Helping patients with medication management

Medication adherence can be challenging for patients with a chronic illness, such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hypertension. Unfortunately, not all patients take their medication as prescribed and may be reluctant to discuss their reasons with their doctor.

A complete and accurate medication list maintained by patients is the foundation for addressing medication management issues, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Keeping a medication list may help identify behaviors that put some patients at risk for overdosing, underdosing or missing doses.

Following are several online resources to help patients keep track of their prescribed and over-the-counter medications:

• My Medication Record is a one-page form by The National Council on Aging.
• Personal Medicine List is a four-page form by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.
• My Medicine Record is a four-page form by the Food and Drug Administration.

Additional resources available to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program^® members include:

• Personal Health Record, which stores members’ health care information to help them keep track of medical history, appointments, medications and more. Members can access the PHR in the MyBlue^® member portal at fepblue.org or the MyBlue^® app.
• Nurse line at 1-888-258-3432, which can be used 24/7 if they have questions about health-related issues, including medications.
• Telehealth services
• Online or phone visits with a board-certified primary care doctor or specialist 24/7
• Members can contact Teladoc^® by phone at 1-855-636-1579, online at fepblue.org/telehealth or by using the FEP MyBlue^® app
• Coordinated Care program at 1-800-775-BLUE (2583) for support in coordinating care to manage health conditions, including medications, at home

If you or your patients have questions about FEP support services and benefits, call the Customer Service line at 1-800-482-3600.