A USFHP Member Story
When a loved one faces a life-threating health emergency, the world can seem to turn upside down. This USFHP member recalls how our care team was there to help put things right.
“He almost passed away a couple of times.”
U.S. Army retiree Staff Sargeant Brian Ferri recalls the turbulent moments of uncertainty when his husband George experienced a sudden health emergency last year. A former senior programmer analyst, SSG Ferri has been a John Hopkins US Family Health Plan member since 1994.
For 35 pensive nights throughout George’s care, SSG Ferri stayed at the hospital by his side. And nearly every one of those days, his care manager would check on him.
“I remember a care manager from USFHP called almost every day,” SSG Ferri recalls, “asking how he’s doing — what can they do. They lifted such a burden during the most stressful part of what we were going through.”
It can be hard for many of us to imagine the emotional turmoil when a loved one is on the edge of life – the anxiety, the uncertainty, the feeling of helplessness. Yet in the midst of this crisis, SSG Ferri found a great a sense of comfort, thanks to the unfailing support provided by his USFHP care manager.
“They were amazing,” SSG Ferri affirms. “Just to have that care manager there overseeing everything, making sure that everything was being done properly, answering any questions. That was a huge comfort.”
Far more than a shoulder to lean on, USFHP care managers are trusted guides, working with members and their health care providers to assist with a range of needs including mental health, care after a hospital stay, medication management and more. From education and encouragement to direct, personal support, our care team is there to help.
When SSG Ferri had to go to the Emergency Room himself, through the two nights he spent in the hospital and beyond, he experienced the same comforting coordination of care.
“Everything was taking care of,” recalls SSG Ferri. “The bills were taken care of, the doctors were amazing — It was extremely seamless.”
From provider choices, to getting a referral, to billing and customer service, SSG Ferri reflects on more than three decades of USFHP membership typified by that same seamless care experience. For SSG Ferri, having a choice of doctors has been most important.
“There’s so many locations and doctors in the plan,” SSG Ferri explains, “I can’t imagine going anywhere else. The options, I think, are just incredible.”
All of us, when faced with an unexpected health emergency, hope to receive the same hassle-free, high-quality care experienced by SSG Ferri and his husband. What truly sets USFHP apart, though, is the consistent service and genuine care members enjoy absent any such health emergency.
“There’s just so many good qualities of USFHP,” SSG Ferri confides. “I try not to take it for granted because I appreciate it so much. They just take care of things.”
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