|
About Asthma
Asthma is a lung disease where the lung airway becomes inflamed, begins to swell, and causes difficulty breathing. Individuals with asthma experience difficulty breathing due to allergy, exercise, or other environmental factors/triggers. Asthma affects nearly 20 million Americans (American Lung Association, April 2004).
The goal of our Asthma Program is to help you succeed in managing your asthma so that you can lead a healthy and active life. Our team of professionals work together to see that you have the information, medications, tests and self-management skills needed to manage your asthma according to the latest Best Practices for asthma care.
Get the right care for your needs
Level 2 – Physician referral; usual co-pays charged
If your asthma is poorly controlled, you may be eligible for Level 2 care management. Level 2 requires a physician referral and your usual co-pay applies to office visits.
Your asthma care manager will work with you to develop a personalized care program to help you learn the skills you need to control your asthma. Once enrolled, you will have face-to-face visits with one of our care managers, intensive education, medication adjustments, and trigger controls. Follow up will include telephone appointments and return visits as needed.
To enter this program you must be a non-smoker, be 18-65 years of age, and have one of the following requirements:
- Uncontrolled asthma
- Recent asthma-related ER visit/hospital admission
Meet our staff
Our care managers are Registered and Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners or a Registered Nurse with special training and skills on state of the art asthma care, who will work in partnership with your physician to manage your asthma in the best way possible. With proper use of medications and effective self-management skills, you will be able to prevent, control, and treat asthma symptoms and return to routine care with your primary care provider.
Level 1 – Self-referral; no co-pay charged
If you are newly diagnosed or if your asthma is well controlled, your asthma will be managed by your primary care provider as part of your routine care. You may also benefit form our Health Education classes and other educational resources.
The Breathe Easier Asthma Class offers members the opportunity to:
- Learn how other people with asthma cope with their condition
- Learn how to improve self-management skills for prevention, trigger identification, environmental control measures, and recognize acute asthma episodes
- Discuss medications and how to use inhalers, AeroChambers® (spacers), and Peak Flow Meters
Be sure to bring the Peak Flow Meter, metered dose inhaler, and AeroChamber® to the class. Adult family and friends are welcome.
Thriving with Asthma
You can manage your symptoms, reduce your risk of complications, and maintain your quality of life by understanding your chronic condition and following these suggestions:
1. Follow Asthma Best Practices (evidence-based treatment recommendations) to help manage asthma symptoms:
- Follow your personal Asthma Plan
- Use your long-acting inhaler (i.e., QVAR®, Flovent®) even if you are feeling fine
- Use your short-acting inhaler (albuterol) only as needed for asthma symptoms
- Let your physician know if you are using your albuterol more than twice a week for asthma symptoms not related to exercise
2. Use Your Available KP Resources:
- Enroll in our no co-pay Breathe Easier Class by calling (916) 688-6783
- Enroll in our no co-pay Smoking Cessation Class by calling (916) 688-6783
- Enroll in our no co-pay Healthier Living With Chronic Conditions Workshop by calling (916) 614-4035
- Visit one of our Health Education Centers for a variety of pamphlets, books, and videos
Ask your primary care physician if the Level II Asthma Care Management Program is right for you
3. Visit These Helpful Websites:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma
American Lung Association
My Asthma
|
