Zachery Reynolds, Author at Next Level PRIME

Healthcare Economics: Why Rising Costs Matter

April 24, 2024
11:41 am

We went live with subject matter expert Dr. Vivian Ho, Professor at Rice University and Baker Institute Chair, to discuss the relevant data trends in healthcare costs!

Why Healthcare Economics Matter

Reports, studies, and analyses regarding the economic trends of healthcare are numerous, and unfortunately, widely negative. From Texas having the 5th highest healthcare costs in the United States, to the 6-8% increase in employer provided health plans in 2024, the healthcare market as a whole seems to be spiraling downward.

It’s crucial (especially for employers) to truly understand the economic impact these healthcare trends are having on real people, businesses, and families. Not only to stay informed, but to make beneficial, transformative, and sustainably positive change within their organization.

Topics Covered in the Livestream

With inflation, everything is more expensive these days. Why focus on healthcare costs?
Does examining costs even matter since employers pay for healthcare coverage for their employees?
Why are health care costs growing so quickly?
What do you believe we can do to rein in costs?
What role does Advanced Primary Care have in controlling cost growth?
Are there other important areas that need to be addressed to control costs?
Who funds research to figure out what to do?
Why it is important for the issue of healthcare cost to be discussed at the national policy level.

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Take Back Control of Your Healthcare Budget! March PRIME Time Recap

March 27, 2024
8:54 am

Listen as we discuss how ICHRA health plans paired with Next Level PRIME can help employers control their healthcare budget!

The 401k of Group Health Benefits

In a perfect world, health benefits would be a source of improved hiring, talent retention, and reduced turnover within an organization. Moreover, these benefits would be affordable for both the employer and employee. However in 2024, high premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance continue to plague businesses of all sizes, making little to no positive impact on individual health whatsoever.

Often called the “401k of health benefits”, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA) present a strategic avenue for employers to take back control of their healthcare spending. Encompassed in ICHRAs are Health Access Benefits that usually involve Advanced Primary Care models or services. Amidst the healthcare cost crisis of 2024, employers are exploring these avenues now more than ever.

Topics Covered in the Video

Tell us about your background in business and healthcare.
What is ICHRA and why is it being called the 401K of group health benefits?
How does an ICHRA work compared to group health insurance?
What types of businesses work best with ICHRA?
Should an interested company wait for open enrollment to contact Scoop Health?
Does size matter when it comes to ICHRA?
Why are more businesses not adopting an ICHRA model?
What keep business owners from switching to an ICHRA plan?
Tell us about some of your best ICHRA success stories!

Make Healthcare Free For Your Employees

Providing FREE healthcare to your employees while simultaneously experiencing cost savings is possible through our Advanced Primary Care model. Our white paper will explain how!

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What Hinders Employers From Making Healthcare Changes? February PRIME Time Recap

February 22, 2024
9:20 am

What’s preventing employers from making a much needed change in their healthcare strategy? What barriers need to be overcome and how? We dive into this broad topic alongside Brown & Brown Insurance Benefits Leader, Greg Coldewey!

A Call to Action for Healthcare Change

Medical inflation, high-cost claims, and other contributing factors have generated the largest employer healthcare cost increase in over a decade, causing many organizations to operate from a budget deficit and make less than favorable decisions to navigate the crisis.

While more employers are now beginning to explore alternative healthcare models, many are unsure where to begin. As discussed in the video, the solution lies within adopting an Advanced Primary Care (APC) model, developing advocacy for change within leadership, and understanding the cost variables at play.

Topics Covered in the Livestream

What hinders employers from making health care related changes?
Are carriers aligned with trying to reduce health care claims/cost?
What else is driving up the cost of care?
How does free market health care fit in?
Tell us about high performance health plans.
How do federal laws and regulations influence employer health care costs?
What strategies do you use to help employers control health care costs?
How can employers adopt an advanced primary care model?

