In this issue:
FCCI Health Screening Discovers Dangerously High Glucose for Employee
Health Reminders
Important Privacy Information
New Providers
It's Vacation Time Again
Pharmacy Section
FCCI Health Screening Discovers Dangerously
High Glucose for Employee

Virginia Byrd, an employee at Valet Cleaners in Southern Pines, knew she was a diabetic and had been working to manage the disease by making changes in her diet. Changes in her diet weren’t enough to manage the disease, however.

When FirstCarolinaCare Insurance Company (FCCI) first offered a health screening to the employees at Valet Cleaners, Byrd took part in the screenings only to discover that her glucose level was 300.A desirable glucose level is less than 100.“I didn’t realize it was that bad,”says Byrd of her glucose level at the time of the health screening. “I tried to control it myself, but realized that I needed help.”

FCCI nurse Cindy Hardee, R.N., encouraged Byrd to visit her physician for further diabetic testing.

Following Byrd’s physician visit, FCCI provided her with a glucometer so that she could check her blood sugar levels daily. In addition, FCCI nurses provided in-home education to Byrd on how to use the glucometer and how to better manage her disease.

FCCI conducted a three-month follow-up site visit atValet Cleaners and tested Byrd’s glucose level again. This time, her glucose level was 135—much closer to the desirable level.

“I probably would have never known that my blood sugar had gotten so high if I hadn’t participated in the health screening that day,”says Byrd. “I’m eating right and exercising, and I’m thankful that I now have it under control.”

After discovering she had a dangerously high blood sugar level during an employee health screening at Valet Cleaners, Virginia Byrd is eating right, exercising and thankful to have her blood sugar under control.

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Important Privacy Information

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 2003 (HIPAA) is a federal law designed to protect individuals' health information, including your physical or mental health condition, health care you have received or information about payment for health carereceived. It sets boundaries for how the information can be used and shared. Generally, FirstCarolinaCare Insurance Company cannot release your protected health information to third parties, including your relatives or acquaintances, unless you give FirstCarolinaCare writtenpermission. If you want a third party to be able to receive your protected health information from FirstCarolinaCare, you must complete the Protected Health Information Authorization form. The form is located on theMember Services page of the FirstCarolinaCareWeb site, www.firstcarolinacare.com, under Forms.

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New Providers

Ajay Ajmani, M.D.
Doctors Vital Care and
Screening, LLC

Robert C. Allen, LPC
Behavioral Health Care of
the Carolinas NC Mentor

Daniel R. Barnes, D.O.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas

LaMonica Y. Barnum, M.D.
Stanly Medical Services

Surinder Dhawan, M.D.
Carolina Doctors Med Care, PC

Lila E. Ellison, LCSW
Cardinal Clinic, LLC

Seth J. Fibraio, P.T.
Cornerstone Physical
Therapy Inc.

Robert M. Gay, M.D.
Greensboro Pathology
Associates, LLC

Christine F. Giarmo, Ph.D.
Asheboro Behavioral Medicine

Ugo Goetzl, M.D.
Raleigh Neurology
Associates, P.A.

Pamela J. Guest, M.D.
Pinehurst Dermatology, P.A.

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John K. Hawkins, CRNA
UNC Hospitals & Clinics

Taneka M. Hill, M.D.
Wagram Family Practice

Gundula J. Huber, P.A.-C
FirstHealth of the Carolinas

Rebecca W. Huneycutt, CNM
ForWomen’s Health

Shridhar N. Iyer, M.D.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas

Amelia M. Jeyapalan, M.D.
Pinehurst Surgical Clinic, P.A.

Birhane G. Kaleab, M.D.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas

Candace W. King, M.D.
Pinehurst Skin Surgery Center

James R. Krug, M.D.
Rockingham Anesthesia
Consultants, PLLC

Mostafa Kurdi, M.D.
Hamlet HMA Physician
Management Inc.

Michael T. Lake, M.D.
Sterling Surgical Services

Joy M. Lemieux, LPC
Cardinal Clinic, LLC

Pauline A. Lett-
Anderson, M.D.
Family Care Associates

Kenneth E. Lewis, P.A.-C
FirstHealth of the Carolinas

Keenya C. Little, M.D.
Stanly Medical Services

Jennifer E. McCord, M.D.
Sanford Pediatrics

Scott T. McGraw, M.D.
Scotland Imaging, LLC

Mohamed H. Mohamed,
M.D.
Masoud Ahdieh, M.D., P.A.

Crystal A. Moore-
Maxwell, M.D.
Greensboro Pathology
Associate, LLC

Jason S. Osborne, P.T.
Performance Rehabilitation
Corp.

