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For Immediate Release
January 28, 2005
Contact:
Mary Lynn Engel
(207) 774-5801
Beryl Wolfe
(207) 883-6083
E-mail: beryl@wolfenews.com
Web Site: http://www.martinspoint.org
Martin's Point Announces New Health Coach Service
Program provided free to military beneficiaries under the USFHP plan
Martin’s Point Health Care has introduced an innovative Health Coach Service to its members of the U.S. Family Health Plan (USFHP), a health plan that serves military retirees, their dependents, and family members of active-duty personnel in Maine and New Hampshire.
The new service is designed to give members the help they need to make the health care choices that are right for them. It is available at no charge to all 22,000 members of the U.S. Family Health Plan at Martin’s Point.
“Our USFHP members and patients are at the center of everything we do at Martin’s Point, and we are dedicated to giving them the individualized information and support they need to live healthier lives,” said Dr. David Howes, President and CEO of Martin's Point Health Care. “Medical science has made amazing advances in recent years. With those advances, though, has come an explosion in the number of choices patients can make about their care. Yet each person is different and needs to make the choices that are right for him or her.”
Military beneficiaries who would like information about the Health Coach Service at the U.S. Family Health Plan at Martin’s Point are encouraged to call 1-888-241-4556.
A member who has a chronic condition or who is making a significant medical decision can work with the same health coach as long as needed. “The coaches are there to help members live better with chronic conditions or work through the challenges of an acute medical problem. The issue does not have to be big or small—if it is important to our member, then it is important to our coaches,” said Doug Smith, Chief Operating Officer.
Here is a summary of what members will get from the Health Coach Service:
- A Personal Health Coach
When they call the Health Coach Service, they will be connected to a Health Coach, who is a trained health professional such as a nurse, respiratory therapist, or dietitian, depending on their personal needs. Members will then be able to discuss immediate or everyday health concerns, such as making appropriate food choices, understanding medications, and other important topics. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Decision Support
Health Coaches are specially trained to present members with evidence-based, unbiased views of health care options, and to encourage patients to work with their providers to choose the health care options that are right for them.
- Educational materials
Members can receive educational materials by mail on a variety of topics, and videotapes are also available on specific topics such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, hormone replacement, and low back pain. All materials are provided for the members to keep, at no cost.
- Online resources
The Health Coach Service provides extensive online tools, including a health survey, at www.thedialogcenter.com/usfhp. The survey results can help members understand health risks they may be facing.
- Information on health education classes
The Health Coaches can also tell members about health classes and health-related services in their communities, including classes at the Martin’s Point Health Education Center on smoking cessation, weight loss, diabetes management, stress reduction, and other topics.
- Healthy reminders throughout the year
Members will also receive information to help them gain more control of their health. Depending on their personal health needs, members will be sent information to discuss with their providers as well as reminders about important tests.
Martin’s Point Health Care is a not-for-profit health care plan administrator and clinical services provider with facilities in Portland, Brunswick, and Windham, Maine; and Portsmouth, N.H. Martin’s Point Health Care serves patients with all major health plans in the areas of family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, radiology, cardiology, mammography, and other fields. Martin’s Point administers the U.S. Family Health Plan in Maine and New Hampshire. The U.S. Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option offering health care coverage to military retirees and their dependents and to the families of active-duty personnel. For additional information on Martin's Point Health Care and the US Family Health Plan, visit them online at www.martinspoint.org and www.usfamilyhealthplan.org.
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