Listening 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:
VIPcare providers prioritize listening by structuring their practice around patient-centered care. Here’s how they make a difference:
There are numerous benefits to VIPcare’s listening-centered approach, including:
The 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, VIPcare’s 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.
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) continues to proactively negotiate with Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield (Florida Blue) in an effort to come to a resolution regarding contract terms with the insurance company. Following on-going financial challenges stemming from inflation and external economic factors, the system is seeking fair payment from the insurance company to cover the rising cost of patient care and preserve local access to doctors and vital services for families across Southwest Florida. Florida Blue is the third most profitable Blue Cross program in the nation yet pays NCH a lower rate than other insurers that the community hospital is contracted with, meaning NCH is reimbursed less than other hospitals in the region for the exact same services, even though the cost to provide patient care is similar. NCH is asking Florida Blue to be accountable partners and pay fair rates that keep pace with inflation and prioritize the best interests of patients. If Florida Blue forces NCH out of network and refuses to pay our community hospital fairly, thousands of patients will be without access to local doctors and specialists, said Betsy Brothers, MD, NCH North Hospital Chief Medical Officer and Section Chair for OB/GYN. As the only birthing center in Collier County and the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in Southwest Florida, its critical that Florida Blue recognizes the role NCH plays in community health, and listens to the patients and their customers, who depend on us when they say they want and need to keep their doctors in-network. We hope Florida Blue recognizes that and does the right thing. NCH reached out to Florida Blue months ago to begin negotiations with the goal of coming to a resolution without having to cause concern for, or impact patients. Florida Blue took over three months to respond to NCHs initial proposal. Were disappointed Florida Blue has not shown they share our sense of urgency in reaching a resolution said Jon Kling, Chief Operating Officer for NCH. Were also disappointed they continue to prolong the negotiation and choose to prioritize profit over their members. Florida Blue reported over $14 billion in revenue in the first half of 2023 alone. We know the company can afford to pay our non-profit healthcare system fairly without passing costs to patients. For us, this is about ensuring the health of our organization so we can continue to serve our community and take care of people. If an agreement is not made by September 30, 2024, NCH will be considered out of network for individuals and families with Florida Blue insurance plans. During the negotiation, patients with Florida Blue insurance coverage should continue to access their NCH doctors and services as usual. Community members can learn more at www.standwithnch.com.
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.
At VIPcare, we are a group of passionate healthcare professionals who believe theres a better way to practice medicine. We see a future where preventative medicine is valued over the traditional approach, which we refer to as sick care. Our goal is to get our patients healthy and to keep them healthy. VIPcare is a patient-focused primary care network under the Better Health Group Services umbrella that has been serving senior communities for more than 16 years. We utilize a high-touch population health management approach that prioritizes spending quality time with the physician and focusing on preventative care. To us, its about quality, not quantity. And not only do we value quality time, but we pride ourselves on creating a quality experience for all our patients. We practice kindness. Show empathy. Reach out in compassion. And every day, we partner with our patients on their journey to Better Health.We settle for nothing less than 5-star service and strive to be 1% better every day. This allows us to always go above and beyond for our patients. We take great care of our team so they can take great care of our patients and achieve: Better Care. Better Outcomes. Better Health. Four Locations to serve you throughout Lee County!Cape Coral-2301 Del Prado Blvd S, Ste 890, Cape Coral, FL 33990/239-932-5506Fort Myers-1635 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33907 /239-880-2126Fort Myers-14131 Metropolis Ave, Suite 104, Fort Myers, FL 33912/239-880-2521Fort Myers-20291 Summerlin Rd ste 105, Fort Myers, FL 33908/239-758-8564
At VIPcare, we are a group of passionate healthcare professionals who believe theres a better way to practice medicine. We see a future where preventative medicine is valued over the traditional approach, which we refer to as sick care. Our goal is to get our patients healthy and to keep them healthy. VIPcare is a patient-focused primary care network under the Better Health Group Services umbrella that has been serving senior communities for more than 16 years. We utilize a high-touch population health management approach that prioritizes spending quality time with the physician and focusing on preventative care. To us, its about quality, not quantity. And not only do we value quality time, but we pride ourselves on creating a quality experience for all our patients. We practice kindness. Show empathy. Reach out in compassion. And every day, we partner with our patients on their journey to Better Health.We settle for nothing less than 5-star service and strive to be 1% better every day. This allows us to always go above and beyond for our patients. We take great care of our team so they can take great care of our patients and achieve: Better Care. Better Outcomes. Better Health. Multiple Locations to serve you throughout Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte Counties!5309 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota 342328620 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 34238333 S. Tamiami Trl. Suite 102, Venice 3428510018 US-301, Parrish 34219465 S. Indiana Ave., Englewood 34223
At VIPcare, we are a group of passionate healthcare professionals who believe theres a better way to practice medicine. We see a future where preventative medicine is valued over the traditional approach, which we refer to as sick care. Our goal is to get our patients healthy and to keep them healthy. VIPcare is a patient-focused primary care network under the Better Health Group Services umbrella that has been serving senior communities for more than 16 years. We utilize a high-touch population health management approach that prioritizes spending quality time with the physician and focusing on preventative care. To us, its about quality, not quantity. And not only do we value quality time, but we pride ourselves on creating a quality experience for all our patients. We practice kindness. Show empathy. Reach out in compassion. And every day, we partner with our patients on their journey to Better Health.We settle for nothing less than 5-star service and strive to be 1% better every day. This allows us to always go above and beyond for our patients. We take great care of our team so they can take great care of our patients and achieve: Better Care. Better Outcomes. Better Health. Four Locations to serve you throughout Lee County!Cape Coral-2301 Del Prado Blvd S, Ste 890, Cape Coral, FL 33990/239-932-5506Fort Myers-1635 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33907 /239-880-2126Fort Myers-14131 Metropolis Ave, Suite 104, Fort Myers, FL 33912/239-880-2521Fort Myers-20291 Summerlin Rd ste 105, Fort Myers, FL 33908/239-758-8564