There are currently more than 28 million people living in the state of Texas. No matter where you live within the state, having access to healthcare ensures that you can continue to live a happy and healthy life.
So how does Texas healthcare work? The more you know about the system, the easier it will be to use it when you need to.
Want to learn more about the Texas healthcare system? Then you’re in the right place! Read on to find out nine important facts about healthcare in Texas.
1. Texas Healthcare Looks After Millions of People
The Texas healthcare system currently serves 16 counties across the state. This allows it to have a wide reach, which is important when you have so many healthcare needs.
The system comprises a combination of local surgeries, outpatient facilities, hospitals, and emergency rooms. There is also a range of specialist health centers includes:
- Behavioral facilities
- Fitness centers
- Rehabilitation centers
- Imaging centers
Your doctor can refer you to these centers for treatment. However, you can also contact private centers, such as rehab centers, directly for support.
2. The Healthcare System in Texas is a Huge Employer
As you can probably imagine, taking care of so many people requires many staff and resources.
Because of this, the Texas healthcare system is one of Texas’s largest employers. There are currently more than 1.3 million people working in the Texan healthcare system. Their jobs include:
- Physicians and physicians assistants
- Nurse practitioners
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
- Psychologists
- Surgeons
- Dieticians
- Paramedics
- Radiologists
- Hospital porters
Of course, within each of these roles, there are specialist areas. This means that whatever you need in Texas, there is a medical professional available to help you.
3. The Texas Health Care Information Collection Monitors How Well the System Works
Back in 1995, Texas Legislature establishes the Texas Health Care Information Collection or THCIC. This is a state body that is responsible for collecting reports of health care activity across the state.
THCIC can monitor the quality of Texan healthcare across a range of different departments by collecting this data. They even focus on specific departments within the hospitals and other facilities. This ensures that each facility is delivering quality care to its patients.
4. There are Four Majors Types of Healthcare Plans in Texas
As with every other state in America, it is important to have healthcare insurance in place for you and your loved ones. This helps you to cover the cost of healthcare treatments so you can focus on recovery over finances.
There are four major types of healthcare plans available in Texas. These are:
- HMO plans
- Exclusive provide plans (EPOs)
- Point-of-service plans
- Individual PPO plans
The right plan for you will depend on your age, medical history, and healthcare needs. Remember, it is important to get comprehensive healthcare coverage to protect your health now and in the future.
5. Nursing Homes Take Take of the Elderly Population
There are more than 3,000 nursing and assisted living facilities across Texas. These take care of a large portion of the population aged 65 and over.
However, many issues have been raised about the quality of care that these care homes provide. Reports show that they receive at least twice the national average complaint rate.
So if you are thinking about finding a home for a loved one, make sure you do your research.
6. They Are Targetting Surprise Medical Billing
Even if you have insurance, there is a chance that you can receive a large and unexpected bill for your treatment.
This often happens when an insurer and a hospital cannot agree on a patient’s care. When this happens, it can cause serious financial strain.
In 2019, Texas Legislature created more protection against surprise medical billing for consumers. This means that the majority of people with private insurance are now immune to receiving surprise medical bills.
7. Going to Medical School is More Affordable in Texas
To become a medical professional, you have to undergo serious training, and this can take years. However, this also means that tuition bills really stack up over time.
However, due to an old Texan law, medical tuition in Texas is now capped at around $6,550 per year. This means that training in Texas is now incredibly popular. This also means that the state has the opportunity to get its hands on some of the best and most innovative new doctors in the country.
8. Access to Healthcare is Easier in the Cities
Where you live in Texas can have a big impact on your access to healthcare. Although there are 565 acute care hospitals in Texas, the majority of these are in cities.
On top of this, people living in rural areas are more likely to be living without healthcare insurance. This makes paying for medical care, even if you have access to it, a lot more challenging. At the moment, 36% of adults living in low-income rural households do not have medical insurance.
9. The State Could Pay More Attention to Mental Health Conditions
Unfortunately, the Texas healthcare system has several flaws. Its lack of funding and training for mental health specialists is one of them.
For example, more mental health and substance abuse specialists are needed throughout the state.
On the plus side, nationwide attention on these areas is putting more pressure on Texan facilities to offer better mental health care. There are now 315 rehab centers offering services with payment support.
Make the Most of Healthcare in Texas Today
As you can see, when it comes to Texas healthcare, a lot is going on. Keeping these Texas healthcare facts in mind will ensure that you can make the most of what the Texas healthcare system can do for you.
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