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5 Reasons why enrollees are opting out of your HMO and how to solve them

Getting new enrollees to join your HMO is great, but getting them to continually renew their plan is where the real work begins. The HMO competitive landscape in Nigeria is getting more and more vicious day by day with enrollees constantly comparing what is on offer, and playing musical chairs with different HMO providers. When enrollees choose to opt out of your HMO, it is usually because they are not quite satisfied with the service you are offering. We have interviewed several HR managers and curated the top 5 common reasons enrollees change their HMO provider. We also have some tips on how to solve them. Reasons why enrollees are opting out of your HMO 1. Dissatisfaction with physician services. Having to wait long hours to see doctors, specialists, and carry out tests is often the order of the day when people go to hospitals to pay out of pocket. However, when these people become HMO enrollees, there is a tendency for their expectation to rise and they are generally not as patient as they used to be before enrolling in an HMO. This is why if they are constantly kept waiting before they can be attended to, have to wait for weeks to get an appointment with a specialist, not being able to get medical services fast enough when they were ill, and not getting as much attention as other patients who pay out of pocket, they begin to rate your HMO less. Another way through dissatisfaction can set in is when the primary HMO doctors refuse the enrollees the services, they believe they need. For example, if an enrollee strongly believes they need to take an X-ray, see a gynecologist and the doctor thinks otherwise, the enrollee may easily conclude that they are simply trying to cut costs. The result? They lose interest in your HMO and opt-out as soon as they can. The first thing you want to do to solve the waiting problem is to incorporate telemedicine into your HMO’s services. Telemedicine has proven to improve patient satisfaction. It would not only reduce the burden on the doctors, but it would also make accessing healthcare easier and more convenient for your enrollees. As it allows them to interact with their doctors in the comfort of their home, they would be more inclined to keep choosing your HMO over and over again. You can also solve this issue by routinely getting ratings and feedback from selected enrollees in all hospitals, clinics, and labs under your HMO. This way, you can assess their experiences, make necessary adjustments, and win them back on your team. 2. Discovering that the HMO made false claims upon enrollment. While trying to sign up more enrollees, there is often a tendency to make misleading and false claims that prospective enrollees would find hard to ignore. Misleading enrollees about the scope of your coverage plan, promising them quality healthcare and then going on to deny them needed services is akin to making false claims and also comes across as being fraudulent. An enrollee that comes on board simply because they were made to believe that hospice care is covered by the HMO or home health care would be made available on-demand would have no reservation about opting out as soon as they can. To eliminate this risk, stick to the facts while advertising your services and make sure to always give adequate and precise information to your prospective enrollees. Want to learn how HealthConnect 24/7 telemedicine services can help your HMO? >>> Click Here to Book a Free Consultation <<<. 3. Not being able to easily change the primary HMO doctor. The primary care physician an enrollee chooses is often the most important factor in determining if they would get satisfaction with your HMO or not. In cases when enrollees find out that their preferred doctor is not affiliated with your HMO, they have to start afresh and hope that the doctor they choose is one that they would feel comfortable with. If for any reason, they find that they do not like their doctor’s bedside manner or even his/her personality, they may decide to change. It may also be that they are moving and would want a hospital/doctor closer to their new location. It is only right for them to expect your HMO to make this happen as easily as possible. If they find the procedure of changing doctors/hospitals to be too tedious or the HMO isn’t being supportive of their decision, they might lose interest in the HMO altogether and simply enroll in a new one. Keeping the changing procedure as straightforward as possible would help you to not lose enrollees. Also, let the enrollees know how long it takes for the change to be effective and make sure to carry them along on the progress of the procedure. 4. Making enquiries by telephone is too difficult. The call center is a very important department of any HMO and it is best if it runs 24/7. An HMO with a subpar call center is likely to have lots of dissatisfied enrollees. For example, if the HMO’s call center only works a 7 a.m.-8 p.m. schedule, enrollees that experience an emergency and go to the hospital after 8 p.m. will have no one to make clarifications and enquiries from. In most cases of emergencies, patients do not the luxury of time to go to their regular hospital and see their primary HMO doctor. Hence, the healthcare providers in the random hospital or clinic they go to may need to make clarifications. As a result of this, they might not get the medical attention they need at the time. The HMO then comes across as being irresponsible and one that is only after enrollees to make money without being available when they are needed. In addition to eliminating this risk by running a call center that is available round the clock, the HMO’s call center should be properly staffed so that it wouldn’t be just one or two persons burdened with calls from many enrollees. 5. High costs in relation to services covered People always want to get value for money and when it comes to health-related issues, this becomes even more applicable. If enrollees perceive that the medical services that your HMO covers do not correspond with the amount of money they pay, they would be on the lookout for another HMO that offers more services at an equal or lesser price. When high cost in relation to coverage is combined with other aforementioned areas of dissatisfaction, no enrollee would hesitate to ditch your HMO for one that they deem better. This does not necessarily mean that you should place huge cuts on your charges. You can, however, adjust your prices such that it is competitive. You can also introduce new services that would give your coverage list a boost as well as including complimentary services that would make your enrollees convinced that they are getting enough bang for their buck. Getting your enrollees on board is surely not the easiest thing. However, pushing them away might be easier than you can imagine. The reasons above are the top 5 likely causes that explain why there is an increasing list of enrollees that have opted out of your HMO. Put the practical solutions into practice and before long, there would be no such list. Book a free consultation learn about our HMO Telemedicine Program. Click here

