Many of you may already be aware that in August of 2008, HP acquired EDS Administrative Services, the
HealthChoice health and dental claims administrator. Even though the acquisition took place during
2008, it wasn’t until recently that the name was officially changed to HP Administrative Services, LLC. All
future communications sent to you will use the new company name. Please note that while the company’s
name has changed, all other aspects of its business remain the same. If you have questions regarding a
health or dental claim, contact HP Administrative Services, LLC. at 1-405-416-1800 or toll-free at 1-800-782-5218.
According to a recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), on
average, 50 percent of adults in the United States will suffer from at least one type
of eye disease during their lifetime.
Studies have shown that if you take good care of your eyes by having regular
screenings, you have a lower risk of developing eye conditions, and if something
is found, it can be treated in its earliest stages to help prevent any further damage.
The AAO recommends adults have eye examinations as listed below:
- Age 20-29 - If you are of African descent or have a family history of glaucoma you should have
an eye examination every three to five years. Otherwise you should have an eye examination
at least once during this period.
- Age 30-39 – If you are of African descent or have a family history of glaucoma you should have
an eye examination every two to four years. Otherwise you should have an eye examination at
least twice during this period.
- Age 40-64 – You should have an eye examination every two to four years.
- Age 65 or older - You should have an eye examination every one to two years.
- If you have diabetes, you should have an eye examination every year.
As you age, your risk of developing certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular
degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, increases.
Glaucoma affects more than three million Americans, but according to Prevent Blindness
America, over half of them don’t even know they have it.
Glaucoma begins by attacking peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is the part of vision
that occurs outside the very center of gaze. Glaucoma causes objects to appear less
clearly. It may seem minor at first; however, glaucoma can accelerate rapidly and cause your
eyesight to deteriorate beyond repair. The risk of developing glaucoma is much higher among
African Americans and Hispanics age 50 and older. It also is a risk for people with diabetes, or
those with a family history of glaucoma. Glaucoma can’t be prevented, but caught early, it can be controlled.
Macular degeneration causes damage to the macula of the eye and when the macula is
damaged, it causes blurring of your central vision. The macula is a small area at the back of the
eye that helps you see fine details when you focus on an object. It generally does not lead to
blindness, but will make it more difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces. There are two
types of macular degeneration, dry and wet:
- Dry macular degeneration is a gradual process that happens over time as you age. The
macula thins, breaks down, and waste builds up behind the eye that causes the macula
to become permanently damaged. It is very common in older adults.
- Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels form at the back of
your eye. These vessels break, leak blood and fluid beneath the macula, and quickly
cause damage to the macula and distortion of your central vision.
If you are white, smoke, have a close family member with macular degeneration, or are 50 or
older, you are at higher risk of developing macular degeneration. There is no cure, but scientists
believe that a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals may help slow down the process, and
if caught early, there are treatments that can also slow down the loss of vision.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are at an increased risk for developing diabetic
retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can damage the small blood vessels in the retina. At first, it may
cause no symptoms other than mild vision problems; however, as time goes on, it can cause
blindness. In fact, it is the leading cause of blindness in adults, and that’s why prevention should
be taken very seriously. Start by controlling your blood sugar, quit smoking, keep your blood pressure
and cholesterol levels under control, and pay close attention to any vision changes you experience. Most
importantly, schedule yearly eye examinations.
By following the above recommendations, and taking an active role in your eye health, you can
go a long way toward preventing eye complications and living a life with sight!
Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, and the American Optometric Association, Prevent Blindness America
During a child’s first 12 years, good vision plays a huge role in the learning process and a
child’s success in school. The 2009 American Eye-Q® survey, conducted by the American
Optometric Association (AOA), revealed some startling statistics about the lack of eye care
American children receive. The results indicated that of those surveyed:
- 88% were unaware that one in four students has a visual impairment
- 58% did not take their child for an eye exam before the age of three
- 86% of children start school without ever having had an eye examination
“Because a child’s vision can change frequently, regular eye and vision care is crucial
to a student’s classroom success,” said Dr. Michael Earley, an optometrist and the
AOA’s vision and learning specialist. Dr. Earley also stated that children who didn’t
have healthy vision suffered not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom as well.
