 | Robb Rose is Director of Marketing Operations at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita. Robb is also a Respiratory Therapist, Boarded Disability Analyst and Adjunct Faculty for Wichita Sate University. He holds a Masters in Human Resources from Webster University. Robb serves on the American Lung Association Regional Council and the American Heart Association Board of Directors. Robb is married and has 2 children. He can be reached at (316) 729-9999 |
Health & Rehabilitation
2004-12-01 10:02:00
Who decides what clinic I go to?
ANSWER: With Health Care being what it is currently, this is a great question. The overall answer is; yes, you the patient do still have choice as to what facility, health care system, pharmacy, rehab. hospital, outpatient clinic, or diagnostic center you want to go to.There are a few exceptions to this though. Your health care insurance carrier may have specific contracts with specific health care providers, clinics, services, etc. which will dictate as to where you may get the best coverage (i.e. Preferred Provider Networks). In other words, less out of your pocket and more paid for by your insurance carrier due to the contracts if you go where they have the contractual services. You may still elect to go elsewhere, but the out of pocket would be more. So, yes you do still have a choice. It is always a good idea to know who, and where your health care provider has contractual services with. You can always give them a call.It is Federal Law that when discharging a patient from an acute care setting to a rehab. hospital, outpatient services, home health, home medical equipment, pharmacies, etc., the patient is to be allowed a choice in the process. Getting an objective view about your discharge to one of these services and how they may compare to your individual circumstances is always a good idea. The same holds true with discharges/transfers to and from all health care settings in general. Call and get information on health care providers, get tours, and ask several of your health care clinicians including your physician. Being informed and educated as to your decision is imperative and required.
