|
Health Education Programs
|
|
|
Respiratory Health Education Program
|
Optional Program for Those Who Are at Greater Risk for Complications of a Respiratory
Illness
The misery of a cold or flu is temporary and, in most cases, not serious. These
illnesses, however, can lead to more serious respiratory infections such as sinusitis
or pneumonia. People who are especially at risk are those whose resistance to infection
may be low. This group includes smokers; the elderly; and those who suffer from
chronic diseases such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease, or
lung conditions such as emphysema or bronchitis.
BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas employers who purchase the program offer
enrolled members a free community-based Respiratory Education Program to furnish
information about prevention and management of respiratory illnesses. Consult your
benefit handbook to determine if your plan includes this program. The program
information should help you:
- Know more about what causes different types of respiratory infections, how they
are spread and how they can be treated most effectively;
- Learn about the actions you can take to prevent or reduce your chances of acquiring
respiratory illnesses;
- Access more specific information and resources about asthma, sinusitis and pneumonia
and how to prevent and manage symptoms.
Program Benefits
- Registered nurse case managers who can assist with your health-plan benefits;
- Information and education from community and national resources that follow the
standards set forth by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. These include
tips on prevention of respiratory infections at home and work, simple techniques
to relieve symptoms, and information on the role of medication in the treatment
of respiratory infection;
- Information and education from local resources on availability and cost of smoking-cessation
classes for those members who want to quit smoking.
Program Highlights
- Voluntary Health Survey: A comprehensive telephone questionnaire to help
determine your current health status and possibly identify your health-education
needs. After you complete the survey, a personalized report will be mailed to you.
- Physician Collaboration: A registered nurse case manager is available to
work with you and your physician to provide assistance with your health-plan benefits
and information on respiratory illness.
- Health Care Resource Lists: Comprehensive
lists to help members locate community resources and educational classes for
access to respiratory care with special focus on sinusitis, pneumonia and asthma.
Lists contain toll-free telephone numbers and Web addresses for your access.
- Education on Self-management Techniques: Quick reference guides that you
can use to help prevent respiratory illness, to relieve symptoms, and to help you
understand the role of medications in the treatment of respiratory infection.
- Satisfaction Surveys: To keep us informed on how the program is working for
you.
Physician Support
The physician remains your caregiver and makes all medical decisions. The Respiratory
Education Program provides assistance through education and benefits management
and the facilitation of local and national resources.
Health/Cost Advantages
If you have experienced the effects of a respiratory illness, such as a cold, flu,
sinusitis, pneumonia or asthma, you know firsthand the overall impact to your health,
comfort and quality of life. The financial costs are an additional issue. Better
health leads to a higher quality of life and lower costs to you, the patient. Through
the Respiratory Education Program, we want to work with you, under the guidance
of your physician, to provide education to prevent complications associated with
respiratory illness. Preventing respiratory complications can have a substantial
impact on reducing hospitalization and further reducing health care costs to you.
Please check your member benefits document for coverage of services.
How To Enroll
First, determine if your group health plan includes this program. Then call
a registered nurse case manager at
your nearest regional office to enroll in the Respiratory Health Education Program
today or download the
Respiratory Patient Enrollment Form (103 KB PDF)
and send it to your
regional office. The program is completely voluntary, and you may choose to leave
the program at any time. The enrollment form is in portable document format (PDF).
NOTE: The Respiratory Health Education Program is for educational purposes
only. We do not offer medical advice or medical services. You should always consult
your treating physician for any medical advice or services you may need. You, as
a member, are responsible for selecting providers, services or products. All suggested
health services may not be covered under your health plan. Please check your member
benefits for coverage of services. Information furnished by you is kept strictly
confidential and only used to provide us with the information necessary for your
participation in the Respiratory Health Education Program.
|