Aetna continues to expand its educational resources for health plan members. Updated information on its public website includes a new H1N1 Self Evaluation tool made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and developed in collaboration with Emory University School of Medicine. flu/evaluation/ This tool helps members understand their flu symptoms so they can make informed decisions about whether they need to see their doctor or even proceed to the nearest emergency room. Aetna ™s DocFind search tool now includes information on flu shot clinics.

In addition, Aetna is taking the extra step of proactively identifying members who may fall into the categories of priority individuals defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Aetna is using the CareEngine?® to identify and reach out to members who fall into several of the CDC ™s H1N1 vaccine priority categories, including those who are younger than 65 years of age with chronic disease, persons 6 months to 24 years of age, and women who are pregnant,1 Fried explained. Because members in these groups are at higher risk of complications from the H1N1 virus, Care Considerations will be posted to their secure and confidential Personal Health Record with information on H1N1 flu, their specific risk factors, and the suggestion that they speak with their physician about the vaccine.

Personal Health Records compile an individual ™s health information gathered from across the health care spectrum, including physician offices, laboratories, diagnostic treatments and pharmacies. Aetna ™s CareEngine automatically checks this information against clinical guidelines searching for patient safety issues or potential gaps in care. If the CareEngine finds an opportunity to improve care, the member will receive a Care Consideration alerting them to that information. The CareEngine and Aetna Personal Health Record are available to members of most of Aetna ™s fully insured plans and many self-funded plans.

Source: Aetna