News Briefs
News Briefs
New self-care book targets boomers’
Golden Valley, MN-based Optum, a health care education company, has released "Taking Care After 50 — A Self-Care Guide for Seniors," to give organizations a tool to help their senior population improve their health and well-being, and hopefully reduce health care costs.
According to Optum’s president, R. Edward Bergmark, PhD, the 384-page book focuses on the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. "People in this age group need to realize they need to take charge if their health and make lifestyle changes to help prevent disease and disability and improve the quality of their lives," says Bergmark.
The guide discusses the following issues:
• symptoms, treatments and prevention of common health problems, including self-care tips and when to call the doctor;
• dental health information;
• emergency and first-aid procedures;
• prevention of accidental injuries, crimes, and so forth;
• mental fitness, including depression and anxiety;
• health and sexuality issues.
For more information, contact Judy Tacyn, Optum, 6300 Olson Memorial Hwy., Golden Valley, MN 55427. Telephone: (888) 262-4614.
Dental insurance Web site launched
Lincoln, NE-based Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.’s group dental division has introduced a new Web site, www.YourDentalSolutions.com, that features a wide range of educational materials on dental and vision programs designed specifically for insured employees, employers, dentists, insurance brokers, and the general public.
"Our customers and partners have traditionally contacted us by phone, fax, or in person," notes Dave Moore, LLIF, group division president. "However, with the continued growth of electronic communications we’ve recognized that an increased number of our customers and partners want the convenience of obtaining information and resources through the Internet at work or at home."
Upon typing in the Web site address, viewers are greeted by a tour guide who assists them in sorting through the on-line resource options, which include:
• e-mail addresses of Ameritas’ customer service and dental professionals;
• oral health care tips;
• preventive dental care tips;
• assistance in selecting the right dental plan option.
For more information, contact: Tammy Barry, Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., P.O. Box 81889, Lincoln, NE 68501-1889. Telephone: (402) 467-7818. t
Magellan establishes IVR
In an effort to improve access to care for depression and alcohol abuse — two of the most common behavioral health problems — Columbia, MD-based Magellan Behavioral Health has established a telephonic integrated voice response (IVR) program to enable its members to screen themselves for these disorders. The program’s initial phase began in October, and it will be made available to the public in January 2001.
"As a leader in the industry, we feel it is important to offer as many options as possible for people to access care and learn about their conditions," says Linda Weaver, PhD, executive vice president and chief clinical officer for Magellan. "We know that not everyone is ready to ask for help directly, and the IVR provides a resource that is nonthreatening, confidential, and begins the process of self-exploration."
Magellan’s IVR program is based on well-researched depression and substance-abuse screening tools, and offers callers a confidential self-assessment, as well as access to an educational library of audiotapes on a variety of topics, including depression and substance abuse.
For more information, contact Erin Somers, Magellan Health Services. Telephone: (410) 953-2405.
AdvancePCS, Blues ink agreement
Irving, TX-based AdvancePCS has signed a multiyear agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina to provide fully integrated pharmacy benefit management services to Blue Cross members in South Carolina beginning Jan. 1, 2001.
"We’re especially gratified that this selection has come following our acquisition of PCS Health Systems," says David D. Halbert, chairman and CEO of AdvancePCS. "We believe this is recognition of the value we will now be able to bring our clients and their members through combined platforms and expanded product offerings."
Under the terms of the agreement, Blue Cross members will be able to fill their prescriptions through AdvancePCS’ Internet pharmacy, www.AdvanceRx.com, and obtain drug and other health care information through AdvancePCS’ e-health portal, www.BuildingBetterHealth.com, and through Blue Cross’s Web site, www.SouthCarolinaBlues.com.
For more information, contact: Blair Jackson, AdvancePCS, Scottsdale, AZ. Telephone: (480) 391-4138. E-mail: [email protected].
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