Healthcare2U Introduces Direct Primary Care Advantage, a Zero Dollar Visit Fee Membership for Access to Nationwide Healthcare

Nation’s Fastest-Growing Direct Primary Care Organization Takes Healthcare Affordability to the Next Level

AUSTIN, TX. September 5, 2023 – Today, Healthcare2U, a national leading Direct Primary Care (DPC) organization, announced a pioneering and trailblazing initiative that transforms the healthcare landscape – the introduction of its DPCadvantage initiative, a new zero-dollar office visit fee healthcare membership. This initiative arms health brokers with an innovative solution to help employers contain costs related to their healthcare offerings as it diverts claims against major medical insurance plans.

“We understand the challenges associated with receiving quality healthcare and are diligent in our pursuit to make it affordable for everyone. Our zero-dollar visit fee DPCadvantage initiative is a necessary step toward reshaping the healthcare experience for our members,” said Andy Bonner, President and CEO of Healthcare2U. “Our goal is to empower individuals to prioritize their health and seek a path toward healthier lives.”

Already a leader in nationwide Direct Primary Care access to board-certified family care physicians and internists, Healthcare2U aims to eliminate a challenging obstacle members face on their journey to well-being. By introducing the DPCadvantage membership to include a zero-dollar visit fee, Healthcare2U hopes to remove the financial barriers that can often hinder individuals and families from seeking timely medical attention. The goal is to encourage members to establish regular doctor visits with a qualified healthcare provider. At the same time, it allows them to focus on proactive care and preventive measures while fostering long-lasting doctor-patient relationships.

For DPCadvantage members, this means access to virtual care, in-office visits with a physician, or urgent care clinics can be done with a zero-dollar visit fee. To further enhance the member’s experience, Healthcare2U’s proprietary bi-lingual Patient Advocacy Line (PAL) offers concierge service to help navigate members to quality care. Available during normal business hours 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST M-F., this service is used to schedule appointments on behalf of its members, ensuring timely access to a medical provider. Access to virtual care is available 24/7.

Committed to providing accessible and affordable healthcare solutions, Healthcare2U’s introduction of DPCadvantage positions them as the only DPC organization in the nation to offer unlimited access to medical professionals in all 50 states at a zero-dollar visit fee.

Healthcare2U’s DPC model has already gained traction as a rapidly expanding organization. This year, Newark and Trenton, New Jersey joined their membership, helping save taxpayers in the Garden State money after state public sector employees were hindered by a nearly 23% increase in healthcare premiums. This new initiative further cements Healthcare2U’s position as an industry leader.

Members can expect comprehensive and personalized medical care without the worry of an office visit fee to seek care. This model allows Healthcare2U’s dedicated network of physicians to focus solely on patients’ needs, without the distraction of administrative hassles confronted with traditional insurance and the related claims process.

In addition to zero-dollar visit fees, Healthcare2U’s DPCadvantage members will continue to enjoy all the same benefits, some of which include, unlimited chronic disease management for 13 of the most prevalent chronic disease states, annual physicals with four labs, and 24/7 access to medical care. This comprehensive approach to healthcare ensures that members receive the attention and care they deserve, while also maintaining a strong emphasis on affordability and convenience.

As Healthcare2U continues to expand its footprint across the nation, its DPCadvantage initiative is set to revolutionize the healthcare industry and set a new standard for accessible patient-centered care.

Social:

Tweet this: The nation’s fastest growing #directprimarycare organization eliminates visit fees to access board-certified family care physicians and internists nationwide for members.

Find Healthcare2U on LinkedIn and Twitter: @Healthc2U, and follow Healthcare2U’s blog to keep on top of company developments, news, and informative articles.

About Healthcare2U

Healthcare2U is a membership-based, hybrid direct primary care (DPC) organization that ensures employers of all sizes and structures have nationwide access to affordable, consistent, and quality primary care over 40% below the average cost of traditional DPC practices operating in the market today. Through our proprietary Private Physician Network (PPN)™, Healthcare2U promotes healthy living by detecting, treating, and managing acute and chronic conditions before the onset of serious illness. Healthcare2U is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and is available nationwide. For more information, visit www.healthc2u.com. Follow us on Twitter @Healthc2U and LinkedIn at Healthcare2U. 

