NCH Advocates for Fair Reimbursement & Patient Access to Local Care in Florida Blue Negotiation

Note: this is not medical advice and should not replace a discussion with your own treating physician. This document was created after compiling helpful over the counter and home remedies from patients and colleagues. Winter is a beautiful time of the year, but it also brings along various illnesses. With the constant change in temperature and dry air, it's easy to catch a cold or flu. However, being sick doesn't have to be miserable. Here are some tips to help you through your winter sickness. First off, make sure you are getting enough rest. Your body needs time to fight off the illness, so getting plenty of sleep is essential. Drinking lots of fluids is also crucial to staying hydrated. Warm liquids such as tea or soup can help soothe your throat and loosen congestion. Second, take over-the-counter medication to relieve your symptoms. Decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion, and pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and body aches. However, be sure to read the instructions carefully and consult with a doctor if you have any doubts. Lastly, try to avoid spreading your illness to others. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Stay home if you're feeling unwell to prevent spreading the illness to others, and mask up if you need to leave the house. Reminder that we are fortunate enough to have vaccinations against flu, COVID and RSV which cause significant respiratory illness. In conclusion, being sick during the winter can be tough, but with plenty of rest, hydration, and medication, you can make it through. Ive gathered up some of the most common remedies used by myself, my patients, and my followers on social media and shared them below. Remember to take care of yourself and stay warm during the chilly winter weather.STRAIGHT OFF THE SHELFNote: if you take other medications, its important to talk with your physician or pharmacist about how these over the counter meds may interact with your prescribed meds Cough Vicks Vapo Rub on the chest and bottoms of feet Coricidin (good for those with cough and high blood pressure) Delsym Cough Medicine: dextromethorphan containing cough meds help with cough suppression, for dry coughs Zarbees for kids: these come in a daytime and nighttime forms to help with sleep (chamomile) Mucinex: guaifenesin containing meds help to loosen up mucus in your though to help you cough it up, for wet coughs Sudafed: pseudoephedrine is a decongestant and can make you pretty wired/awake. caution if you have high blood pressure Dimetapp for kiddos 6 and older Congestion/sore throat Afrin nasal spray: temporary congestion relief Flonase nasal spray: great for post nasal drip that causes sore throat Saline nasal rinses General cold/flu symptoms Dayquil/Nyquil: remember, these contain acetaminophen aka Tylenol. so dont mix with additional tylenol unless instructed by your physicianKnow your meds! acetaminophen is also known as Tylenol; ibuprofen is also known as Motrin and is the same class of medications as naproxen aka Aleve HOME/HERBAL REMEDIESNote: if you take other medications, its important to talk with your physician or pharmacist about how these remedies may interact with your prescribed meds Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa-Chinese herbal throat and cough syrup Green tea Ginger tea Boom boom inhaler stickLemon, honey, and chamomile tea Sleep Epsom salts baths Oscillococcinum Black elderberry syrup Raw garlic with honey Mullein tincture Electrolyte rich drinks like liquid IV, LMNT, pedialyte-- monitor sugar content Fermented foods Reishi Ashwaghanda Foods high in vitamin C (citrus!)SOOTHING TEA RECIPEIn a saucepan, bring the following to a boil, then remove from heat and enjoy:8 ox water1 T apple cider vinegar1 T honey1 cinnamon stick1 clove of peeled and smashed garlicsmall  piece of peeled gingerTIPS & TRICKS FROM A PCPafter a viral infection, cough can last 4-6 weeks in some cases. if you have fever with the cough or its getting worse, talk with your doctor as it could indicate a bacterial infection never underestimate the power of sleep and resting your body a fever is technically a temperature over 100.4 degrees F the symptoms of COVID, flu, and RSV overlap significantly. getting tested for these infections may be helpful in determining if you need further intervention your gut health is key to your immune system. you may not be able to fully prevent getting sick, but a healthy mind and body will help you with resilience and recovery. focusing on fiber, mindfulness, sleep and regular exercise can help your gut stay strong! most viral infections last about 5-7 days. but if you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, high fevers, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, or wheezing, contact your physician immediately ask your doctor for their recommendation on checking your childs temperature. they may want you to use a rectal thermometer depending on age

