Ellen is a 52-year-old Scheduling Representative at South County Health and the mom of four children. Over time, she began noticing increasing pressure and discomfort that made everyday activities uncomfortable. Eventually, she felt that something didn’t seem right.

Because she works on campus, Ellen decided to get it checked rather than wait.

During her lunch break, Ellen scheduled time to visit South County Health’s Center for Women’s Health to talk with one of the SCH providers about what she was experiencing. After an exam, she was diagnosed with uterine prolapse, a condition that can occur when the pelvic floor weakens over time — often after multiple pregnancies and childbirth.

Because Ellen was finished having children and her uterus was otherwise healthy, her physician recommended a laparoscopic hysterectomy to correct the prolapse. Since there was no underlying disease and Ellen had not yet gone through menopause, her ovaries did not need to be removed.

Using a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach allowed the surgery to be completed with smaller incisions, resulting in less pain, a shorter recovery, and a quicker return to normal activities compared to traditional surgery.

Ellen chose to have her procedure performed at South County Hospital within the SCH Network. Her surgery went smoothly, and she was able to return home shortly afterward. With coordinated care from her SCH surgical team, Ellen recovered well and was able to get back to work and her daily routine sooner than expected.

A Win for Ellen and South County Health

By choosing care within the SCH Network, Ellen was able to address a concerning health issue quickly and confidently without disrupting her work or family life. Having her evaluation, surgery, and follow-up care all coordinated through South County Health meant clear communication between her OB/GYN, surgical team, and hospital staff at every step. The minimally invasive approach supported a smoother recovery, allowing Ellen to return home the next day and resume her routine within a month. Staying in the SCH Network also helped keep her costs predictable and avoided the higher out-of-pocket expenses that can come with out-of-network surgical care. For Ellen, receiving treatment close to work with providers she knows and trusts made a challenging situation feel manageable and well supported.

David is a 45-year-old Patient Accounting Representative at South County Health enrolled in the VantageBlue PPO plan.

About six months ago, David had a routine colonoscopy, and the results were normal.

At his annual checkup, his primary care provider asked how he had been feeling. David mentioned that he had recently noticed blood in his stool, which concerned him.

Although his prior screening results were reassuring, his provider explained that new symptoms like this should always be evaluated and recommended further testing.

Based on David’s symptoms, his provider referred him to a gastroenterology specialist and recommended a diagnostic colonoscopy to determine the cause of the bleeding.

David scheduled his diagnostic colonoscopy at South County Hospital within the SCH Network.

Because the procedure was medically necessary and performed in the SCH Network, the colonoscopy itself — including the procedure, facility fees, and anesthesia — was covered at no cost.

David understood that his specialist visit was subject to a $50 copay. Even with this cost, choosing care within the SCH Network helped keep his total out-of-pocket costs low and predictable.

On the day of the procedure, David completed his outpatient diagnostic colonoscopy and returned home the same day.

His specialist reviewed the results with him, explained the cause of his symptoms, and discussed any follow-up care needed. Getting answers early gave David peace of mind and a clear plan moving forward.

A Win for David and South County Health

By choosing the SCH Network for his colonoscopy, David received coordinated, high-quality care while keeping his out-of-pocket costs as low as possible. Outside the SCH Network, the same outpatient procedure could have cost thousands. Staying in the SCH Network supported David’s care experience and South County Health’s commitment to delivering accessible, cost-effective care.

Sarah is a 49-year-old patient care tech. She elected individual coverage under the VantageBlue PPO plan during Open Enrollment. A few months later, she started experiencing knee pain that made it hard to stay on her feet during long shifts. Sarah scheduled a visit with her primary care provider at South County Health, who recommended she see an orthopedic specialist.

After confirming that the provider performed surgery at South County Hospital, Sarah chose a specialist from Ortho Rhode Island.The specialist ordered an X-ray and determined she needed outpatient knee surgery followed by physical therapy. Sarah paid a one-time $50 fee for the initial consultation. Sarah confirmed that the procedure and all follow-up care would take place within South County Health.

A Win for Sarah and South County Health

Because Sarah kept her care in the SCH Network, her only out-of-pocket cost was a $50 copay for the specialist visit to Ortho Rhode Island. Because she kept all other services in the SCH Network — including imaging, surgery, and rehab — she paid nothing else out of pocket. If she had used a Tier 2 or 3 provider or had surgery at Ortho RI’s Ambulatory Surgical Center, she would have faced a $1,500 deductible and 50% coinsurance — significantly increasing her cost for services she could access through South County Health.

By planning ahead and choosing South County Health, Sarah saved money, received high-quality care close to home, and supported a provider network that knows her — while helping SCH control costs and deliver exceptional care to the community.

Emily is a 33-year-old respiratory therapist. She elected the VantageBlue PPO plan with individual coverage during Open Enrollment. A few months later, she learned she was pregnant with her first child.

Emily began by scheduling a visit directly with the Center for Women’s Health at South County Health, where her pregnancy was confirmed. She then selected an OB/GYN within the SCH Network and made sure all of her care — including lab work, ultrasounds, and delivery — would take place with SCH-affiliated providers and facilities.

Over the next several months, Emily enjoyed a healthy pregnancy. She had routine prenatal visits and testing, all covered in full because she stayed in the SCH Network. When it was time to deliver, Emily gave birth at South County Hospital and remained for two nights to recover.

Because she planned ahead and chose SCH Network providers and facilites at every step, Emily received high-quality maternity care — from her first checkup to delivery — with no surprise costs.

A Win for Emily and South County Health

Emily made sure her entire pregnancy journey — from her first prenatal visit to delivery — stayed within the SCH Network. As a result, she paid nothing out of pocket.

Had she chosen providers outside the SCH Network, or given birth at another hospital such as Women & Infants, she would have faced a $1,500 deductible and 30% coinsurance for services that South County Health can provide — and would have reached her $4,000 out-of-pocket maximum under Tier 2.

By choosing to stay in the SCH Network, Emily saved money, stayed close to home, and received care from a team that knows her best — which also supports South County Health’s ability to offer great care while keeping health care affordable for everyone.