A brief overview of Cigna
The Cigna Group is a global health company with a workforce of over 70,000 employees. They aim to improve the well-being of more than 178 million clients worldwide by providing a broad range of insurance plans and products catering to their physical and emotional well-being.
The Cigna Group has become a top healthcare service provider by combining a diversified portfolio of brands and capabilities to cater to its clients and customers' healthcare needs and expectations. With two distinct divisions, Cigna Healthcare, and Evernorth Health Services, Cigna tackles some of the biggest challenges in the healthcare industry, including rising costs, the accessibility of care, and personalized support for individuals with complex health conditions. Additionally, they are committed to fostering innovation by developing new products and platforms that promote healthier communities.
About Cigna's international health insurance plans
Cigna's international medical plans are well-crafted to address specific health insurance needs while granting access to a global network of hospitals and medical professionals. These plans consider various factors impacting the overall well-being to offer comprehensive support. With a focus on holistic care, individuals receive assistance in every aspect of their lives, from routine medical needs to unforeseen circumstances.
These plans include essential medical services such as hospital stays and treatments and flexible options tailored to preferences and financial considerations. Additionally, priority access to support from Cigna's team of doctors and nurses is provided, as well as access to a range of tools and digital solutions through a secure online portal for comprehensive whole health care support.
What's the difference between an in-network and an out-of-network provider?
Most health plans offer savings through a network of doctors, facilities, and pharmacies. To be included in the network, medical professionals must meet certain requirements and agree to provide treatment at a reduced fee for the members of the health plan. These are the medical providers commonly referred to as in-network providers.
If a doctor or facility is not a part of your health plan's network, they are considered out-of-network. In such cases, they may charge you the full price for the treatment, which is usually much higher than the discounted rate given to in-network providers.
Reasons to see a primary care doctor
Unlike other doctors, you don't have to see a primary care doctor only when you are sick. You can also see them if:
- If you have to get an annual check-up, health screening, or vaccinations.
- If you feel under the weather, your primary care doctor can examine you, order blood tests, or make a diagnosis and prescribe medication.
- If you have a chronic illness such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma, your primary care physician can refer you to a specialist for appropriate treatment.
- If you were in an accident or injured, your primary care physician can be your initial contact for further advice.
Family doctor vs. primary care doctor
While family doctors and primary care physicians can both offer necessary medical services, there are some key distinctions between them that you should consider before selecting one. Primary care focuses on everyday health, enclosing wellness services like check-ups, physicals, and vaccines, as well as treating and managing common, non-urgent health concerns. On the other hand, family medicine is a medical specialty that provides complete and continuing healthcare to all members of the family.
A primary care physician is a patient's primary source for treatment related to medical concerns. They are medical practitioners with whom the patient has initial contact, further referring them to a specialist if needed. In contrast, family medicine physicians are trained medical professionals who can provide basic healthcare services to people of all ages, including newborns, children, and adults.
Find top-rated Cigna primary care doctors near you in Houston, TX.
If you need help locating a qualified and experienced primary care doctor in Houston, Texas, allow Zocdoc to help! Zocdoc helps patients find qualified healthcare professionals that match their needs and preferences right from the comfort of their homes.
All you need to do is visit the Zocdoc website and enter your condition or symptoms, location, and insurance plan. Then, browse through the displayed list of top-rated primary care doctors and filter your search results based on gender, time of day, hospital affiliation, languages spoken, distance, and whether a provider treats children or not.
Further, you can also select your insurance carrier and plan in the drop-down menu at the top of the page to filter the displayed list of the best in-network providers. For example, you can specifically search for Cigna primary care doctors near you.
If you're having trouble determining which health plan is right for you, Zocdoc's insurance checker can assist. You can also browse Zocdoc's Health Insurance 101 guide if you need help understanding common insurance jargon.
Moreover, Zocdoc can help you to make an informed decision by listing each provider's educational background, including clinical training, certifications, licenses, awards, and accreditations. Another way to choose the best primary care doctor is by reading honest and verified patient reviews.
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Statistics on Cigna healthcare, primary care doctors, and diabetes in Texas, United States
The shortage of primary care physicians, also referred to as PCPs, is rising due to multiple factors, including the aging population and growing patient demands. Burnout is a common issue among PCPs, with 79% experiencing it compared to 57% of specialists who reported it. In the next ten years, the United States is projected to experience a shortage of approximately 21,000 to 55,000 PCPs.
Cigna has been leading the accountable care organization movement since 2008. As reported by WakeMed, they have 142 Cigna Collaborative Care arrangements that cover nearly 1.6 million commercial customers and involve around 65,000 doctors, including 32,000 primary care physicians and 33,000 specialists. These arrangements span across 29 states and provide affordable, quality care.
Around 2,694,402 Texas adults or 12.4% of the state's adult population, have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to a 2021 American Diabetes Association study. The report reveals that Texas had about 621,000 individuals with diabetes who were unaware of it, significantly raising their risk for health problems. Around 201,104 people in Texas are likely to receive a diabetes diagnosis each year.
Sources
Cigna[1]
Cigna[2]
Cigna Global
Cigna Newsroom
The Cigna Group[1]
The Cigna Group[2]
WakeMed
WebMD
Genesis Medical Associates
American Diabetes Association
