Securing health insurance is important to maintaining good health, but being “covered” is only part of the journey to overall wellness.
As people age, they need to be regularly checked for potential health issues and need a professional to guide them through the healthcare landscape.
To help individuals understand Access Health CT – the state’s health insurance exchange – and the importance of having a primary care physician, Griffin Hospital will host will host “Health Insurance – Get It and Get the Most Out of It” on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division Street, Derby. Led by Certified Health Insurance Assister Margaret Sessa, RN, and Dr. Shyla Muriel, of Griffin Hospital Faculty Physicians, this free talk will provide information on Access Health CT and the benefits of establishing a “medical home” with a primary care physician.
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Attendees can also receive a free blood pressure screening and consultation at the event.
To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203.732.1511 or visit griffinhealth.org.
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What can a primary care physician do for you?
Unlike medical specialists who primarily focus on a particular part of the body or health issues, primary care physicians have the overall knowledge and flexibility to shape their services to fit the unique needs of their patients. In addition to delivering basic medicine in an office setting, primary care physicians receive training in hospital-based medicine, including critical care and obstetrical procedures.
This range of experience allows primary care physicians to care for their patients as entire persons. They get to know their patients personally and understand their patients’ medical history so they can recognize changes in a patient’s health and provide one-on-one information about preventative care or how to manage chronic illness.
They’re in your corner
Primary care physicians are your medical point persons when it comes to finding a specialist. If you have concerns about different treatment suggestions from specialists, a primary care physician can answer your questions and help you decide which approach works best for you. This relationship between your primary care physician and specialists is called a “medical home” because the primary care physician establishes a relationship with your specialists and keeps track of your care with them.
Preventative medicine can save time and money
Regular check-ups and having a consistent healthcare provider helps you keep track of changes in your health, which can lead to more efficient care. With all of the health news and medical product marketing out there, a primary care physician can cut through the noise and give you direct answers about what you need and what is proven to work. Having a consistent relationship with a primary care physician can also help you get care more quickly if you get sick – possibly resolving medical issues over the phone or via email.
Get checked out
In addition to the free talk, members of Griffin Hospital’s Valley Parish Nurse Program will provide free blood pressure screenings and consultation on Dec. 17.
Blood pressure is considered one of the most important health screenings a person can get, since high blood pressure has no symptoms and can’t be detected without being measured. High blood pressure greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke – two of the largest causes of natural death in the country.
For more information about the importance of primary care physicians and how to navigate Access Health CT, come to “Health Insurance – Get It and Get the Most Out of It” on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.
About Tuesday Talks
“Health Insurance – Get It and Get the Most Out of It” is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U “Tuesday Talks,” a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics. To find out about upcoming Tuesday Talks, visit griffinhealth.org/programsevents.
