Winter 2011
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Winter 2011 |
Understanding Alzhemer's
Alzheimer's disease is caused by chemical changes in the brain that kill brain cells. As the brain cells die, a person slowly loses the ability to think and care for him or herself. This is why Alzheimer's is referred to as a "progressive disease." Researchers are learning more by studying brain chemistry, and medicines that can help some symptoms of Alzheimer's have been developed. These medicines can improve a person's ability to function and can enhance quality of life as well. However, there is no cure for this disease. Alzheimer's disease usually occurs in people over 65. The risk of getting it increases with age. In general, people with Alzheimer's:
People with Alzheimer's also often have behavior problems. It is important to have these problems treated since they can make caring for your loved one more difficult. Behavior problems may include:
The rate at which Alzheimer's progresses differs from person to person. At first, there is a decline in memory and thinking skills. Later, other abilities are affected. Eventually, the person suffering from this disease will need full-time care. To diagnose Alzheimer's, the doctor will take a medical history and order blood, urine, and other tests. A brain scan may show whether other types of brain changes are causing the symptoms. The tests will help rule out other causes, which could include a thyroid condition, heart disease, a stroke, or a brain tumor. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can start. A person with Alzheimer's disease should continue to see his or her doctor for regular checkups. This will ensure that other medical conditions do not cause more problems. Family members caring for a loved one should come to each doctor appointment. That way, they will hear the doctor's instructions and can ask questions. It is not safe to count on the person with Alzheimer's to understand and remember instructions. Family members are usually the main caregivers for people with Alzheimer's. This can be very stressful. Families should stay in contact with the loved one's doctors and other providers. As the disease progresses, these providers can offer information about helpful resources and guide you on how to manage care and plan for the future. UPMC has one of the best centers in the United States for research and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. For more information on this topic, visit the websites of the Alzheimer Disease Research Center or the Institute on Aging, both part of the University of Pittsburgh. Source: UPMC |
Have you moved? Let us know.If you have moved or changed phone numbers, please call UPMC for Life Specialty Plan to let us know. It's important that we have your most recent contact information. Call your UPMC for Life Specialty Plan Health Care Concierge at 1-800-606-8648. TTY users should call 1-866-407-8762. We are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
Take advantage of all the services available to you
It is very important that you get all the health care services you need. Many times health care doesn't only mean physical health; it also means behavioral health care to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and confusion. If you have both behavioral and physical health issues, you may not know who to call or where to go when you need health care services. Connected CareTM was set up to help UPMC for Life Specialty Plan members take more control of their health. Here are some things that Connected Care can help you do:
Connected Care is for members who live in Allegheny County, are age 18 or older, and have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, episodic mood disorders, or borderline personality disorders. Please call us today to learn more about how Connected Care can help you. Call your UPMC for Life Specialty Plan Health Care Concierge at 1-800-606-8648. TTY users should call 1-866-407-8762. We are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
Generic drugs make cents!
Generic alternatives often cost much less than brand-name medications. Generic drugs are safe, effective, and broadly prescribed by many doctors. There are many generic medications available in the same classes as brand-name drugs. There are generic drugs available to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, osteoporosis, and many other conditions. Also, it is expected that even more brand-name medications will become available as generics in 2012. Unfortunately, not very many people talk with their doctor about less expensive generic alternatives that may provide the same medical results. Talk with your doctor to find out if a generic alternative is right for you. Not only will a generic drug lower your copayments and out-of-pocket costs, it may help you avoid falling into the prescription drug coverage gap. Talk to your doctor at your next appointment about making the switch to generics. |
It's time to schedule your annual visit!The beginning of a new year is a great time to resolve to make things in your life better. Why not use the start of each new year as your reminder to schedule an annual visit with your primary care physician or nurse practitioner? Your annual visit is the perfect time to get a status check on your current health, find out what you're doing well, and learn to take better care of yourself. An important part of your annual visit is finding out which health screenings are right for you. A health screening is an exam to identify or rule out a health condition. Regular screenings can catch health problems in the early stages, when they are easier to treat. Some people are at higher risk of developing health problems than others. Your Health Care Concierge can help you find a doctor, schedule an appointment, and tell you about guidelines for preventive care. Call our UPMC for Life Health Care Concierge team at 1-877-539-3080 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. TTY/TDD users should call 1-800-361-2629. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that people age 50 or older receive the following screenings and vaccines (the list does not include all the tests that are recommended).
