Asthma is a chronic disease in which the lung airways become either narrowed or completely blocked. Once the airways become blocked, it takes more effort to force air through them and breathing becomes difficult. In the United States there are an estimated 15 million people who have asthma. This is twice the number of people affected just two decades ago.
Physicians Health Plan has entered into a partnership with members and their physicians in achieving and maintaining asthma control. The AsthmaWatch program includes interventions to promote and maintain normal activity levels, normal pulmonary function status, prevent chronic symptoms and recurrent acute episodes of asthma.
The AsthmaWatch program encourages members with asthma to:
- See their physician at least once per year for asthma care
- Develop an asthma action plan
- Attend an asthma education class
- Have a yearly pulmonary function test if you are 6 years or older
Services that PHP offers include:
- Health Promotion:
Written materials designed to answer specific questions about asthma and how it may impact daily life. Reminders for asthma care opportunities such as flu shots, yearly office visits for asthma and long term controlling medications.
- Health Education:
AsthmaWatch encourages education about asthma management. National guidelines have been developed for asthma treatment and management. PHP provides members with an asthma action plan that they can complete with their physician.
- Asthma Education:
An asthma education program is available locally to support the physician's plan of care and the individual's asthma management. The educational sessions cover topics such as, medications, inhalers and how to use them, triggers and how to eliminate or avoid them, and peak flow monitoring and early intervention. Asthma education classes must be ordered by the physician and coordinated with an approved provider.
- Enrollment in Program:
PHP looks forward to working with you and your physician toward your success in managing your asthma. For further information about enrolling in the program (or disenrolling), call 517.364.8466, or 1.877.803.2551 toll-free, then select option 3.
Click here to complete your Enrollment Form and submit online through our secure server.
Visit the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), or the Asthma Intiative of Michigan web sites for further information concerning Asthma.
