Finding providers that are right for you, and maybe saving some money in the process

Maybe you've moved.  Maybe your doctor has retired.  Maybe you're new to an insurance plan.  Whatever the case may be, it's time to find a new doctor.  I'm sure most of us agree that this can be a nerve-wracking experience.  How many of us have used our insurance plan's search feature, found the closest person to our house, and then never gone?  How many of us never actually found a new doctor?

So, where do start?  Here are a few things to consider:

• Ask your family and friends: You're looking for a podiatrist.  Remember when Aunt Jane had that foot problem a few years ago? She's the perfect person to ask. If she raves about the provider, maybe you should check them out.  If she had a less than pleasant experience, at least there's one provider you should avoid.
• Read some reviews: While reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, they can be helpful in providing some insight. Sites like Vitals.com, RateMDs.com, and HealthGrades.com can help you narrow your search.  
• Think about what's most important to you: Even if you are simply using the Provider Finder Tool in the Blue Access for Members portal, think about your needs.  Do you need someone who has evening or weekend hours?  How about their hospital affiliations? What about their practice in general; are there a lot of other providers or just a handful?

Now what if you're looking for a specialist, or need a specific service, and have no idea where to start?  That's where Benefits Value Advisor can be a huge help. 

For example, what if your doctor says you need an MRI? They recommend going a to the MRI room a few offices, you do but can't get in for the scan that day, and aren't looking forward to going back because it's either a little out of your way, or close to home but going another day will mean taking another morning off of work.  Is there somewhere close to work so you can go over a lunch hour? 

Simply connect to a Benefits Value Advisor by calling the number on the back of your Blue Cross Blue Shield ID card, and they can provide a list of providers and locations.  They can even tell you which providers will cost less (same level of care, but at a lower cost) and get you in touch with Member Rewards, a program that will provide a cash incentive if you do go to a lower cost provider.  What a win!

While finding a provider can be daunting, help is out there. For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield options, and the Benefits Value Advisor and Member Rewards programs, log in to your MyIIT portal, and visit the HR Portal Health benefits page.     

Written by: Viktoria Rill
Sources:
BCBS LifeTimes article https://lifetimes.bcbsil.com/article/good_fit_doctor
WebMD How to Use Online Ratings for a Doctor https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/using-doctor-ratings-sites#2-3

Summer Safety

The temperatures in Chicagoland have finally started going up.  That means there are some things we all need to do in order to keep ourselves and our families safe this summer. Here are a few:

• Protect our skin: it's important to use sunscreen while outdoors, even on cloudy days.  Sunscreens should block UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30. Additional precautions should be taken when you're out in the water, and with younger children.
• Be mindful around water: always make sure to watch children closely, and do not allow them to swim alone. Follow directions on any posted signs, pay attention to flags and alerts, and stay close to lifeguard stations.
• Watch those mosquitos: increases in the number of cases of the Zika and West Nile viruses have become a concern for many of us. When out walking in grassy or damp areas, or anywhere mosquitos are likely to be present, make sure to wear long clothing and use insect repellent.
• Practice food safety: picnics and outdoor barbeques can mean a higher likelihood of foodborne illness when foods are left out too long in the summer heat, or cross-contamination occurs. Make sure that food is left out no longer than 2 hours (1 hour if the outside temperature is 90 degrees or higher). Keep raw meat, poultry, and similar foods separate, and do not reuse platters or cutting boards until they're washed. 

There are many other summer safety considerations such as the importance of staying hydrated, watching out for poisonous plants while hiking, fire safety when camping, etc. Search Lifeworks (Illinois Tech's Employee Assistance Program), Blue Cross Blue Shield's wellness resources, or this list from the National Safety Council for additional things you may want to think about.

Stay safe this summer!


Article by Viktoria Rill
Additional Sources:
Lifeworks article Summer Safety Tips (note this link will require login using Illinois Tech's user ID and password, which can be found on the HR Portal Employee Assistance Program page)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Eating Outdoors, Handling Food Safely