SMART LIVING

SEP/OCT 2022

SEP/OCT 2022
 

SEP/OCT 2022

• Future of Telehealth is Now
• Get Everything You Can Out of Go365
• Increasing Access to Care Across Alaska
• Bridgehealth is now Transcarent Surgery Care
• Trustee Elections Open Sept 19, Seats D and E
• Optum Rx: Pharmacy At Your Fingertips
• Pharmacy Benefit: Continuous Glucose Minitors
• Direct Contract List Updates
• Fall Reminders
• Enter to Win $50!

← See all Newsletters
Congratulations to July/August Contest Winner: Lem Wheeles

Enter for your chance to win!

THE FUTURE OF TELEHEALTH IS NOW.

Here, with our large rural population, telehealth is not a new thing for many Alaskans. Prior to the pandemic, telehealth services were created to support rural and underserved patients gain access to specialists when local help was severely limited. But, early in 2020, it is well documented (and unsurprising) that telehealth usage surged as patients and providers sought ways to safely access and deliver healthcare, and in the two years since, key trends have emerged that will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of telehealth services.

TOP 5 TELEHEALTH TRENDS

  1. Increased patient utilization
    What originally was implemented as a strategy to reduce the amount of community transmission has led to an active conversation between healthcare professionals about the continuation of telehealth consultations for many clients in the future and is now considered a cost-effective first line of treatment for non-urgent and follow-up appointments.
  2. Increased chronic care management
    Approximately 1 in 3 of all adults suffer from a chronic condition (like heart disease or diabetes), and while in many cases lifestyle choices can help to prevent and treat these diseases, over the last two years we’ve seen telehealth’s real potential to not only reduce the cost of a care plan, but also improve patient engagement and adherence to it.
  3. Greater focus on mental health
    According to the World health Organization, 1 in every 8 people suffer from mental health disorders. And as we know, the pandemic worsened the situation causing an increase in depression and anxiety. Over the last couple years, those already receiving treatment saw their appointments canceled and support groups closed. Hence the development of teletherapy began and continues to be a widely accepted, and effective, form of treatment.
  4. Improved user-experience
    Patient demand has been the greatest driving force when it comes to the growth in telehealth, patients want their telehealth experience to be seamless and integrated. This means developers are constantly looking at ways to ensure comprehensive service through integrated communications (such as video) while allowing for real-time updates, reminders and follow-up appointments.
  5. Wearable technology/remote patient monitoring/strong>
    Wearable technology like smartwatches and fitness trackers are increasingly being integrated with secure telehealth platforms, allowing doctors to gather real-time data on a number of health measures including activity levels, heart rates, blood pressure and sleep cycles more directly from their patients.

TELEHEALTH IS HERE TO STAY

Telehealth provides the healthcare industry with so many advantages that although we are starting to see the end of this pandemic, the utilization of this revolutionary technology will continue far into the future.

GET EVERYTHING YOU CAN OUT OF GO365
FOR YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS!

WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE NEW GO365 PLAN YEAR ON OCTOBER 1?

  • Your points and status will reset, but your Bucks will remain the same and can be saved for up to three full years before you need to spend them in the Go365 mall*
  • You can work toward achieving Bronze+ status again after October 1.
  • 10% of your Points will carry over into the new plan year.

Get started today working towards reaching Bronze or Silver status. Earn more Points and Bucks, and start off the new plan year right on October 1!

*Only subscribers (Go365 primary account holder) have access to spend bucks in the Go365 mall.

Visit Go365 article, What Happens When My Plan Year Renews to learn more about what to expect.

MAXIMIZE YOUR SPENDING POWER IN THE GO365 MALL BY COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES ON OR AFTER 10/1!

  • 500 Points: Health Assessment (HA) completion (complete the six sections through the app; members earn Points for completing all sections every plan year)
  • 500 Bonus Points: First time HA completion
  • 250 Bonus Points: HA completion bonus first 90 days (must complete the HA between 10/1-12/31 to earn these Points)
  • 500 Points: First time verified workout (connect your smartphone or wearable device to start tracking your steps)
  • 750 Points: First verified workout in the new program year

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

Activate your online profile on Go365.com. First step: Complete one of the below activities to jump to Bronze status.

