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Cardiovascular Health Education Program
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Added Benefit for Members Who Have
High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
If you have been diagnosed with both high blood pressure (hypertension) and high
cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), managing your illnesses is a process that involves
you, those close to you, your physician and other caregivers. These two conditions
are major risk factors for developing heart disease, which may lead to more serious
complications, such as heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
Free Opportunity
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage and eligible BlueAdvantage
Administrators of Arkansas groups offer free to members a community-based Cardiovascular
Education Program to furnish information about managing your illness. Upon enrollment
in the program, you will receive information about high blood pressure and high
cholesterol to help you:
- Understand your individual risk factors for heart disease;
- Work on lowering the risk factors for heart disease that are within your control;
- Communicate your needs and concerns to your health-care provider;
- Prevent complications common with these illnesses.
The Cardiovascular Education Program connects you with specific information as well
as local and national health resources to keep you informed about high blood pressure
and high cholesterol. The program is designed to work in conjunction with you and
your physician by providing a comprehensive approach to teaching you about the causes
of these medical conditions, treatments and self-care techniques.
Program Benefits
- Registered nurse case managers who can assist with your health plan benefits;
- Health information and education from community and national resources that follow
the guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung
and Blood Institute; National Cholesterol Education Program; and Joint National
Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure;
- Information mailed to network physicians.
Program Highlights
- Voluntary Health Survey: A comprehensive telephonic questionnaire to help
determine your current health status and help identify your individual health education
needs. After the survey is completed, a personalized report will be sent to you
based on your responses.
- Education on Self-management Techniques and Free Gifts: By enrolling in the
Cardiovascular Education Program, you are automatically enrolled in Close to the
HeartTM and In ChargeTM, programs sponsored by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
to help you meet cholesterol and blood pressure goals and lower your risk of heart
disease. Once enrolled, you will receive the following FREE items:
- Periodic bilingual newsletters and bulletins on all aspects of treatment of high
blood pressure and high cholesterol;
- A personal pocket planner;
- A guide to healthy restaurant dining;
- A grocery shopping guide.
Your name will be entered in a drawing for other free items* such as:
- A comprehensive monthly health planner;
- Health education videos on high blood pressure and high cholesterol;
- A water bottle, which features a walking program chart to help you get started;
- An audiocassette of music for both exercise and relaxation;
- Tracking tools, including an erasable refrigerator magnet.
*One of these items will be given away quarterly to an enrollee from each of Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield's seven statewide regions.
- Health-Care Resource List: This is a
comprehensive list of telephone numbers and Web site addresses to help members
locate community resources, health education classes and other sources of information
on high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- Satisfaction Surveys: A survey for you to complete to keep us informed on
how the program is working for you.
Physician Support
The physician remains your caregiver and makes all medical decisions. The Cardiovascular
Education Program is designed only to provide support to the physician in managing
a member's disease through health education, health benefits management and facilitation
of local and national health resources.
Health/Cost Advantages
If you are dealing with the effects of high blood pressure and high cholesterol,
you know firsthand what the cost is to your health and quality of life. Financial
costs are another issue. Preventing complications of these illnesses can have a
substantial impact on your quality of life and further reduce your health care costs.
How To Enroll
To enroll, download and complete the
Cardiovascular Patient Enrollment Form (111 KB PDF)
and send it to your
regional office or call a registered nurse
case manager at your nearest regional office. The program is completely
voluntary, and you may choose to leave the program at any time.
NOTE: The Cardiovascular Education Program is for educational purposes only.
We do not offer medical advice or medical services. You should always consult your
treating physician for any medical advice or services you may need. You, as a member,
are responsible for selecting providers, services or products. All suggested health
services may not be covered under your health plan. Please check your member benefits
for coverage of services. Information furnished by you is kept strictly confidential
and only used to provide us with the information necessary for your participation
in the Cardiovascular Education Program.
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