Healthcare2U Celebrates Remarkable Achievement: Recognition on the 2023 Inc. 5000 List

Healthcare2U Ranks Among the Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in the Nation. This Marks the Second Time in Three Years Healthcare2U Makes the List

AUSTIN, TX. August 17, 2023 – Healthcare2U, a leading Direct Primary Care (DPC) nationwide organization, is delighted to announce its remarkable accomplishment of being featured in Inc. Magazine’s admired Inc. 5000 list. This achievement recognizes Healthcare2U as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America, a testament to its dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional primary medical care solutions. Healthcare2U is the only hybrid DPC organization with services in all 50 states to have made the list.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in America by Inc. 5000,” said Andy Bonner, President and CEO at Healthcare2U. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team and our commitment to transforming the healthcare landscape. We look forward to leveraging this recognition to further our mission of providing accessible and high-quality primary care nationwide.”

Founded in 2013, Healthcare2U is driven to make affordable and accessible primary care available to everyone by presenting an alternative approach to traditional insurance.

Healthcare2U’s proprietary database allows for the in-house storage of HIPPA-compliant records. Through this process, they can, with just a few simple questions, view a member’s complete demographic family set, plan information, and medical history. This unique business model enables them to securely store and seamlessly share patient information with any designated physician within their network. Such continuity of care is challenging to achieve within the confines of traditional insurance systems.

The Inc. 5000 list acknowledges the outstanding achievements of privately held companies exhibiting exponential growth over the past year. Healthcare2U’s inclusion in this distinguished roster demonstrates its remarkable success, as it continues to positively impact healthcare.

As Healthcare2U celebrates this significant milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to delivering personalized, affordable, and accessible healthcare services to individuals and families across the nation. By embracing innovation and continually striving for excellence, Healthcare2U is positioned to make a permanent impact on the future of healthcare.

For more information about Healthcare2U and its healthcare solutions, please visit healthc2u.com.
For the complete results of the Inc. 5000, visit https://www.inc.com/inc5000.

Social:
Tweet this: Healthcare2U is once again recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the nation. #HealthcareRevolution #EmployeeBenefits #DPC #directprimarycare #Incmagazine

Find Healthcare2U on LinkedIn and Twitter: @Healthc2U, and follow Healthcare2U’s blog to keep on top of company developments, news, and informative articles.

About Healthcare2U
Healthcare2U is a membership-based, hybrid direct primary care (DPC) organization that ensures employers of all sizes and structures have nationwide access to affordable, consistent, and quality primary care over 40% below the average cost of traditional DPC practices operating in the market today. Through our proprietary Private Physician Network (PPN)™, Healthcare2U promotes healthy living by detecting, treating, and managing acute and chronic conditions before the onset of serious illness. Healthcare2U is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and is available nationwide. For more information, visit www.healthc2u.com. Follow us on Twitter @Healthc2U and LinkedIn at Healthcare2U.

Traveling this Summer? Take Your Healthcare with You

Eighty-five percent of Americans are planning vacations this summer. As we all know, you can plan your flights, hotels, etc., but one thing you can’t plan for is a surprise sickness. Let’s cover common health issues when traveling, common barriers to healthcare, and how a Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership can bring peace of mind for your next vacation.

What are some common health problems for travelers?

When we travel, our immune system is weakened. Several factors can play into this: we’re not in our typical habitat (i.e., a change in altitude, weather, allergens), we experience an altered sleep schedule, our diet changes, etc. These factors open the door to many illnesses that can sneak in due to our weakened immunity.

