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Clinic vs. Hospital: What’s the Difference?

In order for you to make informed decisions about your health, it’s important to understand just what healthcare options are available to you. One way to do that is to understand what you get out of visiting a hospital vs clinic.

 

What is a Hospital?

Hospitals are larger healthcare institutions equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs, including emergencies, surgeries and inpatient care. They provide comprehensive services, such as:

  • Emergency Services: 24/7 care for acute conditions and injuries
  • Inpatient Care: Extended stay for those who require intensive treatment or recovery post-surgery
  • Specialized Services: Access to specialists and advanced technology for complex diagnoses and treatments

 

What is a Clinic?

Clinics are typically smaller healthcare facilities that provide outpatient services. They focus on preventive care, routine checkups, minor illnesses and chronic disease management.

Clinics like Richfield Medical Group offer a variety of services, including:

  • Primary Care: Regular health checkups and screenings to manage overall health
  • Preventive Care: Immunizations, health education and lifestyle counseling to prevent illnesses before they arise
  • Minor Procedures: Treatments for common ailments that don’t require hospitalization, such as stitches or skin biopsies

 

Clinic vs Hospital: Which is Best?

Whether you choose between a clinic or a hospital depends, of course, on your needs. Ultimately, you will know those better than anyone, but if you need a second opinion, please give us a call.

 

What Do We Offer at Our Clinic?

Richfield Medical Group is a clinic that provides patient-centered healthcare in the Twin Cities community. Our approach emphasizes not only treating illnesses but empowering you to take charge of your well-being. We do this through continuing education and resources, personalized care plans, accessible services and by regularly giving back to our community.

Whether you’re looking for routine care or more information about what we offer, we’re here to support you on your wellness journey. Let’s work together to navigate your healthcare options effectively.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

 

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Virtual Care or In-Person: Here’s How to Make the Right Choice

In just the last five years alone, healthcare options have evolved dramatically. With the increased options for virtual care, patients have more choices than ever when it comes to receiving medical attention.

At Richfield Medical Group, we understand it can be difficult to choose between in-person care and virtual visits. Let’s explore the advantages of each so that you can make an informed choice.

 

Benefits of Virtual Care

  1. Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of virtual care is its convenience. You can connect with a healthcare professional from the comfort of your own home. This is especially beneficial if you have a mobility issue or live in a remote area. 

  2. Time-Saving: Virtual appointments often require less time than traditional visits. There’s no need to wait in a crowded waiting room or take time off work to attend an appointment. 

  3. Reduced Risk of Infection: Scheduling a virtual visit to minimize exposure to illness and keep others safe, especially during cold and flu season.

Contact us about virtual care appointments

 

Benefits of In-Person Care

  1. Physical Examination: While there are many conditions that don’t require a visit to the physician’s office, some conditions require in-person evaluation for an accurate diagnosis. 
  2. Immediate Resources: In-person visits grant you immediate access to diagnostic tools and resources, such as lab tests, imaging and on-the-spot treatments. This can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment, eliminating the need for follow-up visits.
  3. Personal Interaction: Face-to-face appointments facilitate a personal connection between you and your healthcare provider. This can help build trust, communication and create a more comfortable environment while discussing sensitive health concerns.

More in-person services

 

Making the Right Choice for You

Consider the following when deciding between virtual or in-person care:

  • Nature of the issue: Is this a routine check-up, minor ailment or a complex condition requiring hands-on evaluation?
  • Personal comfort: Do you prefer the convenience of virtual care, or do you feel more at ease with in-person interactions?
  • Accessibility: Consider your location and transportation options. Is it easy for you to travel to the clinic? Do you have access to a stable internet connection?
  • Time constraints: How does your schedule align with the availability of virtual versus in-person appointments?

 

Schedule Convenient Family Medical Care

Both virtual care and in-person visits have their advantages, and the right choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and circumstances.

At Richfield Medical Group, we offer a range of appointment options to ensure you receive the best care possible. Whichever option you choose, know that your health is our top priority. Contact us today to get on the schedule.

person sitting in doctors office

What Happens at a Preventive Mole Screening?

Preventive screenings are an essential part of maintaining your health, and that includes mole screenings. 

Most moles are perfectly benign, but some can indicate a condition such as skin cancer. Like any other type of preventive care, it’s best to get your moles screened sooner rather than later so that you can expedite treatment options.

What is a Mole Screening?

A mole screening, sometimes known as a skin cancer screening, is a thorough examination of your skin by a trained healthcare professional, focusing on moles and other skin lesions.

When Should You Get Moles Checked?

