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Over the past several months, you may have received a message on your voice mail similar to, “This is a representative from Humana Military Healthcare Services. I’m calling regarding information services for [your name]. Please call our offices at 1-877-486-7961. Thank you for choosing TRICARE; we look forward to serving you.” Given the vague nature of the message, you may have deleted it and moved on to the next item in your in-box.

However, the next time you receive such a message, please return the call to ensure your care is coordinated appropriately. When you call, you will be connected with a member of Humana Military’s beneficiary services team who will help you schedule your referral appointment with a specialist—while you’re on the phone. Even if you have already scheduled your appointment, please call us back.

Giving us the date of your specialist appointment is important—because it lets us know that your care is progressing and keeps us informed in case we need to follow up with your provider regarding the care you received.

You may be wondering: Why is Humana Military interested in helping me schedule my appointment with the specialist? The answer is: we want to maintain an effective partnership between your primary care manager and the specialist to whom you’ve been referred. This partnership leads to what we call “continuity of care,” which can lead to better diagnoses and treatments that are more effective.

According to Robin Barnett, operations manager for Humana Military, “We think this new program is a win-win situation for everyone. The beneficiary gets prompt attention to his or her medical needs, and we can immediately update our records concerning the referral and the resulting appointment.”

So, the next time you listen to your phone messages and hear a message from one of our representatives, please take a moment to return the call. Most likely, this person will save you some time and make it easier for you to get the quality medical care you need and deserve.

       
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Did you know that nearly half of all Americans over the age of 12 drink alcohol?

In addition, alcohol abuse is a major cause of a variety of health conditions like liver and heart disease, cancer and inflammation of the pancreas as well as social and mental health problems like drunk driving, violence and depression.

As a result, alcohol abuse is responsible for the deaths of more than 75,000 Americans each year.

Yet, there is hope. By recognizing the symptoms of alcohol abuse, the signs of dependence and looking for ways to get treatment, those affected can lead healthy, full and productive lives.

• Failure to fulfill major work, school or home responsibilities
  
  
• Drinking in dangerous situations e.g., while driving or operating heavy machinery
  
  
• Developing recurring alcohol-related legal problems e.g., arrests for drunk driving or violence

• Craving alcohol and the inability to limit drinking
  
  
• Physical illness upon quitting
  
  
• Needing to drink more

• It is the leading contributor to deaths in young adults.
  
  
• Ten percent of college students are heavy drinkers; two out of five binge drink (consume large quantities of alcoholic beverages in a single session).
  
  
• One in 12 women continue drinking while they are pregnant.
  
  
• Nearly 80 percent of all active duty service members regularly consume alcohol.
  
  
• Over 12 percent of military personnel have symptoms of alcohol dependence.
  
  
• By 2020, more than four million seniors will struggle with addictions to alcohol or other drugs.

If you feel that you or someone you love may have a problem with alcohol, talk with your doctor.

Additional information can be found on the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Web site or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Web site.

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Last Updated:  March 3, 2008