Here are some common health issues people face when traveling:

  • Common Cold: Our immune system is weakened during travel, leading to a higher likelihood of contracting an illness. Colds are among the most common. They’re only present for a few days and are usually mild. However, these symptoms can worsen if the proper measures aren’t taken.
  • Stomach pain: Changing your diet while traveling or eating rich and unfamiliar foods can lead to stomach problems. The most common problem among them is diarrhea. If you’re traveling outside of the US, drinking contaminated food or water can lead to “traveler’s diarrhea.” It typically isn’t severe, but if you experience symptoms like a fever or persistent vomiting, seek out medical help.
  • Environmental allergies: Most people travel to a different climate, so staying outdoors for an extended period can lead to allergies. Most people take allergy medication for this problem, like an antihistamine. However, sometimes further steps are needed, and medical treatment is advised.
Common barriers people face when they need healthcare while traveling

When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want is an illness or medical emergency. One of the most significant issues people face is not understanding how to use their benefits while on vacation. For example: what clinics can you visit and, if necessary, how much will an urgent care visit cost? Another barrier is needing continuity of care. This means you might see a doctor in another city or state, and they need to know your previous medical history. This issue can be complicated, resulting in you spending more time filling out paperwork so the physician can understand your medical history and best assess your current health issue.

Direct Primary Care memberships offer benefits at home and on the road

Healthcare2U’s nationwide Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership combines affordability and convenience to create a healthcare solution especially beneficial while traveling. Healthcare2U’s membership offers unlimited benefits such as virtual care for no out-of-pocket cost and in-office visits to participating physicians across state lines for $10 per visit.

At Healthcare2U, our DPC membership starts with a call to our Patient Advocacy Line (PAL). PAL is staffed by bilingual certified medical professionals who walk you through benefits and point you in the right direction. Since our DPC membership is nationwide, you’ll have access to any physician within our network. If you prefer a virtual option, you can always use telehealth. For any care coordinated by Healthcare2U, those Electronic Health Records (EHR) live in Healthcare2U’s system, so you receive continuity of care no matter where you are.

If you’re interested in learning more about how DPC can give you peace of mind for you and your family while you travel, click here.

CEO Andy Bonner Talks with The Silicon Review About His Vision to Expand Healthcare Access

Healthcare2U is a 2023 silicon review 50 fastest growing companies of the year

Article: CEO Andy Bonner Talks with The Silicon Review About His Vision to Expand Healthcare Access
Publication: The Silicon Review
Featured: Andy Bonner

 

Healthcare2U Co-Founder, President, and CEO Andy Bonner recently sat down for an interview with The Silicon Review. He shared his vision of revolutionizing healthcare delivery through affordable and accessible primary and urgent care. In this interview, Andy elaborates on his challenges when launching Healthcare2U, how he overcame them, and what sets Healthcare2U apart from other direct primary care companies.

Today, Healthcare2U’s membership program allows unlimited access to board-certified family care physicians or internists nationwide through their Private Physician Network™. Healthcare2U’s plan includes unlimited access to primary and urgent care, bilingual virtual care, an annual physical with four labs, and early-stage chronic disease management for 13 prevalent chronic diseases.

Third-party administrators, carriers, and brokers partner with Healthcare2U. The nationwide DPC membership provides clients an alternative to primary care access via traditional insurance. Healthcare2U is especially attractive to employers who offer high-deductible health plans as it allows for access to day-to-day care and eliminates the need to file a claim against a member’s major medical plan for care provided within the DPC ecosystem.

Andy’s mission to transform primary care access and enhance the overall patient experience is evident in this interview.

Read the full article here: The Silicon Review

Healthcare2U’s National Reach is Quickly Revolutionizing the Healthcare Industry

Andy Bonner headshot next to the logo for CEO CFO Magazine

Article: Healthcare2U Enables Individuals with Modest Incomes to Afford Primary Care Consultations for Early Detection of Major Health Conditions
Publication: CEOCFO Magazine
Featured: Andy Bonner

 

Recently, our Co-Founder, President, and CEO, Andy Bonner, sat with Lynn Flosse of CEOCFO Magazine to share his vision to redefine the delivery of healthcare by providing affordable and accessible primary care services to individuals across the United States. Andy was inspired to found Healthcare2U in 2013 after an uncoordinated healthcare experience resulted in cancer going undiagnosed. He aimed to develop a nationwide program based on the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, which makes primary care consultations affordable and accessible for everyone.

