In-Depth Analysis of Idaho's Healthcare Ecosystem

By Fernando
Last Updated 24 Sep 2024
In-Depth Analysis of Idaho's Healthcare Ecosystem
Image illustration of relocation to Idaho

Healthcare facilities in Idaho: Hospital Quality Ratings. Major Medical Centers. Primary Care Availability. Insurance Acceptance Policies. Specialty Clinics. Telehealth Services. Urgent Care Facilities. Emergency Room Accessibility. Mental Health Resources. Pediatric Healthcare Options.

Hospital Quality Ratings

Some hospitals in Idaho, such as Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, have received high-quality ratings, including 4-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, indicating their excellence in healthcare quality and patient care. Discover more about these achievements on the Portneuf Medical Center website.

Major Medical Centers

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho, stands as the largest full-service medical center between Boise and Spokane. This esteemed institution is dedicated to providing advanced-level specialty healthcare, notably excelling in high-performing maternity care. It has earned an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, demonstrating its commitment to patient safety and high-quality service. With over 100 board-certified physicians and the latest medical technology, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive care to meet a wide array of patient needs.

Primary Care Availability

Idaho ranks at the bottom of all 50 states for its supply of doctors per capita, with nearly every county designated as a primary care "health professional shortage area" and patients often facing months-long wait times to see primary care physicians, even in densely populated areas like Boise. The state is projected to be short 1,743 doctors by 2030, and only Ada County is not designated as a primary care shortage area. For a deeper understanding of this issue and potential solutions, the Spokesman Review provides an in-depth analysis on why many medical professionals are hesitant to practice in Idaho. As efforts continue, addressing this gap is crucial for the wellbeing of Idaho’s residents and the stability of its healthcare infrastructure.

Insurance Acceptance Policies

In Idaho, healthcare facilities accept various types of insurance, including Medicaid, Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance, Individual Health Insurance, Medicare, Short-Term Health Insurance, and Catastrophic Health Insurance, each with specific eligibility criteria and coverage details. To learn more about these insurance options, you can visit the Main Types of Insurance in Idaho webpage, which provides comprehensive information about the requirements and coverage associated with each plan, ensuring that residents can select the most suitable coverage for their healthcare needs.

Specialty Clinics

For anyone seeking specialized medical services in Idaho, various clinics offer comprehensive care across multiple domains. The Independent Docs Idaho provides a detailed directory of specialty clinics, including sectors like allergy and immunology, dermatology, and endocrinology, enhancing patient access to crucial healthcare resources. Meanwhile, East Falls Clinics in Idaho Falls caters to those needing expert care in spine health, urology, and sports medicine, as well as offering the convenience of telehealth services through its expansive physician network. Family Health Services also stands out, delivering extensive support in behavioral health and chronic illness management, integrated with financial assistance options to facilitate broader access to essential medical, dental, and pharmacy services throughout South-Central Idaho.

Telehealth Services

In Idaho, Telehealth Services must comply with specific regulations, including the requirement for providers to be licensed in Idaho, adhere to the community standard of care, obtain informed consent, and maintain medical records in compliance with HIPAA and other federal laws. These services are reimbursable under Idaho Medicaid for real-time interactions via video or telephone. To learn more about these regulations and ensure compliance, you can visit the Center for Connected Health Policy for detailed information on billing requirements and necessary modifiers for claims.

Urgent Care Facilities

Urgent care facilities in Idaho, such as those at Portneuf Medical Center, provide immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions, including minor injuries, infections, and common illnesses. These facilities stand out for their extended hours and access to in-house labs and X-rays, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care when needed most. For more information, visit the Portneuf Medical Center website to learn about their services and locations.

Emergency Room Accessibility

The Idaho Falls Community Hospital's Emergency Department offers 24/7 access to board-certified emergency physicians who utilize advanced technology for delivering high-quality care to patients of all ages. With multiple access routes, the facility ensures that prompt and comprehensive care is administered efficiently. Similarly, the Post Falls ER & Hospital provides expert emergency medical care around the clock, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, imaging, and lab services which help in significantly reducing wait times for the patients they serve. In Pocatello, the Portneuf Medical Center's emergency room operates as a Level II Trauma Center, available 24/7, with access to integrated radiology services, in-house laboratories, and highly specialized care teams who priority-treat patients based on the severity of their conditions.

Mental Health Resources

Idaho offers a comprehensive range of mental health resources, including the National Helpline, crisis centers like the Pathways Community Crisis Center, and services provided by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. These services encompass adult and children's mental health services, community-based support, and outpatient mental health programs managed by regional mental health departments. For more information, visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website.

Pediatric Healthcare Options

St. Luke's Children's Hospital in Idaho offers comprehensive pediatric healthcare, including a network of medical experts and specialty outpatient clinics. As Idaho's only children's hospital, it provides care from birth to adulthood in a safe and family-friendly setting. To learn more about their services, visit St. Luke's Children's Services online.



Last Updated 24 Sep 2024
Few years experience in logistics management and a keen eye for detail, Fernando has developed a reputation for providing practical and personalized moving tips that alleviate the stress often associated with relocation.

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