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Humana Military has launched a new disease management program for beneficiaries with heart failure. I’m very excited about the program and would like to share some details about it with you.
The program offers a telephone nurse support service to help TRICARE South Region beneficiaries and their physicians manage heart failure. The following is a case study that details how this program can assist you and our beneficiaries.
A Humana Military disease management nurse received a phone call one morning from a beneficiary who had a comprehensive assessment earlier in the week. During the assessment, the beneficiary had explained that she gains weight quite frequently and that she is not successful with losing weight. The disease management nurse explained the signs and symptoms of heart failure, as well as the importance of checking her weight daily.
The beneficiary was calling again because she noted swelling in her ankles and legs, and a weight gain of 2 pounds overnight. Our disease management nurse urged the beneficiary to contact her physician and to relay the symptoms of swelling and weight gain. The beneficiary was able to schedule a same-day appointment at which the physician informed her that she was in the beginning phase of a heart failure episode. Speedy follow up and a same-day appointment may have prevented her from being admitted to the hospital. The physician prescribed Lasix along with potassium and instructed the beneficiary to elevate her legs for the next few days.
During a follow-up call, the beneficiary expressed her thanks for our service. She said she had already lost 3 pounds and was grateful her condition was quickly identified, allowing her to remain at home to take care of herself.
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