Today, Healthcare2U’s membership offers primary care in all 50 states and provides unlimited access to family care physicians or internists through their Private Physician Network™. The plan includes the following:

  • Patient advocacy line for members
  • Unlimited 24/7 bilingual telehealth for $0 out-of-pocket cost
  • Unlimited in-office visits for $10 per visit
  • Unlimited urgent care visits at $25 per visit
  • Annual physical examinations with four basic labs
  • Early-stage chronic disease management for 13 prevalent chronic diseases.

Through benefits brokers, Healthcare2U serves employers as a supplement to existing health plans for their employees. For example, members with high deductible health plans can benefit from Healthcare2U because the membership will serve as a gap solution, providing valuable day-to-day healthcare that is otherwise not covered by their major medical plan.

Get to know Andy and learn about his passion for revolutionizing primary care access and improving the overall patient experience by addressing the flaws in the traditional fee-for-service healthcare model.

Read the full article here: CEOCFO Magazine

The Warning Signs for Skin Cancer and How to Prevent It

The conversation surrounding skin cancer has grown over the past few years, likely gaining momentum from startling statistics and countless warnings from doctors. Melanoma, one of the four main types of skin cancer, had a 27 percent increase in new invasive cases diagnosed annually from 2013 to 2023.

In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we’ll discuss the different types of skin cancer, their early warning signs, and how to protect yourself against it.

The different types of skin cancer

Skin cancer develops from the abnormal growth of skin cells. One in five people in the US will develop it by the time they’re 70 years old.

There are four main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma are the most prevalent typically appearing in the most sun-exposed areas of your body. Basal cell carcinoma appears as a pearly wax or bump, a flesh-colored or brown scar, or bleeding and scabbing. Squamous cell carcinoma seems more of a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a crusted and scaly surface. Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer, appearing as tumors, painful lesions, or nodules on sun-exposed areas.

Melanoma is likely the type of skin cancer most are familiar with. This cancer can appear anywhere on your body and is usually identifiable as a mole that changes in color or size, a large brown spot with dark speckles, or dark lesions on your hands or feet. We’ve heard dermatologists’ pleas, especially with the younger generations, to start wearing sunscreen every day — even on overcast days. Too many ultraviolet (UV) rays damage your skin and increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Freckles, something that many people credit their genetics for, are caused mainly by UV exposure.

What causes skin cancer?

While many know too much exposure to UV rays is a significant factor in skin damage, many other characteristic risk factors may heighten your chance of developing this type of cancer.

  • Blue or green eyes
  • Lighter skin or skin that is easily burnt
  • Particular hair colors (such as red or blonde)
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Old age
How to protect against skin cancer

Unfortunately, genetics are unchangeable, but there are ways to avoid too much sun exposure so you have a better chance of staving off cancer. To protect yourself, you can take several precautions that lessen your chances of developing it.

  • Avoid the sun, if possible, from 10 AM to 2 PM when the sun’s rays are strongest.
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every two hours outside.
  • Avoid tanning beds.
  • Schedule an exam with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) if you have concerns about your skin.

If you think you have any of the symptoms stated earlier or believe you’re at risk of developing them, consult with your PCP to set up a time to get tested for skin cancer. Early detection of this type of cancer is critical! With Healthcare2U, it’s as easy as picking up the phone and calling your doctor.

Trenton Employees Receive a Boost in Healthcare

A Partnership with Healthcare2U Provides City Staff with Direct Primary Care Membership

AUSTIN, TX. May 4, 2023 – City of Trenton employees are now benefiting from an enhanced healthcare plan. The plan provides a Direct Primary Care (DPC) Membership to city staff and aims to ensure that a visit to a doctor is affordable and accessible. Following a statewide increase in health premiums for state employees, Trenton sought options to ensure those costs remained low. As a result, they opted for a self-funded insurance plan through Aetna that included Healthcare2U’s DPC Membership. This move is expected to save the city $4.3 million annually.

