Perspectives - Winter | Spring 2015

Acting CEO, Pat Cox

The number of uninsured in Santa Clara County has been cut in half from 22% to 11% since January 2014. People who were previously uninsured now have the opportunity for insurance coverage with a choice of with whom and where they will receive their care.

This year’s open enrollment period for Covered California began November 15, 2014 and ended February 15, 2015. Valley Health Plan was able to offer the lowest cost plans in the most popular metal levels of coverage in Santa Clara County.

A few things that come to mind as I reflect on where we have been and where we are going.

Here are some thoughts that have carried us into the New Year: • When in doubt, just take the next small step.

A Message from Pat Cox...............................1 VHP Department Profile Health Education.............................................2 Support for a Healthier You!........................2 New Diabetes Prevention Program..........3 BBQ Turkey in Bell Pepper Shells.............. 3 Member Reimbursements for Authorized Covered Services.....................4 Tips for Accessing Important Phone Numbers...............................................5 Change of Address......................................... 5

Choosing Wisely® ..........................................6 VHP Advisory Board.................................... 6 Affirmative Statement About Financial Incentives........................................6 Protected Health Information.....................7 Member Rights and Responsibilities........8 How To Contact the Utilization Management Department.........................10 Network Update for Compounding Pharmacies......................................................10

Medication Adherence for Members with Depression......................... 11

Table of Contents VHP Medical Advisors Dolly Goel, MD

• Take a deep breath, it calms the mind.

Stephen Harris, MD

• Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

Michael Meade, MD

Winter/Spring 2015

(Continued on pg. 2)

Gary Steinke, MD

Member Newsletter

It has been a busy year for Valley Health Plan (VHP) and we remain committed to meeting our member’s needs.

We are completing our first year offering multiple products as a Commercial HMO plan: our Employer Group Plan, our new Acting CEO, Pat Cox Individual & Family Plan, and the exchange marketplace Covered California Plan.

Perspectives

a message from

1

(Continued from pg. 1)

• Whenever it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take NO for an answer.

• When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

2014 has been one of the most dramatic years of change for Valley Health Plan. As we reflect on 2014 and look forward to 2015, the 30th Anniversary for VHP, we look back on the significant changes we have experienced. We are proud to provide coverage and support the health and well-being of our community with well-deserved service and attention.

Wishing you a safe and healthy New Year!

VHP department profile

The Valley Health Plan (VHP) Health Education team has been providing a number of services to help Members maintain and improve their total health and wellness. As a part of your health plan benefit, VHP offers classes and workshops from fitness and Weight Watchers, to diabetes prevention and bariatric surgery orientation and support.

Health Education

Each Health Education team member brings valuable knowledge and expertise in various areas of health. Together, they ensure that these offerings meet the needs of our Members. The VHP Health Education team is available to assist you!

For more information and class schedules, please visit www.valleyhealthplan.org under Health & Wellness, or contact them at healtheducation@ vhp.sccgov.org or 408.885.3490.

support for a Healthier You!

Valley Health Plan (VHP) would like to help support a new healthier you! For some, the start of a New Year can be very difficult, especially without support, tools, and services to help guide you. Below, you will find ways that Valley Health Plan can help make your journey easier and hopefully more enjoyable.

*NEW* Personal Health Assessment (PHA) – Earn VHP Rewards!

In 2014, VHP partnered with Cerner Wellness to offer an online Personal Health Assessment (PHA) that offers tools and support to help you understand your state of health and to assist you in achieving your health goals. To get started, go to https://vhp.mycernerwellness.com and create a profile. There are several levels you can complete to earn VHP rewards! Upon completion of each level, you will receive your 2

Sil Reyes, Mylinh Pham, Zenaida Velasquez, Fernando Jauregui

reward through the mail. There’s no better time than the present to start earning.

Why should I fill out a Personal Health Assessment?

The PHA generates a wellness score to present a clear snapshot of your current health profile.

