Our experienced and highly trained care managers, nurses and social workers are available to assist MDX Hawai‘i patients and their families with managing the medical, psychological and practical issues created by illness, hospitalization or medical treatment.
DISEASE MANAGEMENT
We help patients and family members understand and manage chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF) and diabetes. Our highly experienced and specially trained nurses work with you and your caregivers to educate you about your condition, and to help you develop a management plan. We strive to improve the health and wellness of members with these chronic conditions.
CASE MANAGEMENT
MDX Hawai‘i’s Case Management Team collaborates with members, caregivers, families and providers to assist our members with complex needs by:
- Helping members with coordination of care
- Ensuring members have access to health services
- Educating members about preventive health services and assisting members to complete screenings
- Performing telephonic assessments to identify case management needs
- Developing personalized care plans and member-centric goals
- Contacting members after hospital discharge to ensure that post-discharge needs are met
You can enroll in our programs directly, or your doctor can refer you. The programs are fully covered benefits in your Medicare Advantage plan. There is no cost to you. They are designed to give our patients additional support, and do not take the place of the care provided by your physician. We will keep your physician informed of your participation and progress. For more information about the programs, please call (808) 532-6898 on O‘ahu or 1-800-851-7110 toll-free from the Neighbor Islands.
PREVENTIVE CARE RECOMMENDATIONS
We encourage patients to take an active part in staying healthy. If you have ongoing health issues or special needs, talk to your primary care physician about developing a plan to address them.
RECOMMENDED YEARLY ROUTINE CARE AND TESTS
- Annual wellness visit with your PCP
- Blood pressure measurement at every visit
- Flu vaccination
- Pneumonia vaccination
In addition to routine care, please talk to your primary care physician about these important topics:
- How to reduce the risk of falls
- Frequency of colorectal cancer screening
- Amount of physical activity needed to improve and maintain health
- Anxiety, stress or depression
- Usage and side effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications
TESTS FOR WOMEN
- Mammogram for breast cancer screening every two years, or when recommended by your physician
- Osteoporosis testing or DEXA Scan test after age 65 and/or after a fracture
TESTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
- Hemoglobin A1c blood test
- Retinal eye exam (annually)
- Foot exam
- Kidney test
GENERIC VS. BRAND MEDICATIONS
In many cases, generic medications are the same as brand-name drugs in dosage, quality, strength, and intended use and performance, and are available at a lower cost.
WHEN TO USE URGENT CARE
Your primary care physician may not always be available when medical problems occur. Urgent Care centers can offer treatment for illnesses or minor injuries.
Examples include:
- Fever or severe sore throat
- Minor stomach pain
- Minor wounds that require stitches
- Minor injuries such as sprains or broken bones
You should always notify your primary care physician of any care received in an urgent care center.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VS. URGENT CARE
In a life-threatening situation, or when dealing with serious injuries, immediately call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department.
Once there, inform the emergency department staff of your primary care physician, so that your physician can help coordinate your care. If you are hospitalized, you or a family member should notify your primary care physician as soon as your condition is stabilized.
AFTER HOSPITAL DISCHARGE
Remember to make an appointment to see your primary care physician right after you are discharged. Your doctor and care team will go over your discharge instructions, your medical conditions, test results, medications and follow-up plan and answer any questions you or your family members may have.