The AOA recommends that a child have their first eye exam at age six months. This
first exam should be followed by a comprehensive eye exam at age 3, and then a comprehensive
eye exam every two years, unless directed otherwise by your eye doctor.
In between visits to the eye doctor, parents and teachers should watch for signs of eye
problems. Schedule an eye exam if you notice that your child:
- Loses their place while reading
- Avoids close work
- Has a tendency to rub their eyes
- Complains of frequent headaches
- Turns or tilts their head when looking at something
- Makes frequent reversals when reading or writing
- Uses a finger to keep their place when reading
- Confuses or omits simple words when reading
- Seems to consistently perform below potential
- Struggles to finish their homework
- Squints while reading or watching television
- Experiences behavioral problems
- Holds reading material closer than normal
Most parents don’t suspect eye and vision problems when they notice these
less obvious warning signs; however, the earlier a vision problem is detected and
treated, the more likely treatment will be successful. It is important to keep in
mind a school vision screening may be helpful but is not a substitute for a
comprehensive eye exam.
Comprehensive eye exams are essential for clear, comfortable, and healthy vision.
Source: American Optometric Association
Recent news reports have discussed the findings of a new study of the potentially
harmful effects of third-hand smoke. These findings have been published in science
and medical journals over the last year.
What is third-hand smoke?
Third-hand smoke is the dusty residue that remains after the actual smoke has
cleared. This dust clings to most surfaces, including the smoker, long after a cigarette
is extinguished. Have you ever gotten on an elevator and noticed that it smelled of
smoke, or noticed a film on surfaces or discoloration of materials in a room that a
smoker has used? That is third-hand smoke, or smoke dust.
Why is being exposed to it dangerous?
A number of the substances found in third-hand smoke are known to cause cancer
and others health problems. The substances found in third-hand smoke include:
- Arsenic
- Cyanide
- Lead
- Carbon monoxide
- Toluene (found in paint thinner)
- Nicotine
A chemical reaction occurs when this smoke dust mingles with the nitrous acid in the air, and a tobacco-specific cancer causing agent is released.
Who is affected by third-hand smoke?
Anyone that comes in contact with smoke dust can be affected; however, it’s more dangerous
for small children because they tend to be physically closer to residue-contaminated items and
surfaces. Think of a when a small child crawls on the floor or they explore objects by placing them in
their mouth. Even when a smoker picks up a small child to cuddle them, they are increasing the child’s
exposure to the smoke dust left on his/her skin, hair, and clothing.
What can be done to stop or reduce exposure to third-hand smoke?
Unless smoking is completely banned, there is no way to avoid exposure to third-hand smoke without
completely isolating yourself and your family from the outside world. Ventilated smoking areas do not eliminate exposure.
If you are a smoker, there are a few steps you can take to help limit exposing others:
- Restrict your smoking to the outdoors – don’t smoke in your car or home
- Wait a few minutes after smoking before having contact with others or returning to smoke-free areas
- Clean surfaces and fabrics thoroughly; especially if you have small children in your home
If you smoke but have chosen to make your home and/or car smoke-free areas, a professional
cleaning to remove the tobacco residue may help you be more firm in your commitment to keep these areas smoke-free zones.
Sources: Science Daily, Mayo Clinic, Scientific American, NY Times
HealthChoice would like to clarify information contained in the Use Correct Billing Forms article
from the 2009 Holiday issue of HealthVoice regarding the appropriate forms to be used for filing
claims. Dental services should be billed on an ADA 2006; physician/provider services should be billed
on a CMS 1500; and hospital and outpatient facility services should be billed on a UB-04. Items such as
cash register receipts, pull-apart forms, and accounts receivable billing statements are not appropriate.
HealthChoice Network Providers are required by contract to submit claims on your behalf using the
appropriate form. Non-Network providers are not required to submit claims on your behalf and may
not use the appropriate form. If this is the case, ask if they will submit the claim on your behalf using the
appropriate form or if they will provide a completed form to you so that you can file the claim yourself.
We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. If you have any questions, please contact EDS at
1-405-416-1800 or toll-free 1-800-782-5218. TDD users call 1-405-416-1525 or toll-free 1-800-941-2160.
For assistance with any outstanding claim issues, you can send an email containing the details of
your issue to EDSResolution@sib.ok.gov. For security reasons, please include the member
ID number in your email instead of the member's Social Security number.
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