The Importance of an Annual Wellness Visit

• Use MDLIVE® . Check your plan documents to confirm your coverage includes MDLIVE virtual visits and set up your child’s account so he or she is prepared for an unexpected illness. You can sign up for MDLIVE in one of four ways.

If your child is 18 or older, have him or her log in to the member portal at login.networkhealth.com and click Virtual Visits. Once the MDLIVE account is set up, it will be easily accessible from the member portal. If your child is under 18, you will have to set up the account.* Text NETWORK to 635483 to be walked through step-by-step registration on your phone. Download the MDLIVE app on your smartphone or tablet. Open the application and follow the instructions to create an account. Call 877-958-5455 and an MDLIVE customer service representative will walk you through the process of setting up an account.

*Members of the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program should skip this step and only follow the next three steps.

• Obtain necessary authorizations. If your child is 18 or older, his or her health information is protected and confidential. If parents, insurance or University administration would like access to your child’s health information, he or she has to first sign an Authorization to Release Medical Records form. These forms are available from health clinics.

Network Health has Personal Health Information forms available at networkhealth.com, select Employer Plans and Member Resources from the dropdown. Scroll down the page to the Forms section and you will find the Protected Health Information Form to complete and return to Network Health. This allows you to call and discuss your child’s coverage and plan information if it’s ever needed.

Being out of town doesn’t mean your health coverage stops. It merely means you should be informed as to what your options are. Make sure you and your college student(s) are prepared and educated should a medical event occur.

By Devon Lor, MSN, RN, quality health integration clinical supervisor

Seeing your personal doctor (also called your primary care provider or PCP) for an annual wellness visit is a great first step to managing your health and creating healthy goals. An annual wellness visit is primarily focused on preventive care, health screenings and wellness planning. Your personal doctor will also review your medical history, discuss medications you are taking, record your height, weight, blood pressure and other routine measurements. This visit gives you an opportunity to have a conversation with your doctor about your health status and health goals and create a plan to help you maximize your well-being throughout the year.

Understanding the difference between preventive and diagnostic screenings is beneficial because it explains why you may need certain care, services or screenings. Your doctor will order preventive screenings when you have no symptoms and are generally healthy. These screenings are recommended by your personal doctor every year to keep tabs on your health and keep you healthy. Diagnostic screenings are used when you have symptoms or risk factors, to find and treat the problem. If your doctor finds anything abnormal during your preventive screenings, he or she may order diagnostic screenings to detect any problems. Because your annual wellness visit is such an important part of your health care, Network Health covers this visit at no charge when you see an in-network doctor. In addition, preventive screenings are covered at no charge to you. Diagnostic screenings are not considered part of your preventive care and will have a cost associated with them. If your doctor orders tests during your annual wellness visit and you’re not sure if they’re considered preventive or diagnostic, all you have to do is ask.

If you did not have your annual wellness visit last year due to the coronavirus, and have concerns for this year, call your provider to discuss what is best for you. Health care providers are taking extra precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Annual wellness visits could assist your doctor in identifying early warnings of any health changes. The sooner you have your annual wellness visit and discussion with your personal doctor, the sooner you can make a difference in your health. Call your provider today to schedule your annual wellness visit.

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Approaching 65? Network Health Has You Covered

If you or someone you know is turning 65, make sure you review our Medicare Advantage plans. You will receive the same exceptional one-on-one service you’ve experienced for years and we make enrolling in a Medicare plan easy.

As good as Original Medicare is, it will not cover all your health care expenses. Most people who are eligible for Medicare choose to get their benefits through private health insurance companies to help cover costs. With a Network Health Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll get extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

Learn more about Network Health Medicare Advantage Plans by calling 866-755-5233 or visiting networkhealth.com and selecting Medicare Plans.

89.3%You can also check out the feature story in this issue of Balance. You’ll learn about one person’s journey through Medicare enrollment. *Network Health Medicare Advantage plans are not available for State of Wisconsin employees.

Embracing Diverse Talent

By KiErrin Phillips, quality health integration clinical supervisor, MSN, RN at Network Health

In 2021, Network Health created The Diversity, Equity and Social Justice Committee to help our employees focus on awareness of one’s own unconscious bias, system biases and barriers, as well as education. We spend at least a third of our lives at work and it is important we bring our whole self to the workplace, without judgement. When we recognize and work on our own blind spots, celebrate and support all employees, we can surpass our potential to support and care for our members and customers.

Why Is Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Social Justice Work Important to Me?

As a child, I always stood up for the children being bullied because I felt protective of those who were called out for being different. As an adult, I moved to Oshkosh and had my first job interview. While I was waiting, a little girl asked me, “why are your hands and face all dirty?” I did not understand the question and asked her to repeat it. Then it finally hit me. This child had never seen a brown person before. I sat with her and explained I was born brown and people are born all different colors and there isn’t anything wrong with them. She responded “cool” and continued to chat with me while we waited in the lobby. When her parents returned, they appeared to be disgusted that their child was talking to me. That day, I vowed to make a difference, even if it was one person at a time.

As I progressed through life, the number of racial injustices my family and I have experienced has grown. I have great friends of different races and backgrounds who support me. They are all a part of my family. When I show someone a picture of my nieces or nephews, who are of different races, I say it with so much pride and conviction that no one even thinks to question me about it. Our world history is a never-ending story of persecution of each other based on differences. What a world it would be if we came together as one.