Doctor's Choice

When it comes to employee benefits, the debate between point solutions and platforms has been ongoing for years. Companies often shift their focus between retaining younger employees and ensuring older employees are well-served. But one thing remains constant—healthcare is the top priority for older employees. In our experience, employers that want to retain and engage their older workforce must focus on providing robust healthcare benefits, not just for the employees but for their families as well. Additionally, offering creative support to help employees navigate the healthcare system is essential, especially as healthcare needs evolve with age. Is your company focusing on the basics? Prioritizing healthcare and retirement benefits for older employees can make a significant impact on retention and engagement. #EmployeeBenefits #EmployeeEngagement #HealthcareBenefits #WorkplaceWellness #OlderEmployees #HRStrategy #Retention #Medicare

Most companies today have implemented some type of employee management system, often including benefits and self-serve functions. But what we’ve learned from our older clients is surprising—most prefer using their phones for just three main tasks: texting, taking pictures, and taking notes. In fact, making phone calls didn’t even rank in the top five uses! So, when it comes to designing automated systems for employees, simplicity is key. People don't want to download multiple apps or jump through hoops to access their information. If you can design systems that feel as simple as texting, taking a photo, or jotting down notes, your platform will be much more successful and user-friendly for older employees. Follow us for more insights! . . . #EmployeeExperience #EmployeeEngagement #BenefitsManagement #EmployeeManagement #WorkplaceTech #employeebenefits #medicare

Why is healthcare so expensive, and why is health insurance becoming unaffordable for both individuals and companies? The answer lies in part with the growing consolidation of hospitals and healthcare providers. Hospitals often operate on very low margins, and when they’re unable to negotiate competitive rates with insurance companies, they dip into the red. This financial pressure frequently leads to them being bought by larger hospital systems. Over the past few decades, this consolidation has reduced the number of independent healthcare providers and systems, limiting competition. On the insurance side, we're also seeing fewer companies dominating the market. This limited competition between both providers and insurers leads to higher costs for everyone—patients, companies, and even the providers themselves. It's a challenging landscape, but understanding these dynamics is the first step toward addressing the cost of healthcare. #HealthcareCosts #Medicare #HealthCoverage #HealthcareEconomics #HealthInsurance #employeebenefits #AffordableCare #PatientCare

Attention to all licensed professionals—whether you hold a medical, insurance, or any other professional license, you could be the target of a recent wave of scams. Scammers are accessing publicly available databases of professional records, which often include your name, personal email, cell phone number, address, and other sensitive information. If someone contacts you and seems to know a lot about your credentials, be on high alert. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using detailed personal information to create convincing profiles. Protect yourself by staying vigilant and questioning any unsolicited communications. Stay safe and informed! #ProfessionalLicense #CyberSecurity #ProtectYourself #OnlineSafety #FraudPrevention #HealthcareProfessionals #IMedicare

With many pharmacies, especially big-box retail chains, closing down, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about your medications. For those taking multiple medications, drug interactions are a serious concern. In fact, one of the most common causes of death or medical complications in the U.S. is due to harmful drug interactions. We’ve seen clients who are on 8, 12, 14, or even 20 different medications prescribed by six or seven different providers. While these prescriptions are well-intentioned, they can sometimes work against each other. Unfortunately, doctors often don’t have the time to thoroughly review potential contraindications, and electronic medical records may not always catch them. If you’re on multiple medications, make sure to visit a physical pharmacy and have the pharmacist review your prescriptions for any potential contraindications. Your health and safety depend on it. #Healthcare #PatientSafety #Pharmacy #MedicationManagement #HealthTips #SeniorHealth #Wellness

