Here are some resources to help patients manage chronic conditions

This is part of an ongoing series of articles focusing on the tools and resources available to help FEP members manage their health.

When patients can manage their chronic conditions, there’s a good chance emergency department visits, hospital admissions or hospital readmissions can be avoided. However, as you know, flare-ups sometimes occur and may require hospital services.

By seeing your patients within seven days after a hospital discharge, chances of future emergency department visits, hospital admissions or hospital readmissions can be reduced.

Here are some helpful resources to share with patients:

• The Asthma Action Plan** includes a worksheet created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that patients can fill out with their health care provider to plan for what to do when symptoms appear. It also includes information about asthma triggers.   
• Managing My Blood Pressure** shows steps patients can take to manage high blood pressure and reduce their risk for a stroke or heart attack.
• With the My Diabetes Care Record,** patients can record their goals and test results.
• Life’s Essential 8: How to control cholesterol** is a reference sheet to help patients understand cholesterol and what they can do to control it.

Federal Employee Program® members have additional support programs, incentives and health tools to help manage their chronic conditions.

For more information on FEP programs or benefits, visit fepblue.org or call Customer Service at 1-800-482-3600.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.