The added Healthcare2U DPC Membership gives employees an excellent option for affordable access to physicians and internists. With an out-of-pocket cost of $0 for virtual primary care, $10 for an in-office acute consultation, and $25 for urgent care, the city believes this encourages employees to maintain a regular check-up routine while reducing overall claims costs.

“Our direct primary care model is the only one of its kind in the nation. We are in all 50 states and thanks to the brokers who see us as a valuable addition to their portfolio, we are quickly expanding throughout New Jersey,” said Andy Bonner, CEO of Healthcare2U. “Our team works with members to facilitate timely and frequent access to medical care that can be essential to the early detection of a serious condition.”

“We’re fortunate to be partnering with Healthcare2U for city staff with a direct primary care membership, which helps to ensure that all of our city employees can access timely, affordable, and essential health services,” said Mayor Reed Gusciora. “We are projected to save millions of dollars through our new insurance policy and we’re so grateful to all of our partners for helping to make this a reality.”

DPC is not meant to be a substitute for major medical insurance, but it does have its advantages. The low cost of an office visit with DPC is meant to prompt individuals to see a doctor more often and avoid developing a serious complication with an unaddressed or undiagnosed issue. In addition to acute and urgent care visits, the plan offers:

  • Unlimited access to bilingual licensed medical providers online or by phone, 24/7/365 for minor illnesses and injuries at $0 out-of-pocket cost to members
  • Annual physical with four labs: complete metabolic panel (CMP), complete blood count (CBC), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and lipid panel
  • Unlimited chronic disease management for 13 prevalent chronic disease states within manageable ranges.

Healthcare2U partners with third-party administrators, carriers, and brokers to provide their clients with the DPC Membership as a non-insurance alternative. These partnerships also allow Healthcare2U the unique opportunity to embed its services into valuable solutions that are available for wide distribution in the marketplaces.

Membership with the City of Trenton is established through Healthcare2U’s partnership with Fairview Insurance.

Social:

Tweet this: A partnership with Healthcare2U provides City of Trenton employees with a Direct Primary Care membership and is expected to save the city $4.3 million annually. Learn more here: https://hlthc2u.com/3AT1fsM

Find Healthcare2U on LinkedIn and Twitter: @Healthc2U, and follow Healthcare2U’s blog to keep on top of company developments, news, and informative articles.

About Healthcare2U:

Healthcare2U is a membership-based, hybrid direct primary care (DPC) organization that ensures employers of all sizes and structures have nationwide access to affordable, consistent, and quality primary care over 40% below the average cost of traditional DPC practices operating in the market today. Through our proprietary Private Physician Network (PPN)™, Healthcare2U promotes healthy living by detecting, treating, and managing acute and chronic conditions before the onset of serious illness. Healthcare2U is headquartered in Austin, Texas and is available nationwide. For more information, visit www.healthc2u.com. Follow us on Twitter @Healthc2U and LinkedIn at Healthcare2U.

 About Fairview Insurance:

Fairview Insurance is a full-service insurance agency based in Verona and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Working on behalf of individuals, companies, and public entities, we provide customized insurance plans, employee benefits, and financial planning services. Our longevity and depth of experience have fostered a solid reputation for friendly, personal service that forms the core of our success.

Colon Cancer is on the Rise in Young People – What to Know and When You Should Get Tested

We’ve all heard the recommendation from doctors to test early on for breast or skin cancer. Still, another cancer is becoming more prevalent each year—colon cancer (also known as colorectal cancer). This type of cancer is becoming more commonplace across the board and specifically rising in younger people under 50.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the rate at which the younger population is getting diagnosed, when you should get tested, and what tests are the best option for you.

 

Colon cancer is rising for people under 50

For some time, colon cancer rates dropped, but from 2012 through 2016, it increased yearly by two percent in people younger than 50 and one percent in people 50 to 64. For people younger than 50, from 2020 to 2023, there was a nine percent increase in diagnosed cases. Colon cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer for men and women combined in the US. Along with the rising number of diagnosed cases, it’s also become more aggressive for people under 50.