Learn how to make healthcare free for your employees

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Next Level Prime: Where Healthcare Meets Compassion With Juliet Breeze, MD

Recently, Next Level Medical Founder & CEO Juliet Breeze, MD sat down with Altiqe Founder & Podcast host Allison De Paoli to discuss the full spectrum of Next Level PRIME! Watch the full interview below, listen on your favorite podcast platform, or read the blog post and full conversation transcript.

What is Next Level PRIME?

Today’s medical care system has made accessing healthcare an overly complicated, expensive, and time-consuming experience. Next Level PRIME eliminates these obstacles to ensure a healthy workforce, reducing the cost of health benefits for employers and eliminating barriers to care. Click here to see what our clients are saying about PRIME!

Through our Next Level PRIME employer healthcare solution, employees and their families have access to medical care with Next Level 7-days a week for Primary Care, Preventive Care, Chronic Care, Urgent Care and 24/7 Telemedicine & Virtual Visits. Additional programs and services include:

Health & wellness coaching
Behavioral health & emotional wellness counseling
Licensed RN care navigators
Blood draws, labs and immunizations/vaccines

Learn How to Make Healthcare Free for Your Employees

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Staying Active During Cooler Weather

October 25, 2023
2:04 pm

Don't Let Fitness Take a Back Seat

We have all been waiting for our cooler temps to arrive and as the temperature drops and the days get shorter, it’s tempting to hibernate indoors and let your fitness routine take a backseat. However, staying active in cooler weather is not only good for your physical health but can also lift your mood and energy levels. Here’s a guide to help you embrace the chill and keep moving during the colder months.

Layer Up: The key to staying active in cooler weather is proper clothing. Dressing in layers allows you to regulate your body temperature as you warm up during your workout. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, add an insulating layer for warmth, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to shield against the elements.

Indoor Workouts: When the weather outside is less than inviting, bring your workout indoors. Joining a gym, attending fitness classes, or working out at home are excellent options. Many fitness apps and online platforms offer guided workouts that you can do from the comfort of your living room, requiring little to no equipment. And, if you work in an office, see if your building has a gym that is available to you.

Home Workouts: Create a dedicated space at home for your workouts. Invest in basic exercise equipment like resistance bands, dumbbells, or a yoga mat. Bodyweight exercises, such as squats, lunges, and push-ups, can be done effectively at home, requiring minimal space.

Brisk Outdoor Walks: If the idea of intense workouts in the cold doesn’t appeal to you, a brisk outdoor walk can still do wonders for your health. Bundle up in warm layers, grab a pair of comfortable walking shoes, and explore your local parks or nature trails. Invite a friend or family member to join you for added motivation.

Set Realistic Goals: Adjust your fitness goals to align with the season. Whether it’s maintaining your current fitness level, trying a new winter sport, or focusing on indoor activities, setting realistic and achievable goals will keep you motivated.

Don’t let the cooler weather be an excuse to hibernate. With the right mindset and preparation, staying active during the colder months can be enjoyable and rewarding.

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Tips to Make Your Thanksgiving Feast Healthy

October 25, 2023
1:58 pm

Thanksgiving will soon be upon us and with that comes sumptuous feasts and hearty gatherings. While traditional Thanksgiving fare often leans towards indulgence, here are some tips to savor the flavors of the season without compromising on health and still create delicious, nutritious meals that celebrate the spirit of gratitude and well-being.

Revamp Traditional Recipes:

Explore healthier alternatives to classic recipes. For instance, use whole-grain or cauliflower crust for pies, and opt for sweet potatoes over regular potatoes for added nutrients.

Mindful Portions: Embrace the joy of portion control. Serve meals in smaller plates to encourage moderate servings, preventing overindulgence.

Creative Veggie Platters: Elevate your veggie game with colorful and creative platters. Arrange an assortment of raw, crisp vegetables with a flavorful yogurt or hummus dip for a nutrient-packed appetizer.

