Benefits-America

Phone and E-mail Access to Doctors Improve Health

admin — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:22:31 +0000

A recent study by Kaiser Permanente shows that patients with e-mail and telephone access to a doctor were much better at staying healthy. The premise definitely makes sense. When you can call a doctor at your convenience, from the comfort of your home, you’re more likely to take better care of yourself. How many of us have avoided going to the doctor when we felt poorly because of the hassle it represented? You have to call the doctor, schedule an appointment (which is never at a convenient time), drive across town to their office, sit in the waiting room for 45 minutes, sit in the exam room for another 15 minutes and then see the doctor for 60 seconds, at which point he’ll write the prescription we knew we needed before starting the whole process!

Getting direct access to a doctor over phone and e-mail isn’t as hard as you may think, for $23 a month you can have one waiting for you anytime you need it. They’re board certified, they can call in a prescription to your local pharmacy, and just think of all the time you’ll save. Taking good care of yourself is important to you and all your loved ones, who doesn’t want to make that process even easier?

http://www.talktoadoctor.net

Benefits America

Medical Discount Benefits

admin — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:31:01 +0000

With heath care changes that are uncertain many employers are looking to save money on their company plans. More often than not the low hanging fruit is to raise the deductible. This has an immediate impact on the cost of premiums and the out of pocket costs to the insured.

To help combat this problem many companies are going to Medical Discount benefits. They are low cost, high impact and easy to use.
Discount plans can vary, but most offer an immediate discount on dental procedures, prescription drugs and eyeglasses. One of the most popular benefits is the talk to a doctor plan. It is an amazing benefit that allows the customer to call 24/7 from anywhere in the US and speak to a live board certified medical doctor about any medical issue they may have. The Doctor will even phone them in a prescription at their pharmacy of choice if needed!

With the high cost of health care and with deductibles being raised the medical discount business is a economical way to help. Keep in mind It is not insurance nor is it intended to replace insurance however.

Now Offering Teladoc

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:09:48 +0000

DALLAS, TEXAS – November 1, 2008 — Benefits America, a Texas-based discount and savings organization, announced today that it has added Teladoc to its growing line of benefits. Effective November 3, 2008, Benefits America will offer Teladoc’s services under its “Advantage Care Platinum” package, which also includes health discounts such as dental, vision, hearing and diabetic care.

Teladoc, also based in Texas, offers its members 24-hour-a-day access via telephone to a licensed physician. These physicians can consult on minor medical issues and call in short-term prescriptions to the member’s local pharmacy. In addition, Teladoc also offers its members a free electronic health record (EHR) that allows them to store their medical information in a secure online location.

Benefits America was formed in 2005 in response to the growing demand for affordable healthcare options. It offers plans at a variety of price points and are available through online enrollment at www.benefits-america.com or by calling (866) 569-6311.

The President’s Club

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:09:41 +0000

DALLAS, TEXAS – July 23, 2009– Benefits America, a Texas-based discount and savings organization, announced today that it has expanded its membership benefits packages. Benefits America currently offers two healthcare savings plans that include medical, dental, vision, hearing, prescription drug, diabetic and hearing discounts.

Effective July 23, 2009, Benefits America will also offer dining and movie discounts as well as roadside assistance under its new “President’s Club” package. This package will provide members with numerous discounts at a variety of movie theaters and dining establishments across the United States. In addition, members have access to a 24-hour-a-day roadside assistance program which offers towing, flat-tire, battery and lockout services, as well as fuel and fluid delivery.

H1N1, Cold or Flu?

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:34:20 +0000

Over the past few months, the H1N1 virus, also known as “swine flu,” has spread rapidly across the United States. However, it’s often hard to distinguish between a common cold, the flu and H1N1 because the symptoms can be very similar. So if you or a loved one become ill, how can you tell the difference?

According to the CDC, the symptoms of a cold often last for three to five days and generally include a stuffy nose, mild body aches, fatigue and sometimes a cough. Complications from the common cold are usually minor and can include upper respiratory infections that stick around after the cold virus is gone.

The symptoms of the H1N1 and flu viruses tend to be more severe and can have serious consequences in the young, elderly and people with compromised immune symptoms. The CDC states that symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. It should also be noted that occasionally people infected with strains of influenza (including H1N1) may have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Because the symptoms of H1N1 and seasonal flu are so similar, often the only way to distinguish between the two is with a test performed by your doctor.

The CDC also warns that if these symptoms develop, emergency medical care should be sought:

In children:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash

In adults:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Visit the following links for more information:

CDC H1N1 Fact Page

FluView – A Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report

WebMD – Swine Flu FAQ

Selecting Your Dentist

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:26:04 +0000

Did you know that 80% of all dental appointments made are scheduled by females? So what should you look for when deciding on a new dentist?

Your initial phone contact with the office should be very positive. The receptionist should be pleasant and focused on you and your needs. She should be willing and able to answer most of your initial questions and get you in for your first appointment in just a few days. You should feel comfortable asking about office policies, insurance, the Doctor and other questions important to you. Remember, the receptionist’s manner often reflects the way the office runs.

The office hours should be convenient for you and your family and the location is important, but a good dentist is worth the drive!

If you are not having any discomfort or problems, schedule a cleaning appointment and use this time to check out the staff, doctor and office. Ask yourself the following questions:

Are you greeted by a caring staff?
Does the doctor see you on your first appointment?
Is the office clean and organized?
Are digital (filmless) x-rays used? These greatly reduce radiation and improve diagnosis.
Are questions about your care welcomed? If not – think twice!
Do you feel a level of confidence and trust in both the skills and ethics of the office? You should have no doubts about making this your dental home for your family.
Was your time valued by being seen on time? If the office was late with you did they inform you about running behind ASAP and did the Doctor offer his apologies?
How are after-hour emergencies are handled? Is this acceptable for you?
Were financial matters handled discreetly and accurately? Do they offer financial payment plans?
Was they hygienist careful? Did she hurt you?
Does the office have a website to provide further information about their services?

There are other criteria to select a good dentist but if you get most of these right, then you have a winner!

If you have questions and would like to speak to a customer service representative, please call us at 1.866.569.6311.

Get Your Flu Shot!

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:56:25 +0000

It’s flu season! Be sure to protect yourself and your family from the annual flu virus. Get a flu shot at your local clinic to prevent illness.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Purchase Online!

admin — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:54:56 +0000

Benefits America now offers the ability to purchase discount health benefits online! Choose from our Advantage Care Platinum, Advantage Care Gold or President’s Club programs, both packed full of discounted health benefits for you and your family, including discounts on dental care, prescriptions, vision care, vitamins and more!

Please see us online at www.Benefits-America.com. Thank you!