HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
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45<br />
Questions & Answers<br />
My arthritis gives me pain<br />
all <strong>the</strong> time. What can I do?<br />
Talk to your doctor about a<br />
treatment plan. This might<br />
include physical <strong>the</strong>rapy,<br />
exercise, relaxation classes,<br />
and acupuncture or chiropractic<br />
treatments. Ask if<br />
your <strong>HMO</strong> has a pain<br />
management program.<br />
Visit www.<strong>the</strong>acpa.org.<br />
Will my <strong>HMO</strong> cover treatments<br />
even if my condition<br />
is not likely to improve?<br />
Yes. Your plan must cover<br />
services that you need to<br />
keep your condition stable<br />
or slow down a decline in<br />
your health.<br />
My doctor does not seem<br />
to know much about my<br />
condition. What can I do?<br />
Ask your <strong>HMO</strong> to help<br />
you find a doctor who has<br />
more experience with your<br />
condition.<br />
things you can do<br />
Make a Treatment Plan with Your Doctor<br />
Your treatment plan includes care to keep your<br />
condition from getting worse.<br />
It may also include treatments to improve your<br />
condition.<br />
Ask what specialists you need to see and how<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten you can see <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Make sure your specialists report back to your<br />
primary care doctor.<br />
Tell your doctors if your symptoms change.<br />
Ask About a Disease Management Program<br />
Ask if your <strong>HMO</strong> has disease self-management<br />
programs. You can learn ways to manage your<br />
condition through diet, exercise, relaxation, pain<br />
management, and o<strong>the</strong>r techniques.<br />
Find Out About Your Condition<br />
For in<strong>for</strong>mation on chronic conditions, call <strong>the</strong><br />
National Institute on Aging or Medline Plus. See<br />
pages 64–66 <strong>for</strong> more resources.<br />
where to find help<br />
American Chronic Pain Association<br />
Support and in<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> people with chronic pain<br />
1-800-533-3231 www.<strong>the</strong>acpa.org<br />
Medline Plus<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation on many treatments and conditions<br />
1-888-346-3656 www.medlineplus.gov<br />
National Institute on Aging<br />
Health in<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> seniors<br />
1-800-222-2225 www.nihseniorhealth.gov