Hints To Help You Take Control Of Your Well-Being

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(NAPSI)—Many older adults find health care hard to access and difficult to understand. In fact, a Harris Poll survey on older Americans’ experiences with the health care system found that 56% of respondents find it difficult and stressful to navigate. The good news is you don’t have to be among them.Ìý

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It’s natural for health needs to change as you age, especially if you are managing complex chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cognitive health. Nearly 93% of older adults have at least one chronic condition and almost 80% have two or more, which can be difficult to manage.Ìý

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According to the survey, almost 52% of Medicare beneficiaries see more than three different physicians a year, and half of them recognize the need for help coordinating care with multiple physicians.

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What Is NeededÌý

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The good news is that managing your health care doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are a few steps you can take to simplify your health care journey and to have more control of your well-being. For example, I often recommend a few tips to the older adults I see as a physician and Signify Health’s chief medical officer:

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• Establish a Trusted Primary Care Provider (PCP) Relationship: This isn’t just about having a doctor when you’re sick; it’s about building a trusted relationship with a provider you can openly talk with about physical and mental health concerns or changes. Seeing a primary care provider on a regular basis, even if you feel well, can make identifying and managing new or existing conditions easier.

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To make the most of your appointments and to help ensure you leave with an understanding of your key actions, try using these three questions with your PCP:

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1. What is my main problem?

2. What do I need to do?

3. Why is it important for me to do this?

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These questions from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement can be a helpful starting point for a conversation about your medical history, lifestyle and individual needs as well as next steps.Ìý

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Having a good relationship with your PCP is invaluable for your care– they can help coordinate your care, refer you to specialists when necessary, and provide preventative guidance.Ìý

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• Know Your Numbers: Many chronic conditions don’t show symptoms right away, so if you wait until something feels wrong, it might already be serious. Routine testing can help catch issues early and make a big difference in how well you can manage them.

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One of the best ways to take control of your health is to “know your numbers.� That means staying up to date with screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and cognitive health.

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• Develop a Personal Health Management Plan: Every older adult should have a clear health management plan. Not just “see the doctor once a year,� but a real plan—developed with your PCP—that includes medication schedules, nutrition, diet and exercise goals and what to do if symptoms change.

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Having that roadmap enables a more proactive care approach and gives you and your family a clear path to follow.

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Where To Get Help

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Signify Health can help make these steps easier through In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs). IHEs are available to eligible health plan members at no additional cost to them.Ìý

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Experienced Signify Health clinicians­—nurse practitioners, physicians and physician assistants­—can visit you, in your home, at a time that is convenient for you.Ìý

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These visits start with a simple conversation about your health. You can be screened for chronic diseases, learn important information about managing your health and discuss health concerns you may have. After the visit, the clinician will share information with you and your PCP (along with your health plan), empowering you to make more informed health decisions.

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Additional resources and support may also be provided if needed to help you on your health journey.

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What You Can DoÌý

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Taking control of your health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can go to HelloSignify.com to see if you’re eligible for a no-cost, in-home visit and book an appointment. It’s one of the simplest things you can do to manage your health.

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Sponsored by Signify Health, part of CVS HealthÌý

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