From here, you will receive a personalized action plan with tools and resources to affect positive, sustainable behavioral change.

This is an exciting, new way to help you improve your health!

FREE FITNESS CLASSES Start 2015 off by adding more activity into your day! Sign up for FREE fitness classes.

Go to www.valleyhealthplan.org and select “Classes” under the Health & Wellness tab.

new Diabetes prevention Program

Are You at Risk for Diabetes?

Have you ever been told you have pre-diabetes, borderline diabetes, or high blood sugar? Have you ever had gestational diabetes or have a family history of diabetes? If so, you may be at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

There is Good News!

Valley Health Plan (VHP) has partnered with Viridian Health Management to offer a FREE 16-week My Weigh 2 Prevent Diabetes™ program. A diabetes prevention support team will help you maintain or improve your health and reduce your risk of developing diabetes through a refreshing approach to a lasting lifestyle change.

Act now to take advantage of this new program being offered exclusively to VHP Members! To register, email dpp@viridianhealth.com or call 1.855.717.8813.

BBq Turkey

in Bell Pepper Shells

This dish is colorful and healthy. You can save money by using all green bell peppers.

Makes 6 servings | Serving size: Half a bell pepper | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes Ingredients

Preparation

ž pound lean ground turkey 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 (14-ounce) can, no-salt added diced tomatoes 1 cup low-sodium canned black beans, drained and rinsed ½ cup barbecue sauce 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional 3 bell peppers (any color), cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed

1.

Brown ground turkey in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink; drain excess fat.

2.

Add onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

3.

Add all remaining ingredients except the bell peppers; simmer for 10 minutes over medium heat.

4.

Place bell pepper halves in a microwave safe dish with a small amount of water.

5.

Cover and microwave bell peppers on high until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.

6.

Remove peppers from dish and place on a large plate. Spoon turkey mixture into bell pepper shells and serve.

Nutrition information per serving: Calories 209, Carbohydrate 28g, Dietary Fiber 7g, Protein 17g, Total Fat 4g, Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 38mg, Sodium 404mg This recipe was taken from Champions for Change. There is a link to this and other healthy recipes on www.valleyhealthplan.org under Health & Wellness > Healthy Eating > Recipes.

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Member reimbursements for Authorized Covered Services

Valley Health Plan (VHP) will reimburse you for Covered Services that have been authorized by the Plan.

You are entitled to be reimbursed for Out of Network Urgently Needed Services and Emergency Services as defined in your Combined Evidence of Coverage and Disclosure Form (EOC).

If you are billed or have paid for authorized Covered Services, you must submit the appropriate VHP Claim Reimbursement Form, itemized bill and your original receipt showing proof of payment with your request for reimbursement within 90 days after you receive those Covered Services. If a request for reimbursement is denied or partially denied, you will receive written notice specifying the reason for the Denial.

For MEDICAL CLAIM Reimbursement Forms, mail to: Valley Health Plan Claims Department P.O. Box 650864 Dallas, TX 75265-0864 To obtain a Medical Claim Reimbursement Form, visit www.valleyhealthplan.org under Member Materials > Forms & Resources, or contact VHP’s Member Services at 1.888.421.8444 (toll-free).

Be sure your name, Member I.D. number, date, type of service, your PCP’s name, and any other pertinent information in English, if available, (such as original receipts, doctor notes, etc.) are included in your request. VHP will process the request for reimbursement within 45 working days of receiving complete information.

For PHARMACY CLAIM Reimbursement Forms, mail to: Navitus Health Solutions, LLC P.O. Box 999 Appleton, WI 54912-0999 To obtain a Pharmacy Claim Form, visit www.valleyhealthplan.org under Member Materials > Forms & Resources. You may also obtain a claim form at www.navitus.com or by calling Navitus Customer Care, 24 hours/daily at 1.866.333.2757 (toll-free).

