• About Us
• News
• Community
• Careers

Press Release: 2011

Spotlight on Heart Health: Combating Heart Failure with Compassion

Select Health gives hope to those suffering with cardiovascular problems

Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in South Carolina, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. February is designated as American Heart Month by the American Heart Association, which estimates that more than 82 million American adults have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. For many, living with heart disease and heart failure can present major challenges. Between appointments with specialists, multiple medications and necessary lifestyle changes, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

In 2009, Select Health of South Carolina introduced Living Well, a program designed for its First Choice health plan members dealing with the complexities of managing heart failure. 

“Living Well is a great way for our members to get the support they need to effectively control the effects of heart failure,” said Dr. Fred Volkman, chief medical officer at Select Health. “Our case management nurses work directly with each enrollee to help them make changes that improve their health and overall quality of life.”

Members with heart failure are contacted by one of Select Health’s highly skilled nurse case managers for an initial health assessment. Members are sent a packet of information that includes educational heart failure literature as well as a blood pressure monitor and scale to check for changes in weight.  

“In-home monitoring devices like the scale and blood pressure monitor are tools we use to educate members about the warning signs of heart failure,” said Dr. Volkman. “For example, weight gain can be a sign of fluid retention. If caught early, members can seek intervention from their primary care physician before the problem escalates to the point that leads to a hospital visit.”

Following enrollment, nurse case managers develop an individually tailored Living Well Care Plan for the member. All Living Well Care Plans are based on heart failure treatment guidelines established by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Living Well Care Plans are further developed from information gained in the initial health assessment. They include specific goals and measures related to the importance of daily weight monitoring, salt restriction, medication use, cholesterol and even warning signs for the member to be aware of, which would signal a call to their primary care physician.

Since Living Well was first introduced in 2009, Select Health case management nurses have witnessed an increase in member knowledge regarding appropriate heart failure treatment and self-management skills including regular visits to primary care physicians and proper medication usage.

“Living Well is an example of the positive impact specialized programs that focus on disease education and management can have on individuals’ health,” said Dr. Volkman.  “It’s about teaching people how to make positive lifestyle changes while providing a compassionate environment that supports their efforts, answers their questions and celebrates their success.”

ABOUT SELECT HEALTH
Incorporated in 1995, Select Health was licensed as a Health Maintenance Organization by the South Carolina Department of Insurance in 1996. Later that year, the company contracted with the Department of Health and Human Services to offer First Choice, the state’s first Medicaid health plan. Select Health operates South Carolina’s largest Medicaid health plan and is a wholly owned subsidiary of AmeriHealth Mercy. The AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies touches the lives of more than 7 million members nationwide. Select Health has more than 220 dedicated associates working throughout South Carolina. For more information, visit www.selecthealthofsc.com.