Iatrogenic, or medically caused, deaths are alarmingly ranked as the third highest cause of death in the U.S., with estimates ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 deaths annually due to medical mistakes or complications. This is why it’s crucial for anyone undergoing a medical procedure to do their own research. We recommend a three-step process to our family members and clients to minimize risk: 1. Shop Around: Always seek at least two opinions before undergoing any procedure. While it might mean paying an extra copay, it’s worth it to ensure that the procedure is truly necessary. 2. Choose an Experienced Provider: Ensure that the healthcare professional performing the procedure has extensive experience. You don’t want someone who’s new to the procedure handling your care. 3. Understand the Risks and Recovery: Make sure you fully understand the risks involved and what the recovery process will look like. Being informed is your best defense against potential complications. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk and make more informed decisions about your healthcare. . . . #Healthcare #PatientSafety #Medicare #IatrogenicDeaths #PatientCare #HealthcareQuality #InformedPatients #Medicarecoverage

Trust between healthcare providers and patients is crucial, yet it’s increasingly fragile. Here are the top three reasons I believe contribute to this breakdown: 1. Billing Issues: Imagine having a great meal at a restaurant only to find your bill is completely wrong—it sours the entire experience. The same is happening in healthcare, where billing errors and unjustified denials are leaving patients frustrated. Even with a good provider relationship, billing issues can erode trust. 2. Revolving Door of Providers: Gone are the days when a primary care doctor might see patients for decades. Today, providers often stay in one place for just a few years before moving on. This constant change makes it difficult for patients to build lasting relationships, and they often find themselves repeating the same information to different professionals. 3. Inconsistent Service: Whether it’s long wait times, difficulty scheduling appointments, or rushed consultations, poor service quality further erodes patient trust. Consistency and reliability are key to maintaining a strong provider-patient relationship. Addressing these issues is critical for rebuilding trust and ensuring better healthcare outcomes. #Healthcare #PatientCare #ProviderTrust #Medicare #MedicalBilling #Medicarecoverage #HealthcareProviders #TrustInHealthcare

Recent events have highlighted the vulnerability of our infrastructure systems. From the crowdsourced event that led to thousands of flight cancellations across the country to ransomware attacks that locked people out of insurance operations, these incidents serve as a stark reminder of how interconnected our systems are. For those who rely on regular medications or frequent healthcare services, it’s crucial to be prepared for such disruptions. We always advise our clients to stock up on essential medications—ideally keeping a two to three-month supply on hand. With the likelihood of more large-scale disruptions in the future, being proactive can make all the difference. #Medicare #Healthcare #Medications #Ransomware #HealthcarePlanning #HealthTips #Employeebenefits

In today’s healthcare landscape, finding the right doctor can be challenging. A common question I hear is, “How do you find a doctor for your loved ones?” The reality is, doctors use the same tools as everyone else—insurance networks, online reviews, and more. However, we also have access to professional networks that can be incredibly valuable. When I need to recommend a specialist, I often turn to my colleagues and ask, “Who would you go to for this condition?” For procedural care, I rely on insights from nurses and office staff, who often know the best practitioners. One of my go-to questions is, “Who would you send your parents to?” This usually prompts an honest and thoughtful recommendation. #Healthcare #DoctorSearch #MedicareAdvice #HealthTips #HealthcareProfessionals #Medicare #employeebenefits

A recent survey by the Kaiser Foundation found that 86% of Medicare recipients are satisfied with their Medicare services, whether they’re on Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. This is a remarkably high satisfaction rate for healthcare. However, it’s important to remember that this still leaves 14% of people who are unhappy with their coverage. One of the key areas where dissatisfaction arises is in managing expectations. For instance, we recently heard from a client who was upset because they paid $127 for a service that previously cost them $100 on their old plan. This $27 difference may seem minor, but it underscores the importance of setting realistic expectations, especially as copays and out-of-pocket costs may increase in the coming years. As we continue to educate our clients, we emphasize that while Medicare offers great value, it’s essential to understand that costs can vary. Being prepared for these changes is crucial for maintaining satisfaction with your healthcare coverage. #Medicare #MedicareAdvantage #PatientSatisfaction #SeniorHealth #HealthcareCosts #MedicareEducation