Alternative Milk to Consider if You are Lactose Intolerant

There has been a lot of concern about what milk alternative to take since approximately 65% of the world’s population is lactose-intolerant. Lactose is the main type of carb in all kinds of milk produced by mammals – humans, cows, goats, sheep, others. Most people who routinely had milk with their morning cereal used whole milk. But with the increasing concern for fat in the diet and allergies, many people have switched to low-fat or skim milk. The fuss about lactose? Lactose intake is perceived to cause digestive issues in people with lactose allergies. Cow milk may be highly sensitive for patients who suffer from diarrhea, asthma, bloating and irritability. While the general advice is to manage the symptoms by eliminating lactose in their diets, what then is the fate of people who totally relish milk and still want some of its unique nutrients? It is, therefore, to go for lactose-reduced milk. Goat Milk as an Alternative for Lactose There are great alternatives like goat's milk to consider. A significant number of people are opting for it already. Over the years, goat's milk has proven to be a natural alternative to cow milk and can comfortably be consumed by many patients who suffer from cow milk allergies. You might say that goat milk just like every other milk contains lactose too, but many people with lactose intolerance can guzzle goat milk comfortably. This is because goat milk is more superior when it comes to digestibility. It’s easily absorbed compared to cow milk, leaving less undigested residue behind in the colon. Goat milk is a nutritious dairy option for many patients of different age groups and lifestyle needs. It’s the truth. Goat milk is an excellent source of calcium important in the prevention of high blood pressure, osteoporosis and other bone-related problems. For menopausal women, goat milk is proven to provide 13% more calcium than cow milk and can be consumed comfortably even by those women with milk sensitivity. Goat milk is an excellent option for any patient who is cow milk sensitive and is necessarily concerned with obtaining adequate calcium from a natural dietary source. Funnily, in some cases it may not even be that the patient is lactose intolerant at all. But instead, the patient may actually be reacting to alpha S1 casein protein, which is the major protein of the milk of cow. The symptoms are almost identical to those of allergies for lactose. Bottom line is goat milk like the milk of human does not have this offending protein. This is the reason it’s a great alternative you can consider if you are allergic to cow milk.

TELEMEDICINE EMERGES AS CARE OPTION DURING CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

Got a worrisome rash, malaria, typhoid, diabetes, etc.? You can still see our doctor if you can't leave home during the coronavirus outbreak by using Telemedicine. WHO and U.S. public health officials are pushing people to try Telemedicine for primary health cases like bacterial diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, yellow fever, malaria, meningitis, and other minor problems and skip the hospital, doctor's office or clinic. It's also a way to check in with a doctor if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19. The goal is to prevent the spread of coronavirus, especially to those who are most vulnerable, older people and those with existing health conditions who frequent hospitals and doctor’s clinics. Virtual care has long been proven as a way to get help quickly, anytime anywhere instead of waiting days to see a doctor. This is even more important now because of the pandemic COVID-19. What is Telemedicine? Generally, it just refers to a video visit with a remotely located care provider like a doctor or therapist over a secure connection. The patient uses a website link or an app to connect. Telemedicine often involves diagnosing and treating a new health problem but is also used to keep tabs on an existing, long-term conditions like diabetes. Got a smartphone, tablet or computer? That's all you really need to use telemedicine, sometimes called telehealth or virtual visits. Who offers Telemedicine in Nigeria? Health Connect 24x7 combines next-generation telemedicine, telemonitoring and home health to provide you with immediate access to highly trained and experienced doctors and wellness experts for healthy, acute and chronic condition management and advice via voice/ video calls, live chat as well as on-site doctors and clinics. What does it cost? Take advantage of our coronavirus promo and pay just N4,800 per annum and save 60% of the cost! Call our toll-free number 08000 432584 (08000 HEALTH) to claim the offer Claim Now! http://staging.healthconnect247.com/special-offer-1-year-subscripton-n4800/

