Diabetes Day
New Diabetes Screening Day:
A new benefit and a Big Success!
Scott & White Health Plan (SWHP) is working to improve diabetic members' health. We want to help you manage your diabetes better. One way to do this is to make sure all our members with diabetes get needed annual checks for blood pressure, lipids, hemoglobin A1C, urine protein, eye exams, and foot exams. Completing this bundle of tests can be a challenge to do consistently. It can be inconvenient and expensive for you. On April 24, 2010, SWHP's Quality Improvement Department held the first Diabetes Screening Day for SWHP members with diabetes. This was accomplished with the help of the Scott & White Ophthalmology Department, the Scott & White Podiatry Department, and the Scott & White Eye Pavilion.
Selected eligible members were sent a personal invitation from the SWHP Quality Improvement department. They were asked to make an appointment for lab tests, eye and foot exams, and diabetes education. A team of healthcare professionals worked together to administer these important screening tests. Patient response was very positive. Appointment slots filled up quickly.
The Scott & White Pavilion (the perfect facility for the event), had all the tools needed. Ophthalmology Resident, Dr. Peter Bast, noted at the end of the day that everything ran quite smoothly. The members were all very satisfied with their care. He thought that this type of screening was a great opportunity for members with diabetes to receive necessary screening examinations with virtually no waiting. Dr. Nathan Henson, Ophthalmology Resident noted that the screening day was a great way to offer comprehensive care to patients who otherwise may not come in for care. The screenings prompt the patient to be proactive in their own treatment. He said that the response he was receiving from members was extremely positive.
After the screening tests were completed, all lab results were forwarded to respective primary care physicians (PCPs). Members were encouraged to follow-up with their PCP to review tests and screening results and make any needed adjustments in therapies. "This special day was held to help our members who find it hard to get away during the week and who might find a weekend specialty appointment to attend. We will be holding these screenings monthly through the end of the year," said Dr. Marylou Buyse, Chief Medical Director, SWHP. Dr. Buyse was on hand to talk with members as they completed their visit.
Dr. Douglas Murdoch, Scott & White Podiatry, noted after the screening day was over, that only 1 of the 18 members he saw had previously had a foot exam. This offered the perfect opportunity for education, especially since this foot screening can significantly reduce the chance of a future amputation. Educational materials were given to members, and they were all encouraged to follow-up with their PCPs as soon as possible. All who needed further attention to eye disease were given appointments with an ophthalmology specialist before they left.
Plans for monthly diabetes screening days are already underway. Best of all, these special screening days are completely free for SWHP members. If you want more information please contact the SWHP Quality Improvement Department at (254) 742-7420. We hope that this program will benefit you and appreciate your feedback on this program.