  • Health assessment
  • Log a verified workout
  • Complete and upload a biometric screening

Download the Go365 app: Apple App Store • Google Play

INCREASING ACCESS TO CARE ACROSS ALASKA

Providence is increasing access to convenient, high quality, affordable care.

One way Providence is supporting the health and well- being of Alaskans is by increasing access to care. When you or a family member is not feeling well, even waiting 24 hours for non-emergent, low-acuity care is too long. That’s why Providence is expanding its ambulatory care network. Our goal is to provide the right care at the right time in the right setting. By expanding our services close to where people live and work, patients will have access to convenient care – when and where they want it.

Our ambulatory care network includes:

  • ExpressCare: Provides convenient, high-quality, affordable care close to where people work and live. Providence now has five ExpressCare clinics in Alaska.
  • ExpressCare Virtual: Patients can receive care without leaving the comfort of their home or office, or while on the go. ExpressCare Virtual provides online appointments with a provider via computer or mobile device.
  • Urgent Care: Provides same day, episodic care for injuries or illnesses that do not require hospitalization but need prompt attention. Our new urgent care clinic in Anchorage alleviates the burden on our busy emergency departments.
  • Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs): ASCs offer our patients same day surgery options at a lower cost. Patients can recover in the comfort of their home.
  • Ambulatory Imaging Centers: These convenient imaging centers will provide a best-in-class patient experience. Providence is opening imaging clinics close to where people live and work.

Providence is excited to make everyday health and wellness even more convenient for the communities we serve through an expanded ambulatory care network.

BRIDGEHEALTH IS NOW TRANSCARENT

The same great surgery benefit, just with a new name.

Transcarent Surgery Care is the same high-quality care that you have come to expect from BridgeHealth, just with a new look that puts 'heart' front and center. Transcarent provides care coordination, support and access to high-quality surgeons when surgery is the most appropriate next step. Transcarent also means transparency where you never receive an unexpected bill for seeking surgical care.

Transcarent’s promise:

  • Results: Transcarent is committed to providing you with the best possible outcome, and it starts with access to select providers who have been verified to deliver the best results specific to your needs.
  • Affordability: Transcarent is committed to providing optimal care at lower out-of-pocket costs to you.
  • Experience: Our Care Coordinators handle all the details and are committed to giving a better health and care experience. It’s the personal support and guidance everyone deserves.

Procedures offered by Transcarent include bariatric, cardiac, general, orthopedic, spine, vascular, women’s health and neurological. Emergency, pediatric (under age 13), cosmetic, dental, diagnostic, vision and transplant procedures are not available through Transcarent.

Contact a Transcarent Care Coordinator at (855) 265-2874 or surgerycare@transcarent.com.

NEW BENEFIT POST-SURGERY OR WHEN SURGERY IS NOT AN OPTION

Virtual Physical Therapy is an alternative to in-person physical therapy for back, joint and muscle pain. You can skip scheduling appointments, travel and waiting in crowded waiting rooms and get started with Virtual Physical Therapy on your terms. No referral is needed and there's no copay — so it's no cost* to eligible members and family members 18+ enrolled in a qualifying health plan.

To learn more about virtual physical therapy benefits, visit experience.transcarent.com/peht/vpt/.

PUBLIC EDUCATION HEALTH TRUST 2022 TRUSTEE ELECTION

Polls will open Sept. 19, 2022, for the Public Education Health Trust Board, Seats D and E.

On this date, go to pehtak.com and click the "Vote here" link to view the candidates' biographies and begin the voting process.

The individuals with the highest vote count will be placed into Seats D and E, with a term of Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2025 (three-year term).

PHARMACY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

The Optum Rx® website and app are convenient, easy and secure tools. Get the information you need to make the most of your pharmacy benefit. Sign up for an online account and you can:

  • Check drug prices at pharmacies near you.
  • Find a network pharmacy near you.
  • Sign up for automatic refills and home delivery.
  • Track home delivery order status.
  • View claims and benefit information.

HOW TO SEARCH FOR SAVINGS TODAY:

  1. Register for an account or login at optumrx.com.
  2. Go to Member tools > Drug pricing and information.
  3. Enter drug name and click on product name.
  4. Select amount of medicine. Click Search.
  5. Drug prices will show for retail pharmacies and home delivery.