More Time With The DoctorOne of the most common complaints among patients is the lack of sufficient time with their healthcare providers. In many traditional medical practices and primary care clinics, doctors are often overbooked, leaving patients feeling rushed and unheard during appointments. However, VIPcare takes a different approach, prioritizing quality over quantity when it comes to patient-doctor interactions.Our providers only see an average of 10 to 13 patients a day. This allows patients to have extended appointment times, allowing for thorough discussions of their health concerns and treatment options. This focus on personalized care not only enhances the patient experience but also contributes to better health outcomes. Patients feel listened to, understood, and empowered to take an active role in managing their health.Same-Day AppointmentsIllnesses and injuries dont always occur at convenient times. Waiting days or even weeks for a doctors appointment can exacerbate health issues and lead to unnecessary suffering. Recognizing the importance of timely access to healthcare, VIPcare offers same-day appointments to accommodate urgent medical needs.Whether its a sudden illness, unexpected injury, or concerning symptoms that require immediate attention, patients can rely on VIPcare to provide prompt and compassionate care. This commitment to accessibility ensures that patients receive the medical attention they need when they need it, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and improving overall health outcomes.Preventative And Chronic Care ManagementPrevention is the key to good health, and VIPcare understands the importance of proactive healthcare measures in preventing illness and managing chronic conditions. Through comprehensive preventative care services, including routine screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling, VIPcare empowers patients to prioritize their health and well-being.Moreover, for patients living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, VIPcare offers personalized care plans tailored to their specific needs. From medication management to regular monitoring and education, VIPcares multidisciplinary care team works collaboratively with patients to optimize their health and quality of life.Commitment To Patient SafetyVIPcares commitment to patient safety extends beyond medical appointments to encompass every aspect of the patient experience. From the moment patients walk through the door, the VIPcare team greets them with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, designed to put them at ease. Friendly clinic staff are on hand to assist with scheduling appointments, answering questions, and addressing any concerns that may arise.Furthermore, VIPcare prioritizes patient safety by designing clinics with safety and comfort at the forefront. From stringent infection control protocols to meticulously maintained facilities, every aspect of VIPcares operations is tailored to mitigate risks and create a secure space for healing and wellness.VIPcare exemplifies what prioritizing patient safety means while delivering exceptional healthcare. VIPcare is setting a new standard for patient-centered care. By placing the well-being of our patients above all else, VIPcare not only improves health outcomes but also fosters trust, satisfaction, and peace of mind among those we serve.

The Importance Of Listening To Patients In HealthcareListening is a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare. When healthcare providers take the time to genuinely listen to their patients, several key benefits emerge:Accurate Diagnoses: Understanding a patients symptoms, lifestyle, and concerns in detail helps in making accurate diagnoses. This comprehensive understanding reduces the risk of misdiagnosis and ensures that the treatment plan is tailored to the patients specific needs.Patient Trust and Satisfaction: When patients feel heard, they are more likely to trust their healthcare providers. This trust fosters a collaborative relationship where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns, leading to a more effective care plan.Improved Adherence to Treatment: Patients who feel understood and valued are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans. When they understand the reasoning behind their treatments and feel their providers are invested in their health, they are motivated to follow through with recommendations.How VIPcare Providers Prioritize Listening To PatientsVIPcare providers prioritize listening by structuring their practice around patient-centered care. Heres how they make a difference:Extended Appointment Times: Unlike traditional practices where appointments are often rushed, VIPcare providers allocate more time for each visit. This allows patients to fully express their concerns without feeling hurried, and providers can thoroughly understand and address those concerns.Personalized Care Plans: By listening carefully, VIPcare providers can develop personalized care plans that consider the patients unique circumstances, preferences, and health goals. This tailored approach ensures that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective care.Follow-Up and Continuous Care: VIPcare emphasizes the importance of follow-up appointments and continuous care. By maintaining an ongoing dialogue with patients, providers can monitor progress, make necessary adjustments to treatment plans, and provide support and encouragement.Benefits Of A Listening-Centered ApproachThere are numerous benefits to VIPcares listening-centered approach, including:Enhanced Preventative Care: With a better understanding of patients lifestyles and risk factors, VIPcare providers can offer more effective preventative care, helping to catch potential health issues before they become serious problems.Holistic Health Improvement: Listening to patients allows providers to address not only physical health but also emotional and mental well-being. This holistic approach leads to overall improved health and quality of life.Reduced Healthcare Costs: By achieving accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans from the start, VIPcare providers help reduce the need for unnecessary tests, treatments, and hospitalizations, ultimately lowering healthcare costs for patients.Stronger Patient-Provider Relationships: The foundation of trust built through attentive listening leads to stronger, long-lasting patient-provider relationships. Patients are more likely to stay with providers they trust, ensuring continuity of care.Experience The VIPcare DifferenceThe approach taken by VIPcare providers underscores a crucial truth in healthcare: listening is as important as any diagnostic tool. By valuing patient stories and concerns, VIPcare creates a healthcare experience that is not only more satisfying but also more effective. In an era where healthcare can feel impersonal, VIPcares dedication to listening ensures that each patient is seen, heard, and cared for with the utmost attention and respect. This commitment to patient-centered care is transforming primary care and paving the way for a healthier, happier future. Schedule your appointment today and experience the VIPcare difference for yourself.