Dear Valued Client:

By now you are undoubtedly aware that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared a public health emergency in view of the recent outbreak of Swine Influenza A. We are reaching out to our clients as a reminder of the many ways Health Advocate might be of assistance to you and your employees at this time.

Many people have questions concerning Swine Flu, its symptoms and its treatment. Physicians are the best source of information on the diagnosis and treatment of Swine Flu. Health Advocate’s staff of Personal Health Advocates can help employees and family members who do not have a present physician relationship locate a doctor or appropriate medical facility. If needed, we can even help make appointments with doctors and coordinate any required testing and diagnostic services.

The complications of influenza are greatest among the elderly and those with other preexisting medical conditions. Health Advocate can help your employees deal not only with their own health needs but also those of their parents and in-laws.

When dealing with outbreaks of this type, providing access to trusted expert information is key to avoiding needless concern and even panic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) has identified several everyday actions that people can take to stay healthy and keep from infecting others. These include such common sense things as covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, frequent hand washing and, if sick, staying home from work or school. Specific facts and information about Swine Flu as well as the latest updates on the outbreak can be accessed on the CDC’s website at:  www.cdc.gov. Our clinical staff is also prepared to provide information to members who have questions about Swine Flu and other health issues.

Below is a summary of some of the types of support we can provide to your employees and their families. You may find it helpful to distribute this quick list to your employees.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve your organization and provide assistance to your employees during this health emergency. Please contact me if you feel there are other things we might do to meet your group’s needs at this time.

Sincerely,

Mike

Michael J. Cardillo
President and CEO
Health Advocate, Inc.

How Health Advocate Can Help You and Your Family

Your employer-paid Health Advocate benefit offers you access to a team of highly trained medical professionals and benefits specialists to help you personally navigate the healthcare system whenever you need help to resolve your healthcare and insurance-related issues.
 
In this time of the Swine Flu outbreak, Health Advocate is ready to help you or your family members with your concerns.

Here is how Health Advocate can help:

• Locate doctors and hospitals anywhere in the country
• Arrange and schedule appointments
• Help schedule specialized tests
• Transfer medical records, lab-results and other pertinent tests to a new physician
• Clarify general questions about Swine Flu, tests treatments and medications
• Provide information about recommendations to prevent Swine Flu
• Address any pertinent coverage, billing and related administrative issues

As always, Health Advocate stands ready to help you with any additional concerns. They can help address eldercare issues, navigate within an insurance company to obtain approval for needed services, negotiate fees with non-participating healthcare providers and help you resolve a range of other healthcare or insurance-related issues.

Simply call: Health Advocate at 1-866-695-8622 (toll-free).