What does the term "continuity of care" signify in health insurance?

The term "continuity of care" in health insurance refers to the consistent and ongoing care provided to patients throughout their healthcare journeys. This encompasses a range of services and interactions that ensure that patients receive coordinated and comprehensive healthcare over time. Continuity of care is crucial for maintaining patient health and managing chronic conditions, as it fosters strong relationships between patients and healthcare providers, reduces the likelihood of medical errors, and improves overall health outcomes.

When patients experience continuity of care, they benefit from a seamless transition between different levels of care, such as primary care, specialty care, and hospital services. Healthcare providers can communicate effectively regarding a patient's history, medications, and treatment plans, which ultimately leads to a more tailored and effective approach to healthcare.

In contrast, options that suggest covering surgeries, changing insurers without interruptions, or limiting access to healthcare services do not accurately capture the essence of continuity of care, which is fundamentally about maintaining a holistic and uninterrupted healthcare experience for patients.