Fall 2011 |
Caring for You eNewsletter | |
| Learn more about UPMC for You » | ||
In this issue: Quality counts at UPMC for You
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Getting the health care information you need — how you need it |
Brain injury & domestic abuseAbout one-third of all domestic abuse victims suffer injuries to the head, neck, and face. The abuse can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI). Domestic abuse victims may suffer TBI from being:
A victim with TBI may not be able to make good choices. It may be hard to keep safe or find help. An abuser may use these problems to confuse and abuse a victim even more. TBI may cause a person to become anxious or depressed. A person with TBI may have trouble holding a job. Paying attention or doing tasks may be hard. TBI can affect how a person relates to his or her children and other family members. TBI can cause trouble with finding the right words, being patient, or dealing with emotions. Other problems that may result from TBI are reduced memory or thinking speed. A person with TBI may be confused or very sleepy. He or she may be less aware or less creative. Repeated hits to the head may cause worse damage to the brain or even death. TBI is serious, but can be treated. A victim who may have TBI must see a doctor. If the person has TBI, he or she can ask about ways to heal. If you or someone close to you needs to learn more about TBI, please contact the Brain Injury Line at 1-866-412-4755; TTY users should call 1-877-232- 7640. To speak with someone about abuse or to locate a local domestic violence program, contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline Article provided by the Department of Public Welfare. |
Quality counts at UPMC for YouThe quality of your health care is important. Our Quality Improvement Program helps us improve the quality of your care, service, and safety. A committee of doctors directs the program, and improvements to care and safety are made by:
We listen to your responses on member surveys. What you tell us helps us make important changes. Recently, members told us they are very satisfied with UPMC for You. They also said they get care when they need it. To improve quality of care and safety, we look at the number of members who get:
We found that our members are getting the right care for respiratory health; adolescents are getting immunizations; and women are getting cervical cancer screenings. You can learn more about our Quality Improvement Program at www.upmchealthplan.com. You can also find information on hospital quality and safety and on doctors. In addition, you can go online to look at your member handbook, which provides information about your benefits. To get a paper copy of information that is on our website or to learn more about our Quality Improvement Program, call UPMC for You toll-free at 1-800-286-4242 for Southwest or 1-866-353-4345 for Lehigh/Capital (Lehigh Valley and Capital Region). TTY users should call toll-free at 1-800-361-2629. Representatives are available to help you Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 8a.m. to 3p.m. |
Understanding depressionEveryone feels down from time to time. You may be worried about yourself or a family member or about something that is going on in your life. This kind of depression, often called the blues, usually clears up in a day or two. If your blue mood does not go away but instead starts to impact other areas of your life, you may be experiencing depression. Depression is marked by feelings of profound sadness and lack of interest in activities. It interferes with your ability to function and appreciate things in life. It can cause physical and emotional symptoms. Depression can last for weeks, months, or even years. People with depression rarely recover without treatment. Risk factors include:
Women are more prone to depression, as are the elderly and anyone with a chronic physical or mental illness, including thyroid disease, headaches, chronic pain, and stroke. Certain medications can also cause depression. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you think you are having a problem with your medication. Symptoms may differ and they can change over time, but, generally, they include:
There is no blood or diagnostic test for depression. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. The doctor may also perform specific mental health exams to get information about your speech, thoughts, memory, and mood. A physical exam and other tests can help rule out other causes. Treatment for depression may include medicine and counseling. Getting help for depression is important. Calling your doctor is the first step. |
Get the most out of your medicationMillions of Americans take proton pump inhibitors, more commonly referred to as PPIs. These medications treat stomach conditions such as heartburn, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), ulcers, and other acid-related conditions. PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. They do not work right away. It may take a few days to get relief from your symptoms. If you need immediate relief, ask your doctor about whether antacids are safe for you. You should take your PPI at the same time every day and follow the doctor's instructions to make sure you are taking the medicine correctly. Many PPIs are now available as generic drugs as well as over-the-counter medicines. Refer to your formulary guide to check the coverage of these medications: Prevacid® (lansoprazole)*#
Prilosec® (omeprazole)*#
Protonix® (pantoprazole)*
*Available as a generic |
Do you know what your health care really costs?"Treatment Cost Advisor" is a tool on our website that gives you an idea of what health care costs. It provides the average cost, including all related costs such as PCP visits, prescriptions, specialist visits, lab tests, and hospital stays, for a person to get treatment for many conditions. To access this tool, log in to MyHealth OnLine and select the "Treatment Cost Advisor" link. |
Getting the health care information you need — how you need itUnderstanding health care information is challenging for everyone. Talking about your health care can be even more confusing when English is not your first language. UPMC for You members who do not speak English can call Member Services to be connected with a translator at no cost to you. 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. Click on the "Find a Doctor" link, and use the language tab to pick the language you prefer. If you need printed materials or more information about language assistance, call UPMC for You toll-free at 1-800-286-4242 for Southwest or 1-866-353-4345 for Lehigh Capital (Lehigh Valley and Capital Region). TTY users should call toll-free at 1-800-361-2629. Representatives are available to help you Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
Your "shot" to stop the fluThe weather may still be warm, but it is not too early to get a flu shot. If you have ever had the flu, then you know just how bad it can make you feel. Body aches, fever, chills ... no one wants to get the flu. The very best way to prevent the flu is to get a special shot — called a vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone who is six months old or older should get a flu vaccine this season. Visit your doctor to get your free flu shot. Or get your flu shot at a designated location in your community. If you pay out of pocket for your flu shot, UPMC for You will reimburse you. To print a flu shot reimbursement form, go to www.upmchealthplan.com. Select Members and then Medical Assistance and then Forms. You can also call Member Services and ask them to mail you a copy of the form. Member Services representatives are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Note: Not all people should receive this vaccine. Talk to your doctor to find out if this vaccine is right for you. |
Provider directory on the WebYou should get your medical services from doctors, hospitals, and health care providers in the UPMC for You network, unless there is an emergency or an urgent need for care while you are outside the service area. The next time you need to find out if a doctor, hospital, or other medical provider is in the UPMC for You network, you can use a computer. You can go online to quickly and easily search our large network of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers. You can also call Member Services for this information. Search for a doctor by name, office location(s), specialty, the hospital or medical group the doctor is connected with, gender, languages spoken, and whether the doctor is accepting new patients. Our listing includes the doctor's office hours and board certifications. When a doctor is board certified, that means he or she has additional education. You can search for a hospital by name, location, and accreditation status. The hospital listing includes the address, phone number, and services offered — for example, on-site lab or dialysis services. If you need any of the information on our website sent to you in printed form, call UPMC for You toll-free at 1-800-286-4242 for Southwest or 1-866-353-4345 for Lehigh/Capital (Lehigh Valley and Capital Region). TTY users should call toll-free at 1-800-361-2629. Representatives are available to help you Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
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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. Member Services:
1-800-286-4242 (Southwest) 1-866-353-4345 (Lehigh/Capital) TTY Services: 1-800-361-2629 Copyright 2011 UPMC Health Plan, Inc. All rights reserved. |