Thanks to a three-year grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the YMCA is able to offer Medical Memberships to members of our community who need access to quality, evidence-based programs, health coaching and work out facilities.
A YMCA Medical Membership is one where the patient is referred to the YMCA by a physician. Typically, the referral comes as a result of a health diagnosis such as pre-diabetes, adult and child weight management, cancer, high blood pressure or the risk of falls due to age or illness.
Each YMCA Medical Membership is a bundle of three services - a YMCA membership, participation in an evidence-based program and care coordination.
Referring Agencies
Duke Health
NC Medical Society Foundation
UNC Health
WakeMed Key Community Care
Healthy Weight and Your Child
A family weight-management program that focuses on healthy eating, physical activity and behavior change.
Blood Pressure Self Monitoring
A way for participants to work with healthy heart ambassadors and self-monitor their blood pressure.
Diabetes Prevention Program
Participants explore how healthy eating, physical activity and behavior changes can help reduce the risk for developing diabetes.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
Adult cancer survivors build strength, increase flexibility and improve energy levels and self-esteem in a small group setting.
Moving for Better Balance
A falls-prevention program that uses the principles and movement of Tai Chi to help older adults improve balance and increase confidence.
Weight Loss
Is designed to help people seeking a healthier weight achieve their goals by making small, modest changes to their daily behaviors and forming sustainable, healthy habits.
Medical Membership Referrals
YMCA Medical Memberships must have a doctor referral, meaning your doctor or health care provider must refer you to a specific YMCA evidence-based program or medical membership type.
However, if you have already had your annual wellness visit for the year, or you know you have a condition that could benefit from a YMCA Medical Membership, you can download a self-referral form and send it in for your doctor or health care provider's approval.
Additional Information
YMCA Medical Memberships last the duration of your prescribed, evidence-based program. You can be prescribed more than one program. If you are a current YMCA member, our staff can transfer your membership for the duration of your medical membership. Financial Assistance is available for self-pay medical memberships.
Medical Membership Activation and Attendance
To activate your Medical Membership the YMCA must have a referral from your provider, enrollment in an evidence-based program and set up your first health coach appointment.
To keep your Medical Membership active, you will need to attend the majority of the program, to adhere to the attendance policy. If your schedule changes where you will miss more than two sessions, please let our staff know.
Contact
Medical Membership staff at 919-582-9396 or via email.