To submit a Pharmacy Claim Form for reimbursement, you must provide specific information about the prescription, the reason you are requesting reimbursement, and any payments made by you or on your behalf. You must fill out the Pharmacy Claim Form completely. Submit your request for reimbursement within 90 days after you receive those Covered Services. If approved, you will receive a reimbursement within 30 days.

VHP will reimburse you for authorized medications that are included in your benefit plan, less any Copayment, for the Covered Services. If a request for reimbursement is denied or partially denied, you will receive written notice specifying the reason for the Denial.

You may obtain information about reimbursement by writing, by visiting the VHP office at 2480 N. First Street, Suite 200, San Jose, CA 95131 or by calling Member Services at 1.888.421.8444 (toll-free).

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Tips for accessing Important Phone Numbers

Appointment Lines Appointment lines are phone numbers you want right at your fingertips. These days, most people keep their cell phone within arm’s reach, making it a great place to add important phone numbers like your Primary Care Physician’s appointment line or numbers for any VHP providers you are receiving care from. You can also bookmark our online Provider Search at www.valleyhealthplan.org for another fast and convenient way to find these numbers quickly.

Valley Health Plan (VHP) ID Card Your VHP ID Card has some important phone numbers: • Member Services – You should use this number if you have a question about your coverage or need assistance.

• 24/7 Nurse Advice line – Call this number for 24/7 medical advice by nurses who will assess your symptoms and direct you to the appropriate care or give you instructions on what you can do at home.

• Pharmacy (Navitus) Customer Care – This is VHP’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM), they are available to answer general questions regarding your pharmacy benefit. You can also go to www.navitus.com for more information and sign up for access to the Member portal - Navigate.

Calling Valley Connection* Valley Connection is ONLY to be used by patients seeking care from a Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System (SCVHHS) provider or facility such as Valley Health Centers, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, or the Valley Specialty Center. You can call Valley Connection at 1.888.334.1000 to: • Make or cancel an appointment with your Valley Health Center Primary Care Physician (PCP) • Make an appointment with a SCVHHS Specialty Clinic – if pre-authorized by VHP • Request or check on a Prescription Refill or speak with Pharmacy staff • Get Mental Health Advice • Get Medical Advice (VHP has its own 24/7 Nurse Advice line, see your VHP ID Card) • Leave a message for your doctor • Get lab results *If you have a PCP or doctor in another medical group, you can call your doctor’s office line directly.

Use our online Provider Search at www.valleyhealthplan.org for a fast and convenient way to find these numbers quickly.

Change

of Address

Is Your Information Up-to-Date?

It is very important that Valley Health Plan (VHP) has your correct address and phone number on file. We want to make sure you receive our important mailings about additions or changes to benefits, providers/ networks, or tools to help you maintain your overall health.

If your information has changed, please call the number that applies to your coverage: Employer Group Plan Members Human Resources Dept.

Covered California Plan Members Covered California Service Center 1.800.300.1506

Individual & Family Plan Members Valley Health Plan Member Services 1.888.421.8444 (toll-free), Option 3 5

choosing wisely®

A Resource for Better Patient/Doctor Communication Recognizing that patients need better information about what care they truly need in order to have conversations with their providers, Consumer Reports developed patient-friendly materials and is working with consumer groups to disseminate them widely.

VHP has partnered with Consumer Reports Choosing Wisely® to provide tools and resources to help you prepare for health care discussions prior to your visit.

Choosing Wisely® aims to promote conversations between providers and patients by helping patients choose care that is: • Supported by evidence • Not duplicative of other tests or procedures already received • Free from harm • Truly necessary In response to this challenge, national organizations representing medical specialists have asked its providers to “choose wisely” through the identification of tests or procedures commonly used in their field, whose necessity should be questioned and discussed. The resulting lists of “Things Providers and Patients Should Question” will spark discussion about the need—or lack thereof—for many frequently ordered tests or treatments. It has been found that patients often ask for tests and treatments that are not necessarily in their best interest.

