Cardiovascular Health Education Program - Products & Services

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Programs:

Cardiovascular Health Education Program

Optional Program for Those Who Have Both High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol

If you have been diagnosed with both high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), managing your illnesses is a process that involves you, those close to you, your physician and other caregivers. These two conditions are major risk factors for developing heart disease, which may lead to more serious complications, such as heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

Consult Your Benefit Booklet

USAble Administrators groups may purchase the optional community-based Cardiovascular Education Program to furnish information about managing your illness. Please consult your benefit handbook to determine if your plan includes this program. Upon enrollment in the program, you will receive information about high blood pressure and high cholesterol to help you:

Understand your individual risk factors for heart disease;
Work on lowering the risk factors for heart disease that are within your control;
Communicate your needs and concerns to your health-care provider;
Prevent complications common with these illnesses.

The Cardiovascular Education Program connects you with specific information as well as local and national health resources to keep you informed about high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The program works in conjunction with you and your physician by providing a comprehensive approach to teaching you about the causes of these medical conditions, treatments and self-care techniques.

Program Benefits

Registered nurse case managers who can assist with your health-plan benefits;
Health information and education from community and national resources that follow the guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; National Cholesterol Education Program; and Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure;
Information mailed to network physicians.

Program Highlights

Voluntary Health Survey: A comprehensive telephonic questionnaire to help determine your current health status and help identify your individual health education needs. After the survey is completed, a personalized report will be sent to you based on your responses.
Education on Self-management Techniques and Free Gifts: By enrolling in the Cardiovascular Education Program, you are automatically enrolled in "Close to the Heart™" and "In Charge™," programs sponsored by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals to help you meet cholesterol and blood pressure goals and lower your risk of heart disease. Once enrolled, you will receive the following FREE items:
- Periodic bilingual newsletters and bulletins on all aspects of treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol;
- A personal pocket planner;
- A guide to healthy restaurant dining;
- A grocery shopping guide.
Your name will be entered in a drawing for other free items* such as:
- A comprehensive monthly health planner;
- Health education videos on high blood pressure and high cholesterol;
- A water bottle, which features a walking program chart to help you get started;
- An audiocassette of music for both exercise and relaxation;
- Tracking tools, including an erasable refrigerator magnet.
*One of these items will be given away quarterly to an enrollee from each of seven statewide regions.
Health-Care Resource List: This is a comprehensive list of telephone numbers and Web site addresses to help members locate community resources, health education classes and other sources of information on high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Satisfaction Surveys: A survey for you to complete to keep us informed on how the program is working for you.

Physician Support

The physician remains your caregiver and makes all medical decisions. The Cardiovascular Education Program provides support to the physician in managing a member's disease through health education, health benefits management and facilitation of local and national health resources.

Health/Cost Advantages

If you are dealing with the effects of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, you know firsthand what the cost is to your health and quality of life. Financial costs are another issue. Preventing complications of these illnesses can have a substantial impact on your quality of life and further reduce your health-care costs.

How To Enroll

First, determine if your group health plan includes this program. Then download and complete the Cardiovascular Patient Enrollment Form (71 KB PDF) and send it to your regional office or call a registered nurse case manager at your nearest regional office. The program is completely voluntary, and you may choose to leave the program at any time.

NOTE: The Cardiovascular Education Program is for educational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice or medical services. You should always consult your treating physician for any medical advice or services you may need. You, as a member, are responsible for selecting providers, services or products. All suggested health services may not be covered under your health plan. Please check your member benefits for coverage of services. Information furnished by you is kept strictly confidential and only used to provide us with the information necessary for your participation in the Cardiovascular Education Program.