Independent Healthcare Providers

	QUICK LINKS: •  Covered Services at No Cost to Members •  Urgent Care Services Offered •  Lab Fees and Vaccination Costs •  Meet the IHP Providers

Independent Healthcare Providers (IHP) is a group of independent providers that are highly-trained Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP or NP) in the area of family practice. IHP works with Freedom Health Group to offer healthcare to its members through our Direct Care program. IHP delivers and provides comprehensive, personalized treatment in the area of primary and preventive care including:

• Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests
• Prescribe medications and treatments
• Manage individuals’ overall care including chronic illness
• Spend time counseling patients on how their actions affect their health and well-being

Providers of IHP are your true partners in healthcare as we take the time to listen to you and help you identify the best course of care. Individuals have expressed extremely high levels of satisfaction with the care they receive.

The following is an overview of the Direct Care program offered by Independent Healthcare Providers.

Covered Services at No Cost to Members

• All routine office visits for members and their children
  • Maternity/prenatal visits up to 26 weeks
  • Newborn care
  • Pediatrics
  • Sore throats or Strep Throats
  • Colds, Flu, and Fevers
  • Respiratory Infections
  • Earaches and Headaches
  • Minor Burns, Sunburn
  • Ear Irrigation
  • Back pain
• Annual comprehensive physical exams (includes ECG, basic eye exam with color blindness check, and base line health report card)
• All school and sports physicals for members’ children (under 18)
• All basic in-office procedures (e.g. wart removal, skin biopsies)
• Chronic disease monitoring and management for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, asthma, arthritis, osteoporosis and others
• Counseling and education on health behaviors, self-care skills, and treatment options
• Collaboration with other health professionals to make sure members have the best information

Lab Test Fees and Vaccination Costs

Lab tests and vaccinations are at a reasonable price. Below is a selected list
of common lab tests ordered by the providers.

Services Not Covered Under the Direct Care Agreement:

• Chronic condition that require more specialized care beyond the scope of the providers at IHP. IHP will make a recommendation and refer the individual to an appropriate specialist that can offer assistance. Specialist physician expense is not covered by the Direct Care fee.
• Any hospital related in-patient or out-patient care. The cost for the hospitalist, hospital services, tests and specialty-related care is not covered by the Direct Care fee.
• Any lab tests, imaging procedures, radiologists’ interpretation services, or services outside the scope of care such as but not limited to acupuncture, chiropractic care, cosmetic surgery, dental care, drug and alcohol dependency treatment, emergency room care, hearing care, home health care, hospice care, hospital care, infertility services, marital and family counseling, massage therapy, labor/delivery services, mental health care, physical therapy, rehabilitation services, sexual dysfunction, sterilization services, vision care, and weight loss treatment.

Providers at IHP

	Mary E. Bachko, ARNP, CNM Mary received her Master’s In Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of San Diego in 1993. She later went back to school and received certification as a Nurse Midwife in 1999. Mary enjoys providing care to families. She specializes in women’s health, children especially adolescents and has expertise in asthma/allergy, diabetes and behavioral health. Mary believes that overall health is a balance between nutrition, exercise and mental well being. She works with her patients to achieve their optimal health status through empowerment and trust. Mary also has an interest in natural medicine and homeopathy. Mary holds certifications in: Basic Life Support Pediatric Advance Life Support Neonatal Resuscitation Lactation Educator In her off time Mary is a Captain in the Navy Reserve and enjoys interacting with the retired and active military. She also spends time with her family and her pets. In her down time she reads quilts and crochets.
	Blaze J. Burnham, ARNP Blaze’s medical education and training began at the Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education in Spokane, Washington where he received his Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. He worked eight years in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sacred Heart Medical Center while working toward his Master's of Science in Nursing at Gonzaga University. After graduating from Gonzaga University as a Nurse Practitioner Blaze spent twelve years at Whitman Medical Group in Family Practice at clinics located in Colfax, Garfield and St. John Washington. Blaze is pursuing his PhD in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University and is the Athletic Director for the Liberty School Distinct, just 25 miles south of Spokane. He is married to his lovely wife Cheri and they are blessed with three children Match, Chase, and Maisie.