HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...

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