Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation 2008) Solving the Maze Using the healthcare system wisely

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) Why be Wise? Increasing costs to employers Results in greater cost to employees – Affects everyone’s bottom line Improved medical care – Eliminate unnecessary or repetitive treatments

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) Understand your health plan Log in to the website Learn how to find in-network doctors Know your benefits

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) The Right Doctor Primary Care Physician – Are typically family practitioners, general practice, internal medicine or pediatrics – First stop in the healthcare pathway Can open doors to specialist care – Can address a variety of issues – Often refers to other specialties if needed – Cost effective approach to general care

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) The Right Doctor When selecting a doctor, consider this: – Is the office convenient? – Are office hours reasonable? – Is the staff friendly? – Can you talk to the nurse if the doctor is busy? – What hospital does the doctor have privileges at? – What is the doctor’s philosophy on medicine (traditional or alternative)?

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) The Right Doctor Research your doctor – Information from the office, online, etc – Interview (may incur a charge) Already have a primary care doctor? – Do you like them? Are you satisfied after the visit? Don’t feel guilty for changing – When is the last time you visited?

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) The Visit Health history – Do you know your history? Medications- avoid interactions – Prescription drugs – Vitamins and minerals – Supplements Allergies/intolerances

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) The Visit Use the limited time wisely – Bring a list of concerns Act as a reminder Give to the doctor at the beginning of the visit Schedule extra time for several issues – Ask questions about proposed treatments Why this treatment? Do other options exist with similar outcomes? Are generic drugs available? OTC?

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) Appropriate Care Self care guides – Guide you through the decision making process – Multiple formats available Gender and/or age oriented Family oriented First aid only

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) Appropriate Care Seeking immediate treatment – Emergency room (ER) Treats major, life threatening conditions – Heart attack, stroke, car accidents, major burns, major traumas, poisoning, seizures, etc – Urgent care Treats other conditions that are not life- threatening – Cuts/scrapes, back pain, asthma (mild to moderate), ear pain, rashes, fever, small broken bones, sprains, etc

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) Appropriate Care Why use Urgent Care versus ER? – Efficiency of care Potential for less waiting time – Cost savings Average starting cost for ER visit = $300 Starting cost for Urgent care = $70 – Some in-network urgent care providers Immediate Care Center (Crown Point) American Current Care (Hammond)

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) Appropriate Care Prescription drugs – Brand Original version of the drug Expensive due to research and marketing costs – Generic Chemically identical to brand name versions Cheaper than counterpart since no need for additional research Not always available if brand version is still covered by patent

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) Appropriate Care Prescription drugs – Potential for cost savings Prilosec = 20mg (30 day) $142→ $426 (90 day) omeprazole = 20mg (90 day) $64 Prilosec OTC = 20mg (90 day) $128 – Department Store discounts $4 drugs – Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Kroger, CVS (by request) – Over the counter (OTC) options

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) Preventive Care Visit your physician regularly for overall physical – Every 1-3 years depending on your health and overall condition Complete preventive exams as needed by age and gender

Recommended Tests Men – 15 – 30 – Testicular Exam – Prostate Exam – Colon Cancer Screening Women Pap Smear 35 – Baseline Mammogram Annual Mammogram Colon Cancer Screening Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008)

Take Control! Take an active role in your care – Ultimately, it’s your body Ensure quality of life Expect knowledge – Ask questions at the doctors office Expect answers you can understand – Do your own research Use reliable websites/journals/resources

Take Control of Your Healthcare Some examples of healthcare websites with reliable information: WebMD - American Heart Association – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention –

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) Additional Web Resources For UHC plan members - For PPO and 500 plan - Healthy People National Institutes of Health Medline (Health Information) – Mayo Clinic -

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) Take Control of Your Healthcare Personal health record – Keep track of vital information Allergies Conditions Surgeries Health history – Great resource for various doctors – Keep one for each family member

Take Control of Your Healthcare Personal Health Record – can be online – Microsoft – – (for UHC plan members) Or, PHR can be a hard-copy paper form – AHIMA – – Adult.pdf Adult.pdf

Copyright (Purdue Research Foundation, 2008) Summary Great care starts with good communication Wise use of the system will save everyone money Taking control of your health and healthcare can lead to improved overall health