Personal Health Support Program
The International Health Fund’s benefit package includes a personalized, member-focused program through its medical carrier, United Healthcare (UHC), called Personal Health Support (PHS). Personal Health Support gives members access to services and clinical support across a range of health and wellness goals, from staying healthy and getting healthy, to managing a chronic condition. The program is staffed by nurses that center their efforts on prevention, education, and closing gaps in care. PHS nurses are notified when a member or provider contacts UHC regarding upcoming treatment, which initiates outreach regarding the program.
Members who are living with a chronic condition or dealing with complex health care needs may be assigned to a primary nurse, who answers questions, explains options, identifies needs, and may make referrals to specialized care programs. Members who participate in the program are provided with contact information for their primary nurse so they can contact them with questions about their condition and overall health.
Personal Health Support Nurses provide a variety of services to help members receive appropriate medical care. These program components include:
+ Admission Counseling — Nurse Advocates help members prepare for successful surgical admission and recovery.
+ Inpatient Care Management — If hospitalized, a nurse works with the member’s physician to ensure the member receives the care needed while hospitalized and that the physician’s treatment plan is being carried out effectively.
+ Readmission Management — This program serves as a bridge between the hospital and home if there is a high risk of readmission. Upon discharge, members with chronic conditions may be contacted by a PHS Nurse to confirm that medications, needed equipment, or follow-up services are in place. The PHS Nurse will also share important health care information, reiterate and reinforce discharge instructions, and support a safe transition home.
+ Risk Management — Designed for participants with certain chronic or complex conditions, this program component addresses such health care needs as access to medical specialists, medication information, and coordination of equipment and supplies.
+ Cancer Management — With this component of PHS, members can engage with a nurse that specializes in cancer, education and guidance throughout their care path.
+ Kidney Management — Members with CKD stage 4/5 or end-stage renal disease can engage with a nurse that specializes in kidney disease, education and guidance throughout their care path.
This program is one of the many programs provided at no-cost to members covered through the IHF. With the Personal Health Support Program, the IHF aims to ensure members receive the most appropriate and cost-effective services available.
Members of IHF participating locals can contact the Fund Office at 1-888-880-8222 with any questions regarding this program.
Members of IHF participating locals can contact 1-888-880-8222 to find out more