Choosing Wisely® recommendations should not be used to establish coverage decisions or exclusions.

Rather, they are meant to spur conversation about what is appropriate and necessary treatment. As each patient situation is unique, providers and patients should use the recommendations as guidelines to determine an appropriate treatment plan together.

Visit our microsite at http:/consumerhealthchoices.org/vhp/ to view fact sheets and resources.

VHP advisory

Board

What is the VHP Advisory Board?

Advisory Board members may assist Valley Health Plan (VHP) in establishing Public Policy. Public Policy means acts performed by VHP and its employees to assure the comfort, dignity, and convenience of Members who rely on VHP providers for services. The findings and recommendations of this Public Policy Committee or Advisory Board are regularly reported to VHP’s governing body. A minimum of 51% of the VHP Advisory Board must be VHP Members.

Interested in Serving on the VHP Advisory Board?

VHP is conducting brief telephone interviews. If you would like more information, please call Member Services at 1.888.421.8444 (toll-free), Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm and ask to speak to Laura Eglesia, Member Services Manager.

affirmative statement

About Financial Incentives

Valley Health Plan affirms that: 1. Utilization Management (UM) decision making is based only on appropriateness of care and service and existence of coverage.

2. The Plan does not specifically reward practitioners or other individuals for issuing denials of coverage.

3. Financial incentives for UM decision makers do not encourage decisions that result in underutilization.

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protected Health Information

VALLEY HEALTH PLAN DOES NOT SHARE YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION WITH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR AUTHORIZATION, UNLESS WE ARE PERMITTED TO DO SO BY LAW. We understand that information about you and your health is confidential and personal. We are committed to protecting health information about you. We create and maintain a record of the care and services you receive through Valley Health Plan (VHP). We need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements.

We are required by law to: • make sure that Protected Health Information (PHI) that is linked to you is kept private and confidential (with some exceptions); • give you a Privacy Notice about our responsibilities and privacy practices about your PHI; and • follow the terms of the Privacy Notice that is currently in effect.

Unless permitted by law, VHP will not use or share your PHI unless you have signed an authorization form that allows us to do so. You have the right to cancel the permission by requesting it in writing, except if we have used or shared your PHI when you first gave us permission to do so. The law limits how we can use and disclose some PHI related to treatment of drug and alcohol abuse, HIV infection, and mental illness.

VHP may use, share or disclose your PHI when necessary as required by law and for treatment, payment, and other health care operations.

You may elect to share your PHI information with an authorized representative such as a friend, family member or anyone you choose. For this type of sharing to happen, you must complete “The VHP Authorization for use/or disclosure of Protected Health Information” form. This form will be placed in your file and VHP will follow your instructions on what information to share. All members 18 years of age or older wishing to share their PHI, must complete this form. For a copy of this form, you can visit the VHP website at www.valleyhealthplan.org/sites/ccp/mm/FormsResources/Pages/Resources.aspx or contact VHP Member Services at 1.888.421.8444 (toll-free).

You have the right to request that health care communications regarding sensitive services you receive be sent to an alternate address. These sensitive services can include, but are not limited to, services and treatment for mental health, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual assault, drug or alcohol treatment, HIV and counseling. Members 12 years of age and older can request that Sensitive Service Confidential Communications be sent to an alternate address by contacting VHP Member Services at 1.888.421.8444 (toll free).

The VHP website provides Members with information regarding their health coverage. When browsing the website, information may be collected and stored regarding your site visit such as the date, time and number of visits. No identifying information is collected.

The complete VHP Privacy Notice including a list of your rights and how VHP uses your health information can be found on the VHP website at: www.valleyhealthplan.org/Pages/PrivacyNotice.aspx If you have questions about this Privacy Notice, please contact Valley Health Plan Member Services at 1.888.421.8444 (toll-free), Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00 pm.

