A patient talking to their dedicated care team.

6 Reasons Integrated Care Is Important For Better Health Outcomes

Healthcare is changing. There have been major advancements in our understanding of diseases and how to treat them, and each year, more and more medical devices hit the market as technology evolves to address illness.

But, despite these innovations, people in the United States report receiving low-quality care for a higher price than before. In fact, as many as 60% of Americans reported dissatisfaction with the current healthcare system.

This is why more and more people are turning to integrated healthcare services. An integrated healthcare model addresses the concerns of care costs and increases the quality of care you and your loved ones receive. If you’re searching for high-quality health care, then you should start by looking into integrated care.

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A primary care physician welcoming a new patient.

7 Traits of an Excellent Primary Care Doctor

Your health is important, so why would you choose anything less than the best primary care physician (PCP)? When selecting a healthcare provider, there are some key traits to look for in order to find the best of the best.  Read more

Patient talking with a primary care doctor.

What’s the Difference Between MD and DO? Understanding Primary Care Doctors

What’s the difference – Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)? With so many healthcare provider options, choosing a primary care physician can be confusing. Whether you are new to choosing a family doctor or have been searching for years, it’s essential to understand what each doctor’s title means before deciding which one best suits your needs.

There are similarities and differences between MD and DO physicians, including medical education, philosophies behind practicing medicine, and degree specialties. Make the most informed choice for yourself by understanding the background of your next primary care physician.

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Two doctors at an integrated healthcare facility speaking to a patient about their care plan.

Benefits of Integrated Healthcare: Health Care Teams That Support Whole-Person Well-Being

Integrated health care services are becoming a more prevalent part of the healthcare system, because better health outcomes require that healthcare providers are aware of the patient’s overall health. Patient care that combines behavioral health needs with physical health needs leads to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Integrated health care services achieve that by creating an interprofessional care team that provides a holistic approach to patient care. In doing so, healthcare providers streamline communications to provide a higher-quality of care at a lower cost.

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A patient talking with a primary care physician.

Looking at the Top Reasons for Primary Care Visits

Primary care providers are the first line of defense against many health conditions. They can diagnose health problems, manage chronic diseases, and perform annual check-ups. Regular visits with your primary care doctor are preventive but may result in referrals to specialists for medical care. The following are some of the top reasons for primary care visits.

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Integrated health care services available at Meridian.

What Does Integrated Healthcare Look Like in 2023?

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so does the concept of an integrated healthcare system. In 2023, integrated healthcare is poised to take on an increasingly important role in health care delivery, as healthcare providers seek to improve outcomes, enhance patient experiences, and contain costs.

The integration of physical and mental health care, emphasis on providing whole-person patient care, and the use of technology to facilitate communication among healthcare providers are just a few of the trends that are shaping the future of integrated healthcare.

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Doctor and patient discussing treatment options.

Keys To a Healthy Doctor-Patient Relationship

Strong relationships are made up of equal parts trust and communication. And, those same elements are required to create a good relationship with your primary care doctor, too.

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Doctors collaborating at an integrated healthcare facility.

Top 4 Benefits of an Integrated Healthcare Model

Integrated healthcare is a team mindset for providing high-quality, patient-centered health services that are coordinated and delivered in a cost-effective manner. The integrated healthcare approach involves a personal physician or care team who knows the individual, who coordinates with other providers and specialists when needed, and who can help the patient navigate the complex healthcare system.

With integrated healthcare, you have one primary physician who delivers healthcare services and acts as care coordinator for a team of medical professionals that work together to treat you. When a team of healthcare professionals is fully aware of your health conditions, they can coordinate a healthcare delivery system and develop a full complementary treatment plan for disease management, patient wellness, and overall better health outcomes. Read more

Mental health professional counseling a patient whose stress affects their well-being.

How Does Stress Affect Your Physical and Mental Health?

Stress is a natural part of everyday life; everyone experiences stress, even if they don’t have an anxiety disorder or other mental illness. But if your body experiences long-term stress, it can cause bigger problems.

Stress affects mental health just as much as mental health problems affect your body’s stress response in return. Plus, stress-related issues can manifest into physical health problems, as well.  Read more

Workers participating in an employee wellness program.

Improve Business Health With an Employee Wellness Program

Employee wellness programs include a variety of initiatives that help employees improve overall health and well-being: disease prevention, health promotion, and education programs.

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