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The SWHP Heart Beat
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You CAN Stop Smoking!
by Dr. Gerald Evans
There have been many discussions on the best way to stop smoking. The big questions to consider are:
- How do you make a commitment?
- How do you deal with a decision today which is difficult to keep in the future when temptation keeps getting in the way?
Dr. Gerald Evans visits these questions in this month's Heart Beat column.
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What's Happening at the Health Plan?
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How may we help you?
Available 24 hours a day!
- Customer Service - 800-321-7947
- Utilization Management staff - 888-316-7947
- VitalCare Nurse Advice Line - 877-505-7947
- TTY number for the hearing or speech impaired
- Language assistance for our non-English speaking members.
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Would you like to know how much your treatment or procedure will cost?
To get an estimate, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-321-7947.
NOTE: You will need to obtain your procedure or diagnosis code(s) from your healthcare provider in order to receive an estimate.
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SWHP Member Promise
Scott & White Health Plan will help you get an appointment when you need to be seen!
If you are having difficulty getting an appointment to see one of our participating providers, please call us. Our new personalized service will get you an appointment to see a clinician when you need to be seen. Please call us at 254-298-3000 or 800-321-7947.
We are your advocate!
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Help Stop Healthcare Fraud!
Medicare insurance fraud is happening right now in every state in the country. Scott & White Health Plan is committed to making your member experience the best one possible. This is why we are asking for your partnership in helping us to help you.
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Flu Season is Back!
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a yearly flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response. Get vaccinated now so that you will be protected all season long!
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Do you know the difference between an Urgent situation and an Emergency?
Get guidelines and tips on emergency vs. urgent care, so you can get the proper treatment at the right place.
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 From the Medical Director’s Desk:
No one needs to be reminded about our epidemic of obesity which hits more women than men. We all see it every day, and it is truly acting like an epidemic and threatens us or someone we know.
Another epidemic that affects health and is now a leading cause of death in women is smoking. Serious conditions directly related to smoking (heart disease and lung cancer) are occurring in all ages. More women are smoking, and many find it harder to quit. Quitting smoking has numerous health benefits. If you would like advice, check out the SWHP Heart Beat column by Dr. Evans in this issue where he gives his unique approach to quitting.
Scott & White Health Plan can help you with both of these big issues: weight management and smoking cessation, and you can pick which way would work for you best. Our 24 hour nurse line or Health Coach can provide you with tips and help at 877-505-7947.
If you prefer on line help, please go to the Scott and White Health Plan website and visit the Dialog Center. This is a great health care resource with much information, interactive tests to see if you need assistance, and you can reach a health coach online
or you can ask for a coach to call you - how easy is that?
Good luck and good health. We are your partner in keeping you healthy!
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Have you heard about the SWHP Vitality Coordinators?
Vitality Coordinators are are an important part of your health care team. They are nurses working in a real clinical setting side by side with doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurses, and the other members of the clinical team. Their goal is to close gaps in care for SWHP Members.
Find out how our Vitality Coordinators are making a difference in the lives of our members.
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How often do we get to tell our members that drug prices are going down?
As a rule, generic drugs are about 30 to 80 percent less expensive than brand name drugs. In the next two years, six of the nation’s 10 best-selling drugs are expected to be available as a generic.
Read about which drugs you can expect to pay less for as a generic.
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Do you have a serious or chronic medical condition?
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SWHP Care Guidance can help. Members who have multiple chronic
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conditions or complicated or serious medical issues facing them are encouraged to participate in this free program. You can ask your doctor to refer you or you can refer yourself by going to ..., selecting the Member tab, selecting Complex Care Guidance Program, and then selecting and completing Request a Screening. You will be contacted by a Case Manager to discuss your case. You may also call 1-888-316-7947 to refer yourself to the Care Guidance Program or request that we mail a Care Guidance referral form to you.
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Did you know?
Members can get a 3 month supply of maintenance drugs for 2 copays at any of our Scott & White retail pharmacies.
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VitalCare Health Education Audio Reference (HEAR) Library
Would you rather hear information about a health topic than read about it? If so, the HEAR Library is for you. Scott & White Health Plan offers over 300 English-language and 25 Spanish-language topics. To listen to information on a heath topic, call 877-505-7947 and select option 2. You can find a list of topics here.
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Holiday Safety
Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas - this time of year is a great time to get together with family and friends. It’s also the time of year when we’re busy and in a hurry and when accidents can happen. Learn how to protect your family.
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