January 17, 2019
Patients don’t often understand the difference between a preventive visit and a diagnostic visit. What’s the difference? Why did you charge me for something that was supposed to be covered? Both health insurers and healthcare providers have been looking for ways to educate their patients to eliminate surprises.
On my recent annual visit to my primary care doctor, I was handed a Frequently Asked Question sheet along with my usual medical record update forms. This document was simple and thorough in providing answers to questions about what a preventive visit covers and what it doesn’t cover. It included information about insurance plans, noting that each plan is different and to call the number on the back of the insurance ID card.
How do you educate your patients? If you haven’t developed a way to help patients better understand their benefits, some things you might consider:
- What’s a physical? A “physical” is a preventive care visit. It’s sometimes called an annual visit.
- What services are included in a preventive care visit? Generally, a review of your history, an exam based on your age and risk factors, recommendations for tests or vaccines.
- What services aren’t included? Evaluation of a new health concern, changes to a current treatment plan, fees for vaccinations, labs or other tests.
- What if I have other concerns? Your care provider may recommend making another appointment to allow for time to safely care for you.
Thanks to Virginia Mason for providing a great example of a patient-focused description of preventive care visits.