If you notice a change in the color, shape or texture of your mole, it could be an early sign of melanoma. Keep an eye out for flaking, itching or scabbing during this time. A benign mole won’t change, while a cancerous mole will grow.

In most cases, a mole should be no larger than a pencil eraser. While some large moles are benign, it’s a good idea to check them frequently and ensure they remain so.

Perhaps the most obvious sign that you should get your mole checked is if it is newly developed. Moles that develop later in life are often a sign of prolonged sun exposure and potentially skin cancer.

How to Prepare For Your Mole Screening

The best way to prepare for your upcoming mole screening is to make a list of suspicious spots to ask your provider about – it can be easy to forget in the moment!

We also recommend you don’t wear makeup or clothing that’s difficult to adjust on the day of the screening, so that your provider can access all areas of your skin.

What to Expect at the Exam

A mole screening is a quick and easy process that takes just 10-15 minutes. Your provider will perform a full-body examination, from the more obvious spots like your face and arms to the less-obvious ones like your scalp and the soles of your feet. They may also take photographs for future reference.

Understanding the Results

After the examination, your provider will discuss any findings, answer your questions and may recommend further tests or follow-up appointments if needed. 

Please note that nothing will be diagnosed during your preventive mole screening. This is done with a test called a biopsy and requires a follow-up appointment.

Schedule Your Preventive Mole Screening

Regular preventive mole screenings are vital for skin health and can save lives through early detection. If you haven’t had one in the past year, or have concerns about your skin, now is the time to act.

Richfield Medical Group offers preventive skin care, including mole screenings, skin biopsies and minor excisions. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Doctor looking in a child's ear.

Pediatric Perspectives: What Care Does Your Child Need?

Kids need proper medical care to grow up healthy and strong. Many parents know this and have the best intentions, but don’t know where to begin or what type of care their child needs.

Here are some key components of pediatric care that your child should receive. Consult with pediatric care specialists so that this care can be tailored to your child’s unique needs.

 

Well-Child Exams

One of the most important life lessons you can teach your child is how to form healthy habits. The habits we pick up as children are more likely to stick with us as adults. Preventive care appointments are a great habit to encourage in your child early on.

Preventive care checkups (also known as “well-child exams”) help kids get comfortable with going to the doctor and establishing a relationship with their healthcare provider. Checkups go more smoothly when your child knows their doctor and what to expect.

At a preventive care checkup, pediatric care specialists will measure your child’s height, weight, vision and hearing and assess physical, behavioral and cognitive development. This allows them to catch any potential concerns and offer guidance if needed.

 

Immunizations

Keeping your child’s immunizations current is one of the most important things you can do to protect their health. Vaccines help children build up antibodies in their immune systems to fight off illnesses. In other words, they will be able to bounce back more quickly from sicknesses and keep those around them safe.

There are several routine childhood immunizations recommended by the CDC, including flu, chickenpox, tetanus and COVID-19 vaccinations. Talk with a pediatrician near you to learn more about what vaccines your child needs and how often.

 

Sports and School Exams

Many parents think of school as a breeding ground for sickness and germs. Do your part to prevent the spread by scheduling your child for their back-to-school exams each year.

School exams share much in common with routine physical exams, preparing your child to engage in both physical and academic activities. Pediatric care specialists can also help children navigate their mental and emotional health as they return to school.

 

Find a Pediatrician Near You

Helping your child develop a relationship with a trusted pediatrician is essential to their growth and well-being. By scheduling regular appointments with a pediatrician who makes your child feel comfortable and cared for, you are setting them up for a lifetime of success.

At Richfield Medical Group, we take pediatric care seriously. Contact us today to get your child’s name on the books.

Doctor smiling at the camera

Senior Health and Aging Gracefully: Our Approach to Geriatric Care

As you age, your healthcare needs evolve, and it’s important to receive care that reflects that. At Richfield Medical Group, we offer personalized, proactive care for geriatric patients.

 

Primary Health Care for Seniors

The best primary healthcare providers take your physical, mental and social well-being seriously. Our team works with you to deliver age-appropriate care that addresses each and every one of your concerns.

Seniors are more at risk for illnesses like osteoporosis, dementia, heart disease and Parkinson’s. By proactively screening for issues, we can help you maintain your quality of life for an extended period.

 

Direct Primary Care That Empowers

No one is going to make the best decisions for their health if they don’t feel empowered. We take the time to educate senior patients on their conditions and treatment options and care about getting to know you as a human being rather than just a name on a roster.

