US Health Tips

Healthcare Coverage

1. Doctor Acceptance:
   • • To see a doctor in the U.S., you’ll need a U.S. health plan that the doctor accepts.
     • Without proper coverage, booking appointments can be challenging
2. Comprehensive Coverage:
   • • A health plan is essential for
       • • Medicines
         • Diagnostic tests
         • All other healthcare services
     • Without it, these services may can become significantly more expensive.

Hospitalization and Health Emergencies  

When you’re in the United States and require medical care at a hospital or emergency room or a doctor, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. Hospital/Emergency Room:
   • • First, they will ask for your insurance plan. Based on the plan, they know what to charge and who to charge.
     • The hospital will inquire about your Primary Care Physician (PCP), also known as your U.S. doctor.
     • They’ll will promptly contact your PCP to discuss your case and request your medical records.
     • Your PCP will review your health history over the phone and share it electronically or via fax.
     • This ensures that the attending doctors have essential information to start providing immediate care.
2. Involvement of Your PCP:
   • • After examining you and admitting you (if necessary), the hospital will continue to involve your PCP.
     • They’ll explain your status to your PCP and discuss the next steps.
     • Your PCP may recommend specialists for further evaluation and treatment.
     • If your PCP is unavailable or you’re in a different state, they’ll coordinate remotely with other hospital doctors to ensure your care.
3. Post-Discharge Care:
   • • Upon discharge, the hospital will send all your medical records to your PCP.
     • You’ll be advised to consult your doctor for post-hospital discharge care.
     • Even when you call for ambulance service during an emergency, they’ll ask for your PCP details to provide appropriate care.
4. The Crucial Role of Your PCP:
   • • In emergencies, every minute counts, and your PCP plays a vital role in saving lives and providing timely care.
     • Having a local U.S. doctor is highly critical for travelers to address health emergencies promptly.
     • Your PCP maintains all your health records and shares with other providers if required.

Paying for Medicines in the U.S.

1. Prescriptions:
   • • Unlike in some other countries, U.S. pharmacies require an electronic prescription order or a signed order from a licensed U.S. physician.
     • You cannot directly ask for or buy medicines without proper documentation.
     • Your PCP can send an electronic prescription order to any U.S. pharmacy or a mail-order pharmacy for home delivery.
     • Remember that medicines (prescription medications) in the U.S. can be expensive, espeicially if you don’t have a plan.
2. Saving on Medicines:
   • • To save money, consider plans which offers savings on prescription medicines.

Diagnostic Lab Tests in the U.S.

1. Lab Orders:
   • • Just like with prescription medications, you’ll need a lab order from your doctor for diagnostic tests.
     • Diagnostic labs cannot perform tests without a U.S. licensed physician’s order.
     • Your primary care physician (PCP) can order necessary lab tests, including those recommended by specialists.
     • Blood or urine samples can be collected at your PCP’s clinic or at a nearby patient service center.
2. Results and Follow-Up:
   • • Diagnostic labs will send reports electronically to your ordering physician (usually your PCP).
     • If critical values are detected, your doctor will be promptly alerted.
     • Your PCP will review the results, update you, and recommend additional tests or adjust medications if needed.
3. Cost Considerations:
   • • Lab tests in the U.S. can be costly, especially without a plan.
     • It’s essential to have a plan that helps you save on diagnostic lab expenses.

Managing Chronic Conditions – Diabetes, Hypertension, and More

In the United States, managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) often falls under the care of your primary care physician (PCP). Here’s how it typically works:

1. Chronic Condition Management:
   • • Most chronic conditions are overseen by your PCP.
     • Your PCP will conduct quarterly lab tests and follow up with consultations.
     • Based on the results, they’ll adjust your treatment plan as needed.
     • Regular checkups are crucial to prevent major health crises.
2. Coverage Considerations:
   • • Unfortunately, many insurance plans don’t adequately cover these ongoing management needs.
     • Without proper coverage, patients may miss out on essential checkups.

Coverage Limit: How Much Is Enough?

1. Understanding Coverage Limits:
   • • The coverage limit represents the maximum amount your insurance plan will pay for eligible medical expenses.
     • Given the high cost of healthcare in the U.S., it’s advisable to have substantial coverage.
2. Recommended Minimum:
   • • Typically, experts recommend a minimum coverage of at least $100,000.
     • This ensures that you’re adequately protected in case of unexpected medical expenses.
3. MyPhysicianPlan’s Offerings:
   • • MyPhysicianPlan provides coverage limits ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for all ages.
     • Choose a limit that aligns with your needs and gives you peace of mind during your stay in the U.S.

 The Comprehensive Travel Plan from MyPhysicianPlan

1. Dedicated PCP:
   • • With this plan, you’ll have a dedicated Primary Care Physician (PCP) who can address your needs.
     • Your PCP plays a central role in coordinating your care during emergencies.
     • You can book appointments with your PCP anytime you need medical care.
     • Plus, you can connect with your PCP from anywhere in the U.S.—it’s like having your doctor on speed dial!
2. Nationwide Network:
   • • Beyond your PCP, you’ll also have access to a nationwide network of hospitals and specialists.
     • Whether you’re in your home state or traveling, quality care is within reach.
3. Prescription Medicines:
   • • MyPhysicianPlan Rx card offers up to 90% savings on medicines.
     • Get medications at a local pharmacy or at home through a mail order pharmacy.
4. Diagnostic Lab Tests:
   • • Unlike other travel plans, MyPhysicianPlan provides coverage for lab tests.
     • You can get tested either at your doctor’s clinic or at patient service centers nationwide.
5. Chronic Conditions:
   1. • Unlike other travel plans, MyPhysicianPlan doesn’t restrict members with chronic conditions from seeking care through their PCP.
      • You have unrestricted access to your PCP to manage any chronic condition, including diabetes, hypertension, and more.
6. Adequate Coverage Amount:
   • • Provides coverage limits ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for all ages.
     • Choose a limit that aligns with your needs and gives you peace of mind during your stay in the U.S.

Remember, a well-prepared traveler is a healthy traveler. Safe travels!