Debra M. Parker, NNP
FirstHealth of the Carolinas

Pamela A. Penner, M.D.
Summit Family Medicine

Premkumar Peter, M.D.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas

Kevin R. Pilecki, P.A.
Central Carolina Orthopedic
Associates, PLLC

Michael A. Reisig, M.D.
Premier Pediatrics

Kent J. Risk, O.D.
Risk Optometric Associates, P.A.

Tracey S. Robertson, N.P.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas

Angela G. Scott, O.T.
Dymond Speech & Rehab, P.A.

James T. Skeen, M.D.
Carolina Center for Pain, P.A.

Linda A. Smith, LCSW
Linda Annette Smith,
LCSW, P.A.

Delight C. Thompson, Psy.D.
Carolina Behavioral Care, P.A.

David M. Wells, O.D.
Eye Care Associates

Rebecca L. Yates, CNM
ForWomen’s Health

Dierdre T. Young, M.D.
Hamlet HMA Physician
Management, Inc.

Health Reminders
Physical Exam: Annually
Immunizations: Child and adolescent immunizations according to accepted medical practice (consult your pediatrician); children and adult flu shots annually.
Cervical Cancer Screening: Examination and laboratory tests for the early detection of cervical cancer in accordance with the most recently published American Cancer Society guidelines. Covered tests are conventional PAP smear screening, liquid-based cytology and HPV detection tests.
Prostate Cancer Screening: PSA and digital rectal exams as recommended by your provider.
Colon Cancer Screening: A screening colonoscopy beginning at age 50; then every 10 years or as recommened by your physician.
Mammogram: Annually beginning at age 40.
Diabetic Eye Exam: Annually for members with a medical diagnosis of diabetes.

 

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It's Vacation Time Again

Accessing Care and Coverage Concerns

As the busy vacation season approaches,many of you will be traveling outside the FirstCarolinaCare service area.
While we hope none of you will need medical care while on vacation, we know that many of you have concerns about how to access care while away from home.

Below are some frequently asked questions about what to do when you are away from home.

What do I do if my child is running a high fever?

If possible, you should call your child’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) for advice.Your PCP may be able to handle
your child’s needs over the phone or may direct you to seek services at the nearest urgent care or emergency facility. If you are unable to speak with your child’s PCP or if you feel that your child’s
condition is an emergency, you should take your child to the nearest emergency facility. Once you return home, notify your PCP.

What will it cost me if I have to go to the emergency department when I’m on vacation?

A visit to an urgent care or emergency facility is the same, regardless of where it is located. Check your schedule of medical benefits to determine your plan’s cost. You may be asked to pay for the visit before you leave, especially at an urgent care center. If this happens, get an itemized bill from the facility when you check out.

You will need to file this claim when you return home. Both your human resources department and FirstCarolinaCare have the claim forms available and will be happy to assist you in completing them.

If I am out of the area and get sick and a family member’s physician can see me, can I see that physician or should I just go to the emergency room?

Yes, you may see your family member’s physician. It will be treated the same as an urgent care visit. You, (not your physician), must file this claim with FirstCarolinaCare for the claim to be paid correctly. Either mail the claim with an explanation to: FirstCarolinaCare, 42Memorial Drive, Pinehurst,NC, 28374, or bring it by our office located at the same address.

Please be sure to carry your ID cards for all members of your family who are covered by FirstCarolinaCare with you at all times, especially when traveling.

If you have any questions, please call Member Services at (800) 811-3298.

Have a safe and healthy vacation!

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Pharmacy Section

Formulary Updates
Changes to the Formulary Medication List can occur any time throughout the year.

The following medications are now on the Generic Tier ($10 copayment level):
• Alendronate (generic Fosamax)
• Zaleplon (generic Sonata)*
*Quantity limits apply

The following medications require Prior Authorization (PA) for coverage:
• Solodyn tablets
• Auralgan otic solution

Important Drug Recall
On April 25, 2008, Actavis Totowa LLC announced a Class 1 nationwide recall of Digitek® tablets. This recall includes all strengths and all lots of Digitek® tablets. The manufacturer has voluntarily recalled Digitek® tablets due to the possibility that some tablets may contain twice the amount of drug,which could lead to digitalis toxicity.

Patients taking Digitek® should contact their health care provider immediately for further instruction. For additional information, patients can contact Stericycle customer service at 1 (888) 276-6166 or visit www.actavis.us/en/default.htm.

To report adverse reactions experienced with the use of this medication, contact the FDA’sMedWatch Program at 1 (800) FDA- 1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. The press release can be viewed at www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/actavis04_08.html.

 

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