If you are a geriatric care patient, let’s work together to foster an open dialogue. By keeping communication channels open, we can ensure that you are actively involved in your healthcare journey.

 

Empathetic Primary Care Staff

17% of Richfield is aged 65 and over, which would make a lack of proper geriatric care training a vast disservice to the community. Thankfully, our primary healthcare team has substantial experience caring for this age group.

Our approach is compassionate, patient-focused and data-driven. You can rest assured that we are taking your concerns seriously and working with you to achieve optimal health.

 

Medicare Insurance Coverage

65 is a milestone year in many respects. For some, it is time to retire, or your employer and health benefits may be changing in some way. Whatever the case, we are happy to help you navigate Medicare information and find the best plan for your needs.

If you are newly eligible for Medicare, we encourage you to explore Senior Health Connect. Shop, compare resources and learn more about Medicare options in the Twin Cities. The tool is straightforward to navigate, but if any questions come up during the process, we are happy to help.

 

Medicare Wellness

Once you are all set up with Medicare, you are eligible to receive a variety of services, including our Annual Medicare Wellness Visit. In addition to standard primary care screenings, this includes cognitive impairment and fall risk screens, as well as other tests and immunizations your physician recommends. Learn more about these services here.

 

Age Gracefully With Richfield Medical Group

You deserve to enjoy your golden years to the fullest. At Richfield Medical Group, our commitment to geriatric healthcare is unwavering. Get in touch to learn more about our approach or to schedule your visit. We look forward to working with you.

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Understanding Your Family’s Medical Coverage

For many Americans, medical insurance feels needlessly complex, making finding a primary clinic and scheduling regular checkups overwhelming. However, understanding your family’s medical coverage is crucial to making informed health decisions.

Learn how to navigate the healthcare system effectively and find the right family health clinic that aligns with your policy by reviewing the tips below.

Review Your Policy Documents

Get familiar with the terms, conditions and exclusions outlined in your policy. Pay attention to details such as copayments, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. While the technical jargon may feel intimidating, spending a little extra time with the documents and contacting your provider for assistance can help demystify your policy.

Find Providers in Your Network

Most insurance plans have a network of healthcare providers with whom they have negotiated discounted rates. Know which hospitals, doctors and pediatric care specialists are in-network for your plan. The alternative is a costly out-of-network provider.

Know What Services Are Covered

What an insurance plan covers varies by policy. Essential services like emergency care and hospitalization are typically covered, but some mental health services and prescription drugs may not be. Review your options to save yourself money and stress later.

Understand Deductibles, Copayments, and Coinsurance

These three terms are key when deciphering medical insurance coverage. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering costs. A copayment is the fixed amount you pay for specific services. Coinsurance is the percentage of costs you must meet after the deductible.

Check for Preauthorization and Referrals

Some insurance plans require preauthorization for certain procedures, which involves getting approval from your insurance company before receiving care. Other plans require referrals from primary care physicians for more specialized consultations. Save yourself the surprise later and figure out what procedures require a go-ahead.

Know Your Limitations

Some insurance plans are quite comprehensive, but no plan covers everything. Understand what the limits and exclusions of your policy are. Commons exclusions include cosmetic procedures and certain elective surgeries.

Find Help

If you are struggling to understand your family’s medical insurance coverage, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are customer service representatives at your insurance company who are happy to help. Give them a call for any clarification you need.

Richfield Medical Group’s Insurance Guidelines

For new or established patients with insurance, co-payments are required at the time of services rendered. Once your insurance company has processed your claim, a billing statement will be received. Contact your insurance company directly for questions about how your claim was processed.

For new patients with no insurance (i.e., someone who has never been seen by us or has not been seen in 3 years), you will need to make a partial payment of $150 for office visits, $200 for pre-operative visits and $250 for preventive/routine visits at the time of services rendered. Any remaining balance must be paid in full upon receipt of your first billing statement.

Family Health Clinic in Richfield

Whether you are working with pediatric care specialists or a general practitioner for adults, understanding your family’s medical insurance is vital in today’s healthcare landscape. Take time to educate yourself, leverage support and make informed decisions about your health plan. Medical insurance may be complex, but being proactive can save you time and money when visiting our family health clinic.

For more patient-centered insights, please contact us today.

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Women’s Health Spotlight: Comprehensive Care for Every Stage of Life

Regular check-ups and preventive care are a must for women of all ages. Not only do they capture vitals like pulse and blood pressure, they also monitor gynecology, reproductive health and forms of cancer more common in women.

