Rural Community Healthcare and Direct Access: Why Should you Care?

I’m very passionate about what is happening in our world of healthcare, especially when it comes to the care and services available close to home and in rural communities. The inspiration for this blog post comes from one of our VI Community members, Madelia Community Hospital in Madelia, MN.  If you are one of the many Americans with high healthcare insurance deductibles or an income that is preventing you from taking care of yourself, the following video may help you become aware of alternative options likely available in your own rural community.

Direct Access Healthcare Options:  Laboratory & Therapy in Madelia, MN

For example, let’s say you sprained your ankle or threw out your back and it’s obvious that you need to see a Physical Therapist to help you rehab them back to normal – you have a high deductible already you know you’d be paying for the treatment out of your pocket. In Madelia, you would pay $50 per treatment to see a Physical Therapist directly.  In otherwords, you would not need to make an appointment to first talk to your Physician (and pay for that appointment at the rate of a doctor’s office visit time) – then wait for him/her to refer you to the Physical Therapist – THEN get treatment – it’s well over that $50 plus the extra time you may have taken to go through the process.  In business, it’s sort of like cutting out the middle man to help save you time, money, and get what you need more immediately.

A second example – with respect to Laboratory Direct Access – let’s say you suspect you or your child has strep throat.  You’ve had it before and a good feeling you need a prescription for antibiotics.  You don’t have time to make an appointment to see your Physician and take more time off of work.  You would rather get tested right away so you can get the test sent to your Physician so he/she can call the Rx into your Pharmacist as soon as possible.

As a disclaimer, I am not promoting that direct access is always going to be the best way to go for everyone and in every health care situation.  Sometimes it is worth taking the time and spending the money to see your Physician first.  The more important message I want to share in this blog is there are alternatives – you should not sacrifice your health and know that often the best care is right in your own backyard and in your community!

Do you have questions or comments about this post?  We’d love to hear from you!