WellMed: Committed to Improving the Patient Experience

What are the types of questions in the CAHPS survey and how can they contribute to someone receiving better health care?

Medicare uses these questions to rate the quality of service you receive. Types of questions include:

• How does your mental and physical health compare to one year ago?
• Has your doctor suggested you increase physical activity and are you doing so?
• Are you managing urinary incontinence issues?
• Is your doctor helping you to prevent falls?

These are questions you should be asking yourself as well as your doctor to make sure you receive the best care.

COVID-19 has put so much stress on people’s mental health. What are some ways to tackle these issues even for family members of those who are struggling?

Behavioral health is an important component of overall health, yet fewer than half of all adults with a behavioral illness receive help when they need it. Those needs are greater than ever due to COVID-19. Of those who do get help, 60 percent get it from their primary care physician. It’s about making sure your primary care doctor includes screening for behavioral disorders just as they would check your blood pressure or for diabetes.

So many people in our community struggle with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and urinary tract issues. What are some resources that can help them?

If you have a chronic condition, you may be eligible for a Chronic Special Needs Medicare Advantage health plan that allows for condition-specific treatment (often at a lower cost). You may call 1-800–Medicare or visit wellmed365.com (Opens in new window) for more information. By ensuring your doctors practice coordinated care, everyone involved in has a full picture of what is going on.

How can patients best receive coordinated care when the process can be overwhelming?

It takes a team to keep you healthy. We recommend asking your primary care physician how they are coordinating your care with other specialists and others in the practice. Before any visits, write down any questions you might have so you don’t forget. Make sure the doctors give you the time to ask the questions you have. This is the type of information Medicare is asking about in the survey, and it is an excellent guide to make sure you get the best care possible.

Where can we get more information?

For more information about WellMed, visit wellmedfindadoctor.com/bettercare or call 888-868-8727 (toll free). Calling this number will direct you to SimplyEnroll, a licensed insurance agency.*

Calling this number connects to simply enroll -- license no. 2 6 2 3 6 7 6 -- a licensed insurance agency that explains Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement insurance drug options to Medicare enrollees.

To learn more about WellMed or to search for a WellMed doctor near you, click below.