An open dialogue with your healthcare provider is especially necessary for women. Studies have shown that women’s health concerns are dismissed more frequently due to gender bias. It’s a vicious cycle – many women expect to be ignored and end up not reporting their worries in the first place. In other words, not nearly enough women are receiving the care they need.

The right direct primary care provider will not allow biases to impact their decisions, and will work with women to foster an open conversation about their health.

Let’s explore common preventive care procedures for women at every stage of their lives. Have you spoken to your doctor about any of the following recently?

Puberty

Women’s life stages are frequently divided based on the reproductive cycle, starting with menstruation. Each month, an egg is released from the ovary during ovulation, traveling down the fallopian tube. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm, it implants in the uterus lining; if not, both the lining and the egg are shed during menstruation.

If you have a daughter who is entering puberty, the right family care specialists can give her more insight into what is happening in her body. Doctors can address concerns about heavy periods, yeast infections and other abnormalities, as well as provide minimally-invasive physical exams.

Fertility/Pregnancy

A woman’s peak reproductive years are in her late teens and early twenties, with fertility beginning a slow decline around age 30. If women are sexually active at this stage, they may use birth control to prevent pregnancy. Reach out to a direct primary care provider if you need help choosing the birth control that is right for you.

For women interested in having children, a practitioner can help develop a pregnancy plan that covers the prenatal, childbirth and postpartum pregnancy stages. This plan will involve an overview of health history, determination of due date, medication options and more to ensure you and your baby’s success.

Menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process where a woman’s ovaries stop producing estrogen and regular periods end. This life stage occurs for women around ages 45-50, sometimes even later. Hormone levels tend to fluctuate more, which can result in hot flashes, changes in mood, thinning hair and slowed metabolism.

Preventive care such as mammography, breast and pelvic exams are also crucial during this time. Maintain an open dialogue with your doctor about any concerns you may have while undergoing menopause.

Lifelong Care for Women

Regular physical exams are vital for women of any age. They provide HIV and STD testing, internal and external genital exams, cancer screenings and more to ensure that your health is on track. Preventive care is also important for women outside the reproductive cycle – check with your doctor to learn more about pediatric care and Medicare wellness.

Richfield Medical Group’s direct primary care team offers comprehensive exams for women at all life stages. Whether you need a family care specialist to discuss pregnancy planning or a practitioner to alleviate concerns about menopause, we’re here for you.

Women’s health has historically not been regarded with the care and nuance it deserves. Together we can change that, empowering women of all ages to live healthy lives. Contact us today to learn more.

young girl getting a check up

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups for All Ages

You’re not alone if you sense that life feels more hustle-and-bustle than ever. It can be challenging to find time to check in with a family health clinic, or to get our kids to visit a pediatric care specialist.

But what amounts to a couple of hours per year can have a monumentally positive impact on your and your family’s physical, emotional and mental health. Let’s explore a few of the many benefits of scheduling regular checkups, and why you should book yours today if you don’t already have one scheduled.

You Can Establish a Relationship With Your Healthcare Provider

Your symptoms are unique to you, and establishing a baseline with your provider means less back and forth catching up, saving you valuable time. Knowing your healthcare provider also reduces shame or stigma when opening up about medical concerns.

For parents, introducing a child early on to their regular healthcare provider can make the experience a lot less scary. Immunizations, back-to-school checkups and well child exams go much more smoothly when your child is comfortable with pediatric care specialists.

Regular Check-Ups Save Your Money in the Long Run

Many of us on insurance plans don’t take advantage of all the health benefits we can receive from them. These plans often cover the cost of checkups and wellness exams. In other words, not taking advantage of the medical care available through insurance is money wasted.

Not on insurance or concerned about health costs? Many clinics offer discounted billing plans to make prioritizing your health more affordable.

Preventative Care is a Must

Now more than ever, it’s crucial to stay on top of your regular immunization schedule. Whether your child needs a flu shot or you are overdue for your hepatitis B vaccine, it’s best to get yourself on the books sooner rather than later.

In addition to vaccines, other forms of preventative care, like screening tests, can catch illnesses and diseases early on. Healthcare specialists have a greater success rate in treating patients when they can identify problems before they get worse.

You Can Never Be Too Informed

Many medical conditions are quite nuanced, which means it can be helpful to have an experienced professional break them down in straightforward terms. The more you know about your health, the better able you are to take control and make informed decisions. From common colds to chronic disease management – knowledge is power. 

Schedule Your Regular Check-Up Today

Regular check-ups are for everyone, not just for kids. Keep your health in mind as well as you plan your wellness check-ins for the year. 

At Richfield Medical Group, we provide informative and cost-effective care for families and people of all ages. Take control of your health and book a visit at our clinic today.

