True Health New Mexico | true to your health | Summer 2018

{ TRUE TO YOUR HEALTH } 3 “Back so soon?” These probably aren’t the words most people want to hear when checking into a hospital. Yet many patients find themselves returning for another hospital stay shortly after they’ve been discharged. Hospitals are working hard to reduce readmissions, when discharged patients return just weeks or months later for the same or a related health condition. But there are also steps you can take to avoid making that round trip the next time you’re in the hospital. Often, it comes down to knowing how to take good care of yourself before and after you go home: Speak up! As you prepare to leave the hospital, make sure you understand your discharge instructions and what you can do to stay well. Take notes. If any aspect of your care isn’t clear, ask the staff to explain it again. Be sure to get written instructions as well. It can be helpful to have a friend or family member there, too. Don’t be a stranger. Make an appointment to see your regular doctor or one who specializes in your condition—and follow through. If you were hospitalized for a behavioral health condition, call your be- havioral healthcare specialist or local behavioral health center to get an appointment as soon as possible. If you don’t have a regular physical or behavioral healthcare provider, our care coordinators can help you find someone in your area who is in our provider network. Call 844-691-9984 . Also follow through with any lab work or other tests you need. Get to know your meds. You may leave the hospital with new medicines to take, along with your usual ones—it can be a lot to juggle! To help avoid confusion, make sure you understand when and how to take your medications. And keep all of your doctors or behavioral healthcare providers up-to-date on everything you’re taking, including vitamins, herbs, prescription medicines and over-the-counter remedies. Who you gonna call? Ask the hospital staff what problems (like a new or worsening symptom) to watch for and what to do if you start to get into trouble. Write down the name and number of the per- son to call if you have any questions or concerns about your condition. Find the support you need. Ask about classes or programs at the hospital or in the area that can help you learn to live better with a health condition. Sources: AARP; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; UpToDate Are you getting the most out of your prescription drug benefit? True Health New Mexico partners with CVS Caremark™ to provide your pharmacy coverage, process your prescription claims and manage the True Health pharmacy network. On truehealthnewmexico.com/ formulary.aspx , you will find lots of information to help you manage your prescriptions and your health, such as: •   A formulary (list of covered medications), updated several times throughout the year. •   A list of $0 copay generic medications (available on most plans). •   Lists to help you find alternatives to drugs that are not on the formulary or that need prior authorization or step therapy. •   Information on CVS Specialty Pharmacy, which manages medications prescribed for specific, complex health problems. •   An important note on prior authorizations for new True Health members. •   A link to download the CVS Caremark mobile app, which you can use to keep all of your prescription information in one handy place. •   Forms you may need. •   And much more! Heading home— and staying there 5 STEPS TO AVOID A HOSPITAL READMISSION 1 2 3 4 5 { W E L L N E S S } SUMMER 2018 TRUE TO YOUR HEALTH is published as a health and wellness service for the members of TRUE HEALTH NEW MEXICO. Information comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your primary care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2018 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. THNM-ID0279-0618 Find us online: truehealthnewmexico.com Contact us: Customer Service : 855-769-6642 truehealthnewmexico.com/contact_us.aspx Michelle McRuiz, editor mmcruiz@truehealthnewmexico.com Facebook “f”Logo CMYK / .ai