For some people, a major life change like
moving to a new city causes stress. That stress, in turn, manifests itself
physically as aches and pains, colds and a multitude of illnesses. To top it
off, because you're new to the area, you haven't even chosen your family
physician yet.
Fortunately,
the Triangle is internationally acclaimed for its health care. The University of
North Carolina (UNC) Hospitals and Duke University Medical Center offer the
latest in tertiary care, teaching and research. From primary care to emergency
surgery, there's a sophisticated network of providers to care for all your
family's health needs.
In fact, the Raleigh-Durham metro area ranks
among the top in the nation for physicians per capita, and the area's
bed-to-population ratio is well above the national average. In Wake County
alone, there are three full-service hospitals and four skilled-nursing, primary
and outpatient care hospitals. This network is supported by a regional
psychiatric hospital and various private providers, home care agencies and
specialty clinics.
As it is in the rest of the nation, managed
care is widespread in the Triangle. The rising cost of health care has shifted
the industry's attention to preventive medicine. Taking care of your body
through proper diet, exercise and regular medical checkups is emphasized.
Providers are also teaching people with chronic health problems, such as asthma
and diabetes, how to manage their conditions better.
The move to managed care is evident by a
number of joint ventures, mergers and contracts between individual physician
groups and hospitals. This high rate of change can be confusing, but it pays off
for you. In the end, it ensures that you can satisfy all of your health needs
within one network.
Before you start the search for new family's
providers, thoroughly investigate the specifics of your plan. Some may limit
your choices to certain doctors or facilities. But with the multitude of
health-care professionals in the Triangle, you should have no problem finding
excellent providers within your network. If you are not in a managed-care plan
and the choice of physicians is up to you, don't hesitate to ask around.
Neighbors, co-workers and friends are some of the best sources of health-care
referrals. Several area hospitals also offer physician referral services.
Be sure to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and whose qualifications and experience meet your family's needs. And rest assured, if you or someone in your family needs specialized care, you'll find it readily available in the Triangle.