What steps can Sanford Health Plan take to better manage medical conditions such as headaches and asthma? Sanford health Plan has implemented several quality improvement activities that can help. Eligible members are identified for quality improvement activities through insurance claims, age/gender or upon request from a member or their practitioner. These activities have empowered many individuals and families in their journey to improved health and better quality of life.

Adolescent Health

Caring for an adolescent can be challenging. Sanford Health Plan opens the door to targeted, comprehensive care for adolescents, including:

• A reminder to parents to schedule an annual well care visit for their adolescents. A well care visit is more comprehensive and addresses a wide range of topics that can best address the health of an adolescent.
• Members turning 11 and 12 receive birthday cards with immunization reminders.
• Useful information on almost any teen topic is available.

Asthma

Asthma can be a real challenge, but doesn’t have to limit you. Members diagnosed with asthma receive:

• An Asthma Tool Kit that includes information on triggers, formal asthma education proper medication use, action plans, smoking cessation, online resources and more.
• A FREE peak flow meter and a spacer to help manage their asthma.
• Phone calls from caring nurses in the vent of medication compliance issues. The nurses also notify the member’s healthcare practitioner.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

If you have a child or teen with ADHD, you know how important it is to be involved. Sanford Health Plan can provide:

• A one-time mailing that includes fact sheets, age-specific newsletters, and up to date information on ADHD symptoms and treatments.
• Guidelines regarding recommended follow-up care.
• Tools to track progress of ADHD treatments

Cancer Screenings

Mammograms, pap smears, PSA tests, colonoscopies…All are important, but many do not know when to get them. Sanford Health Plan makes it easy with Preventive Health Guidelines, available in print and online. Other friendly reminders include birthday cards, postcards, phone calls and more.

Headaches

If you have chronic headaches, you know the difficulties. We can help. Members diagnosed with chronic headaches can find on our website a variety of resources including tools to help identify triggers, symptom trackers, action plans and more.

Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnant? The Healthy Pregnancy Program helps identify concerns early so that members and their healthcare practitioners can take steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy. To enroll, members should call Sanford Health Plan. Included in the program:

• A health risk assessment to identify any special needs and to customize your educational materials.
• Education materials on nutrition, lifestyle, prenatal testing, exercise, stress, fetal development, breast feeding, postpartum care, childhood immunizations and more.
• Nurse phone support as needed.

Immunizations

For the best start in life, children need immunizations. An immunization schedule is included in the postpartum mailing to members who enroll in the Healthy Pregnancy Program. Immunization schedules are also available or by calling (605) 328-6800 or toll free at 1-888-315-0884.

Behavioral Health

Targeted follow-up can make a positive difference for members who struggle with mental health problems. Sanford Health Plan can provide:

• Follow-up education immediately after discharge from a mental health facility and a reminder by letter and by phone to keep follow-up appointments.
• Education on antidepressant medications for members with a new prescription.
• Notification to practitioners when their patient who recently started taking antidepressant therapy has stopped filling their prescriptions.

Please note: Sanford Health Plan collaborates with behavioral health practitioners to ensure the appropriateness of these steps.

Preventive Health

Sanford Health Plan encourages all members to take advantage of preventive health services and education. Special mailings and newsletters will have more information on this. Please refer to the Preventive Health Guidelines or in print upon request.