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Understanding Preventive Care: Your First Line of Defense

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The saying is true – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventive care is the cornerstone of a healthy life, acting as the first line of defense against a myriad of health issues. Your family health clinic will help define what that will mean for you, but there are many components that apply to most preventative care regimens.

The Importance of Preventive Care

Preventive care involves taking proactive measures to prevent or detect health conditions before they escalate into more serious problems. This approach is centered on maintaining good health and identifying potential health risks early on. Unlike reactive care – which addresses illnesses after they manifest – preventive care aims to stop health issues in their tracks, fostering long-term well-being.

Key Components of Preventive Care

Your preventative care is personalized. Many factors – including your current overall health and your family’s health history – will help your primary health care provider chart your preventative care. However, some steps – such as regular health check ups – will be universally implemented in preventative health care plans.

Regular Health Check-ups

  • These routine examinations, including screenings and vaccinations, help identify potential health issues before symptoms arise, enabling timely intervention.

Immunizations

  • Vaccinations are essential to preventive care as they provide protection against a range of infectious diseases. 

Screenings and Early Detection

  • Preventive care involves regular screenings for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Lifestyle Modification

  • Adopting a healthy lifestyle is a crucial aspect of preventive care. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Family Health Clinics: Champions of Preventive Care

Family health clinics serve as community hubs for comprehensive healthcare services, with a strong emphasis on preventive care. These clinics are well-positioned to provide personalized care to individuals and families, addressing their unique health needs and promoting a holistic approach to well-being.

Family health clinics cater to individuals of all ages, from children to seniors. This allows families to receive all-inclusive healthcare services, fostering a sense of continuity and familiarity in their healthcare journey. From educating and counseling to the creation and coordination of your plan, your family health clinic will be there every step of the way.

Find Preventative Care Near You

Family health clinics play a pivotal role in making preventive healthcare accessible and effective for all. Richfield Medical Group provides comprehensive, patient-centered care to families and individuals in Richfield, Minnesota. From preventive care to treatments, we strive to strengthen the health and vitality of our community. 

If you and your family are ready to take control of your health, make an appointment today.

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Helpful Tips for Chronic Disease Management

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If you’re struggling with chronic illness, you’re not alone. Nearly half of Americans have one or more chronic diseases. Keeping symptoms under control and preventing further health problems can be especially challenging, particularly for those juggling work, family and other responsibilities.

Remember: you are not your illness, and while the journey may be challenging, it is not insurmountable. These simple tips offer a path to feeling better and more empowered in your chronic disease management. 

Knowledge is Power

The more you understand about your condition, the better equipped you’ll be to manage it. Ask questions from your medical team, and don’t shy away from seeking a second opinion. Understanding the nuances of your condition can help you feel more in control and make informed decisions about your health.

Find Healthy Changes That Work for You

We all know that a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep are great for our overall health. Talk to your doctor to build a nutrition and exercise plan that suits your needs and abilities. Do your best to cut out nicotine, inflammatory foods and alcohol. 

We also know that lifestyle changes are difficult to implement, especially when you’re not feeling your best. Remember, it’s not all or nothing. Building healthier habits takes time. 

Prioritize Your Mental Health

Living with a chronic illness can take a toll on your mental health. It’s perfectly okay to seek help. Consider speaking to a mental health professional and exploring techniques such as mindfulness, meditation or yoga to help manage stress and promote mental wellness.

Reach out to friends, family, or support groups – people who can offer emotional backing or practical advice. Sharing experiences with others who are going through a similar situation can provide comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and even offer new coping strategies.

Use Tools to Manage Medication

Taking your medication as prescribed is crucial in managing chronic diseases. Use pill organizers, apps or alarms to help you remember when to take your medication. Keep a journey to track any side effects you may experience, when you feel your best and when you’re feeling your worst. 

Always discuss any side effects with your doctor – there may be alternatives or solutions to alleviate these issues.

Advocate for Yourself

Managing chronic disease is a lifelong journey. You have a right to be heard, understood and respected. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. You are the best advocate for your health.

Find a Partner in Chronic Disease Management

Richfield Medical Group provides patient-centered care and dedicated chronic disease management to help you regain control of your health. We’re here to help; schedule an appointment today.

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RICHFIELD MEDICAL GROUP
6440 NICOLLET AVENUE
RICHFIELD, MN 55423

OUR LOCATION (Starting August 2025)

RICHFIELD MEDICAL GROUP
44 W 66th Street, Unit 10
Richfield, MN 55423

612-861-1622

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