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We look forward to providing you with important national and regional information to help us work better together.
Thank you for all you do to help people live their lives to the fullest potential, and we welcome your
feedback
for future issues.
In order to share accurate provider information with members, we need you to routinely review and update your information.
When
you keep your information up-to-date, you’re helping to:
- Simplify referrals
- Expedite claims payments
- Ensure members can find you in provider directories
Practitioners:
Visit
CAQH
, update your information, and attest that it is accurate.
Provider Groups and Facilities:
Visit the
provider portal
or call our National Provider Service Line at 800-397-1630 to share your individual provider information (not group information).
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Important Quality Updates
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Free, Online, Self-Management Tools for Members
When members can self-identify risk factors or health issues early on, they can proactively take steps to improve their health and reduce potential risk factors. Offering self-management tools encourages members to monitor, track, and take charge of their own behavioral and/or physical health conditions.
Topics include (but are not limited to):
• Adult BMI Calculator
• Reducing High-Risk Drinking
• Increasing Physical Activity
• Integrated Care: Taking Charge of Your Health
• Do You Have a Nicotine Addiction?
• Are Your Weight Management Habits Healthy?
• Managing Stress in Your Life
• Identifying Common Emotional Concerns
• How Well Do You Bounce Back from Life’s Challenges?
Consider using these member-specific tools with Beacon members and/or recommending the website to members and their families, when appropriate.
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Reminder to Use Standardized Screening Tools with Members 13 Years and Older - Especially for Depression, Suicide, and Comorbid Issues
Beacon supports the early detection and treatment of depressive and comorbid disorders to promote optimal health for members 13 years and older.
A few helpful reminders:
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Texas Providers:
Public Health Notice About Severe Lung Disease Among People Who Vape
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is investigating suspected cases of pulmonary disease among individuals who report vaping. Similar cases have occurred in many other states, some resulting in hospitalization. All suspect cases reported vaping with products including nicotine and/or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Evaluation for infectious diseases was negative in all patients.
Recommendations for healthcare providers:
- Ask patients presenting with respiratory symptoms about their vaping history. If possible, inquire about the types of products and methods used.
- If vaping fluid commonly used by the patient is available, ask that it be set aside (not used) in case it is needed for testing.
- Be aware that some suspect cases have required high-level intensive care and respiratory support.
Managed care organizations are encouraged to share the
public health notice
with their network providers.
Contact: susana.penate@hhsc.state.tx.us
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Project ECHO Improves Utilization of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Over the past two years, Beacon has partnered with Project ECHO to improve the opioid use epidemic in the United States, and we wanted to share the impact that we’ve been making. The results are encouraging! Across 10 participating provider groups,
medication-assisted treatment (MAT) claims increased 38.8% in the first six months of program participation
, and up to 82% in months 7-12. Similarly, the
number of unique members prescribed MAT increased by 48.9%
over the same time period.
Please join us in helping to make MAT available to members who need it most; Beacon continues to actively recruit providers in Florida and New York to join in Project ECHO. Providers who participate benefit from learning about the latest advancements in evidence-based care, MAT, as well as receive patient resources.
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Help Military Families Find Community in a New Location
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Relocating can be stressful, even for military families, who tend to be seasoned pros at moving. Every permanent change of station (PCS) move means leaving the familiar and facing the uncertainty of starting over in a new place.
Here are some ways you can help military families begin building community in their new location.
Learn about their new home
Suggest families familiarize themselves with their new community. They can do a lot of research online.
- The military installations tool allows users to look up their new installation. They can find links to programs and services, including child and youth programs, the community center and recreation programs.
- Neighborhood Navigator is an online tool for learning about a new community, including its schools, community services, and more. It’s located on the Military OneSource Member Connect website.
- Websites and social media pages are great ways to learn about a community. Suggest that military families join their new community’s social media sites, including local news organization. Municipal websites also contain a wealth of information, as do the websites of the local chamber of commerce, YMCA, and other community organizations.
Be joiners
Military families have plenty of opportunities to get involved. Here are a few to consider recommending:
- Volunteer for a local nonprofit or program. The Military and Family Support Center can help people on or near an installation find volunteer opportunities. Volunteer Match, the United Way, and local organizations are other places to look.
- Check out the installation’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation program for sports and recreation, fitness centers, performing arts centers, and more
- Contact the family readiness group for activities and groups
- Attend local services and get to know members of their religious faith
Reach out
Encourage families to take that first step toward meeting new people. Here are some ideas:
- Ask family and friends if they know people in the new community and ask for an introduction
- Introduce themselves to their new neighbors by inviting them over for a cookout or to watch a game
- Look up the New Parent Support Program if they are new parents
- Talk to other parents on the playground or at the school pickup line; arrange playdates
Finally, remind military families of the importance of their existing friends. They may need old friends more than ever as they start building new friendships.
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Contact Us
Questions or need a hard copy?
Call our National Provider Service Line at 800-397-1630
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