Lighten Up the Turkey: Choose leaner cuts of turkey or consider turkey breast for the main dish. Roasting or grilling the turkey with herbs and spices enhances flavor without relying on excessive fats.

Healthier Stuffing Alternatives: Replace traditional bread stuffing with a whole-grain or quinoa-based alternative. Incorporate a variety of veggies, nuts, and dried fruits for added texture and taste.

Clever Cooking Techniques: Opt for cooking techniques that require less oil, such as roasting, grilling, or baking, to retain the natural flavors of the ingredients without unnecessary calories.

Smart Substitutions: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or buttermilk in recipes for mashed potatoes or casseroles. This adds creaminess without the extra fat.

Nutrient-Rich Gravies: Make nutrient-rich gravies by incorporating vegetable or turkey broth, reducing the need for excessive amounts of butter and cream.

Remember to Stay Hydrated!

Stay hydrated throughout the day. Sometimes our bodies mistake thirst for hunger, leading to overeating. This Thanksgiving, embark on a journey of culinary creativity and well-being. These simple hacks allow you to relish the joy of the season while prioritizing your health.

By making thoughtful choices in ingredients and preparation methods, you can transform your Thanksgiving feast into a celebration of gratitude for both the delicious moments and the well-being of those around the table. Cheers to a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

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Alternative Healthcare Models – September PRIME Time Recap

September 21, 2023
2:22 pm

In this ‘PRIME Time’ LinkedIn livestream, host Karen Rakers, MD is joined by Higginbotham Managing Director and PRIME partner, Michael Avenevoli to discuss alternative healthcare models and how they can impact an employer’s bottom line!

Topics Covered in the Video

What is your role at Higginbotham and what does it entail?
How do you work with Mitigate partners?
What are employers struggling with when it comes to health care?
What is your approach to help employers solve these issues?
What are your thoughts on the best way to approach primary care?
Why do employers hesitate to adopt these solutions?
How does implementation of valued-based primary care impact the employer’s bottom line?
What success stories can you share?

What's the Impact of Alternative Healthcare Models?

You would never purchase car insurance to cover routine maintenance. So why do many employers purchase health insurance to cover primary care and urgent care needs? Exploring alternative health care models can result in:

9% fewer ER visits.
30% fewer days admitted to hospitals.
62% fewer referrals to specialists.
85% fewer radiology exams.
80% fewer surgeries.
The ability to impact a significant portion of an employer’s claims.

What Are Other Employers Saying?

Don't just take our word for it! See what our valued clients think about PRIME and its impact on their organization. Click below to browse our client testimonials.

Next Level PRIME Testimonials

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Reference-Based Pricing – August PRIME Time Recap

August 17, 2023
2:20 pm

Listen as Karen Rakers, MD sits down with ClaimDOC Senior Vice President, Omar Arif, to discuss the employer cost savings of PRIME, how RBP is administered through PRIME’s Direct Primary Care model, and the impact these solutions have on the workforce!

Topics Covered in the Video

Why are traditional network plans so unaffordable?
What is reference-based pricing?
How does direct primary care and reference-based pricing work well together?
How does PRIME help make a reference-based pricing plan easier to administer?
How does one make sure referrals get to RBP-friendly specialists?
What are the typical cost savings of this kind of partnership for an employer?
What is the impact of the combined solution on the working class?
Why are more brokers not offering this type of solution?
What do you think sets PRIME apart from other DPC practices you have worked with?

What is Reference-Based Pricing?

The cost of employee healthcare claims plays a critical role in the price employers pay for benefits. However, understanding the actual cost of a healthcare claim can be extremely challenging. Reference-based pricing (RBP) is an alternative to traditional healthcare pricing, where reimbursement rates for medical services are based on a pre-established benchmark rather than a provider’s charge.

Make Direct Primary Care Work For Your Organization

Our PRIME team is standing by to answer your questions, take you through next steps, and equip your organization with a healthy and robust team. Click below to get in touch with us.

