Unless you’ve got a medical degree in your back pocket, there have probably been times when you’ve been given important information about your health that you weren’t quite sure how to react to. This is normal, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Through your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) health plan, you have access to support from a care manager who can help to guide you through questions and concerns about your health journey, from the big decisions to the day-to-day.
There are a huge number of topics a care manager can discuss, including the following topics.
Discussing a new diagnosis made by your health care provider
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a complication of pregnancy, after discussion with your health care provider, advice from friends and your own research, you probably have more tips, speculation and genuine information than you know what to do with. That or you don’t quite know where to get started. In either case, a care manager can help talk you through what a diagnosis from your health care provider means and help support your health care provider’s plan of care.
Discussing getting a second opinion
When it comes to some recommendations from health care providers, it can be hard to know whether there’s a real choice about how to respond to them. A care manager can talk you through your health benefit options, including whether getting a second opinion might be helpful, either for your physical health or for your peace of mind.
Managing established conditions
Dealing with a diagnosis can be difficult, but managing an ongoing health condition, even one you’re already familiar with, can present new challenges in pregnancy. A care manager can work with you to develop strategies for helping you stick to the treatment plan established by your health care provider, provide you with health education and resources to help you recognize whether a given treatment is effective, and raise your awareness of different health benefit options available to you under your health plan.
Education on lifestyle choices for general health
Care managers aren’t just there to support you through major health conditions. They’re also a great resource for questions about your everyday health matters such as questions about diet, exercise, and minor illnesses. They can provide health education and resources about lifestyle choices, which can decrease the chances of other health problems later, as well as address worries and issues as they come up.
Remember, your care manager is here to support you throughout your pregnancy.
Please note that Care Managers cannot provide clinical services such as medical advice, medical or medication recommendations, diagnoses, treatments, or prescriptions. Care Managers provide education and resources to help support you through your health care journey but all conclusions and decisions regarding your care are made by you and your health care provider.
