P.O. Box 1800 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729-1800 www.iehp.org Ask the Doctor Q A Mail your question to - Ask the Doctor - IEHP P.O. Box 1800, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729-1800 Do antibiotics work on the flu? No, antibiotics only treat infections caused by bacteria. The flu is an infection caused by a virus. This means an antibiotic will not work against it. 1-800-440-IEHP (4347) voice 1-800-718-IEHP (4347) for TTY users Pain? Cough? Cold? When you can t reach your Doctor after hours, call the IEHP 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line for medical advice. 1-888-244-lEHP (4347) 1-866-577-8355 TTY 2015 Inland Empire Health Plan. All Rights Reserved. SPD-16-03696
Volume 32 Fall 2015 Flu Season: Why You Need the Flu Shot It s flu season again. That means it s time for everyone age six months or older to get the flu shot. It s FREE for all IEHP Members when getting the flu shot from an IEHP Provider. Remember, the flu shot doesn t prevent the flu. But it can reduce the chance of getting it and spreading it to others. The flu shot is even more important for: Pregnant women People 65 years old or older Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities People with asthma Kids in school or day care Where you may get the flu shot Your Doctor s office (call first) Large Pharmacy chains, such as Rite Aid, CVS,Walgreens and some independent pharmacies (adults only) Public health clinics Ask your Doctor about getting the flu shot. But, if you do choose to get it at a See Page 2 If you have diabetes, what do you do? Page 4 Taking medicine for depression the right way Page 5 Tips for calling Member Services Page 6 Para obtener un boletín en español, llame a Servicios para Miembros de IEHP 1-800-440-IEHP (4347) Voz 1-800-718-IEHP (4347) para usuarios de TTY FREE Spanish translation and interpreter services for IEHP Members.
IEHP s Brand-New Secure Member Portal START HERE my.iehp.org Now you can view your health information from anyplace, 24/7. Change your Doctor Check your eligibility Order a new IEHP Member ID Card And more Go to www.my.iehp.org today to create your My IEHP Health Account. And start moving closer to your destination >>> health. Continued from Page 1... pharmacy or a public health clinic, be sure to tell your Doctor. That way, your Doctor can update your health record and have a full picture of your healthcare history. Do antibiotics cure the flu? No, antibiotics do not work on the flu. Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. The flu is caused by a virus. What should you do if you get the flu? Stay home and rest. Drink lots of fluids, like water and juice. See your Doctor if symptoms do not improve. 5 ways you can stay healthy Get a flu shot. Rest, eat well, and exercise. Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Keep common surfaces clean. 2 IEHP 1-877-273-IEHP 1-800-440-IEHP (4347) (4347) or 1-800-718-4347 / TTY 1-800-718-IEHP for TTY/TDD (4347) users. 8 a.m. 8 p.m. M-F (PST), 8am-5pm 7 days a week, including holidays.
LOCAL RESOURCES Utility Assistance and Weatherization Programs These programs offer help, such as repairing or replacing equipment and more. The goal is to help people make their homes healthy and lower the cost of utility bills. San Bernardino: (909) 723-1500; www.sbcounty.gov Riverside: (951) 955-6448; www.capriverside.org Phone / Internet California Telephone Access Program The CTAP offers special phone equipment and other services at no cost to qualified California residents who have trouble using a standard phone. Toll-free: 1-800-806-1191; TTY: 1-800-855-7100 Digital Access Project This program offers low-cost help for any person with a disability to use the tools they need to succeed. Toll-free: 1-800-390-2699 (Ability Tools for Digital Access Project) 916-737-5351; TTY: 1-800-900-0706 Support Inland Caregivers Resource Center This program helps caregivers get the support and resources needed. Toll-free: 1-800-675-6694 Open Doors Parent/Caregiver Support & Training The group offers support to parents and caregivers raising a child/youth with mental and behavioral health challenges. It provides a safe place to vent or get information and resources. The group also offers training, workgroups and special topics. (951) 358-6858 (located in Riverside; available for all Members) Helping Hands Kinship Caregiver Support Group This group helps those giving care to children of their family member. Such caregivers may be grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers, sisters and other relatives. (909) 986-9710 (located in San Bernardino; available for all Members) Note: If a TTY number is not noted and you need it, please dial 711. IEHP 1-800-440-IEHP 1-877-273-IEHP (4347) (4347) / TTY or 1-800-718-IEHP 1-800-718-4347 (4347) for TTY/TDD users. 8 a.m. M-F 8 p.m. 8am-5pm (PST), 7 days a week, including holidays. 3
If You Have Diabetes, What Do You Do? In general, people with diabetes have trouble making insulin (type 1 diabetes) or their bodies can t use insulin the right way (type 2 diabetes). Both types of diabetes, greatly increase a person s risk for a range of serious complications, like: Blindness Kidney failure Foot or leg amputations Heart disease Stroke The good news is diabetes can be controlled. If you eat a healthy diet, stop smoking, and manage your diabetes, you can live a healthy and active life. Managing your diabetes means: See your Doctor on a regular basis Take your medicine the way your Doctor tells you Keep your blood sugar in a healthy range Check your feet each day to make sure you have no cuts or sores Keep your blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol in healthy ranges Get a yearly urine test to check kidney health Have yearly dilated eye exams to protect your vision If you haven t already, talk to your Doctor about a Diabetes Self-Care Plan. You can also attend a FREE diabetes management class. Call IEHP Member Services at the number below to enroll. 4 IEHP 1-877-273-IEHP 1-800-440-IEHP (4347) (4347) or 1-800-718-4347 / TTY 1-800-718-IEHP for TTY/TDD (4347) users. 8 a.m. 8 p.m. M-F (PST), 8am-5pm 7 days a week, including holidays.