So, why are colon cancer diagnoses among younger people on the rise? No one can pinpoint this, but the most significant risk factors for developing this illness are living a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, heavy drinking and smoking, high-fat diets, and other environmental factors. Since we can’t pinpoint precisely why this type of cancer is rising, testing for it as early as possible is critical. If you can test early enough, you can prevent the disease from getting worse and possibly, even prevent death.

When should you test for colon cancer?

As mentioned before, early testing and detection can be the key to prevention. There are a few risk factors to consider when testing for colon cancer. You should test if you have one or more of the risk factors below.

  • 45 to 75 Years of age. The ages recommended to get tested for colon cancer are 45 to 75, but this can depend on if you already have one of the diseases listed below.
  • Gastrointestinal/other types of diseases. If you have any of the diseases listed here, you should get tested as early as 45, or in specific cases, even sooner.
    • An inflammatory bowel disease such as Chron’s or Ulcerative Colitis.
    • A family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps (masses in your colon that can become cancerous).
    • A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
What screening test/procedure is right for me?

Several screening tests are currently available on the market, as well as more traditional screening procedures. The test may be as simple as mailing in a specimen from the comfort of your home, so speak to your Primary Care Physician (PCP) about what they recommend. Below are the five types of screening tests.

  1. Fecal occult blood test. This non-invasive test checks stool for blood that can only be seen with a microscope. A sample is placed on a card or container and sent to a doctor or a lab for testing.
  2. Sigmoidoscopy. An invasive procedure involving a thin, tube-like instrument called a sigmoidoscope that looks inside the rectum and lower colon for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer.
  3. Colonoscopy. This is the most common procedure, and similar to sigmoidoscopy. The most significant difference is the colonoscope (small tube) is inserted through the rectum into the colon. Doctors can remove most polyps found while inside using this specific tube.
  4. Virtual colonoscopy. This is a non-invasive procedure using a series of X-rays called “computed tomography” to take pictures of the colon. A computer then puts together those images and checks for any irregularities.
  5. DNA stool test. Similar to a fecal occult blood test, this non-invasive test checks DNA in the stool cells for genetic changes that may develop into colon cancer.

The bottom line is this — don’t forget about colon cancer! With this type of cancer clearly on the rise, especially among the younger population, early detection is the key to managing this illness. Consult your PCP if you have any of the risk factors mentioned in this blog. Healthcare2U’s Direct Primary Care membership connects you with a PCP who is your care advocate and can educate you on which screening test is best for you. Read more about our membership on our website or contact us to speak to a representative.

Rapid Growth Earns Healthcare2U Respectable Ranking

An 111 Percent Growth Ranks Healthcare2U on Inc. Magazine’s List of the Southwest Region’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

AUSTIN, TX. April 27, 2023 – Inc. Magazine recently revealed that Austin-based Healthcare2U is ranked No. 121 on its fourth annual Inc. Regionals Southwest list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies based in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Southwest economy’s most dynamic segment – its independent small businesses.

Founded in 2013, Healthcare2U has become the nation’s fastest-growing hybrid Direct Primary Care (DPC) organization and offers members nationwide access to state board-certified family care physicians and Internists. After experiencing impressive growth of 66 percent member adoption in 2020, the organization’s revenue growth rate has increased substantially, earning them recognition of the magazine’s distinction.

“Healthcare2U’s goal has always been to make healthcare more accessible and affordable to all,” said Andy Bonner, CEO of Healthcare2U. “Our innovative model boasts unlimited access to our physicians across all 50 states and plays a vital role in the early detection and management of chronic diseases.”

The DPC model is attractive to physicians because it removes the barriers associated with traditional health insurance, such as coding, claims, and collections. Without the need to file a claim for a specified amount of time, Healthcare2U physicians can spend a quality visit with their patients, providing them with more one-on-one time to determine the cause of their illness.

Healthcare2U’s DPC membership is attractive to health plan designers such as carriers, Third Party Administrators, actuaries, and health brokers because it provides a defined set of primary care services that do not generate insurance claims against a medical plan. This cost-containment feature results in significant employer and employee savings year-over-year.

