • Work with your care team to manage any chronic conditions • Reduce your medical costs by staying proactive about your health RISK FACTORS VS BENEFITS You may avoid seeking care even if you are very sick and your condition could become more serious Continuity of care means better understanding of lifestyle, risk factors, and health concerns Today a range of preventive discoveries can keep you healthy and feeling your best, but you may not know about them if you only visit your provider when you are sick Preventive screenings diagnose potentially serious health conditions while they are more treatable In some cases waiting out an illness makes it worse and when you finally seek treatment it becomes more complex and it may take longer Proactive management of chronic health conditions means you feel better Health care is expensive and you may believe the less you utilize the system the more you save Understand how to access your health team so you receive the right care at the right time It is more expensive to receive care for more serious conditions Many insurance plans offer a discount if you participate in an annual well care exam bswhealth.com | Fall 17 THE CATALYST 11