How to Take Your Medicine for Depression the Right Way In order to treat depression the right way, it s important to know how to take your medicine so you feel your best. Medicines for depression (also called antidepressants) aim to improve your mood over time. If used well, these medicines ease symptoms like sadness, gloom, or feelings of being alone. They can help you feel better about taking part in daily activities. Tips for taking your medicines: Take your medicine the way your Doctor tells you Be sure to take your medicine at the same time each day Finish all of your medicine even if you start to feel better How long do I take my medicine before I feel better? You may need to take it for a few weeks before it takes full effect before you start to see any changes in your mood. Keep taking your medicine as directed by your Doctor. If you do not feel any change after six weeks, or have negative side effects, talk with your Doctor about trying another treatment. How long do I keep taking the meds? Always take your medicine as directed by your Doctor. IEHP 1-800-440-IEHP (4347) / TTY 1-800-718-IEHP (4347) M-F 8am-5pm 5
Tips for Calling IEHP Member Services IEHP is here to help you get the care you need. While many Members enjoy doing routine tasks on our Secure Member Portal (see page 2), there are times when you need more help. Our Member Services Reps (MSRs) aim to serve you with courtesy and respect and to give you the information you need. Here are some tips for getting great customer service: Reason for call You want a Doctor change to occur right away You need an interpreter for your next Doctor visit You want to choose an IEHP Doctor who no longer takes new patients What you need before calling Reason you need a quick change Date of your next Doctor visit Name of the Doctor you want to change to What language is needed Doctor visit date Location of visit Location of visit Date of your last visit with that Doctor Name and address of the Closed Doctor How IEHP Member Services can help If you have an urgent medical need (exception), we will review if a change can be made within 48 hours. Call at least 5 business days before your Doctor visit. A MSR can submit a request to the Care Management (CM) for review. An IEHP Team Member will call you within 5 working days. The MSR can submit a closed Doctor request for review. We will let you know our decision within 3 to 5 days. You can reach IEHP Member Services at the number printed below. This number is also on the back of your IEHP Member ID Card. 6 IEHP 1-877-273-IEHP 1-800-440-IEHP (4347) (4347) or 1-800-718-4347 / TTY 1-800-718-IEHP for TTY/TDD (4347) users. 8 a.m. 8 p.m. M-F (PST), 8am-5pm 7 days a week, including holidays.
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe Makes: 8 servings; Carb grams per serving (2 pancakes): 28 This has less sodium per serving than most pancake recipes. Banana oatmeal pancakes offer a good source of energy. The fiber and protein per serving will help you feel full longer. Top them off with fresh fruit and serve with your choice of dairy. Ingredients 2 cups whole wheat pancake mix 1 large banana, finely chopped 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats 1/4 cup chopped walnuts Directions Prepare pancake batter as stated on package. Stir in the banana, oats, and walnuts. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until second side is golden brown. If you must add a little more sweetness, try using applesauce instead of syrup. Join the Persons with Disabilities Workgroup (PDW) Meeting four times a year, this group of IEHP Members with disabilities tell us what they think about IEHP and offer us fresh ideas. For 2016, we re looking for new PDW Members. Apply to join. If you re chosen, you ll be in good company while helping to improve how IEHP delivers care. Questions? Call IEHP Member Services at the numbers below. IEHP 1-800-440-IEHP 1-877-273-IEHP (4347) (4347) / TTY or 1-800-718-IEHP 1-800-718-4347 (4347) for TTY/TDD users. 8 a.m. M-F 8 p.m. 8am-5pm (PST), 7 days a week, including holidays. 7