Finding the Right Healthcare Team
Does finding the right healthcare team ever feel like staring into the abyss? Peering over the edge can be overwhelming, making you want to turn back—but it’s worth the effort. Building a solid team may be the only way to truly get where you need to go. Any daunting journey feels more possible with the right support by your side.
Healthcare in the Western model has been greatly dissected and compartmentalized. It follows a reductionist approach—breaking the body into systems, specialties, and isolated treatments. But the human body is a cohesive unit, interconnected in ways that cannot be separated if we are to keep it running smoothly. This disconnect creates a challenge: how do you assemble a healthcare team that works together for your overall well-being?
One of the toughest obstacles people face today is finding a comprehensive health plan when no single provider—or even system—has the necessary infrastructure to fully connect all aspects of care. We often talk about teamwork as a key to success in sports, business, and life, yet many people approach healthcare as a fragmented, solo endeavor. Why don’t we prioritize assembling a strong, collaborative healthcare team the way we would build a high-performing professional team?
The Reality of Access and Cost
For most, the answer is simple: cost and access. In an insurance-driven model, coverage dictates care. If a provider or treatment isn’t covered, it often feels out of reach. This limitation forces people into a piecemeal approach—seeking out specialists or treatments one at a time, without a unifying strategy. Even those who manage to find excellent care providers often struggle to integrate their insights into a cohesive health plan. Because everyone knows that your cardiologist isn’t going to talk to your endocrinologist.
If you’ve found a way to make this work—if you’ve managed to create a well-functioning, integrative healthcare team that balances conventional and alternative approaches—I’d love to hear about it. For now, most people are searching for solutions in a way that feels like throwing darts at a board. You might hit a high-scoring number here and there, but without the right combination, you’re not going to win the game. Health, like success, requires a team effort.
How Do You Find What You Need?
In any system of problem-solving, the first step is a proper diagnosis. In acupuncture school, one principle was drilled into us over and over: you must have a diagnosis. The treatment part is often the easier step—what matters most is correctly identifying the root issue. But how can you find what you need if you don’t even know what the problem is?
A good place to start is with curiosity. Many people only seek care within the limits of what insurance companies deem necessary, but this framework is often too narrow to fully address complex health needs. Expanding your perspective, exploring different modalities, and being open to a broader definition of health can open doors to solutions you never considered. Lastly, know that this will take time and patience.
Steps to Building Your Healthcare Team
If you’re ready to take a more intentional approach to your health, here are a few concrete steps to help you assemble the right team:
- Start with a Holistic Assessment – Before seeking new providers, take stock of your current health status. What are your biggest challenges? What areas of your health feel neglected? Where do you need additional support?
- Find a Primary Anchor – This could be a trusted primary care physician, naturopath, acupuncturist, or functional medicine doctor. Ideally, this person sees the big picture and helps coordinate your care across disciplines.
- Explore Complementary Modalities – Consider adding specialists in alternative medicine, such as acupuncturists, osteopaths, chiropractors, herbalists, or nutritionists, who can provide a different lens on your health. This also includes spiritual mentors and indigenous care models.
- Prioritize Communication – If your providers don’t talk to each other, you’ll have to facilitate those connections. Bring records, summarize key findings, and ask for referrals to trusted practitioners who respect an integrative approach.
- Stay Curious and Open-Minded – Healing isn’t always linear, and new approaches may present themselves as you explore different paths. Keep an open mind to treatments or providers outside your initial scope.
- Advocate for Yourself – No one knows your body and experiences better than you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, challenge recommendations that don’t resonate with you, and seek second opinions when needed.
- Consider Out-of-Pocket Investments – While insurance dictates much of the standard care, some of the most effective treatments may require an out-of-pocket investment. If possible, budget for care that aligns with your long-term health goals rather than just short-term symptom management.
The Power of a Team-Based Approach
Healthcare isn’t a solo sport—it’s a team effort. The right mix of providers can help you move beyond symptom management to true healing and resilience. While the system may not make it easy, building a strong healthcare team is one of the best investments you can make in your well-being.
Start with curiosity, seek out those who align with your values, and take an active role in assembling your team. Your health—and your future—deserve it.
Have a question for me?
Reach out at hello@meridianpassagewellness.com. Want a consult with me? Click here to schedule a one-on-one.
