Getting Help for Chronic Conditions

By Scott Culver
Communications Specialist
WEA Trust

November 2002

In August 2001, Bayer removed its anti-cholesterol drug Baycol from the market after the Food and Drug Administration linked the drug to at least 40 deaths.

While pharmacies stopped dispensing Baycol immediately after the recall, two WEA Trust members with an existing supply of the medication continued to take it, unaware of the possible deadly side effects.

Fortunately, both members were enrolled in the Trust’s adult heart care program that pairs participants with a registered nurse and includes a thorough medication review.

When alerted to the dangers associated with Baycol, the two Trust members immediately stopped taking the drug and received an alternative cholesterol-lowering medicine from their providers.

“This was an example of how working closely with members can lead to positive outcomes,’’ said Dr. Kate Templeton, a full-time medical adviser to the WEA Trust. “In this case, a possibly deadly situation was averted.”

Help for members
The Trust’s heart care program, along with its asthma and diabetes programs, helps members lead a healthy life while keeping their condition in check. At the same time, they help to prevent complications that can lead to high-cost medical care.

“We want to proactively help members manage their care, anticipate members’ needs, and follow up on their condition,’’ Dr. Templeton said. “We want our members to understand why they are involved in this program.”

There are nationally accepted guidelines to treat many chronic conditions; However, for one reason or another, many individuals do not receive optimal care.

The Trust works closely with members to help them manage their condition, providing educational tools and materials, setting up one-on-one phone meetings with one of our registered nurses, and establishing a plan where participants can identify early signs of potential problems – and how best to handle these problems.

Its program is not meant to replace the information they receive from their own primary care physician or specialist. The Trust believes the information it provides will make members wiser consumers of health care and enhance the relationship they have with their physicians.

“Our goal is not to interfere with the doctor-patient relationship, but to have the patient interact more efficiently with the health care system," Dr. Templeton said.

Trust health plan members who have heart disease, asthma, or diabetes can call toll-free (800) 279-4000, Extension 2140, for more information.

Posted October 29, 2002