Member Fraud Notice Valley Health Plan (VHP) is committed to providing Members with quality care. We encourage Members to notify VHP of any suspicious activity you might encounter while receiving care from one of our practitioners or providers. All complaints regarding fraud will be investigated. This will allow VHP to take the necessary actions to protect Members from unlawful activities.

If you believe you’ve experienced or are aware of any fraud (waste or abuse of VHP health care resources), please contact Valley Health Plan Member Services at 1.888.421.8444 (toll-free), Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm.

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Member rights

and Responsibilities

A Member has the right to: 1. Exercise these rights without regard to race, disability, sex, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, creed, family history, marital status, veteran status, national origin, handicap, or condition, without regard to your cultural, economic, or educational background, or source(s) of payment for your care; 2. Be treated with respect and recognition regarding your dignity and your right to privacy; 3. Expect health care providers (doctors, medical professionals, and their staff) to be sensitive to your needs;

10. Receive complete information about your medical condition, any proposed course of treatment, and your prospects for recovery in terms that you can understand;

4. Be provided with information about VHP, its services, its practitioners, Plan Providers and member rights and responsibilities;

11. Give informed consent unless medically inadvisable, before the start of any procedure or treatment;

5. Know the name of the Primary Care Physician who has primary responsibility for coordinating your health care and the names and professional relationships of other Plan Providers you see;

12. Refuse health care services to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of that refusal, unless medically inadvisable;

6. Actively participate in your own health care, which, to the extent permitted by law, includes the right to receive information so that you can accept or refuse recommended treatment; 7. Receive as much information about any proposed treatment or procedure as you may need in order to give informed consent or to refuse this course of treatment or procedure. Except for Emergency Services this information will include a description of the procedure or treatment, the medically significant risks involved, alternative courses of action and the risks involved in each, and the name of the Plan Provider who will carry out the treatment or procedure; 8. Full consideration of privacy concerning your course of treatment. Case discussions, consultations, examinations, and treatments are confidential and should be conducted discreetly. You have the right to know the reason should any person be present or involved during these procedures or treatments; 8

9. Confidential treatment of information in compliance with state and federal law including HIPAA (including all communications and medical records) pertaining to your care. Except as is necessary in connection with administering the Agreement and fulfilling State and federal requirements (including review programs to achieve quality and cost-effective medical care), such information will not be disclosed without first obtaining written permission from you or your authorized representative;

13. Readily accessible and ready referral to Medically Necessary Covered Services; 14. A candid discussion of appropriate or medically necessary treatment options for your conditions, regardless of cost or benefit coverage; 15. A second medical opinion, when medically appropriate, from a Plan Physician within the VHP Network; 16. Be able to schedule appointments in a timely manner; 17. Reasonable continuity of care and advance knowledge of the time and location of your appointment(s); 18. Reasonable responses to any reasonable requests for Covered Services; 19. Have all lab reports, X-rays, specialist’s reports, and other medical records completed and placed in your files as promptly as possible so that your Primary Care Physician can make informed decisions about your treatment;

20. Change your Primary Care Physician; 21. Review your medical records, unless medically inadvisable; 22. Be informed of any charges (Copayments) associated with Covered Services; 23. Be advised if a Plan Provider proposes to engage in or perform care or treatment involving experimental medical procedures, and the right to refuse to participate in such procedures; 24. Leave a Plan Facility or Hospital, even against the advice of Plan Providers; 25. Be informed of continuing health care requirements following your discharge from Plan Facilities or Hospitals; 26. Be informed of, and if necessary, given assistance in making a medical Advance Directive; 27. Have rights extended to any person who legally may make decisions regarding medical care on your behalf; 28. Know when Plan Providers are no longer under a contractual arrangement with VHP; 29. Examine and receive an explanation of any bill(s) for non-Covered Services, regardless of the source(s) of payment;

