Opening Doors to Better Health

A MESSAGE FROM DR. GEORGE MATTHEWS, CMO
AUGUST IS NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION MONTH
“An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure” Benjamin Franklin
Having experienced the COVID pandemic and acknowledging the impact of the COVID vaccines in preventing or mitigating the severity of illness, we may all appreciate the utility of vaccinations as a critical tool in maintaining good health. Vaccinations have traditionally been considered predominantly for birth to age 18. The conditions that we administer vaccinations for have previously been considered a scourge among the young resulting in death or significant impairment. Illnesses such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough no longer provide concern in parents in whose babies have been vaccinated. Toddlers are now able to receive vaccinations for measles mumps, rubella, hepatitis, chickenpox (varicella) and flu. Again, it must be realized that these conditions provide for significant morbidity and mortality in the unvaccinated.

A MESSAGE FROM DR. GEORGE MATTHEWS, CMO
JULY IS NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Having endured the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently the hate filled racist attack in Buffalo New York it is not surprising that racial and ethnic minority communities face unique psychological challenges. Unfortunately, the opportunity to receive appropriate support for the mental health challenges is thwarted due to cultural stigma and the lack of access to mental health care services. Let us put the problem in perspective.

The Office of Minority Health from the US Department of Health and Human Services describes the following statistical assessment “In 2019 suicide was the second leading cause of death 4 blacks or African-Americans ages 15-24. Poverty level affects mental health status. African-Americans living below the poverty level as compared to those over twice the poverty level are twice as likely to report serious psychological distress”.

DR. MATTHEWS, MONROE PLAN’S CMO, INSIGHTS ON MEN’S HEALTH MONTH

As we think about our male patients, as well as those men that are most important to us (whether that is ourselves, our partner, father, son, or brother), we must reflect on how we can assist these individuals in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to the Centers of Disease Control, in the United States, men die an average of 5 years earlier than women. Men of color may experience even shorter lifespans. That being said, the leading causes of death in men aged 18 older are Heart Disease, Cancer, COVID-19, Accidents, and Stroke.

MONROE PLAN WELCOMES NEW CMO, DR. GEORGE E. MATTHEWS
We are excited to share that Dr. George E. Matthews has joined Monroe Plan for Medical Care as our new Chief Medical Officer. Along with a wealth of clinical and leadership experience, Dr. Matthews brings a career long commitment to community health naturally affiliating him with Monroe Plan’s mission to serve the underserved.
Dr. Matthews has practiced as a cardiologist in Western New York for the past 35 years. Building on a philosophy that the effective practice of medicine is an art as well as science, he has been driven to improve the quality of life for his patients by providing the highest quality of care.

Monroe Plan for Medical Care is a 2022 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Top Workplace Winner

APRIL IS NATIONAL MINORITY HEALTH MONTH
The death rate for Blacks/African Americans is generally higher than whites for heart diseases, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and homicide.

American Indians/Alaska Natives also have a high prevalence and risk factors for mental health and suicide, unintentional injuries, obesity, substance use, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), teenage pregnancy, diabetes, liver disease, and hepatitis.

Puerto Ricans have a low-birth-weight rate that is almost twice that of non-Hispanic whites. Also, Puerto Ricans suffer disproportionately from asthma, HIVAIDS and infant mortality. Mexican Americans suffer disproportionately from diabetes.

Ensure your practice engages in cultural competency training on an annual basis.
Cultural literacy leads to better engagement and connection to care providers.

MARCH IS COLON CANCER AWARENESS MONTH – 60% of Colon Cancer deaths could be prevented with screening.

Monroe Plan for Medical Care is proactively outreaching your patients who are turning age 50 in 2022 to educate them on colon cancer screening and, if applicable, ordering Cologuard tests. Please speak to your patients and let them know their options for screening. A FIT or gFOBT test is better than no test at all! The CDC offers a brief description of each test type to educate patients while encouraging them to consult with their physician about which test is best for them.

FEBRUARY is NATIONAL HEART MONTH

Heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Most middle-aged and young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases the risk for heart disease.
• Ensure your patients know their blood pressure and are treated accordingly
• Ensure cholesterol is monitored
• Discuss lifestyle choices/barriers: diet, stress, smoking, access to medications
• Refer patients who need extra support to specialists; endocrinology, nutritionists, mental health support, NYS quit line.

To link patients to support, contact Monroe Plan’s case
management department at cmtriage@monroeplan.com or
speak to your MP Quality Representative. To learn more, visit:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/american-heart-month.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FEEDBACK: IPA SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS

Thank you to the 117 practices that participated in our IPA Satisfaction Survey. Of the practices that regularly use Monroe Plan services, approximately 90% indicated they are satisfied to highly satisfied. The survey indicates a high level of interest in Monroe Plan’s:
• Outreach to patients to help address gaps in care and other health disparities
• Coding Support and Education
• Contracting and Revenue Management Support (e.g., Provider-Plan contract reviews, Value-based Contract negotiation, Revenue cycle management)

FEEDBACK WANTED: IPA SATISFACTION SURVEY IN PROGRESS

On Monday, November 1 a brief satisfaction survey was sent via email to each practice. Please take a few moments to let us know how effectively we are supporting your practice, as well as what additional help your team needs. The email is from Monroe Plan for Medical Care . Your insights will help us tailor services that meet your needs. Thank you in advance for your feedback!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women (13%) will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 39 women (3%) will die from breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer by mammography reduces the risk of breast cancer death and increases treatment options, including less extensive surgery and/or the use of chemotherapy with fewer side effects, and sometimes, the option to forgo chemotherapy.

SEPTEMBER 10 IS WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed each year on September 10. It’s a growing problem and the numbers tell a shocking story. Every 40 seconds someone takes their own life according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 29 and for every suicide that results in death, there are as many as 40 attempted suicides. Health Care providers are in a unique position to help address this mental health crisis which has only been exacerbated by COVID-19. If you are concerned about a patient’s state of mind, you might ask:
1. How have you been?
2. How’s your stress level lately?
3. Have you been eating and sleeping?
4. Is there anything you want to talk about?
5. Would you be willing to talk to someone?
6. What can I do for you?

National Suicide Prevention Month and Suicide Resource Center are two excellent resources for additional information. If the patient is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.