1. Solving the Maze Wise use of the healthcare system © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

2. Objectives By the end of this module, participants should be able to:  Identify why wise use of the system is necessary  Discuss proper utilization of the current health plan  Recognize the importance of using generic drugs  Discuss the difference between the emergency room and urgent care and when to use each  Recognize key steps to taking control of personal health © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

3. Why be Wise?  Increasing costs to employers  Shift to greater cost-sharing with employees Effects everyone’s bottom line  Improved medical care Eliminate unnecessary or repetitive treatments © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

4. Where to Begin?  Understand your health plan  Choose a primary care physician  Get appropriate care  Prevention © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

5. Understand your health plan  Customize to the company © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

6. The Right Doctor  Primary Care Physician Commonly known as 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 © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

7. 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)? © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

8. 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? © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

9. The Visit  Healthy history Do you know your history?  Useful templates  Medications- avoid interactions Prescription drugs Vitamins and minerals (ex- niacin) Supplements (ex- St Johns Wort)  Allergies/intolerances © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

10. The Visit  Wise use of limited time Bring a list of concerns  Act as a reminder  Give to the doctor at the beginning of the visit  If several concerns exist, make staff aware in advance and schedule extra time Ask questions about proposed treatments  Why this treatment?  Do other options exist with similar outcomes?  Are generic drugs available? OTC? © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

11. It’s 10:00 pm and you can’t sleep. You have had a 103.5°F fever for five hours. You haven’t been able to eat or drink anything for over 12 hours. Although the rest of your body feels fine, you have a very stiff neck that hurts to try to turn. What should you do? A. Call the doctor and ask advice B. Use a self-care guide for information C. Go to the ER © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

12. 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 Purchased online, local bookstore, etc © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

14. 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 © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

15. Appropriate Care  Why use Urgent Care versus ER? Efficiency of care  Potential for less waiting time Cost savings  Median cost for ER visit = $300  Starting cost for Urgent care = $70 What is the closest urgent care?  Customize to company location © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

16. 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 © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

17. Appropriate Care  Prescription drugs Potential for cost savings  Prilosec = 20mg (30 day) $142→ $426 (90 day)  omeprazole = 20mg (90 day) $64  Prilosec OTC = 20mg (14 day) $20 Pharmacy discounts  $4 drugs Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Kroger, CVS (by request)  Free generic antibiotics (Meijer) Over the counter (OTC) options © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

18. 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 © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

19. Take Control!  Take an active role in your care Ultimately, it’s your body  Ensure quality of life © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

20. Take Control of Your Healthcare  Expect knowledge Ask questions at the doctors office  Expect answers you can understand Do your own research  Use reliable websites/journals/resources © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

21. 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 © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

22. 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 © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

23. Web Resources  Healthcare provider link  WebMD www.webmd.com  Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.com  Personal Health Record Microsoft – www.Healthvault.com  American Red Cross (CPR and first aid) www.americanheart.org © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation

24. Acknowledgements  This class was designed by: Allison Bryan MS Certified Health Education Specialist This product was funded by a grant awarded under the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Initiative as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration. The information contained in this product was created by a grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. All references to non-governmental companies or organizations, their services, products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it and is intended for individual organizational, non- commercial use only © 2008 Purdue Research Foundation