NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN CARE

Natick Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) prides itself on developing program innovations that meet the needs of both patients and their providers. Over the past two years, Natick VNA has initiated specialized programs that respond creatively to prevalent health issues and/or to trends in care options. Among new offerings are the MetroWest Meds-Discount Drug Card and the Home Telemonitoring Program.

HOME TELEMONITORING PROGRAM

Natick VNA’s “HomMed Telemonitoring Program” allows patients to record and transmit their vital signs and weight and answer “Yes” or “No” to up to 10 subjective questions that relate to each patient’s medical condition(s), seven days a week. Each patient on this program is provided with a small monitor that the Nurse or Physical Therapist case manager installs. The Nurse or Physical Therapist teaches each patient how to use the monitor and sets the limits that are acceptable for each patient’s vital signs. If any of the patient’s vital signs are outside of alert limits, or the patient answers “Yes” to any of their questions, it will trigger an alert in the HomMed system and a phone call from the VNA Central Station Nurse who monitors all patients on the system 7 days per week. During the telephone call, the Nurse is also able to ask patients questions, to assess their particular situation over the phone. Natick VNA Central Station Nurses note any changes or trends in patients’ vital sign parameters and then can notify the individual case managers for further follow up if any problems are noted. They also address any patient education needs that arise between scheduled nursing visits. This encourages patient self management by reinforcing positive behaviors and life style changes. Home Telemonitoring has helped many patients better manage their chronic illnesses, such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive lung disease, and diabetes – avoiding unnecessary visits to the doctor, emergency room and/or hospital.

For more information, please contact Colleen Gallagher, Director of Special Programs, at 508-653-3081, extension 1132 or cgallagher@natickvna.org

METROWEST MEDS – DISCOUNT DRUG CARD

For those individuals under age 65 who are uninsured and meet income requirements, the Natick VNA offers a pharmacy card program. While this is not an insurance program, it may help cut some prescription medication costs at the pharmacy. This program enables those who are accepted to purchase a 30 day supply of medication for a co-pay of $5 for generic drugs and $10 for brand name drugs at local pharmacies. There is a limited formulary of medications available through this program. Who is Eligible for the Drug Discount Card Program? In order to participate, you must: A. Lack prescription drug coverage through any state, military, or public/ private medication program (including Medicare D). B. Be under age 65. C. Have a prescription for long-term medication(s). D. Have an income at or below $24,500 for an individual or $33,000 for a couple. E. Reside in one of the towns listed below: Ashland, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough

Participating in MetroWest Meds

To arrange an in-person or phone appointment to discuss your medication needs, please contact: Susan Moriarty, Program Director (508) 653-3081 x. 1115  or email her at smoriarty@natickvna.org

Interpretation for clients who speak Spanish or Portuguese is also available.

To schedule an appointment, please contact: Edi Hyotte, Program Assistant (508) 653-3081 x. 1113 or by email at ehyotte@natickvna.org

Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM You will be asked to provide a list of your current medications (including dosages) as well as proof of income when an appointment is made.