As many of you know, the nursing program we implemented back in 2013 has been incredibly successful, touching the lives of many of our members and their families and allowing us to manage our healthcare trend to a level of under 1.5% annually, a truly remarkable feat when considering that the average self-funded client of Independence Blue Cross was trending at between 7 and 8.5% during this same period.  However, as successful as this program has been, we have identified opportunities to make it even better. 

First, we are now partnering with Temple Center for Population Health to provide the nurses for our program.  Temple brings very special expertise in the area of population health management that will enable us to assist an even larger segment of our members around disease management and prevention.  In addition, our new nurses have the ability to consult with high level specialists when supporting members with complex medical issues.

Secondly, we have partnered with our medical insurer, Independence Blue Cross, to provide a very sophisticated data analytics capability to support our nurse activities and to enhance overall management of the program.  This includes an enhanced digital messaging capability to provide members with information concerning gaps in care as well as general health and wellness issues.  The feature is known as IBX Wire and about 40% of our members are currently enrolled.  We will soon be sending a postcard to request that the remainder of our adult members and dependents enroll in IBX wire in order to take advantage of the assistance described above and would greatly appreciate your participation.  All of us must do our part in better managing our health and in making informed healthcare decisions so that we can continue to enjoy quality health coverage in the years ahead!                   

Your Local 830 Nurse Team includes two nurses. Heather Cappuccino is your full-time mobile nurse.  Carolyn Baniewicz is your full-time office nurse.  Both are available during normal Fund Office business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday except holidays). You can reach your Local 830 Nurses by dialing 610-268-9470 or by calling the Fund Office at 215-969-1012 or 800-782-5379 and following the prompts.  If you or a covered family member has a health issue either now or in the future, we strongly encourage you to contact your Local 830 Nurses for assistance.

Your Local 830 Nurses can assist with virtually any kind of clinical issue.  (Claims issues are handled by other Fund Office staff.)   

For instance, if you are admitted to a hospital, your Local 830 Nurses can visit, when permitted under current restrictions, and otherwise, connect by phone, with the purpose of ensuring that you are receiving the best possible care.  They can assist with discharge planning and follow-up home care.

Your Local 830 Nurses can also accompany you or a covered family member to the doctor’s office (when permitted under current circumstances) or participate in video conferences, should you need assistance in understanding a diagnosis or treatment plan.  They can arrange for second opinions whenever appropriate and provide recommendations for a variety of specialists.  Often times your Local 830 Nurses are able to expedite appointments with very busy physicians.

Your Local 830 Nurses can provide decision support on things such as elective surgery or treatments for major illnesses such as Heart Disease, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Hepatitis C and others.

Your Local 830 Nurses can assist with wellness issues such as obesity and smoking and can help you manage chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

And, your Local 830 Nurses can help you arrange quality, cost effective care when in need of inpatient or outpatient procedures such as surgery, colonoscopy, endoscopy and others.  Please contact your Local 830 Nurses at 610-268-9470 for assistance with these issues.

In a nutshell, your Local 830 Nurse Team can help you receive high quality care which not only leads to a better quality of life for you and your loved ones, but also helps control healthcare spending so that we can all continue to enjoy comprehensive health insurance coverage for as long as possible.

When speaking with your Local 830 Nurses, either in person or by telephone, we ask that you extend them every courtesy.  If they show up at your hospital room, please invite them in to speak with you.  If they call to discuss an issue we ask that you give them your full attention.  If they make a recommendation concerning care we ask that you give it your careful consideration.  As indicated, your Local 830 Nurse Team has but one purpose…to help you receive the best possible care and to help you do whatever is necessary to achieve and maintain good health.