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Medical Self Care

Take Charge of Your Health

2012

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A Question…

What is Self Care?“Self Care” involves individuals making

informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment of health problems, as well as

preventative care.

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• Awareness, prevention, and early detection can keep you healthy! There are a wide variety of steps you can take to delay or prevent many of the diseases and conditions that are the leading causes of death and disability.

Self Care

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Prevention is the key…

Source: American Heart Association

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Preventative Care

“An ounce of prevention is worth a

pound of cure.”Ben Franklin

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Schedule your Preventive Screenings and Vaccinations

$0 CO-PAY!

Prevention is best.Early detection is next!

Medical AND Dental

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Economic case for Medical Consumerism

• In 2005, Americans went to hospital emergency rooms 114 million times

• Estimates identify that 55.4% of ER visits were for non-urgent conditions (CDC)

• Average emergency room visit costs $980 compared to $155 for Urgent Care and $165 for a Primary Care visit (Urgent Care Association of America)

An observation…

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Walk right in!• A Walk-In or Urgent Care Center offers the necessary

care without the hassle and expense of an ER visit• Walk-in and Urgent Care Centers can handle:

– Minor cuts and burns– Sprains and strains– Sports injuries– Sore throats– Earaches– Fever– Other non-life-threatening problems

Call Anthem at 800-933-8415 for the nearest Walk-In or Urgent Care facility

Need Care Right Away?

Save on the copay as well!• ER Charge - $100 (copay waived if admitted)

• Urgent Care - $50

• Walk-In - $30

• PCP - $15

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Did You Know…

• U.S. citizens encounter a medical problem that is treatable without involving a health professional every three days

• Over 80% of new health problems are treated at home

• Misuse of OTC drugs causes 178,000 hospitalizations a year (CDC)

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Medications

Does your Medicine

cabinet look like this?

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Medications

• Use as directed – Do not exceed dosages on the labels or take OTC medicine on a regular basis

• Read the warning sections on the label

• Dispose of medications properly that are past the expiration date or that you are no longer taking

• Store medications in a convenient dry place, but out of children’s reach

• Questions… ask your pharmacist or your health care professional

Time for a Medicine Cabinet Checkup?

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Medications

• Use Generics – Discuss Generic drug options with your health care provider. Generic drugs are required to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the brand name. On average, the cost of a generic drug is 80 to 85 percent lower than the brand name product (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

• Mail Service Program – To order prescriptions used on a regular basis, such as blood pressure and allergy medications, the CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy will save you time and money. It is a convenient and easy way to obtain your prescriptions for up to a 90-day supply of medication (if appropriate)

Ways to Save

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Health Consultation Resources

two main things we can do…

I. Take chargeII. Work in partnership with your

health care provider

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• Location…near work…near home…in between?• Age, gender• Specialty, background, or degree related to your health needs• Referrals or other opinion sources• Same day, evening or weekend appointments• Nurse line or 24/7 call line• Electronic Medical Records• Admitting privileges in multiple hospitals• Other criteria?

Talking with your Health Care Provider

Choosing your Primary Care Physician

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• What are your symptoms• List of medications & allergies• Family & personal medical history• Concerns you have about your health• What you would like the doctor to check• Benefit coverage• Find someone to bring with you to listen in

or ask questions

Talking with your Health Care Provider

Before You Call or See Your Doctor:

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Talking with your Health Care Provider

During the Doctor/Provider Visit:• Problem or diagnosis• Tests or medications needed• If medication is needed what side effects

should I be aware of?• What can I do at home to treat the

problem• What can I do to prevent this from

happening again. What follow up is needed

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• Follow your doctor’s advice

• Tell your doctor if you feel worse

• Keep return appointments

• Practice self-care at home

Talking with your Health Care Provider

After the Doctor/Provider Visit or Call

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When to call a Health Care Professional?• Is it okay to call your doctor? Of course it

is. Often a phone call to the doctor or advice nurse is all you need to manage a problem at home or determine if a visit is needed.

Talking with your Health Care Provider

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• Store all your health records – easily and securely – in one convenient spot

• Track doctor visits, vaccinations and other wellness services – a great help if you see multiple doctors

• Print out and share your health summary with your physicians

• Avoid potentially dangerous medical errors

Personal Medical Records

MyHealth Record at anthem.com

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• Dates of immunizations, cancer screenings, lab tests, surgeries and contact information for your health care provider(s)

• List of allergies

• Prescription and over-the counter medications

• Medical conditions

Log in at anthem.com and click

“Health and Wellness” to get started today!

Personal Medical Records

Where does the information come from?

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Online Tools and Resources• MyHealth@Anthem

•MyHealth Assessment•MyHealth Record•Condition Centers•Online Community

• Specialoffers@Anthem• AudioHealth Library

Care Management• 24/7 NurseLine• Future Moms• ConditionCare• ComplexCare• Comprehensive Medical

Management

Anthem 360 Program

For more information call

1-800-933-8415 or log in at anthem.com

Available to employees and

dependents

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Good Health Habits…The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can help keep you from getting sick from the flu and common cold as well

• Avoid close contact

• Stay home when you are sick

• Cover your mouth and nose

• Clean your hands

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat a healthy diet

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“If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.”-Mickey Mantle