Resources for providers, patients to manage chronic conditions, hospital services, follow-up care

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

When chronic conditions — such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, depression or substance misuse — are managed, complications are reduced. Here are some resources for health care providers and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program^® patients on managing these chronic conditions.

For providers

The following resources are from the Michigan Quality Improvement Consortium, American Diabetes Association and the American Psychological Association:

• General Principles for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma**
• Medical Management of Adults with Hypertension**
• Lipid Screening and Management**
• Make a Difference: Achieve Glycemic Goals Early in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes**
• Depression Treatments for Adults**
• Opioid prescribing in adults**

For patients

The following resources are from the American Heart Association, National Institute of Mental Health, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help your patients manage chronic conditions:

• What Is High Blood Pressure?**
• How Do My Cholesterol Levels Affect My Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke?**
• What Is Diabetes and How Can I Manage It?**
• Understanding the Link Between Chronic Disease and Depression**
• Asthma Action Plan**
• If You Are Prescribed Opioids**

Know where to go for care

When urgent care is needed, the FEP’s Know Where to Go guide may help your patients decide their best options for care.

Follow-up care

Encouraging patients to follow up seven and 30 days after discharge from an emergency room or hospital admission can help reduce their risk of readmission and any additional ER visits.

FEP member support

• Telemedicine benefit coverage for phone consultations, online medical evaluation and health management services.
• Hypertension Management Program for a free blood pressure monitor for all members who meet the criteria.
• Diabetic Meter Program for all FEP members who meet the criteria. Share the Managing Diabetes Quick Reference Guide with your FEP patients so they can learn more about the program.
• The Diabetes Management Program by Livongo^® for FEP Blue Standard^® and FEP Blue Basic^® members who meet the criteria.
• Mental Health Case Management to work with a mental health care manager for assistance coordinating behavioral health services, call 1-800-342-5891.
• Blue Cross Coordinated Care℠ to work with a nurse care manager for help coordinating medical health services, call 1-800-775-2583.

If providers or members have questions about FEP benefits or programs, call Customer Service at 1-800-482-3600 for Federal Employees Health Benefits or 1-877-760-8574 for Postal Service Health Benefits, or go to fepblue.org.

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

Livongo^® is an independent company that provides diabetes management services to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan members.