YOUR BENEFIT IN BUSINESS
BY RAEANNE MARSH
WELL, WELL, WELL
Take the Guesswork Out of Managing Health Insurance Costs In today’s economy, providing a health plan for one’s employees is part of doing business, and finding the right plan is critical. In fact, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s 2018 Employer Health Benefits Survey, 56 percent of small firms and 98 percent of large ones offer health benefits to at least a portion of their workers. Many businesses are discovering a new way to manage their healthcare — by achieving affordability through predictability with a balanced funding health insurance solution. The option allows a business to pay a fixed amount each month. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ recently introduced its own balanced funding solution designed for self-funded businesses with 15 or more enrolled employees. Here are a few reasons for organizations to consider this solution: It’s easier on the organization’s budget. A fixed monthly cost takes the guesswork out of budgeting. Businesses may find they qualify for a lower fixed monthly cost than what they are currently paying. Small businesses can save big. A balanced funding plan could save a small business up to 30 percent more than an Affordable Care Act small group plan. It’s all-inclusive. The monthly payments cover everything — administrative services, stop-loss insurance and claims liability. There is potential for refunds. Under BCBSAZ’s plan, for instance, if annual claims are lower than expected, renewing businesses will receive 100 percent of the surplus. There are no surprises. Even if the organization’s annual claims end up being more than what it has paid, it won’t owe additional money. —Mike Tilton, general manager of Commercial Business at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona azblue.com/BalancedFunding
FEB. 2019
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INBUSINESSPHX.COM
Camaraderie Is Part of 4C Medical Group’s Healthcare Philosophy
Arizona used to be known for its “5 C’s.” 4C Medical Group has four “C’s” — one of which is camaraderie. 4C, one of Arizona’s fastest growing physician owned medical groups, recently expanded to the West Valley with the acquisition of West Valley Internal Medicine / West Valley Urgent Care. With West Valley Care’s three locations in Glendale, Surprise and Avondale, combined with 4C Medical Group’s five locations in Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Carefree and eight ambulatory care locations, 4C now offers patients easy access to the practice across the Phoenix Metro area. “Our West Valley expansion is strategically particularly significant for us because it allows us to expand our service area to, essentially, the entire Phoenix Metro,” says Varesh Chaurasia, CEO of 4C Medical Group. With a total of eight ambulatory care clinics, an acute-care division that provides services at 5 hospitals, a sub-acute care division that provides services at over 35 skilled nursing / acute rehab facilities and a small but growing mobile division, Scottsdale-headquartered 4C Medical Group has grown to more than 70 clinicians and 75 staff, with plans to cross 100 clinicians by the end of 2019.The physicianowned integrated healthcare delivery network is driven by the core values — Communication, Compassion, Competence and Camaraderie — represented in its name. Chaurasia explains their significance to healthcare delivery, starting with camaraderie: “We pride ourselves on our family-style work culture and the camaraderie shared between the
In United Health Foundation’s recently released “America’s Health Rankings® Annual Report” for 2018, Arizona ranks 30th in overall health, which is up one spot from 2017.
members of our team. All our members share a mutual respect and are always willing to help out when there is need. We encourage our physicians to get to know each other outside work and enjoy mutual interests. This not only fosters friendships, but also helps physicians become more effective at providing the highest level of care to the patient.” On communication, he notes the importance of its ongoing emphasis for effective medicine, beyond that between the doctor and patient to also include the patient’s family, the referring physicians, the hospital staff and the healthcare facilities where patients are cared for. “Even the most skilled clinician can fall short if they lack compassion. All our physicians share this basic quality that makes a world of difference to the patient and how they feel,” Chaurasia says. “We take the time to sit down with the patient, share their worries and make them feel that we are cognizant of their discomfort and lack of control when they are in the healthcare system.” And, of course, competence. “The is no substitute for competency when it comes to practicing medicine,” Chaurasia says. To that end, 4C structures its compensation structure to attract and retain the best physicians, including designing allowances and time off for physicians to continue their medical education and stay informed of the latest developments in their fields. “We also encourage our physicians to recognize when they need guidance and call on consultants when required.” —Mike Hunter 4C Medical Group 4cmedicalgroup.com
