Spectrum Health West Michigan

BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan Offers More Primary Care Options To Help Reduce Patient Costs

Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 28, 2022—To help minimize patient health care costs, BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan is offering more ways for patients to better align their care to personal health goals and lifestyle needs.

The move comes as the health system looks to offer more value-based care options rather than a one-size-fits-all approach and find meaningful ways to remove barriers that get in the way of accessing quality care and achieving better health. Value-based care takes a more whole-person approach to health care that’s proactive, preventive, coordinated and more affordable.

“To serve our patients and communities for years to come, we must adapt to the changing health care environment,” said Dr. Rima Shah, department chief of primary care services at Spectrum Health. “That includes providing equitable and more streamlined care and looking at ways to help patients get financial assistance or even schedule longer appointments because they’re dealing with three or more chronic conditions. If a person can’t afford to take their medicine, they won’t manage their health effectively no matter how many appointments they schedule.”

Shah said that it’s these common scenarios that can cause patients to pay more, adding to longer-term health care costs.

Selecting a provider often is driven by insurance or convenience. But Spectrum Health is helping patients to consider other important options such as choosing a primary care program that helps them manage their medications better, offers transportation to their appointment or provides access to language services. Patients who are younger and don’t have as many health issues also can select a virtual-only care program.

No matter which primary care program is selected, Spectrum Health offers:

• in-person and/or virtual visits based on health issue
• 24/7 nurse support for health concerns and appointments
• free interpreting services for more than 20 languages such as Español, Tiếng Việt, Burmese, Ikinyarwanda and Swahili
• expertise in healthy lifestyle guidance and management of chronic health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or depression and anxiety
• preventive care, including physical and wellness exams, screenings and immunizations
• referrals to specialists when needed

Whether it’s someone who is new to the area in search of a primary care physician, or someone who is needing more options to satisfy their specific health needs, help is available at spectrumhealth.org/options.

About BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our long and continuing legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Our award-winning team improves health, inspires hope and saves lives across 13 counties in West Michigan. We bring together 11 hospitals—including Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, with expert care from 350+ pediatric specialists in 70+ specialties and programs—three rehabilitation and nursing centers, 120 outpatient sites and telehealth services. We are proud to work with 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers, including Spectrum Health Medical Group, one of the largest and most comprehensive multispecialty physician groups in West Michigan.

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Contact:
Sarina Gleason
Media Relations
Phone: 517.256.5618
Email: sarina.gleason@corewellhealth.org