May 23, 2007
DANVILLE, PA – Geisinger Health Plan’s Vice President of Medical Operations, Janet Tomcavage, was recognized by Governor Edward Rendell for her role in the Pennsylvania Diabetes Action Partnership. The Partnership’s Diabetes Action Plan was unveiled in Harrisburg after Governor Rendell signed an Executive Order to improve how Pennsylvanians with chronic diseases receive health care.
The Diabetes Action Plan is the state’s first blueprint for coordinating efforts to prevent and control diabetes and will be the foundation for the initial stage of the Governor’s chronic care initiative. The plan outlines recommendations in four key areas: surveillance, standards of care, health policy and evaluation. Tomcavage was co-chair of the committee that was responsible for creating objectives for care standards.
An important piece of the governor’s Prescription for Pennsylvania, the Executive Order established a Chronic Care Management Commission to develop the process to better manage chronic diseases across the state. The commission will address prevention, detection and treatment of chronic conditions such as diabetes to reduce the occurrence and cost of chronic diseases.
The Health Plan has provided a nationally accredited health management program for members with diabetes for more than 10 years. The Health Plan employs registered nurses to work closely with physicians, dietitians and family members to ensure that members with diabetes receive the most appropriate care at the right time. This personalized team approach has helped to empower thousands of members living with diabetes.
An estimated eight percent, or 764,000, Pennsylvanians had diabetes in 2005. Unless diabetes is properly managed, life threatening and costly complications affecting the eyes, feet, nerves, cardiovascular system and kidney can develop. In 2005, the cost of avoidable hospitalizations for conditions related to diabetes was $730 million.
About Geisinger Health Plan
Begun in 1985, Geisinger Health Plan is one of the nation’s largest rural HMOs and serves more than 208,000 members in 42 counties throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Geisinger Health Plan has held the highest accreditation level from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) since 1993. In 2006, GHP received Full Accreditation from the NCQA for their eight disease management programs in diabetes, asthma, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension and osteoporosis.
Geisinger Health Plan members have access to complete health-care benefits ranging from preventive care and routine office visits to hospital care and major surgery. Coverage is available for businesses of all sizes, individuals and families, and Medicare beneficiaries. PPO and high deductible plans are sold through Geisinger Quality Options, Inc. Self-funded and indemnity plans are sold through Geisinger Indemnity Insurance Company.
For more information, please contact
Amy Bowen, Public Relations Specialist, (570) 271-8135