Healthcare2U membership is nationwide and available for organizations of all sizes. The unlimited benefits include:

  • Bilingual Patient Advocacy for members
  • Unlimited bilingual Virtual DPC for no cost
  • Unlimited in-office acute visits for primary and urgent care
  • Annual physicals with four labs
  • Unlimited early-stage chronic disease management

Healthcare2U’s bilingual Patient Advocacy Line acts as a concierge guide for members and navigates them through their medical journey, making every appointment and educating members on the services that are provided to them.

Find Healthcare2U on LinkedIn and Twitter: @Healthc2U, and follow Healthcare2U’s blog to keep on top of company developments, news, and informative articles.

About Healthcare2U

Healthcare2U is a membership-based, hybrid direct primary care (DPC) organization that ensures employers of all sizes and structures have nationwide access to affordable, consistent, and quality primary care over 40% below the average cost of traditional DPC practices operating in the market today. Through our proprietary Private Physician Network (PPN)™, Healthcare2U promotes healthy living by detecting, treating, and managing acute and chronic conditions before the onset of serious illness. Healthcare2U is headquartered in Austin, Texas and is available nationwide. For more information, visit www.healthc2u.com. Follow us on Twitter @Healthc2U and LinkedIn at Healthcare2U.

Why Fad Diets Can Be Dangerous, and How to Spot Them

An estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year. Of those 45 million, 50 percent stated they participated in a “fad diet.” A fad diet is marketed as the best and fastest way to lose weight. Often touted as the next “craze,” they only last a few months, leaving expensive supplements and specialty foods in their wake, never to be used again.

Although some fad diets have components of truth, they’re often marketed as one-size-fits-all, which can be very harmful. Forcing a diet when it’s not suitable for your body can be dangerous. We’ll dive into why fad diets are bad for you, how to spot them, and the best option for starting off a diet correctly.

Why fad diets can be harmful

While there are many positives to eating healthier and losing weight, when the cons of a diet outweigh the pros, it becomes an issue. Fad diets often don’t give your body the proper nourishment to maintain a healthy and happy life. Below are a few reasons why fad diets can be harmful.

  • They can negatively affect your physical/mental health. Fad diets can create digestive issues like bloating, indigestion, and constipation, to name a few, as well as cause issues with your mental health. Cognitive function can decline because most fad diets are low in salt and glucose, which are crucial for normal brain function. They also increase stress levels, which can lead to depression, especially if the diet isn’t giving you the desired outcome.
  • They can be expensive. Many diets claim that you must buy a particular type of supplement or that you need to throw away all your food and start fresh with specialty ingredients. This practice can be costly and wasteful, especially if you drop off your diet before it’s finished.
  • They can end up causing weight gain. Fad diets may make you lose weight quickly for a brief period, but that’s usually just water weight. Once the diet is over, you typically regain that weight fast and in full.
How to spot a fad diet

Fad diets will be easy to spot as they are diets that become popular quickly and fade fast. However, sometimes they aren’t as obvious, and some are easier to spot than others. Here are a few key indicators you’re dealing with a fad diet.

  • It claims you don’t need to exercise.
  • It promises quick weight loss.
  • It requires you to buy dietary supplements, typically labeled as “weight loss aids, fat burners,” etc.
  • It’s very rigid and has you on an extreme eating schedule.
  • It doesn’t have much evidence or many studies to back it up.

Some fad diets you might be familiar with throughout the years are the Keto diet, Whole30, Atkins, and juice cleansing, to name a few. These diets were trendy during their prime and even worked briefly for some people, but ultimately, they were not sustainable.

The best and safest way to start dieting

The best advice for someone wanting to start a diet is to consult a dietician. Dieticians are experts in food and nutrition and will be able to assess your weight, health, and current eating habits and create a diet plan that is best for you. They’ll then track your progress and make sure you’re staying healthy and still getting the essential nutrients your body needs. Utilizing these experts makes it easy to follow a plan while healthily achieving your desired results.