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Respiratory Health Education Program
Optional Program for Those Who Are at Greater Risk for
Complications of a Respiratory Illness
The misery of a cold or flu is temporary and, in most cases, not serious. These
illnesses, however, can lead to more serious respiratory infections such as
sinusitis or pneumonia. People who are especially at risk are those whose
resistance to infection may be low. This group includes smokers; the elderly;
and those who suffer from chronic diseases such as asthma, heart disease,
diabetes and kidney disease, or lung conditions such as emphysema or
bronchitis.
USAble Administrators employers who purchase the program offer enrolled members
a free community-based Respiratory Education Program to furnish information
about prevention and management of respiratory illnesses. Please consult your
benefit handbook to determine if your plan includes this program. The
program information should help you:
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Know more about what causes different types of respiratory infections, how they
are spread and how they can be treated most effectively;
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Learn about the actions you can take to prevent or reduce your chances of
acquiring respiratory illnesses;
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Access more specific information and resources about asthma, sinusitis and
pneumonia and how to prevent and manage symptoms.
Program Benefits
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Registered nurse case managers who can assist with your health plan benefits;
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Information and education from community and national resources that follow the
standards set forth by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. These
include tips on prevention of respiratory infections at home and work, simple
techniques to relieve symptoms, and information on the role of medication in
the treatment of respiratory infection;
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Information and education from local resources on availability and cost of
smoking-cessation classes for those members who want to quit smoking.
Program Highlights
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Voluntary Health Survey: A comprehensive telephonic questionnaire to
help determine your current health status and possibly identify your health
education needs. After you complete the survey, a personalized report will be
mailed to you.
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Physician Collaboration: A registered nurse case manager available to
work with you and your physician to provide assistance with your health plan
benefits and information on respiratory illness.
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Health Care Resource Lists: Comprehensive
lists to help members locate community resources and educational
classes for access to respiratory care with special focus on sinusitis,
pneumonia and asthma. Lists contain toll-free telephone numbers and Web
addresses for your access.
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Education on Self-management Techniques: Quick reference guides that you
can use to help prevent respiratory illness, to relieve symptoms, and to help
you understand the role of medications in the treatment of respiratory
infection.
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Satisfaction Surveys: 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
Respiratory Education Program is designed only to provide assistance through
education and benefits management and the facilitation of local and national
resources.
Health/Cost Advantages
If you have experienced the effects of a respiratory illness, such as a cold,
flu, sinusitis, pneumonia or asthma, you know firsthand the overall impact to
your health, comfort and quality of life. The financial costs are an additional
issue. Better health leads to a higher quality of life and lower costs to you,
the patient. Through the Respiratory Education Program, we want to work with
you, under the guidance of your physician, to provide education about how you
can prevent complications associated with respiratory illness. Preventing
respiratory complications can have a substantial impact on reducing
hospitalization and further reducing health care costs to you. Please check
your member benefits document for coverage of services.
How To Enroll
First, determine if your group health plan includes this program. Then
call a registered nurse case manager
at your nearest regional office to enroll in the Respiratory Health Education
Program today or download the Respiratory Patient Enrollment Form (38 KB PDF)
and send it to your regional office. The program is completely voluntary, and you may choose to
leave the program at any time. The enrollment form is in portable document
format (PDF).
NOTE: The Respiratory Health 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 Respiratory Health
Education Program.
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