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staying healthy
M
anaging medications is
a complex task. Here are
six ways to help you keep
things safe and simple:
1
Make a list of every medication
you or your loved one takes.
This includes prescription and
non-prescription drugs, as well as
supplements and vitamins. Give a
copy to each health care provider.
And keep one with you in case of
an emergency.
2
Ask a doctor or pharmacist to
review that list at least once a
year.
3
Be sure you know what each
medication is for and how
each one should be given. You
might want to use a pill box to
GCHP Care
Management
Care managers work with you
and your family, your health team
and others to get you the health
care and services you need. This
may require working with other
agencies to give you the best
options to improve or maintain
your health.
There may be times when you
need help:
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Finding assistance.
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Understanding your doctor’s
plan.
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Learning about your condition.
■
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Learning about your
medications.
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Managing a new diagnosis.
Your care manager’s
responsibility is to advocate for
you. If you feel that Gold Coast
Health Plan’s Care Management
team can help you, ask your
doctor to contact the Plan. A team
member will call you so that you
can join the program.
health
winning
Member Services
Luis Aguilar
Health Education Lupe González, PhD, MPH
Editor
Steven Lalich
Copy Editor
Susana Enriquez
Chief Medical Officer
C. Albert Reeves, MD
2016 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
WINNING HEALTH is published as a community service for the
friends and patrons of GOLD COAST HEALTH PLAN, 711 E.
Daily Drive, Suite #106, Camarillo, CA 93010-6082, telephone
1-888-301-1228/TTY 1-888-310-7347.
Information in WINNING HEALTH comes from a wide range of
medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about
specific content that may affect your health, please contact your
health care provider.
Models may be used in photos and illustrations.
6 medication safety tips
help keep it all straight.
4
If a medication has to be
injected or requires special
preparation at home, be sure
you learn the proper technique.
Work with your doctor or nurse
until you’re comfortable doing it
yourself.
5
Store medications together.
Look for a cool, dry place out
of reach of children. Medications
that need to be chilled should have
their own spot in the refrigerator.
6
Never share your medicine.
Properly discard any leftover
or expired medicines. Ask a
pharmacist for instructions if you
don’t know how to do this.
Sources: Family Caregiver Alliance; U.S. Food and Drug Administration
DO YOU NEED
help
communicating with
your doctor? Gold Coast
Health Plan provides
interpreter services:
■
■
In American Sign
Language.
■
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Over the phone.
■
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In person (with pre-
authorization).
Call
1-888-301-1228
/
TTY
1-888-310-7347
to
learn more.
Make your
wishes known
The Physician Order for Life-
Sustaining Treatment (POLST)
form:
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■
Does not replace an
advance directive.
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■
Becomes the doctor’s
order that states the medical
treatment you want.
■
■
Will be placed in your
medical file if you are in a
hospital or other type of care
center.
■
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Should be printed on bright
pink paper and placed at
home where it can be easily
found by medical personnel.