Nigeria Confirms First Case of Coronavirus: Everything You Need To know About The Disease

The Nigerian Ministry of Health just confirmed the first case of the Coronavirus in Sub-Saharan Africa. An Italian citizen, working in Nigeria who just returned to Lagos from Milan on February 25th, is the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Nigeria. "The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos," the ministry said in a statement. "We have already started working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he entered Nigeria," the ministry added, urging citizens not to panic. "Citizens must not abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic," it said. What Is The Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. Symptoms The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are; Fever, tiredness, and dry cough Aches and pains Nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Did You know? Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets coronavirus becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. About 2% of people with the disease have died. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. How The Coronavirus Spreads People can catch the coronavirus from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick. Prevention Wash your hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol based hand sanitizer Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Make use of Telemedicine services in Nigeria to consult with a Doctor. Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow. When you're done, throw the tissue in the dustbin Avoid close contact with anyone with cold like symptoms such as coughing and sneezing Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces Stay home when you are sick Thoroughly cook meat and eggs No unprotected contact with live, wild or farm animals. Can The Coronavirus Be Caught From A Person Who Has No Symptoms? The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching the coronavirus from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with the disease experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch it from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the period of transmission of the coronavirus. What To Do If You Have Symptoms Stay home except to get medical care As much as possible, separate yourself from other people in your home and use a separate bathroom wash your hands regularly Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze. Throw the used tissue in the dustbin and wash your hands immediately Seek medical attention but first call ahead and tell them your symptoms. This will help the hospital take steps from keeping other people infected If you have any questions about this deadly virus, speak with our doctors by downloading the Health Connect 24x7 mobile app.⠀⠀Download now here and get a FREE one-time consultation with a highly qualified doctor.

UNDERSTANDING TOOTH DECAY

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning teeth well. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. Symptoms Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause Tooth sensitivity Mild to sharp pain when something sweet, hot or cold Visible holes or pits in teeth Brown, black or white staining eating or drinking on any surface Pain when you bite down Do You Know? Foods that cling to your teeth for a long time such as milk, ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, dried fruit, cake, cookies, hard candy and mints, dry cereal, and chips are more likely to cause decay than foods that are easily than foods that are easily washed away by saliva. Prevention Good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay. Here are some tips to help prevent cavities. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking Rinse your mouth with fluoride Avoid frequent snacking and sipping Eat tooth-healthy foods Visit your dentist regularly.

Understanding Food Poisoning

Food poisoning, also called food borne illness, is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. Infectious organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning. Infectious organisms or their toxins can contaminate food at any point of processing or production. Contamination can also occur at home if food is incorrectly handled or cooked. Symptoms Food poisoning symptoms vary with the source of contamination. Most types of food poisoning cause one or more of the following signs and symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting, Watery or Bloody Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Cramps and Fever. Signs and symptoms may start within hours after eating the contaminated food, or they may begin days or even weeks later. Sickness caused by food poisoning generally lasts from a few hours to several days. Do You Know? Food contamination can happen at any point of production: harvesting, growing, processing, storing, shipping or preparing. The cross-contamination transfer of harmful organisms from one surface to another is often the cause. Prevention To prevent food poisoning at home: Wash your hands, utensils and food surfaces often.Wash your hands well with warm, soapy water before and after handling or preparing food. Use hot, soapy water to wash utensils, cutting boards and other surfaces you use.Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods promptly within two hours of purchasing or preparing them. If the room temperature is above 90 F (32.2 C), refrigerate perishable foods within one hour.Throw it out when in doubt. Food left at room temperature too long may contain bacteria or toxins that can't be destroyed by cooking. Don't taste food that you're unsure about — just throw it out. Even if it looks and smells fine, it may not be safe to eat.

