“Times are a little tough right now. Are there any alternative health options available?”
Reviewing the list of approved specialists on his clipboard, the primary care doctor slowly shook his head.
“Unfortunately Mary the ones I mentioned are it,” he stated.
“Well thank you Dr. Richardson, I’ll talk it over with my husband and get back to you,” she replied. Understanding it wasn’t his fault, she still didn’t know how she’d afford the treatment.
I think you’ll agree with me when I say healthcare is holding out on patients. Allow me to explain…
Why Alternative Health Solutions Are Important
In our lives in general, we love options. Even with products we want it customizable and in every color. But healthcare is different for some reason, especially with alternative health solutions.
Trust is part of it, as we’re taught to put confidence in doctors. They recommend medication or treatment, and we normally don’t think twice about it. Where trust is warranted, it should be given.
But when it comes to your health, I suggest being a little more investigative in how you approach it. Just like how my mom did research on the long-term effects chemotherapy would have on my body.
Reasons patient choice matters:
- Every patient responds differently to traditional medicine
- Diseases evolve and become resistant to prescription medications
- Certain necessary treatment puts patients back financially
- Competition drives innovation among healthcare systems
Those are just a few off the top of my head, and I’m sure you can think of some more.
And now for two non-healthcare examples to support alternatives.
Entrepreneurship and Parallel Structures
One way to restore faith in a failing system is through more entrepreneurial minded physicians.
I read an interesting book called The Benedict Option recently by author Rod Dreher. I don’t agree with everything he says, but a quote he included from a business owner (Carla Lee) stuck with me.
*For our purposes, replace the word “fashion” with “healthcare.”
You can be frustrated with the fashion industry, or you can be the fashion industry. That’s the approach Christians are going to need to take when things get tough in the workplace. For example, teachers who don’t want to teach in the public school system can start their own tutoring companies.
Regardless of your religious views or lack thereof, this statement should resonate with you.
It’s one thing to focus on problems within the medical world. And it’s another entirely to seek out solutions OR create them yourself.
One more example.
Vaclav Havel resisted Communism prior to its fall, and eventually became the president of Czechoslovakia. One of his quotes is pertinent to our topic at hand.
For what else are parallel structures than an area where a different life can be lived, a life that is in harmony with its own aims and which in turn structures itself in harmony with those aims?
Maybe it’s time for a brand new alternate solutions health network.
Continue reading for what this would look like.
Are There Alternative Health Solutions?
2021 has seen an increase in mistrust of the U.S. healthcare system. Some would say this was a long time coming.
Talking about alternative health solutions can make some people uncomfortable, but this is part of the problem. Let’s take you for example. Yes you, my wonderful reader.
What would you say if I asked, “How do you feel about natural treatment?” Really think about it. If you’re anything like most Americans (I was one) we’ve been trained to discount them as silly. Or ineffective.
But critical thinkers know ridicule is normally used when one doesn’t fully understand a belief or way of thinking. Just look at our society today, especially in the medical industry.
Those recommending contrary methods to the established narrative are laughed at. It’s easier to discount someone while you’re chuckling isn’t it?
Okay, shifting gears.
Demand for Alternative Health Options
Would it surprise you to know millions of Americans turn to substitutes each year, even willing to pay out-of-pocket to do so?
Services they use:
- Concierge medicine
- Direct Primary Care (DPC)
- Holistic medicine
Performing a quick online search I found Alternative Health Solutions in Wixom, Michigan. Ran by Dr. James Perkins, this practice’s vision is “for other practitioners to bring safe, affordable and quality natural health care within reach of individuals and families.”
Seems like a worthy pursuit.
Frontline Doctors has promised to open its own clinics in the coming months, offering patient choice. This organization has been working hard to relay truthful data and information on the Covid vaccines.
But their main goal is putting patients first, which is a mission I can get behind!
Okay, let’s move on to talk about health insurance. Don’t worry it won’t be as dry as the previous sentence makes it appear.
Alternative Health Insurance Solutions
Hopefully now you’re at least open to the idea of alternatives. Even if you are, health insurance can make it hard to switch.
They are businesses after all, even though this wasn’t always the case. Their interests are in limiting competition to increase profits. One can’t fault them for this, but in the healthcare industry more is better.
Some other options:
- Cost sharing plans
- Health discount cards
- Telemedicine
- Health savings accounts
- Association health plans
Samaritan Ministries is an example of a cost sharing plan. Members pay a fee and the community helps them with medical bills. A Christian organization, it still provides a model for improving the present system.
As a solopreneur, joining an association health plan might make more sense. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce to see if they have this in place.
Regular exercise and eating healthy are the best way to avoid the doctor, but if you can’t…these are viable choices for you.
Time to wrap up.
Alternative Health Solutions and Elijah Wordsmith
Because this is a huge topic, I’ll be covering it more over the coming weeks.
This is merely an introduction to get you thinking about alternate solutions. Health is something I’m passionate about, and I want patients to understand their choices.
Healthcare content writing is one way I do this.
Elijah Wordsmith content writing “verbalizes” the care current and prospective patients receive from your holistic practice.
With access to modern technology and customer service sharpened while working in busy medical offices, I bring a personable approach to growing your online presence.
Bring the human side back by sharing stories online that impacted you or your staff. And enjoy a boost in patient retention and new referrals for a “practice that truly cares.”
Take the first step towards standing out online and schedule a discovery call today!