Volume 14, Number 3: June 2006
Membership Updates
"Glaucoma is an eye disease that almost always has no symptoms, yet can cause blindness if not detected. It is almost always diagnosed during a routine eye exam based on\'cathe person's eye pressure and/or optic nerve appearance. Glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops that lower this internal eye pressure."
Dr. Daniel Lazar,
Chief of CHP Eye Care
Don't Overlook Glaucoma Screening.
Glaucoma screening is covered for CHP's Medicare and Medicare Advantage members. You may make appointments directly, without referral, by calling our Eye Care Centers at (850) 383-3322. Eyesight is precious. Protect it now: make that call.
Resolving Members' Concerns.
CHP offers members help to resolve the misunderstandings and difficulties that can arise in health care. Call a Members Services representative at 383-3311 to explain the issue and learn how to proceed. If the problem requires a more formal process, we will guide you through it. The grievance procedure is available from Member Services by emailing us through www.capitalhealth.com or by mail at CHP Member Services, P.O. Box 15349, Tallahassee, FL 32317. Remember, Member Services is your first step. Representatives are there to assist you Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
During Hurricane Season: Think Ahead for Health
Photograph courtesy Florida Division of Forestry
Hurricane season is here… for an entire six months, June 1-November 30. After successive hurricanes hit in Florida and on the Gulf coast, many excellent resources exist for preparation. Capital Health Plan urges our members to use them. To prepare for severe storms, you need both supplies and a plan. You'll find detailed help at the following sites: www.nhc.noaa.gov (choose Be Prepared) and www.floridadisaster.org (see the Disaster Prevention menu). The checklists cover areas you may not have thought of, such as family communication, planning for medical needs, evacuating with pets, and more. Above all, do not be caught off guard, and use common sense in dangerous situations.
- Always monitor official weather reports. Have a battery-powered radio and a telephone that does not require electricity.
- If told to evacuate, do it.
- If you require medical equipment that uses electricity, know the closest official shelter and how you will get there. If you will need transportation, register with county emergency services now.
- Do not let your prescription drugs or other medical supplies get too low when a storm is approaching. Remember, in case of evacuation, that your CHP membership card allows you to fill prescriptions in emergency situations at any Walgreens pharmacy nationwide.
- If you have a home generator, read the safety instructions thoroughly. Generators emit odorless, deadly carbon monoxide and should not be operated indoors or in any enclosed area.
- Do not drive over, walk over, stand near, or touch a downed power line. If your home floods, don't flip a switch, plug in a cord, or use an appliance- even after water has receded. Electric shock or fire can result. Get expert inspection.
- Don't cut limbs or branches in contact with power lines. Use all safety precautions with a chain saw.