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. It can occur at any age but is more common in older adults. SYMPTOMS The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of the condition. For example: Open-Angle Glaucoma Patchy blind spots in the side (peripheral) or central vision, frequently in both eyes Tunnel vision in the advanced stages Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Severe headache Eye pain Nausea and vomiting Blurred vision Halos around lights Eye redness The damage caused by glaucoma can't be reversed. But treatment and regular checkups can help slow or prevent vision loss, especially if the disease is recognized in its early stages. Glaucoma is treated by lowering the eye pressure (intraocular pressure). Depending on the situation, treatment options may include prescription eye-drops, oral medications, laser treatment, surgery or a combination of any of these Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that person may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage. PROTECT EYES AND VISION BY FOLLOWING THESE TIPS Have your eyes checkedControl chronic health conditionsProtect eyes from the SunPrevent eye injuriesEat healthy foodsUse the right glasses Use good lighting Consult a doctor immediately if any of these symptoms are experienced — sudden loss of vision in one eye with or without pain, sudden hazy or blurred vision, double vision, or see flashes of light, black spots or halos around lights. Any of these symptoms may signal a serious medical or eye condition. Try to eat plenty of fruits, leafy greens and other vegetables. These foods generally contain high levels of antioxidants as well as vitamin A and beta carotene. They're also vital to maintaining healthy vision.

Top Tips For A Healthy Holiday Abroad

Going abroad for your holiday can and should be an amazing experience but, it also poses its fair share of risks. Your body may not be used to the different food, water and weather which can make you sick. This means that you must plan and prepare for your vacation if you want it to be a sick free one. Please watch the video below for health tips to help you plan for your trip. If practiced, these tips can significantly reduce your chances of falling sick on your holiday abroad.http://staging.healthconnect247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DR-OLA-OFFICAL-NEW-CORRECTED-VID.mp4Thank you for watching the video. We hope you found it useful. A Recap of The Video Make sure you have received all the required immunizations and medications. Eat only well-cooked food and avoid anything raw. Improperly cooked food can host parasites and bacteria that can leave you ill. Unclean water can make you sick. Which is why you should drink only sealed, bottled water from a reputable brand. Take a hand sanitizer and insect repellent on your trip to protect you against germs, mosquitoes and other harmful insects. Have proper sun protection and pack the right items in your travel first aid kit. Conclusion Prevention they say is better than a cure. Proper pre-travel medical advice means not falling sick. It also means having more time to relax and enjoy yourself while on holiday. Get a travel health consultation with our doctors from the comfort of your home or office. Our doctors are always available - 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Always ready to give you all the pre-travel medical advice you need for a healthy, safe and fun holiday. Simply download the Health Connect mobile app here to start enjoying this service immediately. Give it a try now.

Understanding Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work, and it is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Most people experience back pain at least once in their lifetime. Symptoms Did you know that repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments? If a person is in poor physical condition, constant strain on the back can cause painful muscle spasms. Other symptoms include; Muscle acheShooting or stabbing painPain that radiates down your legPain that worsens when you bend, lift anything, stand or walkPain that improves with reclining Prevention Exercise: Regular low-impact aerobic activities that don't strain or jolt your back — can increase strength and endurance in your back and allow muscles to function better. Walking and swimming are good exercise choices.Build muscle strength and flexibility: Abdominal and back muscle exercises, which strengthens your core and helps to condition your muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for your back. Flexibility in hips and upper legs aligns pelvic bones to improve how your back feels.Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight strains back muscles. If you're overweight, trimming down can prevent back pain. Did You Know? About 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their life. It is also a leading contributor to missed workdays. To educate our clients about How To Prevent & Relieve Lower Back Pain, we hosted a Health Talk on Wednesday August 07, 2019. Health talks like this are one of the many benefits our clients enjoy. Do you want to keep your employees productive, reduce sick leave and absenteeism? ⠀ With Health Connect 24x7 Your employees will no longer need to leave early or take the day off to see a doctor. We are available 24x7, at the click of a button. Your employees can talk to our doctors and wellness experts from anywhere in the world, whether they are at home, at the office, on a business trip or on vacation. Our doctors practice Evidence Based Medicine based on NHS International Guidelines and will give your employees honest, relevant and reliable medical advice and support. For Employers, this unique health and wellness benefit increases overall productivity. Want To Know More Click here to request for a demonstration of our innovative and one of a kind Healthcare solution. You can also download our mobile application here to get direct 24/7 access to our doctors through voice and video calls. Whatsapp Instagram Linkedin Facebook Twitter

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5 Reasons why enrollees are opting out of your HMO and how to solve them

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Alternative Milk to Consider if You are Lactose Intolerant

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TELEMEDICINE EMERGES AS CARE OPTION DURING CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

blog

Nigeria Confirms First Case of Coronavirus: Everything You Need To know About The Disease

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UNDERSTANDING TOOTH DECAY

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Understanding Food Poisoning

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Understanding Glaucoma

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Top Tips For A Healthy Holiday Abroad

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Understanding Back Pain

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