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Important pharmacy changes
UPMC for Life Specialty Plan is very proud of its large pharmacy network, which includes more than 30,000 pharmacies. It includes local pharmacies and national chains such as CVS/pharmacy, Giant Eagle, Kmart, Rite Aid, Sam's Club, Target, Walmart, and Wegmans. Beginning in January 2012, Walgreens will no longer be part of the UPMC for Life Specialty Plan pharmacy network. If you currently have your prescriptions filled at Walgreens, you will need to go to a new participating pharmacy after January 1. If you need help finding a new pharmacy, call your UPMC for Life Specialty Plan Health Care Concierge at 1-800-606-8648. TTY/TDD users should call 1-866-407-8762. |
Have you received your flu shot? There's still time!
Unpredictable. That's the best way to describe flu season, which officially began in late October. It's impossible to know what the 2011-12 flu season has in store for us. What we do know is that the flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness, and can even be fatal. Every year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with the flu. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated every year. Even healthy children and adults can become very sick from the flu and spread it to family and friends. You can pass on the flu before even knowing you are sick! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months get vaccinated. Those at higher risk for serious complications include:
Others who should get a flu shot:
The sooner you get a flu shot, the sooner you'll be protected. However, experts agree: It's never too late to get a flu shot. If you have questions about getting a flu shot, be sure to talk to your doctor. To locate a physician in your area, visit www.upmchealthplan.com and click on Find a Doctor. You also may call your UPMC for Life Specialty Plan Health Care Concierge at 1-800-606-8648. TTY users should call 1-866-407-8762. We are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
Take a few moments to complete a short survey
Many services are available to you as a UPMC for Life Specialty Plan member, and we want you to tell us which services you need. The best way for you to do that is to complete a brief survey. You will soon receive one in the mail. Our health coaches use your responses to identify your health care needs. Your responses also help form your individual care plan. Our health coaches can help you adjust to a diagnosis of diabetes, heart disease, depression, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). They can also help you access your benefits and connect you to community services that can help you. Our health coaches can help you quit smoking, lose weight, increase your physical activity, manage your stress, and learn how to eat healthier. All these services are available to you as a UPMC for Life Specialty Plan member — and completing your survey is the first step in getting the help you need to get or stay well. If you need help completing your survey, call your UPMC for Life Specialty Plan Health Care Concierge at 1-800-606-8648. TTY users should call 1-866-407-8762. We are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
Getting the health care information you need — how you need itUnderstanding health care information is challenging for everyone. And talking about your health care can be especially confusing when English is not a member's first language. UPMC for Life Specialty Plan members who do not speak English can call their Health Care Concierge and be connected with a translator. You can find a doctor or other health care provider who speaks languages other than English by going to our website at www.upmchealthplan.com/snp. Click the Find a Doctor link, and use the language tab to pick the language you prefer. If you need information about how to get UPMC for Life Specialty Plan materials in a different language or format, contact us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Contact us toll-free at 1-800-606-8648. Health Care Concierges are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. TTY/TDD users should call 1-866-407-8762. |
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The content in this newsletter is not intended to provide specific medical advice, and members should contact their physician with questions about specific conditions and/or treatment. Not all benefits mentioned in this newsletter will necessarily be available to all members. Members should review their specific plan information to find out which benefits apply to them. UPMC for Life Specialty Plan
Member Services: 1-800-606-8648 TTY: 1-866-407-8762 Copyright 2011 UPMC Health Plan, Inc. All rights reserved. |