Depression

Stroke

Breast Cancer

Arthritis

Blood pressure

Cholesterol

Colorectal cancer

Lung cancer

Depression
Depression affects thoughts, feelings and everyday functions. Symptoms include persistent feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt, agitation, indecisiveness and changes in sleep habits. Sufferers of depression are likely to feel fatigued, lose energy and weight, and think often about suicide.

If you experience either symptom over a prolonged period of time, you should seek medical treatment.
Screening includes a questionnaire to identify moods or signs of depression, individual counseling sessions with a mental health professional, and classes on depression.

Screening Benefit: Early diagnosis allows timely treatment and intervention, better health and quality of life, and lower risk of pain and disability.

Charges: The plan requires a $25 copayment per session for HMO members, $30 for POS in-network, 40 percent after the annual deductible for POS out-of-network, and 30 percent after the annual deductible for Out-of-Area.

The city’s Employee Assistance Program provides free counseling for depression.

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Stroke
A stroke occurs when a clot blocks a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain or the blood vessel bursts. Common stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness of limbs; confusion; trouble speaking, understanding, seeing, or walking; dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and severe headaches with no apparent cause.
If you experience either symptom, call 911 or seek medical treatment immediately.

During a stroke screening, your blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol and blood sugar are measured, and you and your doctor discuss the health histories of you and your family.

Screening Benefit: Early detection of risk factors and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chance of death, pain or disability from a stroke.

Charges: Screenings are covered after a copayment of $20 for HMO members, $30 for POS in-network and 40 percent after the $500 deductible for POS out-of-network. Out-of-area members pay 30 percent after the $350 annual deductible.
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Breast cancer
Breast cancer, common in women, is a disease in which malignant cells appear in breast tissue. There are many breast cancers. Screenings can detect breast cancer early and can provide a greater chance of successful treatment.

Breast self-exam:
1). In the shower, gently explore the breast and underarms with fingertips. 2). Raise arms in front of a mirror to check for changes in size, shape and contour. Gently squeeze both nipples and look for discharge. 3). Lie with one arm tucked behind the head. With the other hand, use the circular, vertical strip or wedge pattern to examine the opposite breast for lumps, thickening or changes.

Screening Benefit: The city’s medical benefits plans cover an annual well-woman exam for HMO and POS in-network members. This includes a clinical breast exam, an annual mammogram and required diagnostic tests for women over 40 or female members with other risk factors.

Charges: When an HMO member makes a well-woman appointment, there is no charge for a mammogram. The copayment is $30 for POS in-network and 40 percent after a $500 deductible for POS out-of-network. The Out-of-Area plan requires you to pay 30 percent after the $350 annual deductible..
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Arthritis
Arthritis describes disorders that affect joints and muscles. Symptoms include limited movement, inflammation, and pain in the joints. There are more than 100 different arthritis conditions. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common.

Why the disease occurs is still a mystery. There is no cure for either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment, however, can ease inflammation and pain. If you suspect you or other family members have arthritis, consult your physician immediately.

Screening Benefit: Early diagnosis helps you effectively manage your arthritis. Physicians diagnose arthritis based on one or more physical exams and your symptoms. X-rays are used to confirm the diagnosis and determine severity.

Charges: HMO members’ copayment is $20 for an office visit. The copayment is $30 for POS in-network and 40 percent after a $500 deductible for POS out-of-network. The Out-of-Area plan is 30 percent after a $350 annual deductible. For the HMO and POS in-network plans, X-rays are included in the office visit cost if performed in a laboratory or doctor’s office

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Blood pressure
High blood pressure, an abnormal rise in the pumping pressure of blood against artery walls, can damage the walls, restrict blood flow to the heart, brain and kidneys, and lead to strokes.

Low blood pressure, the abnormal decline in pumping pressure, causes inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain and other vital organs and prohibits normal bodily functions.

A doctor or nurse uses a sphygmomanometer, an inflatable rubber arm cuff with a stethoscope and pressure gauge attached to it, to measure blood pressure.

Screening Benefit: A 30-second, painless blood pressure check enables your doctor to correct abnormal blood pressure with lifestyle changes and/or prescribed drugs.

Charges: Blood pressure is taken during most office visits, which require a copayment of $20 for HMO, $30 for POS in-network and 40 percent after a $500 deductible for POS out-of-network. Many drug stores offer free screenings.

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Cholesterol
Cholesterol, a thick, waxy substance present in all parts of the body, can become too high because of your genes or diet.
Even with a healthy diet and exercise, cholesterol can still be high.

High cholesterol is a build-up of fatty deposits in arteries. Continued accumulations cause clots in the arteries and block blood flow to the heart and/or brain.

Your level of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, should be 160 or lower. If you have risk factors for heart disease, it should be no higher than 130.

Screening Benefit: RA cholesterol screening will reveal high cholesterol. Many times, it can be reduced by a healthier diet.

Charges: Cholesterol blood tests may be taken on request during any office visit, which requires a copayment of $20 for HMO, $30 for POS in-network and 40 percent after a $500 deductible for POS out-of-network.

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Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer usually begins as a benign polyp, a growth on the inside of the rectum or colon, that can be removed before it becomes cancerous. Symptoms include blood in the stool, diarrhea, constipation, gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps, constant tiredness and weight loss for no reason.

The fecal occult blood test, double-contrast barium enema, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy screen for polyps that may become cancerous and for rectal and colon cancer.

Screening Benefit: A cure is more likely when cancer is found early by screening.

Charges: Screenings are free for members 50 or older. Members under 50 may qualify if they have specific risk factors. All primary care physician referrals must specify colorectal screening.

If the doctor removes polyps or in- flamed tissue, that is outpatient surgery and requires a $200 copayment for HMO members. POS in-network members pay 15 percent after a $400 copayment, and POS out-of-network members pay 40 percent after the annual deductible. The Out-of-Area plan covers 70 percent after the annual deductible.

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Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the most preventable cancer. Smoking causes nearly nine of every 10 cases according to National Cancer Institute statistics. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that damage cells in the lungs.

Symptoms include fatigue, a persistent cough that gets worse, shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness and loss of appetite or weight. (For more symptoms, see Head off lung cancer, disease.)

Doctors use several methods to detect lung cancer including a spiral-computed tomography X-ray, chest X-rays and analysis of the mucus coughed up from the lungs.

Screening Benefit: Regular screenings improve the likelihood of detecting small, early lung cancers and a better chance for effective treatment.

Charges: HMO and POS in-network plans cover expenses after a $20 copayment for HMO and $30 copayment for POS in-network. POS out-of-network covers 60 percent of expenses after the annual deductible. The Out-of-Area plan covers 70 percent of expenses after the annual deductible.

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