A Member has the responsibility to: 1. Supply information (to extent possible) that VHP and its practitioners and providers need in order to provide care; 2. Follow plans and instructions for care that you have agreed to with your practitioner; 3. Behave in a manner that doesn’t interfere with your Plan Provider or their ability to provide care; 4. Safeguard the confidentiality of your own personal health care as well as that of other Members; 5. Accept fiscal responsibility associated with non-Covered Services. Covered Services are available only through Plan Providers in your VHP Network (unless such care is rendered as Emergency Services or is authorized); 6. Cooperate with VHP or a Plan Provider’s third party recovery efforts or Coordination of Benefits; 7. Participate in your health care by scheduling and keeping appointments with Plan Providers. If you cannot keep your appointment, call in advance to cancel and reschedule;

30. Voice complaints or appeals about Valley Health Plan or the care it provides;

8. Report any changes in your name, address, telephone number, or your family’s status to your employer, Covered California, and a VHP Member Services Representative; and

31. File a Grievance without discrimination through VHP or appropriate State or federal agencies;

9. Understand your health problems and participate in developing mutually agreed upon treatment goals, to the degree possible.

32. Know the rules and policies that apply to your conduct as a Member; 33. Make recommendations regarding Valley Health Plan’s member rights and responsibilities policy; and 34. Participate with practitioners in making decisions about your health.

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how to contact

the Utilization Management Department

The Utilization Management (U.M.) Department evaluates and determines coverage for, and appropriateness of, medical care services, providing assistance to Members and providers to ensure appropriate use of resources.

To contact the U.M. Department to receive information about the process or status of authorizations and referrals, call Member Services at 1.888.421.8444 (toll-free), Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm PST. Language services are available at any time, for the hearing and speech impaired, call the California Relay Service (CSR) by simply dialing 711 or the 800 CRS number of your modality. After business hours, weekends, and on holidays, all calls will be returned on the next business day.

network update

for Compounding Pharmacies

Effective March 1, 2015, Valley Health Plan’s (VHP) contract with Leiter’s Pharmacy will terminate.

Leiter’s Pharmacy will no longer provide pharmacy/compounding services to VHP Members. Leiter’s Pharmacy was mostly utilized for compounding services.

VHP Network Pharmacies that provide compounding services are listed below: Walgreens 350 N. Capitol Ave. San Jose, CA 95133 408.259.9200

Walgreens 423 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Los Gatos, CA 95030 408.354.8029

Walgreens 2600 Mowry Ave. Fremont, CA 94538 510.742.9356

Safeway 160 1st Street Los Altos, CA 94022 650.949.1067

Formulary Drugs: Your Provider must continue to use the VHP Formulary when writing prescriptions, including those to be compounded.

Non-Formulary Drugs: If an active ingredient in the compounded product is not on the VHP Formulary, your Provider is required to fill out a Non-Formulary Prescription Drug Prior Authorization Form.

Filling Compounding Prescriptions: Members are expected to have compounding products processed at the VHP Network Pharmacies listed above at the time the prescription is filled. There is no out-of-pocket cost to Members at these VHP Network Pharmacy locations.

Members who choose to use a VHP Network Pharmacy other than the VHP Network Pharmacies listed above for compounding services may be asked to pay the full cost of the prescription at the time of service. Members would then need to request a Member Reimbursement, which would be reimbursed only if for a VHP Formulary prescription drug.

If you have questions regarding compounding services, please call Navitus Customer Care at 1.866.333.2757 (toll-free) or Member Services at 1.888.421.8444 (toll-free).

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medication adherence

for Members with Depression

The Valley Health Plan (VHP) Quality Management Department reviewed Member’s non-adherence with medication pick-up for first prescription with major depressive disorder: single episode for 2013.

The data showed 15.3% of Members who were prescribed a medication for major depressive disorder did not pick up their medication. VHP worked with the Behavioral Health Committees and determined this was a quality improvement opportunity.

