Concentra Shows Health Care's Future with the Value of Urgent Care vs. Emergency Rooms

DALLAS, Aug. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 57 percent of the overall population say they do not understand how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will impact them, according to a poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation[i]. As one of the leading providers of urgent care services, Concentra, a subsidiary of Humana Inc., is helping to educate patients on their health care options ahead of 2014.

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The poll released earlier this year found that half of Americans say they don't have enough information to understand how the ACA will impact their family; a sentiment that increases among the uninsured and low-income adults[ii]. With millions of newly covered patients expected to enter the health care system in 2014, Concentra is working to educate patients and new enrollees on the differences among traditional emergency rooms (ERs), free-standing ERs, and urgent care centers. Locally in Charlotte, there are 88 urgent care centers, including four Concentra locations; compared to 14 ER centers[iii]. 

"Many people still don't know much about the Affordable Care Act, which aims to extend health care coverage to everyone," said Concentra Chief Medical Officer W. Tom Fogarty, M.D.  "It's important for patients and potential new enrollees to know specific details, such as which medical provider options are covered under their plan, and understand the savings that can be achieved by choosing lower acuity settings for non-emergency conditions."

In less than 45 days, on Oct. 1, the enrollment period begins for the nation's uninsured, allowing them to shop at online health care exchanges for affordable insurance coverage. Through appropriate selection of care resources, patients can preserve already strained medical resources and control costs with informed decisions about their own health and the health of their family. This includes clarification on the following:

• Standalone ERs often serve as an entry point to a larger hospital's system
• Most urgent care centers have a physician on staff, and follow the same medical protocols as any trauma physician
• For those without insurance, many urgent care centers even offer transparent menu pricing for its services
• Urgent care centers can treat many of the same conditions as the ER, for less money and in less time

Concentra is making patient education materials available through its 320 Concentra Urgent Care centers across the country; as well as posting online ads, blog features, and a section on the company's website emphasizing the importance of proper care resources. Visit www.Concentra.com to learn more about the company's patient education efforts and the full spectrum of health care options available to consumers.  Concentra Urgent Care offers affordable health care services for the entire family, and is rapidly becoming the new trend in patient care.

About Concentra

Concentra, a subsidiary of Humana Inc., is a leading health care company focused on improving America's health, one patient at a time. Through its affiliated clinicians, the company provides occupational medicine, urgent care, physical therapy, and wellness services from more than 320 medical centers in 39 states. In addition to these medical center locations, Concentra serves employers by providing a broad range of health advisory services and operating more than 270 worksite medical facilities. Through this complement of services, Concentra intends to raise the standard of health by putting individuals first, treating them with clinical excellence, and focusing on their ongoing wellness. www.Concentra.com

About Humana

Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health care company that offers a wide range of insurance products and health and wellness services that incorporate an integrated approach to lifelong well-being. By leveraging the strengths of its core businesses, Humana believes it can better explore opportunities for existing and emerging adjacencies in health care that can further enhance wellness opportunities for the millions of people across the nation with whom the company has relationships.

More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:

• Annual reports to stockholders
• Securities and Exchange Commission filings
• Most recent investor conference presentations
• Quarterly earnings news releases
• Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls
• Calendar of events (including upcoming earnings conference call dates and times, as well as planned interaction with research analysts and institutional investors)
• Corporate Governance information

[i] Kaiser Family Foundation Health Tracking Poll (conducted March 5-10, 2013)

[ii] http://kff.org/health-reform/poll-finding/kaiser-health-tracking-poll-april-2013/

[iii] UCAOA List of registered urgent care centers. 2013

SOURCE Concentra