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Our Relationship With ClaimDOC

As a Next Level PRIME partner, ClaimDOC works closely with over 600 PRIME members on a variety of levels, including referenced-based pricing and its administration through PRIME’s robust care model. ClaimDOC was founded in 2013 to offer plan sponsors suffering from the rising costs of healthcare an effective and sustainable alternative. Today, employers turn to ClaimDOC seeking to establish fair reimbursement rates for their plans, allowing them to save money and provide richer benefits to their employees.

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How Much Fiber Do You Really Need in Your Diet?

July 24, 2023
9:55 am

Increasing your fiber intake is important for a variety of reasons, but how much fiber do you really need in your diet? We answer this question and more in our blog!

Here's How Much You Need

A diet high in fiber is important in lowering cholesterol, heart health and a healthy digestive system. Women should aim for a diet that has between 21 to 25 grams of fiber a day while men should have between 30 and 38 grams of fiber daily. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, most Americans get only about 15 grams of fiber each day.

Soluble & Insoluble

Fiber is classified as either soluble or insoluble, depending on how it’s digested. As the names suggest, insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and comes from plant cell walls. Examples of insoluble fiber include wheat, wheat bran, rye and other grains. Insoluble fiber has been known to address issues like constipation and chronic diarrhea.

Soluble fiber comes from carbohydrates and dissolves in water. Examples of foods containing soluble fiber are fruit, oats, barley and beans. Soluble fiber is associated with reducing the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Additionally, soluble fiber can reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes and can control blood glucose levels in both type one and two diabetics.

Have You Scheduled Your Annual Physical?

DeKeitra is a valued PRIME patient from Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in Houston, Texas. Listen as she shares the impact a PRIME annual physical had on her overall lifestyle!

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Benefits of High Fiber

According to the Mayo Clinic, benefits of a high-fiber diet include:

Lowered Cholesterol Levels
Controlled Blood Sugar
Aids in Achieving a Health Weight
Longevity

So how do you get more fiber in your diet naturally? Foods like whole grains, whole fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans are good sources of fiber. Here are some easy ways to boost fiber intake:

Eat whole fruit instead of drinking fruit juice
Swap white rice/pasta for brown rice, barley, or farro
Choose cereals that have a whole grain as the first ingredients and/or choose cereals with 20% or higher of the daily value for fiber
Eat raw veggies or almonds in place of chips or crackers

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SPF Sense: Know Your Numbers

July 24, 2023
9:50 am

Summer is here and for many of us that means more time in the sun enjoying the outdoors. While the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using sunscreen every day, on days when you know you will be outdoors for prolonged periods of time, sunscreen is key.

The Importance of Sunscreen

When choosing a sunscreen, look for a product that has broad-spectrum protection (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays); select a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher; and make sure the product is water resistant. These characteristics will help protect your skin from not only sunburn but early aging and skin cancer.

So, is a higher SPF better than a lower number SPF? A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. While a higher number SPF may block slightly more of the sun’s UVB rays, no sunscreen blocks 100%. It’s also important to note that just because sunscreen may have a higher SPF does not mean that you can spend more time in the sun without reapplying the product.

Tips For Reducing Risks

The Food and Drug Administration cites that people of all skin color are at risk for skin cancer and sun damage. Tips for reducing risks include:

Limit your time in the sun, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. when the sun is most intense
Use hats, swim shirts, sun shirts, etc. that have sun-protective features
Apply sunscreen to all uncovered skin – especially nose, ears, neck, hands, feet and lips
Reapply sunscreen every two hours and more frequently if you’re swimming
Look for sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection

Have you Scheduled Your Annual Physical?

DeKeitra is a valued PRIME patient from Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in Houston, Texas. Listen as she shares the impact a PRIME annual physical had on her overall lifestyle!

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Cloudy Days Can Be Harmful!

According to the World Health Organization Global Solar Index, even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate clouds. Whether it’s a day at the beach or an overcast day, wearing sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV rays!