Low Back Pain Health Education Program

Added Benefit for Our Members Who Have Low Back Pain

If you are dealing with the effects of back pain, managing your condition is a process that involves you, those close to you, your physician and other caregivers. You may be at risk for, or already have developed, chronic back pain.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas groups that have purchased the program are pleased to offer free to members a community-based Low Back Pain Education Program to furnish you with information about managing your condition. Please consult your benefit handbook to determine if your plan includes this program. Upon enrollment in the program, you will receive information to help you:

• Understand your individual risk factors for chronic back pain complications;
• Work on decreasing pain, improving function, gaining control over your condition and returning to a normal lifestyle;
• Communicate your needs and concerns to your health-care provider;
• Prevent complications common with back pain.

The Low Back Pain Education Program connects you with specific health education information as well as local and national health resources to keep you informed about managing back pain. The program is designed to work in conjunction with you and your physician by providing a comprehensive approach to teaching you about the causes of back pain, treatments and self-care techniques.

Program Benefits

• Registered nurse case managers who can assist you with your health plan benefits;
• Health information and education from community and national resources, which follow the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, American Chiropractic Association and North American Spine Society;
• Information about the program is mailed to network physicians.

Program Highlights

• A Voluntary Health Survey: This comprehensive questionnaire helps us determine your current health status so that we can identify your individual health education needs. After the survey is completed, a personalized report will be sent to you based on your responses.
   
• Education on Self-management Techniques and a Free Gift: As a participant in the Low Back Pain Education Program, you will receive a number of free items, including periodic brochures and fact sheets on:
   
  • Treating a "back attack";
  • Risk factors for back pain;
  • Causes of back pain;
  • Good back habits;
  • Exercises for prevention and protection (Never begin any exercise program or activity, however, without first consulting your treating physician.);
  • Strengthening the back;
  • Coping with back pain;
  • Protecting your back at work;
  • Smoking cessation;
  • Weight management/nutrition.
  
  

  You also will receive a free gift that may help you manage your back pain.

• Health-Care Resource List: Comprehensive list of telephone numbers and Web site addresses helps members locate community resources, classes and other sources of information on causes and management of back pain.
   
• Satisfaction Surveys: You will be asked to complete a survey to keep us informed on how the program is working for you so that we can evaluate the program to be able to serve you better in the future.
   

Physician Support

The physician remains your caregiver and makes all medical decisions. The Low Back Pain Education Program is designed only to provide support to the physician in managing your condition through health education, benefits management and facilitation of access to local and national health resources.

Health and Cost Advantages

If you are dealing with the effects of back pain, you know firsthand what the cost is to your health and quality of life. Financial costs are another issue. Preventing complications of the illnesses and conditions that cause back pain can have a substantial impact on your quality of life and further reduce your health-care costs.

How To Enroll

To enroll, download and complete the Patient Enrollment Form (113 KB PDF) and send it to your regional office, or call a registered nurse case manager at your nearest regional office. The program is completely voluntary, and you may choose to leave the program at any time.

NOTE: The Low Back Pain Education Program is for health education purposes only. Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage do not offer medical advice or medical services. You should always consult your treating physician(s) for any medical advice or services you may need. Members are responsible for selecting providers, services or products. All referenced health services may not be covered under your health plan. Please check the terms of your health plan or insurance policy for coverage of services. Information furnished by you is kept strictly confidential and only used to provide us with the information necessary for your participation in the Low Back Pain Education Program.