VHP’s hope is that Providers will: 1. Continue to foster and/or enhance participation in your planned care; 2. Ensure that you have a clear understanding of why picking up and taking the medication you have been prescribed is important;

3. Help you understand how the medication can benefit you and that it may take time to work; and 4. Explain the possible side effects that you may experience and how you can cope with it.

Continuity and Coordination of Care VHP wants you, our Members, to receive the best health care possible. One of the most important steps you can take is to make sure that your doctor knows about all the health care you are receiving from other doctors or health care professionals you are seeing. This includes obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs), family planning providers, dentists, behavioral health providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors, chiropractors and eye doctors. Also, ask any specialist you are seeing to let your doctor know about any care or medications provided to you. They can share this information if you sign an Authorization for Use and/or Disclosure of Protected Health Information form that permits your doctor or health care professional to share information about your care with each other. You can also talk to your doctor about any information that other health care professionals have given you about your care or any drugs that you have been told to take. It is very important that all of your doctors know about the medications you take, even over-the-counter medications, such as vitamins or herbal supplements. Keep a list (electronic and/or written) of the medications you take and share this information with your doctor.

Remember to keep your list updated when changes occur to make sure it includes all current medicines and doses.

Treating Depression Everyone feels sad once in a while. Usually these feelings pass in a few days, but if you feel sad or down for days at time, see your doctor. Seek help immediately if you feel hopeless, are thinking about suicide, or turn to alcohol or drugs for relief. If you are experiencing depression, you can get better with the proper medical care. You may need medical treatment with medication and/or counseling or you may only need treatment to get past the feelings of depression. If you have questions about the treatment plan, talk to your doctor and/or counselor.

Some common thoughts you may have: a. “I do not need or want medication and I do not want to pick up my prescription.” It is always important to be a part of the decision on what prescription you may need to take, please speak with your doctor about the medication they are prescribing. When you play a part in this important decision, you will better understand the importance of picking up and taking your medication. b. “I am feeling better and do not need any more medication.” Feeling better is great news, and it may be the right time to stop your treatment, however, it is important to ask your doctor how long to continue taking your medication and be sure that you both agree on the treatment plan. Sudden stopping of your medications could result in a return of your depression or withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, sleeping problems, and anxiety. It is important for you and your doctor to work together to determine when it is right for you to stop or start reducing your medication.

(Continued on pg. 12)

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Valley Health Plan 2480 N. First Street, Suite 200 San Jose, CA 95131 1.888.421.8444 (toll-free) www.valleyhealthplan.org

© 2015 Valley Health Plan

(Continued from pg. 11)

c. “I do not like the side effects of the medication.” If the side effects are bothering you, let your doctor know.

Explain what you are experiencing so your doctor can adjust or change your medication or treatment. You may also find that some side effects of the medications will get better with time, your doctor can tell you about this for the medication prescribed to you. d. “This medication is not working.” Make sure you give the medication enough time to work. Some medications can take several weeks or longer before you start feeling much better. If a medication does not work for you, let your doctor know. You and your doctor can work together and discuss whether to change the medication. You can also talk to your doctor about counseling, “talk therapy”. Along with taking the medication, adding counseling can be very effective.

Once you and your doctor figure out the right treatment plan for you, you will be well on your way to feeling good again.

Here are some easy tips to help you manage your medicines: 1. Be a participant with your doctor on your treatment plan, which includes your medications.

2. Please pick up your medication.

3. When picking up your medication, if you have questions – ask the pharmacist. You can also talk to your doctor.

4. Read all the information about your medication before you take it.

5. Always keep enough of your medication on hand; get refills before you run out of your medication.

6. Develop a schedule for taking your medication and stick to it.

7. Remind yourself by setting an alert on your cellphone or other electronic device, sending yourself an email or text, writing a note, creating a checklist, or some other type of self-reminder.

8. Develop a supportive network of your family and friends.

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